Today is rare for me – 3 NHL games on board and I have a play in every game.  And one of these plays is a “Game of the Week” pick sent to clients only.  Check your emails!

3 Unit GOW = Clients Only (click here to sign up)

1 Unit = Washington Capitals @ Ottawa Senators – SENATORS TO WIN (-135)
(Note: I’m risking 1.35 units to win 1 unit)

The Washington Capitals were pretty much embarrassed on Monday night in what most people would call a must win for Washington against the last place Hurricanes.  The Caps were shutout with Canes back up Justin Peters in net, and it wasn’t like the Caps were robbed of a win – they barely got any shots on net in a 5-0 loss.  Washington has now lost 5 of their last 6 games.  They are a just 10-17-3 on the road this season, and have only won 3 of their last 12 on the road.  Overall the Caps are sitting outside of the playoff picture at 29-25-5.  The Senators are winners of 3 straight and 4 of 5 after a bad losing streak. The Sens are comfortably in a playoff spot though with a 31-22-8 record and 15-11-3 record on home ice.  Ottawa has been impressive in their last 3 wins, outscoring their opponents 16-2 with Anderson recording 2 shutouts.  The Caps are averaging just 1.60 goals per game over their last 5 (giving up 3.20 against), while the Sens are averaging 4.60 over their last 5 while giving up just 1.80 against.  Washington is on their way down, while the Sens seem to be on the rise.  It is going to be extremely hard for Washington to get up for tonight’s game after a huge letdown on Monday.  I like Ottawa in this one.

1 Unit = Boston Bruins @ St Louis Blues – BLUES TO WIN (-124)
(Note: I’m risking 1.24 units to win 1 unit)

The Bruins have lost two straight coming into tonight’s game, and are just 3-6 in their last 9 games overall.  Despite the recent losing the Bruins are still a solid 35-20-2 on the season, and 17-10 on the road.  Recent losses have come @Minnesota (2-0 in a game which they should have won but stellar goaltending got in the way) and @ Winnipeg (4-2).  In their last win it took a shootout against the Canadiens to win, and that followed being shutout by the Rangers.  Boston is struggling, scoring just 15 goals in their last 9 games overall.  The Blues are coming off of a Sunday loss in Chicago (3-1 with empty net goal), but had won two straight and 6 of 7 before that loss.  St Louis looked good in Chicago and were leading for a lot of that game before the Blackhawks went ahead in the third.  The Blues are one of the NHL’s best home teams, winners of 5 straight at home brining their record up to 26-3-4 there.  Overall they are 36-16-7.  Brian Elliot is the confirmed starter for tonight in the first of a back to back for the Blues.  Elliot is 20-6-2 on the season with a 1.56 GAA and .940 SV%.  He has been stellar as of late as well, allowing just 6 goals against in his last 5 starts (mixed in there was a half game shutout and win vs New Jersey).  One of the best home teams hosting the defending Stanley Cup champions who are in a bit of a funk right now.  Elliot is always a good goalie to bet on.  I will lay the short price to get St Louis at home.

Big NHL board tonight and I’ve got 4 plays going….

Philadelphia Flyers @ Winnipeg Jets – JETS TO WIN (+106)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.06 units)

The Flyers are coming off a 6-4 loss at home on Saturday afternoon against the Penguins, which was their 3rd loss in 4 games and their 6th loss in their last 8 games.  The Flyers are still having goalie problems, averaging 4 goals against over their last 5 games and close to 3 on the season.  Philadelphia is 18-9-2 on the road this season.  Winnipeg is in the middle of a home stand, and have won three straight games coming into tonight – @Minnesota and then at home versus Boston and Colorado where they’ve looked impressive.  The Jets are 18-9-2 on home ice, and are chasing a playoff spot with their 29-26-6 record.  These two teams have met 3 times this season, with the Jets taking all three games.  Winnipeg won both meetings in Philadelphia and beat the Flyers 6-4 at home back in November.  The Jets are the hotter team right now, love playing at home, are getting better goaltending, and have dominated h2h vs Philly.  I don’t understand why they are underdogs here and I will take the Jets.

Los Angeles Kings @ Phoenix Coyotes – COYOTES TO WIN (-120)
Los Angeles Kings @ Phoenix Coyotes – UNDER 5 GOALS (-150)
(Note: I’m risking 1.20 units to win 1 unit)
(Note: I’m risking 1.50 units to win 1 unit)

The Kings have lost 6 of their last 8 games, including their past two where they have been shutout by Calgary and Phoenix.  The Kings are now 27-21-11 on the season and 12-8-7 on the road.  Los Angeles is averaging just 2.03 goals per game this season, but are lucky to have Quick in net who has helped the team allow just 2.03 goals against per game as well.  Over their last 5 games the Kings are averaging just 1.20 goals per game.  The Coyotes are making a push here down the stretch, winning two straight games and 7 of their last 8.  A lot of the winning lately has come from Mike Smith playing solid and the team overall defensively allowing just 0.60 goals against per game over the past 5.  They are scoring just 1.80 goals per game during that span.  On the season Phoenix is scoring just 2.54 goals per game and allowing 2.39 against.  These two teams have met 5 times this season with Los Angeles winning 3 of the 5, but Phoenix winning the latest on Thursday in LA.  During those 5 games we have seen totals of (starting with the most recent) 1, 1, 7, 5, and 2.  The UNDER is 34-11-12 in the Kings last 57 overall, and 7-3-1 in their last 11 divisional games. The UNDER is 7-0 in the Coyotes last 7 overall, and 4-1 in their last 5 divisional games.  The Coyotes have the edge tonight at home as they are playing better hockey and the Kings who can’t score should struggle again tonight versus Mike Smith.  Take the UNDER and the Coyotes each for a unit.

Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames – FLAMES TO WIN IN REGULATION TIME  (-111)
(Note: I’m risking 1.11 units to win 1 unit)

The Oilers have dropped three straight and 4 of their last 5 games, which included three straight home games.  Edmonton is now 22-30-6 on the season and just 7-20-2 on the road.  They are averaging just 2.34 goals per game on the road, while giving up 3.28 against.  Calgary is coming off a big win in Los Angeles on Saturday night, and have now won 3 of their last 4 and 3 straight at home (Chicago, Vancouver, Toronto).  The Flames are 28-22-9 on the season and a solid 16-8- at home where they are allowing just 2.19 goals against per game.  Calgary has absolutely owned this head to head series in recent years.  The Flames have won all 4 meetings this season, and 9 straight overall dating back to last season.  7 of those 9 straight wins versus the Oilers have been in regulation time, with 5 of those 7 being by 2 goals or more.  Take note that the Flames are 8-1 in their last 9 games as a home favorite, and 9-3 in their last 12 home games vs a team with a road winning % of less than .400.  Calgary is playing much better right now, Edmonton struggles on the road, the Flames own this h2h, and Kiprusoff is playing great.  The Flames win this one, and because I don’t want to lay that much chalk I am going to take them to get things done in regulation (14 of their 16 home wins have come in regulation).

We did hit our pick on the Red Wings, but the GOW was a tough one to swallow.

Like always though, moving right along.  I also wanted to give a big props to my buddy Steve who nailed his 50 to 1 golf pick last night giving me a big payday.  He also nailed a 20 to 1 winner last weekend. He has helped me win a lot of money betting on golf (a sport I didn’t ever use to enjoy) over the past few years and I highly recommend you check him out at www.GolfBanker.com.

Tonight’s NHL pick is a ***2 UNIT PLAY***…

Washington Capitals @ Carolina Hurricanes – CAPITALS TO WIN (-117)
(Note: I’m risking 2.34 units to win 2 unit)

**this is a 2 unit play**

Not a full write up as today is a holiday, but I’ve got a few points here.  The Capitals will probably have a lot of money come in on them, but for good reasons.  The Capitals are fighting for a  playoff spot sitting just on the outside, and can actually move into a playoff spot with a win.  Washington has Mike Green back in the lineup, who can always make a difference back there.  The Hurricanes are without Cam Ward and Tuomo Ruutu, and may be without Chad Larose again tonight.  With Ward out Justin Peters will get the start.  Peters is 1-3 this season with a 3.65 GAA.  Washington has taken 3 of the 4 meetings between these two teams this season (going 1-1 in Carolina), and has taken 8 of their last 10 versus the Hurricanes which includes 5 of the last 6 in Carolina.  Although I don’t think this is a no-brainer pick with the way the Capitals have played all season long, I do think they come out hard tonight and get the Hurricanes who are coming off a road loss and 5 of their last 7 on the road.  The Caps should create enough offense to get a few by Peters and win tonight.

Enjoy the holiday for those in North America!

I am back today with 2 picks going, including a Game of the Week (GOW) 3 unit selection.

3 UNIT GAME OF THE WEEK = SENT TO CLIENTS ONLY VIA EMAIL
(Note: I’m risking XXX units to win 3 units)

*if you are a client please check your email for the Game of the Week selection*

*if you would like to sign up you can click here and get the pick instantly + all picks for the rest of the season*

This next selection is an EARLY START…

1 Unit Play = San Jose Sharks @ Detroit Red Wings – RED WINGS TO WIN (-144) ***EARLY 12:30 PM EST START***
(Note: I’m risking 1.44 units to win 1 unit)

The Sharks are a solid 31-18-7 on the season, but have lost 5 of their last 7 games and are just 13-9-5 on the road this year. The Sharks played back to back road games on Thursday and Friday losing to both Tampa Bay and Carolina. The Sharks are in the middle of a big road trip, and have lost 4 of 5 to start it off, and are now facing the leagues best home team playing their 3rd game in basically 3.5 days with the afternoon start time. The Red Wings have won 22 straight home games (a league record) and are now 25-2-1 on home ice this season and 40-17-2 overall. Joey MacDonald has taken over for an injured Jimmy Howard and is 5-1-1 with a 1.61 GAA and .933 SV% in his 7 appearances. He has won 5 straight starts, where he has allowed just 7 goals against. Antti Niemi will start for the Sharks after being called out following his 4th loss in 5 starts. Niemi allowed 6 goals against in an OT loss in Tampa Bay and has allowed 19 goals against in his last 5 starts. With the Sharks on short rest, the Red Wings playing better hockey and getting better goaltending I don’t mind laying some chalk on the home team looking to win their 23rd straight game at home. Take the Red Wings.

I’ve got 3 plays going tonight, and one of the plays is going off at 2:00 PM EST.

Because of the early game and a ton of things I have to do today I won’t be writing full write ups for each pick, but I will give out some quick stats.

Minnesota Wild @ St Louis Blues – UNDER 5 GOALS (-115) **EARLY GAME**
(Note: I’m risking 1.15 units to win 1 unit)

Elliot in net for the Blues and has a 1.61 GAA and .940 SV% this season.  These two teams have met three times this season, with 2 of the games being a “push” at 5 because they both ended regulation 2-2 and went into shootout. The other game went UNDER with a 2-1 final score.  The Wild have lost 6 straight scoring just 9 goals over those 6 games.  The Blues are holding opponents to 1.59 goals per game on home ice.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Vancouver Canucks – CANUCKS TO WIN (-168)
(Note: I’m risking 1.68 units to win 1 unit)

Despite their top players not playing their best the Canucks have managed to get points in 11 straight games (winning 8 of those).  The Canucks have won 2 straight home games, and like we can expect they are solid this year at home with a 17-6-4 record.  The Maple Leafs have won just 3 of their last 11 road games, and are 1-4 in their last 5 games with a OT win against the Oilers in their latest game.  Reimer vs Luongo tonight – edge Luongo.  The Canucks have beat Toronto in 9 straight meetings, including earlier this season in Toronto by a score of 5-3.

Dallas Stars @ Phoenix Coyotes – COYOTES TO WIN (-144)
(Note: I’m risking 1.44 units to win 1 unit)

Dallas had lost three straight before a home win against Calgary on Thursday.  The Coyotes have gotten back on track winning 6 of their last 7 games (and even getting a point in a shootout loss in Vancouver in the game they didn’t win).  Mike Smith should get the start tonight and he has won 6 straight starts, allowing just 6 goals (1.00 GAA) in those starts.  The Stars have won just 2 of their last 7 road games, while Phoenix has won 4 straight at home.  Phoenix is 7-3 in their last 10 at home vs the Stars.

Lets come back with a winning night tonight and then keep going from there with 10 games on the NHL board Sunday!

I have one play going for Friday as I look to head into my vacation on a winning note…

Dallas Stars @ Buffalo Sabres – SABRES TO WIN (-125)
(Note: I’m risking 1.25 units to win 1 unit)

– This is a play even if Enroth is in net for the Sabres (would just be a bonus if Miller started).  Buffalo is playing well lately winning 4 of 5, while the Stars are 0-4 when playing the 2nd of back to back road games this season.  They will be going with Bachman in net also.

**I will update Thursday and Friday’s picks into the record when I’m back home on my desktop computer.

With that said, I have a GAME OF THE WEEK going tonight + another 1 unit play as well. The GOW play has been sent to clients already (check your email) and will instantly be sent to any new clients – you can click here if you want to sign up.

3 UNIT GAME OF THE WEEK: Clients Only

1 Unit Play: Tampa Bay Lightning @ New York Rangers- UNDER 5.5 GOALS (-127)
(Note: I’m risking 1.27 units to win 1 unit)

– I can’t guarantee write ups for the games today as I have about 25 things to do today before I leave. I will try to get something out for the game of the week later tonight though.

I am going away for a week on Friday, and will back the following Saturday.  During that time I won’t have picks going daily as I won’t be able to watch the games.  I am bringing my Macbook down on vacation with me, so I will be doing my daily research early in the morning and if I happen to find something I want to play it will be sent out via email to clients.  This would probably only be on the weekend or early in the week.  Just thought I should let you know I will be away before Friday creeps up on me.

OK back tonight with 4 games on the NHL board and one play…

Carolina Hurricanes @ Anaheim Ducks – UNDER 5.5 GOALS (-117)
(Note: I’m risking 1.17 units to win 1 unit)

Carolina enters this game winners of two straight and 4 of their last 6.  The Hurricanes victories haven’t been coming with a lot of goals though, as it is more Cam Ward carrying the team on his back.  The Hurricanes have allowed just 17 goals over their last 10 games (1.70 goals against per game) – and one of those games the Canes had 5 goals against.  Take that out and that is just 12 goals against in 9 games.  Over their last 8 games the Hurricanes have only scored 15 goals (less than 2 per game).  Carolina is just 6-13-6 on the road this season.  The Ducks are coming off a 3-2 shootout victory against the Flames on Monday night.  They have averaged just 2 goals per game over their last 5.  Anaheim has allowed just 20 goals against over their last 10 games, and that includes a game where they allowed 6 goals against versus Dallas – take that out and it equals 14 goals against in 9 games.  Cam Ward is playing sensational right now, and Jonas Hiller has been really good at times lately as well.  The UNDER is 7-1 in the Hurricanes last 8 games overall and 4-0 in their last 4 road games.  The UNDER is 6-1 in the Ducks last 7 games overall, and 4-1 in their last 5 games.  Carolina is coming off 3 days rest, and the UNDER is 7-3-1 in their last 11 times playing on 3+ days rest.  The UNDER is also 13-6-1 in the Ducks last 20 vs a team with a winning % below .400.  Also take note that the Ducks have held opponents to 26 shots or less in their last 5 games, while the Hurricanes have put just 23 shots on net per game over their last 4.  Looking at this from all angles I don’t see it being a high scoring game.  Take the UNDER tonight.

A nice sized NHL board Tuesday, and I’ve locked in 4 picks.. my write ups will come sometime Tuesday — just getting the picks out early.

*UPDATE: I’ve added one play below, and finished the write ups for the picks*

**Added** Vancouver Canucks @ Nashville Predators – PREDATORS TO WIN (+101)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.01 units)

—-

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Winnipeg Jets – MAPLE LEAFS TO WIN (+100)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1 unit)

The Maple Leafs have gotten themselves in a playoff spot with some good play lately.  The Maple Leafs have won three straight, 5 of 6, and have gotten points in 7 of their last 8 games.  Their latest was a 6-3 win last night at home versus the Oilers, meaning they are on a back to back tonight as they fly out to Winnipeg.  The Jets have dropped two straight and 5 of their last 7 games (needing extra time in both of their 2 wins over that span).  Scoring hasn’t been easy to come by for the Jets, as they have managed just 6 goals in their last 6 games.  The Maple Leafs on the other hand are averaging 4 goals per game over their last 5.  The Jets most recent loss was a 3-0 loss Sunday in Montreal.  Winnipeg is returning from a 6 game road trip (with the All Star break mixed in) and they do not play good when they are away from home for a long stretch.  This season the Jets are 0-3 in their first game back after being on the road for 3 or more.  Toronto has taken 2 of the 3 meetings between these two teams, with the loss being in Winnipeg, but with Winnipeg struggling right now and in a tough spot I like the Leafs to continue with another win.

St Louis Blues @ Ottawa Senators – BLUES TO WIN (-119)
(Note: I’m risking 1.19 units to win 1 unit)

The St Louis Blues are coming off a road loss in Nashville in which they maybe should have won if it wasn’t for Predators goalie Pekka Rinne.  The Blues are still 9-4 in their last 13 games overall, which has them 30-14-7 on the season (although just 8-11-3 on the road).  Brian Elliott is getting the nod tonight against his former team, and the All Star has been stellar.  Elliott is 15-5-2 with a 1.69 GAA and .938 SV% this year.  Ottawa has lost 6 straight games, including a bad 5-0 loss against divisional rival Maple Leafs on Saturday night.  Scoring has been a problem for the Senators, as they have managed just 8 goals during that 6 game slide (compared to 20 goals against).  Craig Anderson is in net for Ottawa, and he has lost all 6 games, allowing 3 or more goals against in 4 of the 6 starts.  Already struggling to score I think Ottawa will have some problems against one of the better shut down teams in the league, with their All Star goalie in net looking to prove a point to the team that got rid of him.  Take St Louis in this one.

Minnesota Wild @ Columbus Blue Jackets – WILD TO WIN (-120)
(Note: I’m risking 1.20 units to win 1 unit)

Minnesota is 3-1-1 in their last 5 games, with their latest a shootout loss in Dallas.  On the season the Wild are 25-19-8 and 12-12-5 on the road.  Their opponent tonight is the Columbus Blue Jackets who are coming off a win – just their 5th win in their last 22 games played.  The Blue Jackets are coming off their longest road trip of the season (6 games + All Star break mixed in), and are just 1-2 this season in their first game back after 3+ road games.  Over their 7 games the Blue Jackets have managed just 10 goals while giving up 20 against.  In net for Minnesota is Niklas Backstrom who is 14-12-5 on the season, with a 2.30 GAA and .925 SV%.  Over his last three starts he is 2-0-1 with a shutout and allowed just 3 goals against during those three starts.  Curtis sanford will be in net for Columbus, and he is 9-12-4 on the season with a 2.56 GAA and .913 SV%.  He is 1-2-1 in his last 4 starts, where he has given up 11 goals against.  The Blue Jackets haven’t played at home since January 19th and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them come out flat tonight.  The Wild are playing for a playoff spot (currently 8th in the West), while some Columbus players are playing to show case their skills hoping for a trade.  This line has moved and you can now get the Wild at (-106) at some places – lets take Minnesota tonight in a good spot.

Vancouver Canucks @ Nashville Predators – UNDER 5.5 GOALS (-122) and PREDATORS TO WIN (+101)
(Note: I’m risking 1.22 units to win 1 unit and 1 unit to win 1.01 units)

The Canucks managed to pull off a victory in Colorado on Saturday afternoon with a late goal and then shootout victory despite being outplayed and outshot 46-29.  The Canucks have now won 4 of their last 5 games, but have been to extra time in 4 straight games.  Vancouver is 32-15-5 on the season and 17-9-1 on the road.  The Predators pulled out a huge 3-1 win Saturday night against their division rival St Louis Blues, where Pekka Rinne stood on his head.  The Preds have now won 6 of their last 7 games and are 20-6 in their last 26 games overall.  Nashville is sitting just 1 point back of the Canucks in the Standings with their impressive 32-17-4 record.  The Predators are 17-7-3 on home ice this season, and have won 13 of their last 16 home games. Nashville has also been stepping up against good teams, going 5-2 in their last 7 vs teams with a winning % higher than .600.  These two teams have met twice this season, both in Vancouver, and have each taken a game.  Because both games have gone over the posted 5 goal total we are now seeing a total of 5.5, which is rare when these two teams meet.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see both Roberto Luongo and Pekka Rinne have great games tonight, in what both teams should be treating like a playoff game.  This is a good measuring stick for the Predators, and I think they want to prove something tonight. The atmosphere on Saturday in Nashville was great and I expect it to be similar tonight with the Canucks in town.  Winning 13 of their last 16 games I think the Predators are being under valued here.  I’ll take Nashville as home underdogs, and the UNDER 5.5.

 **Side note: to anyone not in the US I REALLY Recommend PinnacleSports.com — I place about 75% of my bets there right now, as I am always finding the best line at Pinnacle (unfortunately they don’t accept US bettors – but are great for Canadians and others)**

We are going to continue this success through the last part of the season and all of the playoffs.  Lets keep it going tonight, with one play going on a quiet 3 game NHL board.

Detroit Red Wings @ Phoenix Coyotes – OVER 5.5 GOALS (+113)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.13 units)

The Red Wings are coming off a dramatic loss to the Oilers on Saturday, where they came from behind to take the lead and then lost in shootout with a 5-4 final score.  The Red Wings will wrap up their 5 game road trip (with the All Star break in the middle) tonight against the Coyotes.  Detroit is 35-16-2 on the season but just 15-14-1 on the road.  Phoenix has won 2 of their last 3 games, and are looking to get back on track.  The Coyotes are 23-21-8 on the season and 11-10-4 at home.  Detroit is averaging 3 goals per game over their last 5 games, and have scored 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 11 games.  Over their last 5 games the Red Wings are averaging 3.20 goals against per game, and are now without starting goalie Jimmy Howard which won’t help that cause.  The Coyotes are averaging 2.80 goals per game and 3.00 against per game over their last 5, and have scored 3 or more goals in 3 of their last 4.  These two teams have met 3 times this season, with just 1 of the 3 going OVER the posted total, but both finished with 5 goals scored.  Although they both managed to stay under the total they relied on their goalies, as the teams combined for 68 and 69 shots in those two contests.  Mike Smith has allowed 20 goals against over his last 6 starts (3.33 GAA), while the Red Wings will go with either back up Ty Conklin or Joey MacDonald tonight – neither who compare to All Star Jimmy Howard.  Take note that the OVER is 6-2 in their last 8 meetings overall, and the OVER is 9-3-3 in their last 15 meetings in Phoenix.  These two teams don’t like each other because of recent postseason meetings, and always seem to play high tempo games.  I like the value we are getting with the OVER 55. goals tonight, and I will lay a unit on it.