My 10* TOTAL U OF THE U is on the under Oilers/Blues.

Edmonton is just 3-6-1 in its last ten. The Blues come in having won three straight. Edmonton averages only 2.79 GPG on the road, while ranked fourth in the NHL in goal allowed while on the road.

The Blues rank 17th at home in goals per game average, while ranked ninth in goals allowed per game at home. 

Key Trends:

- Edmonton has seen the total go under in seven of its last nine road games in which the total is set at either 5.5 or 6.

- St. Louis has seen the total dip below the posted number in eight of its last 12 home games following a three games or more unbeaten streak.

The verdict: Look for these goaltenders to be the main story lines in tomorrow's summaries; play on the under!

My 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK is on the OVER Avs/Blues.

The Blues are 10-4-3 at home and they've won two straight. The Avs are 8-1-1 in their last ten. Colorado has the No. 2 ranked offense on the road.

The Blues are only ranked 18th on offense at home, but that unit has started to come together of late and I expect that momentum to get carried over here. 

Key Trends:

- Colorado has seen the total go over in seven of its last ten in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent.

- St. Louis has seen the total soar over the posted number in three of its last four home games where the total is six or higher.

The verdict: Both teams push the pace and this one flies over sooner, rather than later!

My 10* BIG TIGER is on the UNDER Wild/Hawks.

Both teams come in off games just last night and because of that, I believe each will play more of a defensive style of play in the second game of the back to back scenario. Minnesota skated away with a 4-1 win in Philadelphia, while Chicago lost 4-3 in St. Louis, falling apart late and letting the defending champs come from behind. 

Minnesota though only averages 2.60 GPG on the road this season. The Hawks only average 2.82 GPG at home.

Key Trends:

- Minnesota has seen the total go under the number in 14 of its last 20 after three straight home games.

- Chicago has seen the total dip below the posted number in 21 of its last 29 home games when the total is set at 5.5.

The verdict: Two tired teams which have troubles scoring collide on Sunday night and in my opinion, the savvy wager is on the under!

My 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK is on the OVER Devils/Avs.

I think these teams easily combine to go over the number here this evening. New Jersey is desperate for a win here after six straight losses. The Avs have won seven of their last eight, so they'll have to be careful not to look past their lowly non-conference opponent tonight. Jersey' netminder Mackenzie Blackwood is just 8-9-4 this season with a 3.00 GAA and the Devils are 30th in the league in GAA with  3.57.

The Avs' defense hasn't been particularly sharp, but its offense has. Especially at home. 

Key Trends:

- The Devils have already seen the total go over in six of eight this year after scoring one goal or less in their previous contest.

- The Avs have seen the total go over in six of their last eight non-conference games.

The verdict: I expect a wide open, high-scoring shootout at the Pepsi Center tonight; play the over!

My 10* CLASH OF THE TITANS is on the San Jose Sharks.

No need to go to into depth on this one. I think all things considered that this is a very fair price for the home side, one which I have no issues at all in laying. The Rangers beat the Golden Knights 5-0, then fell to the Kings 3-1. San Jose on the other hand will be risking life and limb tonight to secure a win after five straight losses. 

Key Trends:

- The Rangers are a terrible 1-11 in their last 12 vs. the Pacific Division.

- San Jose is still 7-3 in its last ten at home.

The verdict: New York allows the second most shots on net in the league, so I look for the Sharks' beleaguered offense to finally wake up here; lay the price!

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Boston Bruins.

Boston comes in as the "hungrier" team and I think that'll be the difference today. The Bruins have lost three in a row. They also play with revenge after losing the first game in this series 3-2 earlier in the year. Boston is too talented to be kept down for too long. It still has the third ranked power play unit with a 28 percent success rate, while being No. 4 in the NHL with an 84.5 percent penalty kill rate as well. Boston netminder Tuuka Rask is still 13-3-3 with a 2.19 GAA. 

I like to play against teams that have been on an extended win streak, and which have just suffered their first loss to break that slide. The Capitals' six-game win streak came to an end last time out vs. Columbus and I think it's primed for another letdown here as well. 

Key Trends:

- Boston is 8-4 this year following a divisional contest.

- Washington is just 1-4 (-4.9 units) this season after a divisional game.

The verdict: Revenge is a dish best served cold and as mentioned off the top, I think it's an angle that works today for the desperate Bruins. Play on Boston!

My 10* TOTAL ULTIMATE OF THE ULTIMATE is on the under Leafs/Canucks.

Toronto's already been through a lot of drama this year with the firing of their head coach and a rocky peformance from night to night. The Leafs continue a difficult West Coast road trip tonight in Vancouver, followed by upcoming contests in Calgary and Edmonton. Before a road win over St. Louis, the Leafs had lost two straight, scoring one goal in each of the setbacks. Frederick Anderson is 14-7 with a 2.54 GAA this year.

Vancouver comes in off a wild back and for 6-5 OT win over the Sabres, but I expect a much more subdued pace in this one. No. 1 netminder Jacob Markstrom is expected in net and he's 8-7-3 with a 2.70 GAA this season. 

Key Trends:

- Toronto has seen the total go under in seven of ten non-conference games.

- Vancouver has seen the total go under in six of its last ten non-conference contests.

The verdict: I expect a hard-fought and ultimately lower-scoring goaltenders battle; play the under!

My 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK is on the UNDER Jackets/Capitals.

Columbus had difficulty in its opening game of its four game road trip, falling 4-1 in Florida and frankly I think this inconsistent CBJ's offense will struggle to find the back of the net in the Nation's Capital as well. 

Washington is fresh off a hard-fought 3-2 win over Anaheim and I think a similar final combined score is in the cards for this one. 

Key Trends:

- CBJ No. 1 goalie Joonas Korpisalo enters Monday with a 2.85 GAA and 0.90 save percentage in 22 games.

- Washington netminder Braden Holtby has a 2.78 GAA and 0.91 save percentage. 

- The Jackets only average 2.42 GPG on the road.

The veridct: I think every puck is contested and in a contest like that and when also taking into account the rest of the above factors, I think this one stays well below the posted number once it's all said and done; play the under!

My 10* ULTIMATE OF THE ULTIMATE is on the Dallas Stars.

After winning three of their last four, I think the Isles come up short vs. this hungry non-confernece opponent. Dallas clearly won't be taking anything for granted here after a win last time out snapped a four game slide. The Isles come in off a 3-2 OT win at home over the Golden Knights and I believe they're primed for a letdown here.

Dallas has won eight of its last nine at home and is 10-4-1 overall in its own barn. 

Key Trends:

- New York is just 28-40 (-13.4 units) after a non-conference game.

- Dallas is 44-31 (+9.5 units) in its last 75 following a divisional contest.

The verdict: I look for New York to stumble on its first road game in this tough Western Conference building; lay the price!

My 10* U OF THE U is on the Oilers.

I'm not expecting any upsets here. The Kings are downright terrible on the road, conceding 4.15 GPG so far. And unfortunately for LA's goaltenders, the offense has been just as bad, averaging only 2.00 GPG on the road. 

The Oilers average 3.47 GPG at home. The problem has been on the defensive side, conceding 3.27 on home ice. But forutnately the Oilers catch a break here facing the Kings' worst offense. 

Key Trends:

- LA is just 5-7 (-1.6 units) after a loss by two goals or more in its previous contest.

- Edmonton is 11-6 (+5.2 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent.

The verdict: I like the revenge-minded home side to lay the hammer down from start to finish; great price, so lay it!

My 10* play on the Buffalo Sabres.

I think this is a good spot to pull the trigger on the hungry underdog. Both teams have had dissapointing starts, but each has shown signs of life. The Sabres are 13-15 and the Flames are 13-16. The Sabres got back on track with a 7-1 destruction of the Devils last time out. Keep your eyes on Buffalo's Jack Eichel, who has 38 points, including 17 goals thus far. Also watch goalie Carter Hutton, who is 6-5-3 with a 2.84 GAA this year. 

Yes Calgary has won three of its last four, but previous to that it was outscored 13-11 over five games. The Flames power play is ranked 23rd. Goaltender David Rittich is 12-7-4 with a 2.68 GAA. 

Key Trends:

- Buffalo is already 3-1 (+2 units) this year when playing with two days rest.

- Calgary is a poor 6-9 (-4.1 units) in its last 15 when playing with three or more days rest.

The verdict: Look for these trends to continue and for the Sabres to build off their latest blowout win! 

My 10* TOTAL OF THE MONTH is on the UNDER Blues/Pens.

The Blues come to Pittsburgh off a 4-0 win at Chicago and they're now 18-5-6 on the season. Note that St. Louis has been exceptional on the road thus far, going 10-1-3. St. Louis netminder Jordan Binnington is 13-4-4 with a 2.26 GAA this season and he's 2-0-0 with a 1.99 GAA lifetime vs. the Pens.

Pittsburgh has lost two straight, falling 5-2 to these very Blues in St. Louis, before a 5-2 defeat at Columbus. Clearly the revenge minded home side will be doublding down on the defensive end this evening after back-to-back beatdown losses. Goaltender Matt Murray is now 9-5-4 on the year with a 2.84 GAA. 

Key Trends:

- St. Louis has seen the total go under the number in eight of 12 already this season vs. clubs with winning records.

- Pittsburgh has seen the total dip below the posted number in eight of its last ten non-conference games.

The verdict: I'm banking on a slower-paced goaltenders battle between these two non-conference opponents; play the under!

My 10* BIG TIGER is on the Montreal Canadiens.

The Flyers have three straight, including a 6-1 defeat of the Red Wings in Detroit just last night. Normally I'd always be looking to play against a team in a position like that in the second game of a back-to-back, but I feel doubly so in this spot.

Montreal has lost six straight, including getting destroyed 8-1 and 6-4 at home over the last two. I think the Canadiens bounce back here finally in this favorable position. 

Key Trends:

- The Habs are 6-1 in their last seven vs. teams with winning records.

- The Flyers are just 1-7 in their last eight when playing the second game of the back-to-back.

The verdict: If not now, when for the Canadiens? All things considered, a great price on the desperate home side in my opinion!

My 10* PUCK-LINE ULTIMATE OF THE ULTIMATE is on the Sabres.

This is the first time these clubs have met this year. Last season the Leafs swept all three games. Buffalo has lost five straight in this series, making the "revenge factor" a very real factor that has to be taken into consideration. Buffalo is desperate here as it's lost 11 of its last 13, including a hard-fought 3-2 OT decision to the Flames at home last time out.

The Leafs have looked admittedly better since making a coaching change, but after a 6-0 defeat of the Red Wings on the road last time out, I think a preditable letdown is finally imminent in this afternoon contest. 

Key Trends:

- Toronto is still just 4-7 (-5.1 units) this year after scoring four or more goals in its previous contest.

- Buffalo is 8-6 (+2.6 units) this year vs. clubs with losing records. 

The verdict: I don't think the Sabres recent slide is a true representation of how good/bad they really are. And the same thing is true of Toronto's recent "up tick" in play in my opinion. Lay the price and grab the extra 1.5 goals of insurance!

My 10* BIG TIGER is on the Arizona Coyotes.

Anaheim broke a three-game slide with a 3-0 win over the Isles, but I believe it'll predictably struggle here. Both teams rank near the bottom of the NHL in scoring, but Arizona has the second best goals against. The Coyotes also play with revenge here after falling in Anaheim 2-1 at the start of the year. 

Key Trends:

- Anaheim is just 4-6 (-2.3 units) after a non-conference games.

- Arizona is 3-1 (+2.2 uits) this year after allowing four goals or more.

- The Coyotes are 4-1 (+3 units) when playing with two days rest.

The verdict: All things considered, I believe this price could/should in fact be much larger; lay it!

My 10* BODY-CHECK is on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Dallas won a 2-1 shootout over these very Blackhawks last week and the Stars also come in off a 4-2 victory over the Golden Knights at home just last night. From a situational stand point, I think this one sets up FANTASTICALLY for the revenge minded home side. 

Key Trends:

- Chicago is 2-0 (+3.9 units) this year when playing with two days rest.

- The Blackhawks are 3-1 (+2 uints) in their last four after three or more consecutive losses.

The verdict: I like the rested home side to push the pace and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night; lay the price!

My 10* BIG BOSS BLOWOUT is on the San Jose Sharks.

The Isles are 9-0-1 in their last ten, but note that their last three victories have come in extra time. Now New York hits the road for a tough Western swing and think the Isles predictably struggle in this late night contest and in this difficult venue. 

The Sharks though are 7-1 in their last eight and with a victory today, they can move back to .500. Situationally this one sets up beautifully for the home side. 

Key Trends:

- The Isles are just 3-7 in their last ten in this series on the road.

- The favorite is 11-5 the last 16 in this series.

The verdict: Not only do the Sharks have all of the above situational and trend based factors working in their favor, but as Bob Barker used to say: "The price is right," as well! Lay the short price.

My 10* SMASH-JOB is on the Detroit Red Wings. 

After horrendous starts, both the Senators and Red Wings have been playing better of late. But Ottawa has been terrible on the road and I think it'll predictably struggle here in this difficult away venue. 

Key Trends:

- The Sens average 2.75 GPG and they concede 3.25.

- The Wings average 2.32 GPG and they allow 3.68.

The verdict: The Senators though are already 0-2 (-2 units) this year when playing with two days rest as well. If not now, when for the Wings? As Bob Barker used to say: "The price is right!" Lay the short price.

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Capitals on the PUCK LINE.

Anaheim is just 4-5 in its nine road games. The Ducks come to the Nation's capital off a rare road win over the defending champs as well, so can anyone say "letdown spot?!" 

Key Trends:

- The Ducks average only 2.33 GPG on the road.

- Washington averages 3.70 GPG. 

The verdict: Note that Washington goaltender Braden Holtby is 9-0-1 in his last ten games and I have a hard time seeing the Ducks mustering much of an offensive attack here. Lay the 1.5 goals and expect a blowout of epic proportions!

My 10* TOTAL CLASH OF THE TITANS is on the UNDER Sabres/Hawks.

I think this is a great situational play. Buffalo broke a five-game slide last night with a 4-2 win at home over Ottawa, while Chicago beat the Predators 7-2. With both teams coming off high-scoring victories just last night, I believe that from a situational stand point, this one definitely sets up as more of a defensive affair. Each will be tired, and neither will want to make the first mistake. 

Key Trends:

- Blackhawks had 14 shots on net yesterday and scored 7 goals. They were outshot 41-14 and won 7-2.

The verdict: I base my selections on many different things. I feel that being flexible with my approach works best. This total is high considering the overall situation that each team finds itself in coming into this contest; play the under!

My 10* DESTROYER is on the Boston Bruins.

Both teams played last night. Washington lost 5-2 to Montreal, while Boston won 4-2 in Toronto. Clearly the second game of the back to back favors the home side here. Additionally note that the Bruins play with the added incentive of revenge here as the Capitals have won seven straight on their home ice. From a situational stand point, this one definitely sets up well for Boston. 

Key Trends:

- Washington is 13-16 (-3.8 units) the L2 years when playing on back-to-back days.

- Boston is 16-10 in its last 26 when playing on back-to-back days.

The verdict: And finally, as Bob Barker used to say: "The price is right!" I love Boston to finally prevail and get its revenge!

My 10* CRUCIAL INFO PLAY is on the New Jersey Devils.

Sidney Crosby will miss up to six weeks with an abdominal injury for Pittsburgh and stand out Kris Letang also was left behind because of an injury. I think the Pens get caught flat footed here in their first game without Crosby. 

The verdict: Clearly the Penguins are the "better" team. But this is a tough spot for any club to deal with and I think the home side takes full advantage. In my opinion, this is the very definition of "great line value!" 

My 10* BIG TIGER is on the Florida Panthers.

The Jets are coming off an 4-0 loss at home to Colorado and I think they'll stumble again here in this difficult road venue on the other side of the continent. Winnipeg is averaging a weak 2.58 GPG, while Florida averages 3.38. 

Key Trends:

- The Panthers are 7-1 in their last eight home games as a favorite in the -125 to -165 range.

- Winnipeg is a poor 3-6 in its last nine in this building.

The verdict: Florida has gotten points in eight of its last ten games. Expect the hungry home side to take advantage and lay this price with confidence!

My 10* TOTAL CLASH OF THE TITANS is on the OVER Hawks/Knights.

Chicago has won three of its last five, including a 5-4 win over the Leafs three nights ago. With two whole days off to prepare for this one, I like the hungry Hawks to keep the good on the gas here. Vegas on the other hand has lost three of its last five, including three straight. The Knights have also had two nights off to prepare for this one. 

Key Trends:

- Chicago has seen the total go over the number in 16 of its last 25 when playing on two days rest.

- Las Vegas has seen the total go over in 17 of its last 27 when playing on two days rest.

The verdict: The situation and the numbers/trends are both pointing to the "over" as the savvy call in this one in my opinion!

My 10* TOTAL BEST OF THE BEST is the Oilers/Ducks over.

At 5.5, I think the "over" offers great value here. In this day and age, 5.5 is a very low total in the NHL. Both teams have winning records and each will be pushing the pace from start to finish. 

Key Trends:

- Edmonton averages 2.83 GPG, while conceding 2.50. 

- Oilers power play is second best in the league with 27.5 percent. 

- Anaheim averages 2.65 GPG and it allows 2.53.

The verdict: Both teams have been better than average defensively and very average offensively. That said, I believe the conditions are now finally right for a high-scoring affair and I'll take full advantage of this low-number; play the over!

My 10* UPPER-SHELF BLOWOUT is on the San Jose Sharks.

The Predators aer coming off a 9-4 road loss in Colorado and I think they're going to be mentally ripe for the picking here as well for the hungry Sharks. Nashville looks horrible defensively in the early going, allowing 3.16 GPG, which balloons to 4.33 on the road. 

Key Trends:

- San Jose is killing 96 percent of its powerplays at home, which is tops in the NHL. 

- The Predators just 3-9 in their last 12 as a road favorite.

The verdict: San Jose's early poor numbers can be attributed to injury. The Sharks have been getting healthier though and they've been playing better; expect that trend to carry over here!

My 10* TOTAL U OF THE U is on the UNDER Flyers/Leafs.

Toronto started out on fire this year, but it enters this one sitting a 9-8. The Flyers were a mess to open the 2019/20 campaign, but they enter at 8-5-2 and off back-to-back victories over Carolina (4-1) and Montreal (3-2 in OT.) The Flyers have responded well defensively of late and I expect that trend to carry over here. Philly also plays with revenge here after falling to Toronto 4-3 last week. 

Key Trends:

- The Flyers have seen the total go under the number in four of their last five in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent.

- Toronto has seen the total dip below the posted number in 

The verdict: I love this under. Philly comes to town confident and it's playing a lot better defensively. Look for the visitors to slow this one down and for this total to stay well below the posted number; play the under!

My 10* CLASH OF THE TITANS is on the Winnipeg Jets.

Vancouver's great start to the year is starting to slowly fade after last night's 5-2 loss in Chicago. The 8-7 Jets will now look to take advantage of their road weary visiting side. The Jets will be in a foul mood as well after losing at home to the Devils in a shootout in their last contest, snapping a three-game win streak. 

Key Trends:

- Vancouver is only 2-5 in its last seven vs. clubs with winning records.

- Winnipeg is 13-6 in its last 19 when playing on two days rest.

The verdict: As Bob Barker used to say: "The Price Is Right!" All things considered, I believe this to be the very definition of "great line value!" 

My 10* U of the U is on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Vancouver is 2-0-2 in its last four games. The Canucks come in off a 2-1 loss to the Blues and I think they'll struggle as well here vs. the hungry home side. The Hawks come in off a 4-2 loss to the Sharks. 

Key Trends:

- Vancouver is just 32-42 (-8.2 units) in its last 74 vs. clubs with losing records.

- Chicago is 7-2 in its last nine home games following a loss by three or more goals.

The verdict: I think Vancouver gets caught looking past its lowly opponent today and I expect the desperate home side to pull off the minor upset; play on Chicago!

My 10* CLASH OF THE TITANS is on the under Kings/Sens.

Key Trends:

Analysis posted shortly.

My 10* BEST OF THE BEST on the New York Rangers.

New York jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Senators in its last game, but then lost 6-2. A date for the Red Wings, who have dropped 11 of their last 12 is just what the doctor ordered to get untracked. Wings' netminder Jimmy Howard is 2-7-0 with a 3.90 GAA this year, while New YOrk goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is 2-3-0 with a 3.58 GAA.

Key Trends:

- Note that Lundqvist is 7-5-6 with a 2.01 GAA lifetime vs. the Wings. 

- The Rangers won't be taking anything for granted here, as Detroit has won three of the last four of this series in The Big Apple. 

The verdict: I look for the Rangers to lay the hamme down from start to finish; lay the short price!

My 10* CLASH OF THE TITANS is on the Calgary Flames.

Don't overthink every play you make. It's not necessary. Arizona earned an OT win in Edmonton just last night and I think it has a predictable letdown here vs. the hungry Flames' side. The Flames had won two in a row before a 4-2 setback to the Capitals last time out. 

Key Trends:

- The Flames are 4-1-1 at home.

- The Coyotes are 8-16 (-4.2 units) in their last 24 when playing on back-to-back days.

The verdict: I think the hungrier home side takes advantage of this contented Coyotes side and all things considered, I do indeed feel this is a very fair price; play on Calgary!

My 10* total of the week is the UNDER Arizona/Edmonton.

Arizona is coming off a 3-0 win over Colorado. The Oilers earned a 2-1 OT win over the Pens in their latest action. The goaltenders tonight are Antti Raanta for Arizona and Mike Smith for Edmonton and each has been exceptional of late. 

Key Trends:

- Arizona has allowed just 28 goals this year, No. 1 in the Western conference.

- Edmonton has already seen the total go under in seven of its last nine after a non-conference game.

The verdict: Look for these two goaltenders to be the main story lines in tomorrow's summaries and play the under!

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Boston Bruins.

Boston's won five straight and I think the home side will keep the foot on the gas in this one. Pittsburgh's two game win streak was snapped in an OT loss to the Oilers at home in its most recent action. The Pens average 3.36 GPG, but the Bruins concede only 2.00 GPG, which ranks No. 1 in the NHL. 

Key Trends:

- Boston is averaging 3.54 GPG this year.

- Bruins' netminder Tuukka Rask is 7-0-1 with a 1.49 GAA.

- Pittsburgh is 0-4 in its last four vs. clubs with winning records.

The verdict: Boston has won nine of ten in this series at TD Garden; expect that trend to carry on this evening!