Sports Picks & Predictions

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Nashville Predators over the Boston Bruins.  After looking like they were primed for the post-season by winning six games in a row between March 13 and 26, the Predators embarked on a quick, two-game road trip that they probably wish they hadn't had to play.  Nashville lost back-to-back in Arizona and Colorado, allowing a whopping 15 goals in the process after allowing only nine total goals during the six-game win streak.  Now the Preds have to regroup as they host one of the East's best teams in the Bruins tonight at Bridgestone Arena.  Boston has lost three of its last five games with only a narrow victory in Washington last time out (3-2 in a shootout) preventing it from being 1-4 over that span.  The Bruins have some untimely injuries right now and their remaining schedule is one of the toughest in the league.  They won the last meeting between these two teams, 3-2, back at the start of the season on their home ice.  However the Predators are 14-4 in their last 18 games revenging a same season loss vs an opponent.  Take Nashville.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Red Wings over the Washington Capitals.  The Wings and Caps are locked in a tight battle for a wild card berth, with Washington currently 1 point ahead.  The Capitals will look to win their 3rd straight game after winning home games vs. Carolina (7-6) and Winnipeg (3-0).  Unfortunately, the Capitals are a soft 23-31 at home off a win, and 21-29 off back to back wins.  The road team has won six of the previous nine in this series, and we'll take Detroit to win this critical matchup.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 12:35 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Red Wings over the Buffalo Sabres.  These teams met just four days ago in Buffalo, and the Sabres smashed the Red Wings, 7-3.  Detroit followed that loss up with another loss -- at home vs. Arizona -- for its 7th straight defeat.  The Wings are now on the outside looking in at the Playoff picture, so they'll need to get back into the win column if they want to try to qualify for the Playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.  The Sabres are a poor 9-22 off a win, and 0-6 after back to back blowout wins by 3+ goals.  Take Detroit.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the Vegas Golden Knights.  Boston has not won a game in regulation in any of its last nine games, dating back to its 4-0 win over Vancouver on February 8 (which was our NHL Game of the Month).  The Bruins are 2-7 overall in its last night games, but I like Boston to get back into the win column tonight, and snap its 3-game losing streak.  Boston is a solid 23-11 (+9.9 net games) off 3+ road losses, and it's also 101-77 (+12.3 net games) off 3+ losses (regardless of venue).  The Bruins suffered a 2-1 loss in overtime last month at Vegas.  However, the Bruins are 23-5 when playing with revenge from a road loss.  Take Boston.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the New York Rangers.  With less than 8 weeks remaining in the regular season, the Devils sit 4 points behind Detroit for the 2nd wild card berth in the Eastern conference, so each game is critical for their playoff hopes.  The Devils were embarrassed on Tuesday night, as Washington blew them out, 6-2.  But New Jersey is a solid 15-9 after giving up 4+ goals this season (and 6-2 after surrendering 6+ goals).  The Devils are 11-6 their last 17 off a loss, while the Rangers have lost 6 of their last 9 road games.  Take New Jersey.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Stars over the New York Rangers.  The Rangers won their 7th straight game, with a comeback, 6-5 win over the rival Islanders, on Sunday.  Today, they'll welcome the Stars to Madison Square Garden.  And Dallas will be looking to bounce back from losses to Edmonton and Boston -- both by 4-3 scores, settled after regulation.  We'll take Dallas in the underdog role tonight, as it is 50-24 (+15.7 net games) after allowing 3+ goals in back to back games.  And it's a stellar 23-8 on the road off a loss (and 9-1 on the road off back-to-back losses).  Meanwhile, the Rangers are 4-9 after scoring more than 4 goals in their previous game.  Take Dallas.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Seattle Kraken.  The game time was moved up 5 hours so as to not conflict with the Steelers/Bills game at 4:30 pm today.  Pittsburgh enters this contest off back to back overtime losses, while the Kraken are currently riding a 9-game win streak, following a 7-4 win at Columbus.  And Seattle's 9-game streak has followed closely on the heels of an 8-game losing streak, which stretched from Nov. 24 thru Dec. 10.  I like the Penguins to snap Seattle's streak, as Pittsburgh is 73-34 at home after allowing 3+ goals in back to back games.  And it's 5-3 this season off back to back losses.  Meanwhile, the Kraken are 1-4 this season after scoring more than 4 goals.  Take the Penguins.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Philadelphia Flyers.  The Penguins missed the NHL playoffs last Spring for the first time since 2006 and if they're going to avoid another absence, they need to get busy.  Pittsburgh is currently in 7th place in the Division and out of the post-season picture but the good news is that it still has a healthy Crosby, Letang, and Malkin on the team -- three players that were key to the Pens' back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.  And Crosby is having an outstanding campaign with 41 points in 38 games and a +14 rating while being named to his 6th All Star roster this past week.  The Flyers took both meetings with the Pens so far this season when the two played a home-and-home series in early December.  But Pittsburgh has been pretty dominant in this series otherwise, taking seven of the previous eight meetings before those, going back to May of 2021.  Take the Pens.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Kings over the Edmonton Oilers.  We played against the Kings on Thursday and got the $$$ with Vegas, in a 3-2 home win.  Los Angeles was playing that game without rest, and it's now 1-5 this season when doing so.  Of course, that also means that Los Angeles is 19-7 this season when playing with rest.  Edmonton is allowing 3.31 goals per game, and the Kings are 47-20 (+19.9 net games on the moneyline) when playing an opponent which is giving up at least 3+ goals per game.  Additionally, the Kings will no doubt be emotionally charged for this game, given it was Edmonton which knocked it out of last year's playoffs in 6 games.  Take the Kings.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Los Angeles Kings.  Los Angeles throtted Vegas here last month, 4-1, so the Knights will be playing with revenge.  And that bodes well, given that Vegas is 23-7 when looking to avenge a loss earlier in the season.  Admittedly, the Knights have lost their last four games.  But each of those was on the road, where Vegas has a losing record on the season.  At home, the Knights are 12-5.  Both of these teams played last night, and that also bodes well for Vegas, as Los Angeles is 1-4 this season when playing without rest.  We'll take Vegas to get back into the win column on Thursday.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over Minnesota.  These two teams met 4 days ago in Boston, and Minnesota came away with a 4-3 victory, in overtime.  Boston, though, did put 43 shots on goal (to Minnesota's 30), and was 9-1 (going into the Minnesota game) when it outshot its opponent.  So, that was an unusual result.  I expect Boston to avenge that defeat, as it's 42-21 its last 63 when playing with revenge.  Take the Bruins.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Vegas Golden Knights.  The Knights are looking like they mean business and want to defend their Stanley Cup title from less than 6 months ago.  A big part of their success has been the play of Adin Hill, who sits atop the league's goaltending leaders with a 1.93 GAA and .933 saves percentage.  Unfortunately for Vegas however, Hill was removed from the team's last game on Sunday with an unspecified injury and is unlikely to suit up tonight for this match-up in Raleigh against the 'Canes.  With regular back-up Robin Lehner already on the long-term injury list (hip), Logan Thompson will likely be called upon for the net-minding duties this evening.  The Knights come to Raleigh after one of the easiest four-game homestands on their schedule which saw them go 3-1.  The four teams they played (Ottawa, Buffalo, Calgary, San Jose) have a combined record of 45-64-11 and the Knights needed OT for two of the wins.  Carolina is 2-1 in the last three meetings here.  Take the 'Canes.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vancouver Canucks over the Calgary Flames.  Calgary comes into this game off back-to-back overtime victories over Vegas and Dallas, while Vancouver checks in off a 4-1 home loss to the Golden Knights.  Unfortunately for Calgary, it's a wallet-breaking 4-13 off back to back wins.  Even worse:  Vancouver is 5-0 its last 5 road games off a home loss, and 6-1 after allowing more than 3 goals.  Take the Canucks.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Kings over the Florida Panthers.  Last Thursday, the Kings returned from a successful four-game road trip that saw them sweep the likes of the Maple Leafs, Senators, Flyers, and Golden Knights.  And not only did they go 4-0 as a visitor in those, but they out-scored their opponents by a combined 19-4.  Unfortunately for them, the Kings couldn't keep it going at home as they've now lost two straight here to the Penguins and Flyers.  They've had a nice long four days off to regroup as they stay home to face the Panthers tonight for the first time since last January.  The Kings hope to continue their recent history in this series as Los Angeles has won the last five meetings with Florida going all the way back to February of 2020.  Legendary goalie Jonathan Quick may be gone now but the Kings have a pretty solid replacement in Cam Talbot who is 7-3-1 with a 2.21 GAA and .923 save percentage in his first season in Tinseltown.  Florida is 2-11 in the last 13 meetings here.  Take Los Angeles.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over Dallas.  The Wild will be looking to avenge last season's playoff ouster at the hands of the Stars.  And Minny will also be looking to snap a 2-game losing streak.  The Wild are a super 30-16 (+7.9 net games) off back to back losses with Dean Evason as head coach.  And the Wild will also have an advantage tonight by being rested, while Dallas had to play Saturday in Winnipeg.  Take the homestanding Wild.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Seattle Kraken.  The Oilers have gotten off to an almost-unimaginable 2-9-1 start this season.  We'll take Edmonton to snap its current slide, as it's 30-12 on the road vs. division rivals, while Seattle is a woeful 8-19 at home vs. division foes.  Edmonton is also 57-48 (+18.3 net games) off back to back division defeats.  Take the Oilers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the New Jersey Devils.  The Devils won at Chicago, 4-2, on Sunday, and are 7-3-1 on the season.  The Avs have a similar record, at 7-3, but were routed, 7-0, by the Golden Knights on Saturday.  And that was Colorado's 3rd shutout loss in its last four games.  All three of those defeats, though, were on the road; tonight's game is at home, where Colorado is 3-0, and is averaging 4.67 goals per game.  Colorado is 39-22 (+5.2 net games) after allowing 4+ goals, including 3-0 when it lost its previous game by 5 or more goals.  Meanwhile, New Jersey is a poor 21-32 (minus 20.0 net games) off a win by 2+ goals.  Take Colorado.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Dallas Stars.  The Oilers got off the schneid Sunday when they won the Heritage Classic against rival Calgary, 5-2.  That game snapped the Oilers' 4-game losing streak, and also saw the return of star Connor McDavid from injury.  The Oilers then had three days off to rest, and prepare for this game.  Coach Jay Woodcroft took advantage of the unusual gap in the schedule, and held important practices the last two days to reinforce the good traits the team displayed in its win over the Flames.  I expect Edmonton to come out focused tonight, and notch its first win of the season at its home arena (after dropping the first three to Vancouver, Winnipeg and the NY Rangers).  Take the Oilers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Vegas Golden Knights.  Those rooting for close games in the Stanley Cup Finals are disappointed so far as the Knights took Games 1 and 2 convincingly -- by scores of 5-2 and 7-2.  But now the series shifts to South Florida and the Panthers and their faithful have some good news coming into Game 3.  For one thing, despite losing those first two games, Florida out-shot Vegas in both of those.  Second, this will be the first Finals games in South Florida since 1996 -- the Panthers' third year in the League -- and it will be the first in their current home -- FLA Live Arena.  Panthers Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid for them all playoffs, but the veteran simply didn't have it in Game 2, so the coaches pulled him after he allowed four goals in the first 13 shots.  Expect Bobrovsky to be right back in net tonight and for the 19,000 home fans to give him a rousing ovation.  This has historically been a host-friendly series as the home team is now 11-1 in the last 12 meetings and Vegas is 1-4 in the last five here.  Take Florida.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:10 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Vegas Golden Knights.  The Panthers lost Game 1 by a 5-2 score, on Saturday.  But Vegas also had good fortune, as three shots by the Panthers clanged off the goal post in the first two periods, when the game was still in the balance.  We'll take Florida to bounce back tonight, as it's 59-36 (+8.5 net games) off a loss, and 18-9 (+7.9 net games) after allowing 5+ goals.  And Paul Maurice's troops have won all three Game 2s this playoffs season.  Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are a soft 47-46 (but minus 20.6 net games) off back to back games where they scored more than 3 goals, and 13-14 (minus 10.2 net games) off back to back blowout wins by more than 2 goals.  Take Florida.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8 pm, on Saturday, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Vegas Golden Knights.  The Panthers were almost eliminated from the playoffs with 1 second to go in their opening-round Game 5 vs. Boston.  The Bruins were already up 3 games to 1, and the game was tied at 3 when Boston forward Brad Marchand skated in on Sergei Bobrovsky.  But the 2-time Vezina Trophy winner made the save (one of 43 for the game), and the Panthers won, 4-3, at 6:05 into the overtime session.  That improbable victory (Boston was a -270 favorite in the Game 4) triggered an even more improbable streak by the 8th-seeded Panthers.  Florida has now won 11 of its last 12 games (vs. the top shelf Bruins, Maple Leafs and Hurricanes).  And the Bruins, Leafs and 'Canes owned the 1st, 2nd and 4th-best records in the regular season.  Here, the Panthers will attempt to upset the team with the 5th-best regular season record.  Vegas's path to the finals (by virtue of its #1 seed in the West) was understandably easier, and it ousted the league's 6th (Edmonton), 8th (Dallas) and 14th-best (Jets) teams to earn this berth in the Stanley Cup.  Many bettors will shy away from the red-hot Panthers, under the belief that the 10 days since their last game will have cooled off any momentum.  But I've never been on that side of the "rest vs rust" debate in pro sports.  Indeed, we just saw the Denver Nuggets (who had the exact same amount of time off before their NBA Game 1) annihilate the Miami Heat, 104-93.  So, I'm perfectly fine with the Panthers' long layoff, and don't believe we'll see any "rust" tonight.  The Golden Knights do come into this game off a 6-0 blowout win to close out the Dallas Stars, but are a soft 7-11 (minus 11.5 net games) following a win by more than 4 goals, and are 23-22 (minus 8.5 net games) off a shutout win.  Take the underdog Panthers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Florida Panthers.  The Hurricanes are down 2-games-to-none, but the series has been exceptionally close.  Game 1 went into the 4th overtime, while Game 2 was decided in the 1st overtime.  And neither team has led by 2 or more goals at any point in time in the first two games, covering a span of over 201 minutes.  Off back to back overtime losses at home, we'll take the Hurricanes to bounce back on this Monday night.  Carolina is a solid 25-11 its last 36 off back to back losses, and 29-20 on the road off 2 home losses.  Meanwhile, the Panthers are an ugly 3-12 off back to back 1-goal road wins.  Take Carolina.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Stars over the Vegas Golden Knights.  The Knights won Game 1 in this Western Conference finals in what was one of the closest matches of the post-season.  These two teams went into overtime tied at 3-3 with the exact same number of shots on goal (36).  It didn't take long for Vegas to end it and send their fans home happy.  But the Stars know all about this scenario and it likely doesn't bother them one bit.  In each of the first two rounds, they dropped the opening game (to the Wild and then the Kraken) and in both cases they came back with an emphatic victory in Game 2 to even things up. The Stars will put Game 1 in their rear view mirror, and take confidence from the fact they went 3-0 vs. Vegas in the regular season.  The Stars are 14-5 on the road off a loss, and 6-0 their last six when trailing in a playoff series.  And the underdog is also 6-2 in the last eight meetings of these two.   Take Dallas.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Florida Panthers.  If you were wondering what the Panthers were going to do for an encore after upsetting both the Bruins and Maple Leafs, the answer is, well, something pretty spectacular.  On Thursday night, the -- once again -- underdog Panthers prevailed in the sixth-longest game in Stanley Cup Playoff history when Matthew Tkachuk scored at 19:47 of the fourth overtime period here in Raleigh to win Game 1, 3-2.  If there's one thing the 'Canes won't have any trouble getting tonight in Game 2 it's motivation after that marathon loss.  It was Florida's fifth comeback win of the playoffs, and with the victory, the Panthers became just the third team in NHL history to win each of their first five games that required overtime in a single postseason.  Carolina out-played and out-shot Florida in Game 1 and should be poised for a big bounce back tonight.  The 'Canes are 9-4 in their last 13 revenging a close loss vs opponent of one goal or less.  Take Carolina.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Dallas Stars.  The Knights have made it to their fourth NHL semi-finals in their six-season franchise history -- truly a remarkable feat.  They also finished first in their division for the fourth time.  In less time than a two-term Presidency, Vegas has assembled not only one of the best teams in the league, but has also shown that T-Mobile Arena is one of the most exciting venues in pro Sports (and one of the toughest for opposing teams).  This series is not only a chance for the Knights to earn another shot at an NHL Finals -- but also a shot at some revenge.  It was Dallas which knocked them out when they appeared in the semi-finals in 2020.  And while the Stars have beaten the Knights the last four times they played, it's Vegas which is on a roll right now, having beaten the Oilers in six games.  The Knights are also 4-0 in their last four games vs. teams from the Central Division.  Take Vegas.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, on Thursday, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Florida Panthers.  Both of these teams have had a long time to rest and prepare for this Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.  Florida ousted Toronto last Friday, in Game 5, by a 3-2 score.  Carolina also took five games to send New Jersey packing, as it won its quarterfinal Game 5 last Thursday, 3-2.  The Hurricanes have been getting terrific goaltending from Frederik Andersen.  In his last six games, he's notched five wins, and allowed 1 goal four times, and just 2 goals in another.  Unlike Carolina, which is 108-52 (+24.6 net games) off a win (and 58-23 (+17.1 net games) its last 81 off back to back wins), the Panthers are a poor 22-27 (minus 16.3 net games) off a win this season.  The Hurricanes are also 9-4 their last 13 home meetings vs. Florida, and 29-4 at home off back to back games where it didn't allow more than 2 goals.  Take the Hurricanes.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Vegas Golden Knights.  While almost none of the other second-round series in the NHL playoffs have gone according to plan, this one has for the most part.  The Knights and Oilers traded Game 2 and 3 losses at home, but the home teams got back on track in Games 4 and 5 and as a result, Vegas is now one win away from returning to the Conference Finals for the third time in its six-year history.  Jack Eichel was the hero in Game 5, tallying three points to get the Knights the win.  But the Oilers can feel good about the fact that they put 35 shots on goal in that game, four more than they allowed their opponent.  And Captain Connor McDavid appears to be heating up as he had a pair of goals on Friday but his team fell just short in the 4-3 defeat on the Strip.  At home it should be a different story as the Oilers are 12-3 in their last 15 games here at Rogers Centre.  Edmonton is also 26-8 in its last 34 games vs. Western Conference foes.  Take the Oilers.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Florida Panthers.  The clock has yet to strike midnight on the Cinderella Florida Panthers' playoff run, even if they couldn't finish the deal at home on Wednesday.  The Maple Leafs squeaked out a 2-1 road victory with some stingy defensive play to stay alive in this series and bring it back to Toronto for another must-win game.  You can bet that Scotiabank Arena will be very loud tonight because a victory in Game 5 makes this a brand new series.  The Panthers know they can win in Toronto -- they took Games 1 and 2 here -- but the Leafs did not lose three straight home games the entire regular season so they have to feel pretty good about their chances in this home revenge situation.  The Leafs gave rookie goalie Joseph Woll his first postseason start on Wednesday and he was more than up to the task, stopping 24 of 25 shots.  Look for the 24-year-old to be back in net tonight.  Despite wins in the first two games of this series, Florida is still just 4-9 in the last 13 meetings in Toronto.  Take the Leafs.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:10 pm, on Wednesday, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Vegas Golden Knights.  After the Oilers took Game 2 in Vegas in dominant fashion last Saturday, the Knights returned the favor on Monday night in Western Canada.  That sets up a Game 4 tonight at Rogers Place that is critically important for the Oilers.  The days of Wayne Gretzky in Edmonton have given way to the days of Connor McDavid, who has yet to carry his team to a Stanley Cup like Gretzky did four times, despite being the best player on the planet.  Both starting goaltenders on Monday were replaced, but while Edmonton's Stuart Skinner took a seat due to his sub-par play, Vegas starter Laurent Brossoit exited in the first period due to a lower body injury.  Skinner should benefit tonight from getting the hook while Brossoit's availability is unknown.  Regardless of who the Knights put out there, expect the Oilers to come out firing tonight in an effort to even this series.  Despite the loss here on Monday, the Oilers are still 11-3 in their last 14 home games.  Take Edmonton.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, on Wednesday, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Florida Panthers.  The Leafs never thought they would be down 3-games-to-none in this quarterfinal series, but that's the situation.  We'll take Toronto in this do-or-die Game 4, as they're 46-21 when playing with revenge; 25-13 (+11.6 net games) when trailing in a playoff series; and 26-9 (+12.0 net games) off a loss this season.  And, notwithstanding the Panthers' current hot streak, they're still just 22-26 (minus 12.8 net games) off a win this season.  Take Toronto.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the Carolina Hurricanes.  The Devils knew they needed to send a message at home on Sunday in Game 3 of this series.  After all, they had pretty much been embarrassed and run out of Raleigh in Games 1 and 2 by being outscored by a total of 11-2.  They won Game 3 alright but what they did at home on Sunday may have even surprised the Devils themselves.  New Jersey jumped out to a 4-0 lead less than a minute into the second period and never looked back, taking a lopsided 8-4 decision.  And the eight goals came from seven different players, something that has to delight the team and the coaches. The important thing for tonight's Game 4 in the Meadowlands is that the Devils keep it going and not have a letdown after that huge effort.  They know they can't afford to go back to Carolina down 3-1 so look for the Devils to keep up the pressure.  With the Game 3 win the Devils are now 8-2 in their last 10 home games.  Take New Jersey.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6:40 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Florida Panthers.  People were wondering what the Panthers would do for an encore after one of the biggest first round upsets in NHL history.  Well, the answer in this quarterfinal round against the heavily-favored Maple Leafs appears to be -- exactly the same thing they were doing against the Bruins.  With only one day off after their historic Game 7 win over Boston, the Panthers went into Toronto and beat the Leafs in Game 1 and then did it again on Thursday.  Now they come back to South Florida to try to take a near-insurmountable 3-0 lead.  But the Leafs are a dangerous team which won't go quietly.  Despite losing Game 2, 3-2, Toronto out-shot Florida by a 37-29 margin.  And the Leafs went ahead 2-0 in the first five minutes on Thursday before giving up three unanswered goals.  The road team is 5-0 in the last five meetings of these two and the Leafs are 26-8 (+13.5 net games) in their last 34 off a loss.  Meanwhile, Florida is an ugly 6-13 (minus 8.6 net games) off 3 road wins.  Take Toronto.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 3:40 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the Carolina Hurricanes.  If the Devils need any extra motivation coming into their 1st quarterfinal home playoff game in over 10 years, all they need to do is put up a poster with the scores from the first two games with the Hurricanes in Raleigh on the locker room wall.  It was all 'Canes on Wednesday and Friday as they treated themselves to some Carolina home cooking with 5-1 and 6-1 dominant victories in Games 1 and 2.  But being a young team with really nothing to lose at this point, New Jersey is in an excellent position to put those behind and make the changes necessary to turn the tables in Game 3 and 4.  It's what the Devils did to the Rangers in Games 5 and 7 when they needed to, winning both of those at home by lopsided 4-0 margins.  Some more good news for the Devils this afternoon:  the favorite is 8-1 in the last nine meetings of these two and the home team is 14-4 in the last 18.  Take New Jersey.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Vegas Golden Knights.  The Knights struck first in this series, taking Game 1 on Thursday, 6-4 (it was actually 5-4 before an empty net goal at the end).  The Oilers may be looking for answers, but they sure can't blame their All Star Center Leon Draisaitl as the 27-year-old German scored all four of Edmonton's goals.  Besides Draisaitl's incredible performance, the other good news is that the Oilers scored their four goals on just 27 shots so if they can get their other stars like Connor McDavid to pick up their game tonight while tightening up their defense a bit, then they should be able to send this series to Edmonton all tied up at 1-1.  Prior to Thursday's disappointment, the Oilers had won not lost in regulation in any of their 21 previous games (18-0-3).  And the Oilers had won six of eight meetings with the Knights.  The Oilers are 9-1 on the road off a road loss, and 23-9 when playing with revenge.  Take Edmonton.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:10 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over Carolina.  The Devils lost Game 1 to the Hurricanes, 5-1, but I expect them to bounce back tonight.  The Devils are 29-15-1 on the road this season.  And when they were playing back-to-back road games, and lost the first one, then they were a perfect 6-0 in the road game off a road loss.  Meanwhile, the Devils are a soft 7-10 (minus 4.5 net games) when leading in a playoff series.  And, finally, the Devils are 13-6 on the road when playing with revenge from a loss by more than 2 goals.  Take New Jersey.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Florida Panthers.  The Leafs were turned back at home in Game 1 of this series, 4-2, by the Panthers.  We'll take the Leafs to bounce back tonight, as they're 25-11 when trailing in a Playoff series, and 14-1 their last 15 home games after losing their previous game by 2+ goals.  Meanwhile, Florida is a wallet-busting 19-27 (minus 18.8 net games) after scoring more than 3 goals in their previous game.  Take the Maple Leafs.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the New Jersey Devils.  These two teams split the season series, 2 games apiece, with each team going 1-1 in its two home games.  New Jersey won the most recent two games, while Carolina won the season's first two meetings.  We played on New Jersey in its last game -- a 4-0 win over New York -- but will switch gears and go against the Devils in Raleigh.  New Jersey is a poor 8-17 (minus 13.3 net games) off a home win by 2+ goals, and 2-8 off a shutout win.  Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are 19-12 when playing with double revenge, and 105-51 off a win (including 26-6 off an overtime win).  Take Carolina.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:35 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Stars over the Seattle Kraken.  Being the home team and having home ice advantage doesn't guarantee success in these playoffs -- not by a longshot.  If you don't believe it, just ask the Boston Bruins who came in as the top seed in the entire league and were sent packing in seven games.  So the Stars know that even though they will be home for the first two games of this series, they still have to perform.  And the fact that they're playing an expansion team that's only been in the league two seasons probably won't make them rest any easier.  After all Dallas is a team that is hungry for a championship with its last -- and only -- Stanley Cup coming almost 25 years ago. So you can bet they won't take the Kraken for granted.  These two have met only six times and the Stars are 4-2 in those games so they do have some history on their side.  Although they advanced by beating the defending champion Avs in seven games, the Kraken are just 7-19 in their last 26 vs. teams with a winning record.  Take Dallas.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Florida Panthers.  In the biggest of Round 1 upsets, the Panthers knocked off the record-setting (135 total regular season points) Bruins in Boston on Sunday night, 4-3 in overtime to advance to the second round.  If ever there was a team that was ripe for a Game 1 let down, the Panthers are it.  With just one day off since their historic David beats Goliath victory, no one would be surprised -- perhaps not even themselves -- if the Panthers didn't have a full tank tonight in Toronto.  Even under normal circumstances, this would be a tough task for Florida as the home team is 15-5 in the last 20 meetings and the Panthers are 2-9 in the last 11 here in Toronto.  The Leafs also had a tough series against a very game Lightning club, but they closed it out in six games in Tampa on Saturday and have had two days off to rest and prepare for Round 2.  Take the Maple Leafs.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:10 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the New York Rangers.  The two rival teams from the biggest sports and TV market in North America meet tonight for a Game 7 in the Meadowlands.  The Rangers have hung tough every step of the way so far, including a huge 5-2 victory at home in Game 6 on Saturday to force this final clash.  The Devils made a name for themselves during much of the regular season by winning tough games on the road; now they must win the biggest of the season right at home in front of their loyal fans.  They'll look for a Game 5 repeat as they completely dominated play here at Prudential Center and skated away with a huge 4-0 win. They have a way of bouncing back after a dull offensive effort, as they are 14-3 in their last 17 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game.  Take New Jersey.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6:35 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the Florida Panthers.  In what was the wildest game of these playoffs so far, the Florida Panthers forced a final Game 7 this evening by beating the Bruins on Friday night, 7-5.  Boston was seemingly in control after scoring twice in the first four minutes of the final period on Friday to take a 4-3 lead.  But what ensued from there was a whirlwind 16 minutes in which neither goalie -- especially the Bruins' Linus Ullmark -- could keep the puck out of the net.  Look for the 29-year-old Swede to rebound tonight with plenty of support from the home crowd.  After all, it was largely Ullmark -- and his league-leading 1.89 GAA and .938 Saves Pct -- who was responsible for Boston's record-setting campaign.  The Bruins are 18-4 off back to back losses, and 10-2 after allowing more than 5 goals.  Meanwhile, the Panthers are an ugly 18-26 (minus 19.3 net games) this season off a win. Take Boston.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the New Jersey Devils.  After winning the first two games of this series on the road, the Rangers have now dropped three straight, the latest being an embarrassing 4-0 shutout in New Jersey on Thursday night.  With their backs against the proverbial wall tonight, expect the Rangers to come out fighting at Madison Square Garden in this must-win Game 6.  Both Games 3 and 4 here in Manhattan were very close even though they didn't go the Rangers way and they managed to hold the Devils to just 28 and 23 shots respectively in those.  The Rangers are very good in what are called "double-revenge" situations -- they are 12-4 in their last 16 games revenging two straight losses against an opponent.  They are also 7-2 in their last nine games when revenging a road blowout loss of four or more goals vs. an opponent (3-0 in their last three in those blowout situations).  Take New York.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the Florida Panthers.  Just about everyone assumed that the Bruins would wrap up this series at home on Wednesday night.  Just about everyone that is except for the Florida Panthers.  The visitors pulled off a stunner in Game 5 two nights ago, beating the heavily favored Bruins 4-3 on an overtime goal by Matthew Tkachuk.  What do the Bruins need to do now?  Most importantly is what they shouldn't do -- panic and make any unnecessary changes.  The good news for Boston is that after its win at home in Game 1, the road team has now taken four straight in this series -- including the Bruins winning both Games 3 and 4 right here in South Florida.  The Panthers will have the crowd behind them tonight but that's about it as you can expect Boston to throw everything and the kitchen sink at goalie Sergei Bobrovsky who, despite his heroics on Wednesday, is just 4-9-2 with a 3.72 GAA lifetime vs. the Bruins.  Boston is 21-10 in the last 31 meetings with the Panthers here in Florida.  Take the Bruins.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the New Jersey Devils.  The Devils made a name for themselves this season by winning games on the road.  In fact their 28-9-4 road record was second in the NHL only to the record-setting Bruins.  But towards the end of the season, that road magic faded quite a bit.  And, in fact, in its last eight road games of the season, New Jersey was just 4-4.  It's true that the road team has won all three games in this first round series so far.  However, if there's one place that's been tough for the Devils recently, it's probably Madison Square Garden.  In their last seven games at the Garden, the Devils are just 2-5 and it took overtime to win Game 3 here.  The Rangers out-shot the Devils in that game on Saturday, 36-28 and they appear poised to wrest control of this series back with a win tonight. The Devils are just 1-4 in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games while the Rangers are 5-1 in their last six and 19-9 in their last 28 home games.  Take New York.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:00 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Winnipeg Jets.  Instead of flowing out into the Vegas night in a big celebration, the stunned home crowd from Game 1 of this series was sent quietly out to the Strip by the visiting Winnipeg Jets.  It was an embarrassing 5-1 loss for the heavily-favored Knights, who managed just 17 shots on goal the entire game (compared with 31 for the Jets).  You can bet that the Knights will use the day off to plan for some line adjustments as another outcome like the one on Tuesday would be disastrous for the Western Conference's number one seed.  After all, the last time this team won 51 regular season games was its inaugural season when it went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals.  The Knights should bounce back tonight and take this season to Winnipeg all tied up 1-1.  They are 9-2 in their last 11 after allowing five goals or more in their previous game and 5-0 in their last five immediately after scoring two goals or less.  Take Vegas.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning.  The Lightning did a number on the Maple Leafs in Game 1 of this first round series on Tuesday night, jumping out to a 3-0 first period lead and never looking back from there.  If the Leafs are to avoid yet another early exit from the post season, they almost have to win this second game at home before the series moves south to Tampa.  The Bolts are the definition of a Playoff team -- when you think they don't have the stuff to get it done because they limp into the post season, they all of a sudden turn into a late April Juggernaut.  There are reasons to believe that Toronto can turn things around.  First, the Leafs are 13-3 in their last 16 games following a loss by three or more goals (5-0 in their last five after a home loss by three or more).  Second, the Leafs are 23-8 in their last 31 after allowing five goals or more in their previous game while the Bolts are 2-6 in their last eight road games and 5-11 in their last 16 vs. winning teams.  Take Toronto.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:00 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Los Angeles Kings.  If the first night of the NHL Playoffs is any indication, strap yourself in because it's going to be a wild ride.  Two of the four games on Monday went into overtime, including the Kings and Oilers in Edmonton with Los Angeles prevailing 4-3.  This was the first 50-win season for Edmonton since its glory days (1986-87 to be exact) but it won't mean much if the club goes out in the first round like it did two seasons ago.  The Oilers feature the best player on the planet in C Connor McDavid (64G, 89A, 153P) but he can only carry the team on his back so far and the rest will have to contribute if they're going to get back to the Conference Finals.  They'll look to even the series at home tonight as they hope to get back to the form they had at the end of the regular season (nine straight wins).  Despite the victory on Monday, the favorite is 37-15 in the last 52 meetings of these two.  Take Edmonton.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Carolina Hurricanes.  The Panthers are officially IN the NHL Playoffs for the fourth straight season.  But as they found out last season when they led the league with 122 points only to fall in the second round, getting in doesn't guarantee anything.  That's especially true this season when the Eastern Conference's 2nd Wild Card team will have to play the historically dominant Bruins in the first round.  So if Florida can hold on to its first Wild Card spot with a win or tie tonight, it will avoid the Bruins in the first round.  And its opponent, instead, could very well be tonight's opponent, Carolina.  The Hurricanes are also incentivized to win, as they want to hold on to first place in the Metropolitan so this is also an important game for them.  The good news for the Panthers is that they've dominated this series lately, taking four of the last five meetings going back to April of 2021.  This has also been a very host-friendly series as the home team has taken seven of the last nine.  We'll take the Panthers tonight.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Seattle Kraken.  With a two-point lead atop their division, the Knights can take a step toward locking down their fourth Pacific title in their six years of existence tonight.  A win coupled with an Edmonton loss or tie at Colorado would do the trick and cap off what would be their most satisfying title yet.  And if the Knights can get at least three points in their final two games, they would set a new franchise season record with 110.  They'll play another talented expansion franchise in the Kraken tonight on the Vegas Strip.  Seattle's victory over Vegas in the last meeting this past November marked the first time that the Kraken had broken through as the Knights are 5-1 in the two teams' six lifetime clashes.  Seattle's Saturday win over the Blackhawks may have been a costly one, though, as regular #1 goalie Martin Jones left after the second period with a hand injury.  It is unknown whether the veteran net-minder will be able to play tonight.  If Jones can't go, then it's likely Joey Daccord will be between the pipes for Seattle, as Philipp Grubauer was in net last night.  Regardless, we'll take the Knights.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the Buffalo Sabres.  The Devils may have lost to Boston on Saturday but losing 2-1 to an historically great team on the road is nothing to be upset about.  In fact, the Devils' loss to the Bruins by just one goal should serve as inspiration in the event they meet Boston in the semifinals.  But first things first as New Jersey attempts to catch Carolina for the top spot in the Metropolitan.  The Devils' remaining games are Buffalo (tonight) and Washington, so they stand a very good chance of going 2-0 and picking up four more points.  The Devils have won six of the last nine meetings with the Sabres and are looking to get revenge for a 5-4 loss to Buffalo in their last meeting on March 24.  Take New Jersey.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Ottawa Senators.  The Hurricanes defeated these Senators six days ago, 3-2.  But then they lost back to back games at Nashville (3-0) and Buffalo (4-3) to see their Metropolitan division-lead over the New Jersey Devils shrink to 1 point.  With an ultra-talented New York Rangers team looming in 3rd place, it's imperative for Carolina to win the division to avoid playing the Rangers in the 1st round.  I look for Carolina to bounce back tonight, as it's 24-10 off back to back losses (including 10-2 off back to back road losses), and 42-21 after allowing 3+ goals in back to back games.  Take the Hurricanes.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the Vegas Golden Knights. With just a half-dozen games to go in the season, the top two Division leaders in the Western Conference will face off tonight as the Knights visit Minneapolis for the second time since early February. It's a chance for Minnesota to get some revenge as the Knights have taken both meetings this season by a combined score of 9-2. It's also the back end of a home and home situation as Vegas just beat the Wild on the Strip at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday by a 4-1 margin. That win broke Minnesota's three game win streak including a big victory over the Avalanche in Colorado last Wednesday. You want to head into the post-season in good health but Vegas is anything but healthy right now with no fewer than eight players either temporarily sidelined or out for the rest of the season. This has been a host-friendly series lately as the home team is 6-1 in the last seven meetings. Minny is 22-8 in its last 30 games playing on one day of rest. Take the Wild. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Ottawa Senators.  Their dreams of winning the Atlantic Division title and potentially having the best record in the East have been long dashed.  But that doesn't mean the Maple Leafs have thrown in the towel on the season.  Quite the opposite.  Toronto wants to stay ahead of the Lightning so that it has home ice advantage in the first round series with Tampa.  So with just a four-point lead over the Bolts, every game is still crucial for the Maple Leafs.  They make the short trip to Ottawa tonight to play the Senators for the fourth and final time this season.  They can't take their opponent lightly right now as the Sens are hungry with an outside shot at a Wild Card and they are hot, having won their last two games and three of their last four.  But Ottawa's biggest problem is injuries as it has no fewer than seven regular skaters and one goalie out with various ailments.  The Leafs are 5-1 in the last six meetings with the Sens.  And they're 16-3 this season if they're coming off losses in at least two of their three previous games.  Take Toronto.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Winnipeg Jets over the Detroit Red Wings.  If the Jets thought they were going to cruise into the post-season -- it would be just the franchise's sixth overall playoff appearance since moving from Atlanta -- they better be careful.  After back-to-back losses to the Kings and Sharks, Winnipeg is just two points ahead of Calgary and three ahead of Nashville for the final Wild Card spot in the West.  The good news is that the Jets play both of those teams in April so to a certain extent their fate will be in their own hands.  But games like the one tonight -- against a 33-32-9 Red Wings team which isn't playing for anything except pride -- are crucial if Winnipeg is going to hold on to that spot, or even possibly pass the Kraken for the first Wild Card.  The Jets haven't been very good at home lately, but the Wings have been even worse on the road and have won just four of their last 16 overall.  Detroit is just 19-41 in its last 60 games when playing without rest, while the Jets are 33-15 in their last 48 against teams with a losing record.  Take Winnipeg.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Detroit Red Wings.  The Red Wings are giving up 3.27 goals per game this season.  And that doesn't bode well for the home team tonight, as Carolina is 30-7 its last 37 vs. foes that give up 2.85 (or more) goals per game.  Even worse:  Carolina comes into this game off back to back home losses to Boston (4-3) and Tampa Bay (4-0).  But the Hurricanes are 24-10 off back to back losses, and 15-6 off a blowout loss by 3+ goals.  Take the Hurricanes.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Nashville Predators.  Two days ago, the Predators did something that only three other NHL teams have managed to do all season.  They beat the best team in the league -- the Bruins -- in regulation.  If the Predators end up making it into the playoffs with a Wild Card seed, they may look back on Tuesday as the most important win of the season.  Of course a win tonight against a dangerous Penguins team that is also fighting for a post-season spot would be huge as well.  The Pens have made the playoffs for 16 straight seasons -- every season since they've had Crosby and Malkin -- but they're in danger of that streak being broken after an embarrassing 7-4 loss to the Red Wings Tuesday night and the Panthers breathing down their neck for the final Wild Card.  The good news is that five of their final eight games will be played here at home where they have a 20-11-5 record this season.  The Pens are 4-1 in the last five meetings with the Preds and the home team has taken three of the last four.  Take Pittsburgh.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Washington Capitals.  Although these two teams were in similar situations heading into the latter stages of February, they took different paths from there.  The aging Capitals decided it was time to cut some bait and so they traded several veteran players for future draft picks, essentially throwing in the towel on the current season.  The Penguins on the other hand -- also with a roster made up of mostly aging veterans -- decided they wanted to make one final run so they tried to improve themselves rather than trade for the future.  They did so, but it appears not in a way that would make them a contender in the playoffs.  Pittsburgh is clinging to a Wild Card spot by the thinnest of margins coming into tonight, with the Caps just four points behind.  No matter that neither looks like a Cup finalist by a long shot, this series almost always produces exciting games, including a Washington 3-2 shootout win when these teams last met on Jan. 26.  The Caps easily beat the lowly Blackhawks last time out, 6-1, but they are 0-9 off a win by more than 3 goals.  And the revenge-minded team has gone 28-17 in this series.  Take the Penguins.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Stars over the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Stars -- one of the hottest team in the league in the 2022 portion of the season -- have cooled off considerably in 2023.  After going 23-15 combined during the months of October-December, the Stars then put up a record of 8-14 in the first two months of 2023.  Thankfully for them, the Stars have turned that around a bit in March, going 7-4 in their first eleven games this month.  Speaking of turnarounds, the Penguins were 0-4 in their last four games while being outscored 18-7 coming into what seemed like an almost impossible task last night in Denver against the defending NHL Champs.  But Pittsburgh somehow came out of Colorado with a victory over the Avs before traveling south to Dallas for tonight's match-up.  Now the Pens face another uphill battle as they try to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference where they are barely hanging on to a Wild Card spot.  The Pens are 2-6 in the last eight meetings in Dallas while the home team is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings of these two.  Take the Stars.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Winnipeg Jets over the Arizona Coyotes.  The Coyotes come into this game off a 4-2 home win over the Chicago Blackhawks.  And they defeated Vancouver, 3-2, in the game prior to that.  Unfortunately for the Coyotes, they're 29-71 after back to back games in which they allowed 2 goals or less.  Take Winnipeg.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Philadelphia Flyers.  After a four-game stretch of games that included the Maple Leafs, Jets, Devils, and Golden Knights, the Carolina Hurricanes will welcome a step-down in class tonight in the form of the Flyers.  A lot has changed with Philadelphia's hockey club since the last meeting of these two less than 10 days ago.  Shortly after brutally honest coach John Tortorella declared that the Flyers wouldn't be a contender for quite some time, the team released General Manager Chuck Fletcher.  There's no question this team is a mess right now, but how exactly they emerge from their current state is unknown.  With Carter Hart going in goal last night here against the Sabres, the Flyers likely will use back-up Felix Sandstrom tonight.  The 26-year-old Swede is just 1-10-1 with a 3.37 GAA in 13 games this season.  Heading into last night the Flyers were just 1-8 in their last nine overall.  The Hurricanes are 6-0 in the last six meetings and 5-2 in the last seven here at Wells Fargo Center.  Take Carolina.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Carolina Hurricanes.  After being shut out in back-to-back games, the 'Canes bounced back on Tuesday, beating the Jets, 5-3.  That's a huge win for them as they try to stay one step ahead of the red-hot Devils.  What would also be huge would be a win tonight in Toronto but it's likely going to be harder than what they did on Tuesday.  The 'Canes are once again without oft-injured goalie Antti Raanta, who has landed on the IL due to a lower body ailment.  Raanta has been outstanding this season when healthy but he's missed the last four games with this injury and likely will not suit up again tonight. Toronto got a point in a tough shootout loss to Colorado on Wednesday, 2-1.  Not bad considering they were only able to register 18 shots on goal.  They can't catch the Bruins but the Leafs still want to finish strong and stay in second place in the Division.  Toronto is 16-7 in its last 23 vs. teams with a winning % above .600 and 6-1 in its last seven after scoring two goals or less in the previous game.  Take the Maple Leafs.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the Tampa Bay Lightning.  This will be the 2nd of back-to-back meetings between these Eastern Conference foes.  And, then, they'll meet again for the 3rd time, in Tampa, on Sunday.  The Lightning won Round 1, 4-1, notwithstanding the fact that captain Steven Stamkos was sidelined.  He'll be back on the ice tonight, but we will go against Tampa.  The Devils are 14-7 off a loss, and they're 7-1 when playing with revenge from a home defeat by 3+ goals.  Take the Devils on Thursday.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Colorado Avalanche.  The Avalanche flexed their offensive muscle once again on Monday night, steamrolling the hapless Canadiens, 8-4.  But Colorado just can't seem to wipe the injury bug off its windshield and Monday's victory may prove to be a costly one.  That's because star winger Artturi Lehkonen suffered a broken finger -- an injury requiring surgery and which will keep him out of action 4-6 weeks.  The 27-year-old Finn was doing a great job of helping fill the void left by another star winger, Gabriel Landeskog, who has been out all season after arthroscopic knee surgery.  Lehkonen's breakout regular season -- he is the fourth-leading scorer on the team -- will now come to an end as he hopes to get back for the playoffs.  The Avs certainly don't get a break in their first game without him, having to face a very talented Leafs team on the road.  Toronto is 7-3 in its last 10 and 16-6 in its last 22 vs. teams from the West.  Colorado is 0-4 in its last four games vs. teams with a winning record.  Take the Maple Leafs.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the Washington Capitals.  The Rangers have 16 games in which to make up the 10 points that they are behind both the Hurricanes and Devils in the Metropolitan Division.  And while that may not be likely, New York's re-tooled roster may turn out to be the team that nobody wants to face come playoff time.  The Rangers got the most coveted prize at the recent trade deadline when they landed star veteran winger Patrick Kane from the Blackhawks.  They've been playing very well since acquiring the 34-year-old and tonight they have a chance to avenge a tough loss -- a 6-3 defeat in DC on February 25.  It was quite a different Caps team then however, as Washington decided to clean house and let some veterans go at the deadline, including Lars Eller, Dmitry Orlov, and Garnett Hathaway.  The Caps cleared valuable cap space and picked up plenty of future draft picks, but the current roster has taken a hit and a return to the playoffs is unlikely.  The favorite is 44-18 in the last 62 meetings of these two.  Take the Rangers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Winnipeg Jets.  The Hurricanes come into tonight having been shutout in their last two games.  Those were just the third and fourth times that the 'Canes have been shutout this season and the first time they've been blanked in consecutive games.  Four of the Carolina's last five games have now resulted in shutouts (they did their own blanking against the Flyers and Lightning prior to those last two losses).  They'll look to rebound against a Jets team that's on a two-game win streak, but who has lost seven of their last 10.  The Jets are also 1-4 in the last five meetings with the 'Canes while the favorite is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings of these two.  Meanwhile, the 'Canes are 18-5 in their last 23 games vs. teams with a winning record and 20-7 in their last 27 immediately following a loss by three or more goals.  Take Carolina.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the Washington Capitals.  Although the Caps didn't completely disband their veteran team at the trade deadline, they lost several solid players that had been with them for some time.  In return, DC got what it is hoping are a valuable collection of future draft picks and that the roster will still be left with enough star power to perhaps ensure the it can be moderately competitive the rest of the way.  The Caps just returned from a west coast road trip in which they took two of three games.  Their 'reward' is having to play the best road team in the league upon their return to Washington tonight.  The Devils are an astonishing 23-4-4 away from New Jersey, a record that they themselves would be hard-pressed to explain.  That record, combined with the fact that the Caps are 1-5 in their last six here at Capital One Arena, may mean a long night for the home team.  New Jersey is 6-0 in its last six games vs. Metropolitan teams while the favorite is 42-14 in the last 56 meetings of these two clubs.  Take the Devils.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Red Wings over the Chicago Blackhawks.  The 'Hawks shut out Ottawa, 5-0, on Monday.  We'll fade the Blackhawks tonight, as they've gone 1-7 off a shutout win, and 3-14 off a win by more than 2 goals (and 0-6 off a win by more than 3 goals).  Meanwhile, Detroit's 8-4 (+10.0 net games on the moneyline) after scoring 1 goal or less in their two previous games.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Buffalo Sabres.  It was a busy deadline season for the Oilers who pulled off three fairly major deals between Tuesday and Thursday.  On paper Edmonton improved its blue line with the acquisition of Mattias Ekholm from the Predators although you wouldn't know it based on Saturday's 7-5 loss at the hands of the Jets.  The Oilers look to bounce back from that one tonight in Buffalo against a Sabres team which has won five of its last six.  Jack Campbell faltered badly in goal once again in that Winnipeg loss so expect Stuart Skinner to be in net tonight for this one.  Although Campbell started the season as the #1 Edmonton netminder, Skinner is the #1 right now with Campbell having assumed the role of back-up.  Indeed, the Oilers have lost each of Campbell's last 5 starts, while the 24-year-old Skinner has been impressive recently with a 2-0 record and 2.51 GAA in his two starts this month.  And the Oilers are 4-1 in his last five starts, with the only loss to the other-worldly Boston Bruins.  The Oilers are 11-4 in their last 15 games vs. teams from the Atlantic Division and they're 40-17 in their last 57 after allowing five or more goals in their previous game.  Take Edmonton.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over Minnesota.  The Wild won on the road vs. Vancouver on Thursday.  But Minnesota is a poor 7-15 (minus 11.9 net games) on the road off a road win.  Take Calgary.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.