Sports Picks & Predictions

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Montreal Canadiens versus Carolina Hurricanes, Saturday at 7:05 PM ET

The Canadiens are expected to have Charlie Lindgren between the pipes.  He is Carey Price's back-up and has been used sparingly.  He has made 3 starts in 2020 and he allowed 4 goals in each of the 3 starts.  As bad as the Montreal goalie situation is for tonight, the Hurricanes situation is even worse.  Carolina recently lost both Petr Mrazek and James Reimer to injury in the same game.  That is why Anton Forsberg was called up from the minors and got the start in last night's loss to Colorado.  Now the Hurricanes options include using Forsberg again in a back to back spot (never easy) or turning to Alex Nedeljkovic.  Carolina's Nedeljkovic has made just 3 NHL starts in his career and in his only one this season (Tuesday) he allowed 4 goals.  The Hurricanes have lost 3 of 4 games and allowed 3.8 goals in those games.  The Canadiens have lost 7 of 9 games and allowed 3.7 goals per game (not including OT goals) in those 7 defeats.  Per our computer math model, this game totals 7 or 8 goals and it is posted at only 6 goals so this one easily gets the call for us.  Bet the OVER in Montreal in NHL early evening action Saturday 

ASA NHL PLAY 8* ON Philadelphia Flyers money line (-) over New York Rangers, Friday at 7:05 PM ET

Alexandar Georgiev is expected to start again tonight for the Rangers.  He was great last night for New York in their win at Montreal.  However, the only reason he is getting this back to back start is because Henrik Lundqvist has been so ineffective the Rangers don't trust him.  Their 2nd trusted goalie behind Georgiev is Igor Shesterkin but he suffered a rib injury in a car accident and is currently out.  Georgiev has fared well in his only 2 back to back situations this season.  However, this is still not the norm for him.  He is not use to making back to back starts and in his two seasons prior to this one he allowed 14 goals in 3 starts in this situation.  It is plain to see this is not a favorable situation for Georgiev.  Also, prior to his strong start against the Canadiens last night, Georgiev had given up 3 or more goals in 4 of his last 6 starts.  That doesn't bode well for tonight as the opposing goalie is Carter Hart and the Rangers are facing a red hot Flyers team that has dominated on home ice this season.  Philadelphia is 22-5-4 at home this season.  The Flyers Hart is 17-2-2 with a 1.65 GAA and .941 save percentage at home this season.  Per our computer math model, he dominates again and Philly's dominance at the Wells Fargo Center continues.  Bet Philadelphia on the money line in early evening Friday hockey action.

ASA NHL PLAY 8* ON OVER: Boston Bruins versus Dallas Stars, Thursday at 7:35 PM ET

Getting an NHL total at 5 is rare and is a great value.  This over 5 comes at a price of -135 but the value of getting a 5 rather than a 5.5 is exceptional.  The Stars, since mid-December, have played 31 games and only 5 of those games have totaled less than 5 goals.  In fact, since mid-January, 17 of 18 Dallas games have totaled at least 5 goals.  The Bruins, since early December, have seen 27 of their 36 games total at least 5 goals.  This game has playoff race implications of course but the potency of these two clubs in terms of offensive production is being underestimated.  Boston has allowed 17 goals their last 3 games.  The Bruins, before an ugly home loss to Calgary Tuesday, had scored 4 or more goals in 6 of 7 home games!  Dallas has won 6 of 8 road games and scored 3.5 goals per game during this stretch.  Per our computer math model, both teams produce well in the offensive zone in this one.  Bet the OVER in Boston in NHL early evening action Thursday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Nashville Predators Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Ottawa Senators, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

This is a fantastic situation.  Ottawa is playing the 2nd night of a back to back.  The Senators were involved in the only game on the NHL schedule last night as they lost at Columbus in OT.  It was another deflating loss for Ottawa and also their 20th defeat in their last 25 games!  While the Senators are wrapping up a miserable season, the Predators are in the middle of a sprint to the finish over the last six weeks of the regular season as they are very much alive in the playoff race.  Nashville has a big scheduling edge here as they were off both Sunday and Monday.  The Predators also have revenge here as they lost at Ottawa 5-4 in December.  With Marcus Hogberg having gotten the call against the Blue Jackets last night, Craig Anderson is expected to get the start in goal for the Senators tonight.  Anderson is 4-8-1 with a 3.57 GAA in his 15 road games (14 starts) this season.  The Predators will have a huge edge in goal whether they use Pekka Rinne or Juuse Saros.  Both have been great recently and that is why Nashville has allowed only 2.5 goals per game in its last 11 games.  The Predators have averaged nearly 4 goals per game in their last 8 victories.  The Senators have averaged about 1.5 goals per game in their last 16 losses.  Based on the huge edges here it comes as no surprise that the Predators are a -330 favorite on the money line.  Where the value lies in a situation like this is the puck line and with Ottawa likely to be held to just 1 or 2 goals and the Predators likely to score 4 or more goals (see recent averages noted above), we have no hesitation in investing in the puck line (-1.5 goals) in this one.  Per our computer math model, this one is forecast to be a revenging home blowout Tuesday.  Laying the 1.5 goals with Nashville is the value play here.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Minnesota Wild money line (-) over St Louis Blues, Sunday at 7:35 PM ET

The Wild lost their first game on home ice after the coaching change but they then went on a quick 2-game road trip to western Canada and won both games.  Now, back on home ice again, Minnesota is hungry to give their new head coach his first home win.  The Wild are catching the Blues at the right time too.  St Louis is off a huge 5-1 win at Dallas Friday.  Prior to that road win, the Blues had lost 9 of their last 10 games away from home!  In other words, home ice absolutely does mean something here.  That plus the situational edge (Blues were in revenge mode against the Stars) has us siding with the home team here.  Per our computer math model, a dominating home win is on tap here as the Wild are now the team playing with revenge and they get payback tonight for having lost each of the first two meetings between these clubs this season.  Bet Minnesota on the money line in evening Sunday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Nashville Predators money line (-) over Chicago Blackhawks, Friday at 8:35 PM ET

This is a classic case of hot versus not.  The Blackhawks have lost 7 of their past 8 games.  The Predators are off a loss but had won 7 of 10 games preceding that defeat.  Nashville was left for dead in terms of playoff picture as of a few weeks ago but they have battled all the way back and won't let one loss slow them down.  After a home loss to a desperate Carolina team, look for the Preds to bounce right back here.  Nashville has won 2 of 3 match-ups with the Blackhawks this season and those two wins came by a combined score of 8 to 2.  The Predators have won their last two visits to Chicago by a combined score of 9 to 5.  The Blackhawks have lost 5 of their last 7 home games.  The Preds have won 7 of their past 10 road games.  Per our computer math model, the home ice "edge" will play out as no "edge" in tonight's meeting so take advantage of the line value with the short road favorite.  Bet Nashville on the money line in late evening Friday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Washington Capitals Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Montreal Canadiens, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

The Capitals are angry off back to back losses.  Only once this season have the Caps lost when they entered a game off consecutive losses.  Since that lone 3-game losing streak this season, Washington is a perfect 5-0 when they enter a game off back to back losses.  Of course it is not surprising to find out then that the Capitals are a very large money line favorite here.  Where value lies is with the puck line.  By laying the 1.5 goals with the Caps we get plus money on the puck line in the +135 range.  Per our computer math model, this win will come by a margin of 2 or more goals.  The slumping Canadiens are off a loss at Detroit!  The Red Wings are the worst team in the league and the Habs let a 2-goal lead slip away in that one!  Montreal has lost 16 of their past 25 games and that includes 5 straight defeats entering this match-up at DC.  The Canadiens have allowed 4 goals per game in their last 10 defeats.  The Capitals have scored an average of 4.4 goals per game in their last 10 victories.  Look for the Caps to get to 4 or 5 goals here while Montreal - averaging just 2 goals per game in their last 7 games - continues to struggle to score goals. The final kicker is that the Capitals did lose at home to the Canadiens earlier this season.  They then got some revenge with a 4-2 win at Montreal in the next meeting but they still want payback for a rare home ice loss handed to them by the Habs here way back in November.  This one is forecast to be a home blowout Thursday.  Laying the 1.5 goals with Washington is the value play here.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON St Louis Blues Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over New Jersey Devils, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Devils are expected to start Louis Domingue here.  When Mackenzie Blackwood has started between the pipes New Jersey has been very competitive.  However, in Dominque's last 4 starts the Devils are 0-4 and he has allowed 14 goals in his last 3 starts!  St Louis allowed a late goal at Nashville Saturday and that was the deciding goal in a tough 2-1 loss.  The Blues need to snap their losing streak and this is the perfect opportunity to do it.  St Louis is facing a struggling goalie and they are on home ice and Jordan Binnington is expected to get the start in the crease for the Blues.  Binnington is 16-4-5 with a 2.29 GAA in his home starts this season.  Of course St Louis is a very price-heavy fave in this spot but we get around that by utilizing the puck line in this match-up.  The Blues must win by 2 or more goals but then there is no juice to lay in this match-up.  14 of the last 20 wins for St Louis have come by 2 or more goals.  20 of the Devils last 28 losses have come by 2 or more goals.  Laying the 1.5 goals with St Louis is the value play here.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Washington Capitals money line (+) over Vegas Golden Knights, Monday at 6:05 PM ET

The Capitals are on the road here but have been playing great hockey overall away from home.  Additionally, Washington is off a loss and they are 8-0 the last 8 times they have entered a road game off a loss.  Suffice to say, we're happy to take the +120 underdog line value here with the Capitals sporting an 8-0 run when in this situation.  While it is true that Vegas enters this game off back to back home wins, both victories came by the slimmest of margins.  Also, this was preceded by an 0-4 run for the Golden Knights in home games and they lost those 4 games by an average margin of 2 goals per game.  The Knights have lost 7 of 11 games this season when they are off a game in which they held their opponent to 1 goal or less.  Including post-season action, the Capitals have won 6 of the last 7 meetings between these teams.  Per our computer math model, that series dominance continues here in the form of a road rout.  Bet Washington on the money line in early evening Monday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Buffalo Sabres versus Toronto Maple Leafs, Sunday at 7:05 PM ET

Jack Campbell has been playing well between the pipes for the Maple Leafs since they got him from Los Angeles.  However, the former Kings netminder was in between the pipes at Ottawa last night and that means Toronto will turn to Frederik Andersen in this back to back situation.  He only recently returned from a neck injury and, though he allowed "only" 3 goals versus Dallas, he faced only 19 shots.  Andersen giving up 3 goals only 19 shots is not a good sign.  In his last 4 road starts he has allowed an average of 3 goals per game but here he will face much more than 19 shots against a desperate Sabres team that is off consecutive wins and trying to make an upward trek through the standings.  Buffalo is well-rested here too and they will pepper Andersen with shots early and often in this one.  While Toronto was in action last night, the Sabres haven't played since Thursday, a 4-3 OT win versus Columbus.  That was the 4th time in 5 games that Buffalo has scored at least 3 goals.  The issue for the Sabres right now is in goal.  They are still without their #1 goalie, Linus Ullmark.  That has meant Carter Hutton has seen plenty of work but now even he is listed as questionable for playing in this one.  In fact the Sabres called up a goalie from the AHL in case they need another netminder for this one this evening.  The starter for Buffalo could be Jonas Johansson tonight and he has made just 2 NHL starts in his career.  The goalie Buffalo called up from Rochester is Andrew Hammond and he made only 5 NHL starts the past 3 seasons (and 0 last season).  The Sabres muddled goalie situation is particularly concerning when you consider that the Maple Leafs are one of the highest scoring teams in the league and enter this game having averaged 4 goals per game in their last 11 meetings with the Sabres.  Those match-ups have gone 8-3 to the over and, per our computer math model, the odds are very high in our favor that this one totals at least 7 or more once again!  Bet the OVER in Buffalo in NHL early evening action Sunday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Colorado Avalanche versus Los Angeles Kings, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

As we mentioned in our write-up on the over involving the most recent Los Angeles game, opponents will take advantage of a Kings team willing to take risks in their game as they're going for more speed in their game even if that leads to some odd man rushes going the other way on turnovers.  When you have the worst record in the Western Conference you're willing to take risk.  Los Angeles, even after the win versus the Flames Wednesday, has lost 10 of 12 games and the Kings have given up an average of 3.9 goals in their last 8 defeats.  This total is set at only 6 goals and offers strong value for the over.  The total is set low because Los Angeles has not scored well in recent weeks but their win (5 to 3) over the Flames Wednesday gives them some momentum heading into this outdoor game taking place in Colorado Springs Saturday.  The weather is confirmed to be ideal for this early evening game in Colorado and the Avalanche are ready to explode on the ice after a 3-2 home loss to Washington Thursday.  The Avalanche had scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 9 games preceding the loss to the Capitals.  3 of the last 5 games between these teams saw the winning team tally 7 goals.  Per our computer math model, these teams are certainly expected to at least combine for 7 goals here!  Bet the OVER in Colorado in NHL early evening action Saturday 

ASA NHL PLAY 8* ON Winnipeg Jets money line (-) over San Jose Sharks, Friday at 7:05 PM ET

Both teams off disappointing losses but there is a big difference here.  For the Sharks this has been a recurring pattern but for the Jets it has certainly not been the case.  Winnipeg outshot the Rangers by solid margin in their Tuesday home loss.  This was preceded by a 4-0-1 stretch for the Jets as they earned at least a point in the standings in 5 straight games.  Winnipeg entered Tuesday's game having allowed 2 or less goals in 6 straight games.  The Sharks have lost 19 of their past 28 games.  San Jose has allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of their last 9 games.  In 5 of those 7 games the Sharks allowed at least 4 goals.  The Jets have certainly been getting better goaltending than San Jose.  Also Winnipeg has won 10 of 13 games this season when they are off a game in which they scored just 1 goal or were shutout.  The Jets have won 5 of last 7 meetings between these teams including both meetings this season.  That makes this a revenge game for the Sharks but the recent series dominance is expected to continue per our computer math model.  San Jose has lost 19 of 29 games this season when playing with revenge.  The simple fact?  The Jets are the better team and are playing the better hockey and they have the Sharks number!  Bet Winnipeg on the money line in early evening Friday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Arizona Coyotes money line (-) over Ottawa Senators, Thursday at 7:35 PM ET

The Coyotes have struggled but they have played much better in their last two games and had the game winning OT goal taken away in their OT loss at Toronto Tuesday.  Suffice to say, Arizona will be ready to go as they continue to fight to move up the standings in their quest for a playoff spot.  The Coyotes feel cheated that they didn't get the full two points against the Maple Leafs.  While Arizona was already in Canada on Tuesday, the struggling Senators were south and west in Colorado getting pounded by the Avalanche in a 3-0 loss.  Ottawa has now lost 16 of 18 games.  As a result, we see huge line value here with the Coyotes as a small road favorite.  Per our computer math model, Arizona will earn the lions share of the quality scoring chances in this game.  The Coyotes have picked up at a least a point in the standings in 5 of their past 7 games.  Arizona has averaged 2.6 goals per game in their last 5 games while the Sens have averaged scoring only 1.2 goals per game in their last 5 games.  Ottawa has lost 10 of its past 11 home games.  The Coyotes roll to a road win here.  Bet Arizona on the money line in early evening Thursday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Los Angeles Kings versus Calgary Flames, Wednesday at 10:05 PM ET

The Flames are off back to back 6-2 wins and should keep rolling at Los Angeles tonight.  The Kings are wanting to get a little more speed in their game and, though that hasn't translated to many goals yet, there could be a breakthrough tonight now that they are back on home ice after a road trip back east.  LA will take advantage of a Flames team that has allowed an average of 3.8 goals per game in regulation time of its 8 games since mid-January.  Calgary has scored an average of 5 goals per game in its last 3 road games and will take advantage of a Kings team willing to take risks in its game as they're going for more speed in their game even if that leads to some odd man rushes going the other way on turnovers.  When you have the worst record in the Western Conference you're willing to take risk.  Los Angeles has lost 10 of 11 games and the Kings have given up an average of 3.9 goals in their last 8 defeats.  This total is set at only 5.5 goals and offers strong value for the over.  The total is set low because Los Angeles has not scored well in recent weeks but they're going to take advantage of the Flames D-zone in a clear let-down spot after back to back dominating road wins by a count of 6-2 each in their last two games.  Not only is the over 3-1 in he last 4 meetings between these teams but those 3 games all totaled 7 or more goals.  Per our computer math model, a similar result of 7 goals is expected here and we only need 6 to end up with a winning ticket!  We'll take it!  Bet the OVER in Los Angeles in NHL late night action Wednesday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: New Jersey Devils versus Florida Panthers, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Devils Mackenzie Blackwood has been on fire between the pipes.  However, New Jersey is expected to start Louis Dominque between the pipes for this one and save Blackwood for Thursday's game against the Red Wings.  That is noteworthy to say the least because Dominque has gone 0-4 in his last 4 starts and allowed an average of 3.5 goals in those appearances.  Also, he and the Devils are facing an angry Panthers team that wasted a number of great scoring chances in their 4-1 loss at Philadelphia last night.  Indeed Florida should score plenty tonight in a bounce back game.  The problem for the Panthers tonight will be keeping the puck out of their own net though.  That's because their choices in goal are Sergei Bobrovsky in a back to back or using their current #2 goalie Samuel Montembeault.  Neither of those two options is appealing as Bobrovsky should not play in a back to back as he is only recently back from injury himself.  As for Montembeault, he has struggled this season and has only made 5 starts among his 9 appearances at the NHL level this season.  Not only have the last 3 meetings between these teams all gone over the total, they averaged a total of 8 goals scored per game.  Per our computer math model, another high-scoring match-up between these clubs is likely tonight.  Per the above, it is the perfect situation for a wild one in New Jersey.  Bet the OVER in New Jersey in NHL early evening action Tuesday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Montreal Canadiens versus Arizona Coyotes, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

This is a great spot for the Coyotes to get back on track.  They catch the Canadiens off a key divisional win (versus Maple Leafs) and with another key divisional game (versus Bruins) on deck.  However, while we do look for Arizona to take advantage of facing Montreal in a situation where defensive focus may not be at its best, the Coyotes goal-tending situation is a major concern.  Considering that as well as the fact that the Habs are hot right now and playing with confidence, this one very easily could turn into a back and forth battle with more goals than most are expecting.  The Coyotes had to turn to Adin Hill in their game Saturday at Boston because Antti Raanta got hurt.  Raanta is dealing with a lower body injury and that also is what has kept goalie Darcy Kuemper on the shelf too as he has been out since December.  Kuemper has been upgraded to questionable for tonight's game but he'll be rusty if he plays.  If Raanta plays he is not 100% after the injury he suffered.  Also, since Kuemper went down with injury neither Raanta or Hill truly "emerged" either.  In the last 6 starts made by Hill the Coyotes ended up allowing 3 or more goals in each.  Raanta has allowed 3 or more goals in each of his last 5 road starts.  The over is 3-0 in Arizona's last 3 road games.  The Canadiens have rival Boston on deck and this season they have allowed 14 goals in 3 games when they have the Bruins up next.  It is a clear look-ahead spot and should lead to plenty of goals here as the Coyotes are seeking to avenge a 4-1 home loss to Montreal earlier this season.  Even though Canadiens goalie Carey Price has been playing well, he has struggled too in this situation (Bruins on deck) this season.  Also, Montreal is 9-5 to the over when on a winning streak of 3 or more games.  Arizona is 10-5 to the over this season when they are off a game in which they allowed at least 4 goals.  Bet the OVER in Montreal in NHL early evening action Monday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Colorado Avalanche money line (-) over Minnesota Wild, Sunday at 7:35 PM ET

Double revenge game for the Avalanche as Pavel Francouz and the Avs lost at home to the Wild 6-4 in December which followed a 3-2 Colorado loss at Minnesota in November.  The Avalanche are now one of the hottest teams in the league for a long-time and Francouz has been dominant between the pipes in road games all season long.  Francouz is 6-2 with a ridiculous .947 save percentage in his 8 road starts this season!  The Wild are starting Devan Dubnyk in this one.  Dubnyk has an .862 save percentage in his last 4 starts and has been charged with 17 goals in those 4 appearances.  Compare that to Francouz who has allowed just 14 goals in 9 road games (8 starts) this season!  Huge edge in between the pipes here and, per our computer math model, Colorado is set to win this one in a road rout and avenge that December home loss!  In road games with a total set at 6 or more goals, the Avalanche have won 15 of 23 games this season.  Even though this is a back to back spot for the Avs, the revenge angle and goalie edge key this game.  Plus the Wild are off a tight divisional win and Minnesota has lost 10 of 15 this season when off a divisional game.  Bet Colorado on the money line in early evening Sunday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Philadelphia Flyers money line (+) over Washington Capitals, Saturday at 7:05 PM ET

The Flyers are off a very unusual game.  For one thing it was a shutout home ice loss which is very rare.  However, the result was quite surprising too when you consider that Philadelphia lost 5-0 despite a 46-19 edge in shots on goal.  Per our computer math model, the Flyers are poised to bounce back here and get a better end result for their efforts at Washington.  The Flyers are 4-0 their last 4 when they are entering a game off a loss.  Also, Philadelphia had won 7 of 10 games prior to their home loss to the Devils.  While Philly is off an ugly loss the Capitals are off a game in which they (in particular Alex Ovechkin) rallied for a 4-2 win over the Kings.  Los Angeles actually looked like the right side for much of that game.  Washington was able to come back against a bad LA team but they won't be so fortunate against a highly motivated division rival in this one.  The Capitals have lost 4 of their past 7 divisional home games and are over-priced here.  As a result, the big dog Flyers are offering value here that is too strong to ignore when one factors in the situation leading into this game as well.  Bet Philadelphia on the money line in early evening Saturday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Toronto Maple Leafs versus Anaheim Ducks, Friday at 7:05 PM ET

The Maple Leafs are without their #1 goalie Frederik Andersen due to injury and that is part of the reason they just acquired Jack Campbell from the LA Kings.  Of course that puts Campbell in a high-pressure spot here.  By no means is he the #1 guy here in Toronto nor has he ever been the #1 guy in his young NHL career.  However, now he goes from playing for a Los Angeles team that is wrapping up a disappointing season as the worst team in the Western Conference to suddenly being thrust into a playoff-pressure situation in hockey-crazed Toronto.  Campbell will have a ton of pressure on him in this home ice start tonight because the Leafs certainly are not known for being solid in terms of their defense in front of their netminders.  The sub-par Maple Leafs defensive work is part of the reason that Toronto has allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their last 11 games.  The Ducks also are familiar with facing goalie Jack Campbell because he was in his 4th season with Los Angeles.  Anaheim will turn to Ryan Miller tonight in goal because they used their #1 guy, John Gibson, last night at Montreal.  That means we have a match-up of back-up goaltenders here and Miller has a history of struggling badly against the Maple Leafs.  In fact, in his last 4 starts at Toronto Miller has allowed at least 4 goals in all 4 starts including 6 in each of his last two starts there!  With the Maple Leafs off back to back 5-3 losses, they won't take their foot off the gas in this one and they should put plenty past Miller.  The Leafs have scored an average of 4.1 goals per game in regulation time their past 21 games!  This is the Ducks 4th straight road game and 9 of 11 Anaheim games this season have gone over the total when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on enemy ice.  Speaking of a 9-2 totals run, the Maple Leafs last 11 games have resulted in only 2 unders and 9 overs.  Per our computer math model, this one sees at least 7 pucks find the back of the net!  Bet the OVER in Toronto in NHL early evening action Friday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Pittsburgh Penguins money line (+) over Tampa Bay Lightning, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

This one is all about the value.  The line value here with the big dog Penguins is simply too strong to ignore.  There are a dozen games on a busy Thursday night slate of NHL action.  8 of the 12 games have big lines.  However, 6 of the 8 big dogs are teams at or very near dead last in their divisions.  We're talking about teams like Ottawa, Detroit, San Jose, Anaheim, Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Winnipeg.  The ONLY exception is Pittsburgh.  The Pens have 71 points on the season to rank among the top teams in the NHL.  Of course the Lightning are at home for this game and, just like the Penguins, the Bolts have also been red hot.  However, Tampa Bay's home ice record is only slightly better than Pittsburgh's road record.  This line is simply priced too high because Andrei Vasliveskiy has indeed been hot between the pipes for TB but note that the Pens have also been getting solid goaltending.  Matt Murray was spectacular in the win over the Capitals on Sunday.  Having been off for 3 straight days, the Penguins hold the rest edge here as the Lightning will be playing for the 4th time in 7 days.  Pittsburgh has won 15 of 21 when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games.  Also, the Penguins have won 17 of 25 this season when playing with revenge.  Additionally, while the Pens have won 14 of 23 games against teams with a winning record this season Tampa Bay Bay has lost 14 of 26 games against teams with a losing record on the season.  Upset alert down in Tampa!  We'll gladly grab the +150 price with the dangerous dog in this one.  Bet Pittsburgh on the money line in early evening Thursday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON UNDER: Tampa Bay Lightning versus Vegas Golden Knights, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

Marc-Andre Fleury and Andrei Vasilevskiy - the expected goalie match-up for this one and it should be quite the duel.  The Golden Knights have been playing a much more defensive-minded, conservative game since Peter DeBoer took over for Gerard Gallant as head coach a few weeks ago.  Vegas allowed just 19 shots on goal (and Fleury stopped all 19) in a dominating win at Nashville on Saturday.  Fleury has allowed 3 or less goals in 5 of his last 6 starts.  Speaking of strong goal-tending, Vasilevskiy was the most dominant netminder in the NHL in the month of January.  He went 9-0-1 with a 1.58 GAA and a .948 save percentage.  He is the most dominant goalie in the game right now and he is back on home ice.  Vasilevskiy has not lost a game in regulation in 16 straight starts and has held opponents to 3 or less goals in 10 straight starts.  Last season he compiled a 1.92 GAA in his two starts against Vegas.  Fleury has allowed a total of only 11 goals in his last 5 starts against Tampa Bay.  The Knights, as noted above, have been a different team with DeBoer at the helm.  The total set on this game is a 6.5 and yet Vegas has seen 5 of their past 7 games total 6 or less goals.  7 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games have totaled 6 or less goals.  It is getting to that time of year when teams are starting to play a little more defensive-minded hockey as playoff races are heating up.  Tampa Bay is in a battle with the Bruins for the top spot in the Atlantic Division while Vegas is in a fierce battle to retain a top 3 spot in the Pacific Division.  Look for goals to be at a premium in this game as Fleury and Vasilevskiy continue their strong play between the pipes.  When Vegas is off a shutout win the under has cashed in their very next game 14 of 21 times!  The Lightning are also off a shutout win at San Jose Saturday.  When Tampa Bay is off a shutout win the under has cashed in their very next game 13 of 16 times!  Also, the under has cashed in 5 of 6 times this season when the Lightning are playing with 2 days of rest between games.  Bet the UNDER in Tampa Bay in NHL early evening action Tuesday   

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Washington Capitals versus Pittsburgh Penguins, Sunday at 12:35 PM ET

With their OT win over the Flyers on Friday, the Penguins have now allowed at least 3 goals in 3 straight games.  The Capitals are off a high-scoring win at Ottawa Friday.  The Capitals have now allowed an average of 3.5 goals per game their last 4 games.  Washington has scored an average of 4.8 goals per game their last 5 games and are loaded with firepower.  Of course the Penguins are well known for their firepower up front too.  This is especially true now that Sidney Crosby is back after an extended absence.  It is a divisional battle, it is Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals hosting Crosby and the Penguins.  Entertainment value off the charts for this early TV game on Super Bowl Sunday and, per our computer math model, there will be goals aplenty in this one.  Both hockey clubs have been a little weak between the pipes in recent games and there are plenty of sharpshooters to take advantage in this key Metro Division battle.  Look for the lamp to be lit early and often in this one.  Pittsburgh's games are on a 6-3 run to the over.  Washington's games are 19-7 to the over this season when the Capitals are off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Bet the OVER in Washington in NHL action early Sunday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Vancouver Canucks money line (+) over New York Islanders, Saturday at 1:05 PM ET

This is a great spot to back Vancouver and a horrible spot for the Islanders even though New York is on home ice.  While Vancouver has already played twice since the All Star break, this is the Islanders first game since Tuesday January 21st.  Also, New York does not have another game until Tuesday which means this is their only game in a span of two weeks.  The Islanders are sure to be rusty as a result.  As for the Canucks, there is no rust here as they have come roaring right out of the All Star break with back to back wins by a combined score of 7 to 3.  Vancouver has now won 4 straight games and 13 of 16.  This is in stark contrast to the recent performance of the Islanders as they have been enduring an overall losing stretch including, surprisingly, losing 7 of their past 9 home games!  Home ice means very little in this one and the Canucks are in the much better situation plus offering plus money odds in the 120 range for this one.  We'll take it!  Bet Vancouver on the money line in early afternoon Saturday hockey action.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Tampa Bay Lightning Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Los Angeles Kings, Wednesday at 10:05 PM ET

Teams that have played a game after the All Star break have a big edge over teams that haven't played.  We saw that last night with St Louis off a loss in their first game back and then winning at Calgary (a team that hadn't played).  Also Ottawa upset the Sabres last night and the fact that Buffalo hadn't played and was rusty was a big factor as the Senators had played the night before and it showed.  That makes this situation a particularly strong one because one of the best teams in the league (Tampa Bay) is taking on one of the worst teams in the league (Los Angeles).  The Kings have not played since Saturday the 18th so this is a span of more than a week and a half off!  As for the Lightning, they played Monday at Dallas and suffered an overtime loss against the Stars.  As their coach noted, Tampa Bay was sloppy in their first game back and made mistakes.  This has been a key theme for all the teams coming back from extended time off.  We expect it to be no different for the Kings tonight and Tampa Bay, already having a game under their belts, will take full advantage.  Los Angeles has lost 11 of its past 14 games!  The Kings scored an average of only 1.6 goals per game in those 11 defeats.  Now the rusty Kings will be tasked with trying to stop an angry Tampa Bay team that had won 12 of 14 games prior to the loss to the Stars.  The Lightning have scored an average of 4.5 goals per game in those 12 victories!  You can see this is a mismatch and, of course, that is why Tampa Bay is a 2 to 1 favorite on the money line.  Where we get the value is by playing the Lightning on the puck line and laying the 1.5 goals for a plus money price in return!  4 of Tampa's last 6 road wins have come by a margin of 2 or more goals.  4 of the Kings last 5 home losses have come by a multiple-goal margin.  Also, Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy had won 10 straight starts prior to the OT loss at Dallas.  The Lightning have been getting fantastic goal-tending.  Laying the 1.5 goals (and getting a comeback price, currently in +120 range) with Tampa Bay is the value play here.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Nashville Predators versus Toronto Maple Leafs, Monday at 8:05 PM ET

The Maple Leafs rank in the top 5 in the league for goal scoring this season.  However, Toronto also ranks among the bottom 5 in the league when it comes to goals against average!  As a result, we look for a very high-scoring game at Nashville Monday evening.  In the first game after the All Star break, teams can be a little sloppy with the puck.  This results in turnovers which can lead to odd man rushes and, overall, better scoring opportunities than usual in a game.  That certainly helps the cause here and we like the fact that the Maple Leafs have scored an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 19 games!  Toronto also has allowed an average of 5 goals per game in its last 6 games.  The total has gone 5-1 to the over in the Maple Leafs last 6 games.  That is not surprising given those numbers.  Both of these teams have struggled badly on the penalty kill this season.  The Leafs are out for revenge as they were shutout in both meetings withe Predators last season.  While Toronto has a great shot at getting revenge here, we don't trust their play in front of their own net and expect the Preds to match them goal for goal in this one.  Per our computer math model there is high likelihood that each team gets to 3 goals in this one.  With the total set at 6.5 goals that would guarantee that this one turns into a winning ticket.  The Predators enter this game having lost 7 of their past 11 games and they allowed 4 or more goals in all 7 of those defeats.  The O/U is 3-1 this season when Toronto is playing with 3 or more days of rest between games.  The O/U is 4-0 this season when the Preds are playing with 3 or more days of rest between games.  Look for those trends to hold true again tonight on Monday.  Bet the OVER in Nashville in NHL action Monday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Chicago Blackhawks versus Florida Panthers, Tuesday at 8:35 PM ET

Fantastic set-up here.  Both these teams have been piling up wins and goals and we're certainly in for a spirited battle Tuesday.  That's because Panthers coach Joel Quenneville is making his return to the United Center.  He led the Blackhawks to 3 Stanley Cup Championships during his tenure in Chicago and ranks 2nd on the all time list of NHL wins.  Quenneville has done a great job in Florida and the Panthers enter this game surging as they won again last night.  However, Florida has a goalie issue tonight because Sergei Bobrovsky was in between the pipes last night and Chris Driedger is out with an injury.  That means that Bobrovsky, whom did allow 4 goals at Minnesota last night, or Sam Montembeault - whom is the #3 goalie - will be between the pipes tonight.  Neither option is a good one as Bobrovsky just got back from injury and rarely ever starts in back to back games.  As for Montembeault, he allowed 3 goals in a back-up role in his most recent appearance.  Prior to that, in his last 3 starts Montembeault allowed 5 goals in each start.  The Panthers will be trying to contain a red hot Blackhawks team.  Chicago has won 5 straight games and scored 4 or more goals in 4 of the 5 wins.  Florida has also won 5 straight games and they have scored at least 4 goals in all 5 games  Per our computer math model a 5-4 game has a solid probability of occurring.  Of course it only takes a 4-3 win to make this play a winner as the total is currently 6.5 goals as of mid-day Tuesday.  The two meetings between these teams last season each totaled 9 goals!   In non-conference games the Panthers are 45-25 to the over including 12-3 this season.  Blackhawks home games are on a 3-0 run to the over.  We see every reason to believe that streak reaches 4-0 tonight.  Bet the OVER in Chicago in NHL action Tuesday 

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Winnipeg Jets over Chicago Blackhawks, Sunday at 7:05 PM ET

Fantastic set-up here.  The Jets are off an ugly 7-1 home loss to the Lightning Friday.  The Blackhawks are off a huge 6-2 win at Toronto last night.  Winnipeg has the rest edge as a result and they also come into this one angry just like the Bolts were angry when they crushed the Jets on Friday night.  Now Winnipeg turns the tables and is on the right end of a blowout against a Blackhawks team they've dominated.  The only recent exception was the last game between these two clubs when Chicago prevailed 4-1 even though it was the 4th straight game in which the Jets outshot the Blackhawks.  Prior to that Chicago win, Winnipeg had won 6 straight meetings between these teams.  The Jets have won each of their last three meetings with the Blackhawks in Chicago.  Also, Winnipeg had averaged scoring 4.5 goals per game in that 6-0 run against Chicago.  The Jets have won 8 of 9 games this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less.  The Blackhawks have lost 9 of 14 divisional games this season.  Bet Winnipeg in NHL action Sunday  

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON San Jose Sharks over Vancouver Canucks, Saturday at 10:05 PM ET

The Sharks had been rolling prior to this road trip.  San Jose was back on track with wins in 6 of 9 games.  Now the Sharks have begun this road trip by losing a pair of games by a combined score of 10 to 3.  After those ugly losses, and with this being their final game prior to the All Star break, San Jose will respond with one of their best games of the season tonight.  If Dell gets the start between the pipes, he has a .927 save percentage in his last 4 starts.  If Jones is in the crease, the Sharks are 6-3 in his divisional starts this season.  The teams have split their first two games this season and that makes San Jose 8-3 in their last 11 games against Vancouver.  The Canucks are off a 3-1 win over the Coyotes but, prior to that strong effort on defense, Vancouver had allowed an average of 4.4 goals in 5 games.  The Sharks have the better penalty kill in this match-up and the Canucks power play has been in an extended slump.  San Jose has won 56 of their last 92 divisional games.  With the Sharks off back to back ugly losses and Vancouver off a big divisional win, another strong trend comes into play here.  When the Canucks are off a divisional game they have lost 46 of 71 times!  Per our computer math model, the road dog gets the upset win here as Vancouver proves unable to duplicate the effort they just had versus Arizona Thursday.  Bet San Jose in NHL action Saturday  

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Los Angeles Kings at Florida Panthers, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

The Kings have been instructed by their head coach to play faster and with more aggression.  The result has been 2 of their 3 games on this road trip totaling 7 goals.  With Los Angeles facing one of the highest scoring teams in the league - and also a team that currently has a goalie issue - another game with plenty of scoring is likely on Thursday.  Florida is expected to again be without starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky tonight.  The means Sam Montembeault (5 goals allowed in each of his last 3 starts) or Chris Driedger (4 goals allowed in 3 of his last 4 starts) are the two options here for the Panthers.  Neither of those options yield much in the way of confidence in the Florida crease   However, what does yield confidence for the Panthers is the way they've been playing in the offensive zone.  Florida's offensive production has been particularly lethal on home ice.  The Panthers are 6-1 in their last 7 home games and Florida has averaged scoring 5.4 goals per game in its past 7 home games.  The Panthers have allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their past 6 home games.  Our computer math model is projecting this game to end with 8 goals with projections ranging from a 4-3 to a 5-4 game.  Either way, seeing 7 or more goals in this one seems quite likely and the over is 7-0 in Florida's last 7 games as a host.  We look for the high-scoring trend to again hold true tonight  as the over streak reaches 8 in a row.  Bet the OVER in the Florida Panthers game in early evening NHL action Thursday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Penguins will have Sidney Crosby back in the lineup tonight for the first time in two months.  Look for him to provide a huge spark for the Pens on home ice.  Note that already, even without Crosby, Pittsburgh games have featured plenty of scoring of late. The Penguins last 3 games have all reached a total of 7 goals and those were on the road.  Now Pittsburgh is back on home ice where their last 5 games have averaged 7.2 goals per game.  The Penguins have allowed 3 or more goals in 4 straight games.  The Wild have had one shutout win in their last 10 games but in the other 9 games they have allowed an average of 4 goals per game.  Per our computer math model, each team has a high probability of getting to at least the 3 goal mark in this one.  With a total set at 6 goals for this one, Crosby coming back, and strong odds of a no less than a 4-3 final...this is a situation that earned our top game rating.  The first meeting between these teams this season totaled 11 goals and the Penguins have averaged scoring 4.5 goals per game in their last 4 games against the Wild.  Pittsburgh is 19-11 to the over when on a winning streak of 3 or more games.  This season the Penguins are a perfect 3-0 to the over when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road.  They are going to make the most of this opportunity on home ice and Crosby is coming back to a rousing celebration here at PPG Paints Arena.  The result will be plenty of scoring in this non-conference match-up.  Bet the OVER in the Pittsburgh Penguins game in early evening NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Carolina Hurricanes over Washington Capitals, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

Lot of value with the road dog here.  The Capitals finally got revenge for last season's playoff ouster the last time they met the Hurricanes.  Now this is the final meeting between these clubs this season and, of course, that has Carolina seeking revenge after they lost 4-3 to Washington in the most recent meeting.  This is a classic case of hot versus not as Carolina has won 3 straight games and also has been getting strong goal-tending.  As for Washington, they are off B2B losses by a combined score of 8-3.  Also, going further back, the Capitals have lost 4 of their past 7 games and have allowed an average of nearly 4 goals per game during this 7-game stretch.  The Hurricanes have been at their best against top competition this season as they have won 12 of their 17 games played against teams with a winning record.  Washington has lost 4 of its last 5 divisional games.  The lone exception was when the Capitals won at Carolina on the 3rd of this month.  That Washington victory was preceded by 4 straight Hurricanes wins in meetings between these teams and, per our computer math model, they resume that dominance here.  Bet Carolina in NHL action Monday  

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Buffalo Sabres over Detroit Red Wings, Sunday at 5:05 PM ET

We successfully used Detroit on Friday as they gutted out a shootout win over Ottawa.  However, they go from facing a struggling Senators team to now facing an angry Sabres team that has shown plenty of potential at times this season.  Buffalo has been up and down and was playing roughly ".500 hockey" for a 4 week period prior to getting roughed up in their last two games.  Losing those games by a combined score of 11 to 4 has the Sabres fully focused here and they have won each of their last 3 visits to Detroit including thrashing the Red Wings by a combined score of 9 to 1 in the past two meetings in Detroit.  The Red Wings enter this game off back to back wins and that is certainly worthy of note as Detroit has managed 3 straight wins just ONCE this entire season and we're now in the 4th month of the season.  Keep in mind, prior to these back to back wins Detroit had gone through a long stretch that had seem them lose 33 of 40 games from October 12th to January 5th.  In other words, the Sabres are offering great line value here as a rather short road favorite.  Given the situation with a focused and fired up Sabres team, we'll lay the price!  Bet Buffalo in NHL action Sunday  

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Detroit Red Wings over Ottawa Senators, Friday at 7:35 PM ET

The Red Wings hold a big edge in goal tonight as Jonathan Bernier is expected to get the start.  He has a .923 save percentage at home this season and also a .936 save percentage in his last 4 starts.  The Senators, on the other hand, have had issues in goal without Anders Nilsson (out with a concussion).  Ottawa has not found an answer between the pipes with either Marcus Hogberg or Craig Anderson.  This is why, even though both these teams have struggled recently and it may seem tough to back either one, the reality is that the  Red Wings have Bernier and a home ice edge here and that will prove to be the difference.  Detroit has allowed an average of 2.6 goals per game in its last 5 games.  Ottawa has allowed 4 or more goals in 9 of its last 10 games.  That is an incredible run of futility for the Senators in their own zone. Per our computer math model, Ottawa struggles again in that regard here and loses its 6th straight game.  Bet Detroit in NHL evening action Friday  

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Nashville Predators over Chicago Blackhawks, Thursday at 8:35 PM ET

We successfully played against Nashville with a Top Play on Tuesday as it was a horrible situation for the Predators and, indeed, they would go on to get rolled by the Bruins.  Part of the bad situation was the coaching staff was in a state of flux with little time to prepare for the Boston game.  Now, with the coaching change having been completed and extra time to prepare for this game, this one falls into the category of a "play on situation" following a coaching change.  Teams often respond in a game immediately following a coaching change but on Tuesday, the time was too short after the Laviolette firing followed a West coast road trip and the Preds had little time to prepare.  Nashville will be ready to go tonight with Tynes behind the bench for this one and they'll take advantage of facing Chicago.  The Blackhawks have lost 8 of their past 12 home games.  The Predators have won 6 of their past 11 road games.  The Preds are favored on the road at Chicago for a reason and they will attract the sharp money tonight and that includes ours!  Lay it!  Bet Nashville in NHL evening action Thursday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Boston Bruins over Nashville Predators, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

This is a horrible spot for Nashville.  The Predators not only fired their head coach, Peter Laviolette, last night they also fired associate coach Kevin McCarthy.  Nashville just hired their new head coach, John Hynes, today.  This is a team in disarray coming back from a road trip out west as they just played Sunday evening in Anaheim also.  So they are on short rest with travel, the coaching staff is being shuffled, and they are facing a Bruins team that is angry off just their 2nd home regulation loss this season and seeking revenge too.  Yes Boston has not forgotten the 4-3 OT loss that Nashville handed them just before Christmas on home ice.  Now the Bruins look to return the favor on enemy ice at Nashville.  The Predators also have a divisional game on deck at Chicago while Boston has another non-conference game on deck.  The Bruins are off their first regulation loss in over 3 weeks and it was an ugly 4-1 defeat.  That is the type of loss that gets a team refocused and Boston gets a shot at revenge here too.  The Bruins power play has converted 27.3% this season while the Predators have converted only 16.8% this season.  On the penalty kill Boston has allowed opponents to convert only 14.2% while Nashville has allowed opponents to convert 25.8% with the man advantage.  The Bruins have won 33 of 46 when playing with 2 or more days of rest between games.  Boston has also won 21 of 30 after being held to 1 goal or less in their prior game.  The Predators have lost 9 of their last 13 games.  The Bruins rate the special teams edge and the situational edge here and the coaching situation for Nashville for this game is a mess.  Bet Boston in NHL evening action Tuesday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Anaheim Ducks over Nashville Predators, Sunday at 10:05 PM ET

The home team has dominated this series of late as the host had won 5 straight meetings entering this season and the first meeting of this season as well.  The average margin of victory in the last 6 games has been 2.2 goals and our computer math model is calling for another blowout win for the home team in this one.  Perfect situation as Anaheim enters this game off a loss Thursday while the Predators are off a road win Saturday.  Nashville is in a back to back spot while the Ducks are in a bounce back spot and have a significant rest edge.  The Ducks have struggled early this season but the Predators actually have lost 12 of 19 games against teams with a losing record this season.  In a home games with the total set at 5.5 goals by the bookmakers, the Ducks have won 52 of their last 84 games in this situation.  Bet Anaheim in NHL late night action Sunday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Detroit Red Wings at Dallas Stars, Friday at 8:35 PM ET

The Stars intensity on defense could be down a few notches for this one and how could you blame them?  Dallas is off a huge outdoors win in the game played at the Cotton Bowl on New Years Day.  A huge comeback win for the Stars and it was a highly anticipated game.  Now the Red Wings, having one of the worst records in the league, are paying a visit to Dallas.  This classic flat spot, in our strong opinion, is going to lead plenty of goals.  The Stars have been the comeback kids of late and, given the situation, don't be surprised if the Red Wings get out to an early lead here but then Dallas battles back for the win as that has been their "M O" of late.  Per our computer model this game is projected to get at least 6 goals and likely 7 before all is said and done.  With this total set at 5.5 goals there is great value on the over.  The Stars have seen 5 of their last 6 games totals 6 or more goals.  The Red Wings are off a shutout win but previously allowed an average of 4.2 goals per game their 6 prior games.  Though Detroit has struggled this season they have been more competitive recently and have not lost by a multiple goal margin in any of their past 3 games.  The over moves to 5-2 when the Red Wings enter a game off a shutout win.  The over moves to 6-1 in the Stars last 7 games.  Bet the OVER in the Dallas Stars game in evening NHL action Friday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Arizona Coyotes over St Louis Blues, Tuesday at 9:05 PM ET

The early line move here is on Arizona.  That is sharp money.  How do you know?  That is the case because St Louis has won 8 straight games and the Coyotes have lost 3 straight games and yet it is Arizona that is getting wagering attention.  We like the Coyotes here as they are ready to bounce back strong on home ice.  Arizona has lost each of its past two home games and they have not lost 3 consecutive home games this season.  Their overall 3-game losing streak is also unlikely to continue as they have never lost 4 straight games this season.  The Blues have big games on deck at Colorado and Vegas and might overlook the Coyotes here.  Per our computer math model, St Louis is going to drop to 1-3 this season when playing with home loss revenge.  Yes, Arizona beat the Blues earlier this season and that was actually the 5th Coyotes win in the last 6 meetings between these teams.  By the way, the last 6 meetings between these teams have had an average margin of 3.5 goals so look for a home blowout here.  The Coyotes are 7-1 this season after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. Bet Arizona in NHL evening action Tuesday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Arizona Coyotes over Dallas Stars, Sunday at 8:05 PM ET

The Stars are off a big win over the Avalanche last night in the shootout.  The Coyotes lost at Vegas last night 4-1.  That sets this one up perfectly for a play on Arizona.  The Coyotes are back at home off a loss while the Stars are back on the road after an emotional home win over a Colorado team that is among the best in the NHL this season.  The home team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams and, per the simulation report, that streak will reach 4-0 with another win by the host here.  The Coyotes have outshot the Stars in each of the last 3 games between these clubs.  The Stars had lost 4 of 6 prior to last night's win.  The Coyotes loss to the Golden Knights last night was the first time they have lost back to back games this month!  Dallas has lost 15 of 19 Sunday games including all 4 this season!  The Coyotes are a perfect 7-0 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin.  Bet Arizona in NHL evening action Sunday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

Tampa Bay ready to respond after a 3-1 loss at Washington Saturday.  However, the Lightning are likely to be challenged by the high-scoring division rival Panthers in this one.  The last meeting between these clubs was a tight 2-1 Bolts win but low-scoring games like that have been the exception rather than the norm in this series.  In fact, prior to that low-scoring win, the over was on an 8-1 run in match-ups between these rivals.  The Lightning did register 48 shots on goal in that 2 to 1 win and they'll be blasting pucks on net throughout this one as well.  Prior to their 3-1 loss at Washington Saturday, Tampa Bay's last 3 games had all totaled 7 or more goals.  The Panthers last 3 games have averaged a total of 8 goals.  Florida is one of the highest scoring teams in the league and the Lightning rank right behind them.  Both these hockey clubs rank in the top 5 in the league for goals per game.  Per our computer math model, 8 goals likely here and we're expecting a very high-scoring battle in this one.  Bet the OVER in the Lightning game in early evening NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Colorado Avalanche over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 9:05 PM ET

The Avalanche are offering tremendous line value here. This is a classic over-reaction by the marketplace based on situational viewpoint. This is a back to back spot for the Avalanche but they enter this game on a 9-1-1 run. Included in the 9-1-1 run is a perfect 2-0 mark when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. On deck for Colorado is the same Blackhawks team that they just beat so there is no lookahead here. In fact the Avalanche are going to be very focused here. Why? The Avs moved into the Pepsi Center for home games 20 years ago. Since that time they had NEVER lost to the Hurricanes in regulation of a game. That is, until last season! The Hurricanes not only beat the Avalanche but shut them out 3-0 at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche haven't forgotten and they are one of the best teams in the NHL this season and are particularly dangerous again with all key players back on the ice. Keep in mind Gabriel Landeskog and MIkko Rantanen had missed quite a bit of a time. With those guys back the Avs are as strong as they have been all season and that showed again in last night's 4-1 win at Chicago. While the Hurricanes are also playing well of late this is the final game of a 5-game road trip. Sometimes you'll see a team slip up in a spot like this because they've already had a successful trip and they're already thinking ahead to getting back home and facing an Eastern Conference foe rather than this non-conference match-up tonight. A big key here is likely to be the netminding also. The Hurricanes are likely to go with Petr Mrazek and he has a losing record on the road this season and has allowed 3 or more goals in 6 of his past 8 starts away from home. The Avs used their back-up goalie last night so that means Philipp Grubauer will get the start tonight. He had a rare tough start in his last game (versus the Stanley Cup champion Blues) and can't wait to get back on the ice. Grubauer has allowed an average of just 2 goals per start this season when off a game in which he allowed 4 or more goals. Also, at home this season he allowed 3 goals in his most recent start (a 7-3 win) and 2 or less goals in 4 of 6 home starts that preceded that one. Grubauer and the Avalanche are very tough on home ice and are being undervalued here. Per our computer math model, Colorado gets payback for the rare home shutout they were handed by Carolina late last season in March. In home games with a total set at 6 or more goals, the Avalanche have won 9 of 12 games this season. When the Hurricanes are off B2B wins by a multiple goal margin this season they have gone 0-3. After B2B blowout wins, that is the situation Carolina is in here and we look for the Canes to remain winless in that situation on the season. Bet Colorado Avalanche for a Top Play in NHL action Thursday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON New York Islanders over Nashville Predators, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Predators are in a tough back to back spot here.  Also, they used Juuse Saros between the pipes in last night's win over the Rangers.  He actually has been playing better than Pekka Rinne of late but it will be Rinne getting the start tonight most likely since this is a back to back spot.  Rinne has allowed 4 goals in back to back starts and, in fact, has allowed 4 or more goals in 7 of his last 10 starts.  In those 7 starts Rinne has allowed an average of 4.6 goals per game!  The Islanders play a very controlled-type game that tends to frustrate opponents.  It was very early last season when the Islanders had both their meetings with the Predators and that was when head coach Barry Trotz was still working in his systems with New York in the earliest stages of his first season as the new head coach.  Of course as the season went on the Islanders got stronger but they did suffer an early season sweep at the hands of Nashville and they are looking for payback here.  The Islanders have a big rest edge here as they enter this game having had 2 days off while the Predators are in a back-to-back.  The Islanders have won 3 straight games and they have won 9 of 11 this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games.  Also, the Islanders have won 6 of 7 this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games.  In home games with a total set at 5.5 goals, the Islanders are on a 25-8 run!  The stingy defense of the Islanders is why they lead the league with fewest goals allowed at 72 on the season.  The next closest team has allowed 80 goals.  The Predators, on the other hand, had allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of 6 games preceding last night's 5-2 win over the Rangers.  Nashville is 0-3 the last 3 times they've entered a game after allowing 2 or less goals in their prior game.  Not only a home ice edge and situational edge for the Islanders here, they also hold an edge in terms of special teams play as they have the better penalty kill and much better power play stats so far this season in comparison with the Predators.  Bet New York Islanders for a Top Play in NHL action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON New York Rangers over Anaheim Ducks, Saturday at 4:05 PM ET

The Rangers are playing quite well now and getting solid goaltending from both Georgiev and Lundqvist.  The result since mid-December has been a solid stretch in which New York has gone 8-4-1 in its past 13 games.  While the Rangers are feeling good and have a positive atmosphere evident with their hockey club right now, the Ducks are at the other end of the spectrum.  Anaheim's struggles have continued and they have lost 13 of their past 17 games.  That makes the opportunity to get the Rangers at plus money in this spot a "must play" situation as the Ducks just can't get any consistency going while, in comparison, the Rangers have been the much better team the last 3 to 4 weeks.  Anaheim has scored an average of only 2.6 goals per game their last 15 games.  The Rangers are averaging 4.3 goals per game their past 7 wins.  Per our computer math model, look for another big win for New York here as Anaheim continues to struggle to find the back of the net.  Bet New York Rangers money line in NHL action Saturday  

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON St Louis Blues over Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday at 8:05 PM ET

The St Louis Blues have endured their first streak of 3 consecutive regulation losses.  But things are about to change in a hurry.  The Blues are the defending Stanley Cup champs and they have been dealing with injuries and are now getting healthier.  Alexander Steen and Oskar Sundqvist both are likely to return tonight.  Also, Zach Sanford could be back on the ice for St Louis tonight as well.  On top of all that, the Blues are back on home ice where they are known for being particularly tough to beat.  Certainly Vegas knows all about that as they have never won here.  The Golden Knights are 0-3 all-time in games played at St Louis.  Vegas also might end up being a little flat here too emotionally.  Marc-Andre Fluery made his first start after a lengthy absence for bereavement leave and he had a great outing against the Blackhawks Tuesday night.  Everyone on the Golden Knights pulled together for that emotional win.  Now it is the hungry Blues that are likely to have the emotional edge in this one as they are emotionally charged up after the 3 straight regulation losses (only 1 was here in St Louis).  Look for a very strong effort from the Blues here.  They beat Malcom Subban and the Golden Knights 3-1 the last time these two clubs squared off.  The other two most recent wins (St Louis has beaten the Knights 3 straight times overall) came when Vegas had Fleury between the pipes and he allowed 9 goals in those two starts. In terms of the Blues netminding situation, they have allowed just 1 goal to Vegas in each of the last two meetings and that was once with Jake Allen and once with Jordan Binnington.  The point is that they are in good shape either way here.  The Golden Knights are 0-3 this season in road games with a total set at 5.5 goals by the odds makers.  Per our computer math model, the Blues improve to 4-0 all time when hosting the Knights.  Bet St Louis for a Top Play in NHL action Thursday  

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Winnipeg Jets Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Detroit Red Wings, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Red Wings are having a horrible season and now have lost 11 straight games.  That being said, the biggest fear in playing the Jets here is that they might overlook Detroit.  However, that is not going to happen in this case because this is the front end of a home and home set between these clubs.  Knowing their next game is on the road, Winnipeg (on a 6-1-1 run as a host) wants to make sure they take advantage of home ice here.  Knowing their next game is against the Red Wings, the Jets will of course be fully focused on Detroit in this one.  That is bad news for the Red Wings and that is a key reason as to why Winnipeg is a -250 money line favorite in this match-up.  That price is very high with good reason and the value with this match-up, as a result, is the puck line!  The Jets at -1.5 goals are priced close to break even or at -105.  This is a great value considering that each of the Red Wings last 7 games have been losses by a margin of 2 or more goals.  In fact, those 7 defeats have come by a an average margin of 3.6 goals per game.  The Jets most recent win came by just a single goal but their three preceding wins all came by 3 or more goals.  Per our computer math model, this will be another win by a multiple-goal margin for the Jets as the Red Wings suffer a 12th straight loss - and 8th straight defeat by 2 or more goals.  Laying the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -105 range) with Winnipeg is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Arizona Coyotes over Chicago Blackhawks, Sunday at 7:05 PM ET

The Blackhawks are back home after back to back road wins that each came after regulation on Thursday and Friday.  That being said, Chicago may not have enough left in the tank to get past a scrappy Arizona team here.  The Coyotes are fired up off a rare shutout loss (2-0) at Pittsburgh on Friday.  Arizona entered that game with a 10-3-3 record on the road this season.  The Blackhawks enter this game having lost 9 of their 16 home games this season.  That is why this pick'em line, though it may seem enticing to back the home team, is actually telling you that the road team is the play here.  There is a reason that the Coyotes are not an underdog in this match-up and it is because the odds makers are expecting the same thing we are in this one - an Arizona win.  The Coyotes are 4-0 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game.  The Blackhawks have lost 64 of their past 99 games (including 11 of 17 this season) when they are facing a team with a winning record.  Bet Arizona in early evening NHL action Sunday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Vegas Golden Knights at New York Islanders, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

Marc-Andre Fleury is back with the team after time away due to the passing of his father.  However, Fleury just arrived back with the team and is only going to serve as the back-up tonight.  Malcom Subban is expected to get the start again.  In the Golden Knights 4-3 win at New Jersey Tuesday, Subban allowed 3 goals which marked the 5th time in his last 6 road games that he has allowed at least 3 goals.  He is a respectable back-up but Subban is the back-up for good reason...he is no Fleury when it comes to his play between the pipes.  That being said, we're going to take advantage here and go over the low total of 5.5 goals set for this game.  While the Golden Knights have a high probability of allowing at least 3 goals they also have a high probability of scoring at least 3 goals too.  Vegas has begun to heat up again on this road trip and has scored at least 3 goals in 4 of its last 5 road games!  The Knights will take advantage of an Islanders team that has stumbled a bit of late.  New York has lost 4 of its past 6 games and their play in their D-zone has not been what it was earlier this season.  The Islanders have allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of their past 10 games.  New York struggled to score goals recently but most of those games were on the road.  In home games the Islanders have been a different team and have scored an average of 3.8 goals per game in their past 9 games on home ice!  With the Islanders looking to bounce back at home after a road loss Tuesday and the Golden Knights riding hot momentum on the road and looking to close out a perfect road trip, the set up here is perfect for this one to see 6 or more goals scored.  Bet the OVER in the Islanders game in early evening NHL action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Los Angeles Kings over Washington Capitals, Wednesday at 10:05 PM ET

The Capitals are in a tough back to back spot here as they were at San Jose last night.  Washington is having a great season but this is one of those situations that looks like the ideal spot in which to fade a good team.  Los Angeles is coming off a loss but has won 7 of its last 9 home games.  Getting the Kings as a sizable home dog here means excellent line value.  The Capitals won the most recent meeting but Los Angeles entered that match-up having won 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams.  This will be the 5th back to back situation for Washington this season.  So far they have managed a 2-0 sweep in back to backs just one time in four tries.  After winning at San Jose last night, our computer math model is calling for the Capitals to fall short tonight at Los Angeles and, per the above, the odds certainly favor that outcome.  Look for the Kings improve to 8-2 in their last 10 home games.  LA has won 5 in a row in non-divisional home games.  Make that 6 in a row with tonight's result!  Bet Los Angeles in late night NHL action Wednesday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over Nashville Predators, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Predators are off a 3-0 shutout loss and are now 0 for 16 on the power play their last 5 games.  Nashville has lost 10 of its last 14 games and now faces a Lightning team off a 3-2 loss and ready to bounce back.  Tampa Bay was the #1 team (by a large margin) in the league in the regular season last year.  The Bolts were then promptly swept out of the playoffs in the first round and that means they are back on a mission here this season.  Now that the Lightning are getting healthier (Stamkos recently came back and Killorn should be back on the ice tonight), it is time for Tampa Bay to make another huge move up the standings.  Tampa Bay has lost 3 straight (all by a single goal) for the first time since March of last season!  Prior to this tough string of tight losses, the Bolts had won 6 of their past 8.  Getting the Lightning at a pick'em price here is a great bargain considering the situation.  The past two seasons this has been the time of year when the Bolts kick things into high gear.  Tampa Bay has won 24 of 27 games in the month of December the past two seasons.  The Lightning have been off since Saturday and they have won 21 of 31 when playing with two days of rest between games.  Nashville has lost 7 of 11 home games with a total set at 6 or more goals and the Predators won't be able to keep with the high-scoring Bolts in this one.  Tampa Bay's power play has been red hot this season (one of the best in NHL) and the Predators haven't scored a power play goal in their past 5 games.  Tampa has scored an average of 4.1 goals per game its past 10 games.  The Predators have scored an average of only 2.3 goals per game their past 10 games.  Bet Tampa Bay in evening NHL action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Vegas Golden Knights over Nashville Predators, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

Perfect situational set up here. Vegas is off a loss and looking for a breakout game and catches the Predators at the perfect time to execute.  Additionally, we get line value because this game is at Nashville and that is why the Golden Knights are an underdog in this match-up.  We'll take the plus money with Vegas as the Predators are off back to back home and away wins over the Stanley Cup Champion Blues.  Not only is St Louis the defending champs, they also are a big division rival of Nashville.  The Predators, prior to those key back to back wins, had lost 6 straight games and 8 of their last 9 games!  That makes this the ideal spot for the Golden Knights to bounce back after catching an earful from head coach Gerard Gallant following their 4-2 loss at Dallas.  The Knights schedule has been tough recently but prior to losses to the Oilers and Stars (a pair of very tough teams) Vegas showed signs they were turning things back around with a 3-game points streak in which they outscored the opposition 11 to 4.  The cherry on top here is that the Golden Knights led Nashville 2-1 in Vegas earlier this season before they came unglued in the 2nd period making mistakes that led to 3 goals.  The Knights haven't forgotten that game and now it is payback time.  Perfect situation for a fired up Golden Knights team to exact revenge as the Predators get caught still celebrating their back to back big wins over the Blues.  The Predators #1 goalie Pekka Rinne has struggled so badly that Juuse Saros is getting another start here.  Both netminders have GAA above 3.00 this season.  Even without Marc-Andre Fleury between the pipes tonight, look for strong play in front of the Knights crease and on the other end in the offensive zone to lead to a big road win.  Bet Vegas in evening NHL action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Philadelphia Flyers over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

The Flyers beat the Hurricanes earlier this month in Philadelphia.  Even though this meeting is at Carolina, note that prior to Philadelphia's win at home earlier in the month, the road team had won 6 of the last 9 meetings between these teams.  The Flyers are in a fighting mood and will be ready to go here as they are off an ugly 5-2 loss at Florida that was preceded by 3 straight tight one-goal losses.  Per our computer math model, Philadelphia is set to improve to 3-0 the last 3 times they have entered a game off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals.  The Hurricanes enter this game on a hot streak but they have struggled this season in divisional action with losses in 5 of 7 games and that continues here.  When on a winning streak of 3 or more games, the Hurricanes have lost 15 of 27 to cost their backers 7.7 net units when in that situation that past 2+ seasons.  Bet Philadelphia in early evening NHL action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY 8* ON OVER: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Capitals are the highest scoring team in the league this season and the Rangers are allowing more goals than all but one team in the league this season.  This one sets up well for the Capitals to do some damage against New York and goalie Henrik Lundqvist.  The Rangers veteran netminder has allowed an average of 5 goals in his last two starts against the Capitals and Washington is rolling strong so far this season.  The Capitals are expected to have Braden Holtby between the pipes for this one and the O/U is 12-4 in his 16 starts on the season.  The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams and, per our computer math model, another one is expected to fly over the total here.  The Capitals, after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game, have seen the over go 61-37 (including 10-2 this season).  The Rangers have lost 3 of 4 games and allowed 19 goals in those 3 defeats.  New York will battle hard on home ice to hang around in this game but they'll have to score plenty of goals to do so and that is precisely what we expect in a 5-4 or 4-3 type game with this one.  Bet the OVER in the Rangers game in NHL evening action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over St Louis Blues, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

We have had our eyes on this match-up for awhile.  Last season the Bolts were the #1 regular season team and yet then got swept right out of the playoffs in the first round!  That was a shock!  It also was a shock when St Louis was dead last in the NHL standings pretty deep into the NHL season and then yet improbably rallied in an amazing run that led them to the ultimate prize when they hoisted the Stanley Cup in June!  In other words, the Lightning have had this game circled in red as a "barometer game"...the type of game that will prove the Cup can be theirs!  The Blues did beat the Bolts in both meetings last season but only by a goal each time.  Also, the meeting in St Louis saw Tampa Bay out-shoot the Blues by a heavy margin even though they came up a goal short on the scoreboard.  The set up here is perfect as the Lightning come into this game scoring a lot of goals and playing very well while St Louis enters this contest struggling to score goals and on a losing streak.  The Blues have lost 3 straight games and have managed a total of just 5 goals in the process. The Lightning have won 4 of their last 6 games and have scored an average of 5 goals per game during this hot streak.  Tampa Bay will prove to be the hungrier more motivated team here and are off a regulation loss (4-3) to the Jets.  Not only have the Lightning not had back to back losses in regulation this season, they also are 50-18 (including 5-2 this season) when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals!  Bet Tampa Bay in evening NHL action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Calgary Flames over Vegas Golden Knights, Sunday at 7:05 PM ET

We have had our eyes on this line all morning and it has simply been pushed too far.  Vegas has gone from the -125 money line range to the -155 range.  This is a Golden Knights team that continues to blow late leads in games and simply can't be trusted right now as their losing streak continued yesterday with the loss at Los Angeles.  Calgary will come into this one angry as they are are off a shutout loss at Arizona yesterday.  Though the Flames lost 3-0 (including a late empty net goal), Calgary outshot the Coyotes 37 to 24.  Also, Calgary has a revenge from a 6-2 loss at Vegas last month.  The Flames led in the shots on goal category in that lopsided defeat as well.  Calgary has won 5 of 7 this season when off a loss by a multi-goal margin.  The Golden Knights once vaunted home ice has seen them much more beatable there this season.  Vegas has actually lost 6 of last 9 games played on home ice.  Per our computer math model that trend will continue as the Knights lose for the 6th straight time and 8th time in 9 games with a home ice loss to a fired up Calgary team coming off a shutout loss and seeking revenge!  Bet Calgary in early evening NHL action Sunday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

The Lightning seek revenge from a recent 4 to 1 loss to the Rangers.  Tampa Bay is well-rested here as they have been off since Saturday since that was part of their 2-game series against Buffalo in Stockholm, Sweden.  The Lightning have had a lot of extra practice time thanks to their recent schedule and they'll come in skating very well in this one with fresh legs.  Tampa Bay has a potent offense and, again, they are out for revenge here.  Both the Lightning and the Rangers have fared very well on the power play but struggled on the penalty kill so far this season.  Of course that is a good "recipe" making for high-scoring games.  The Rangers come into this game with plenty of confidence as they are 6-2-1 their last 9 games and have averaged 4 goals per game during this stretch.  The Bolts come into this game having won 3 of their last 4 games and also averaging 4 goals per game during this hot streak.  The Lightning were 6-0-1 in their last 7 games against the Rangers before losing at New York two weeks ago.  Tampa Bay was held to just 1 goal in that game but had scored an average of 5 goals in their 5 most recent meetings with the Rangers entering that one.  When Tampa is off a divisional game the over is 41-24 including 5-2 this season.  The over, entering this season, was 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams and while the Rangers (just like on the 29th of October) might again score 4 goals here, the Lightning are also expected to find the back of the net at least 4 times in this one.  The result?  Look for a "barn burner" type of game here with end to end action in this one.  Bet the OVER in Tampa Bay in NHL early evening action Thursday.

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Philadelphia Flyers over Washington Capitals, Wednesday at 7:35 PM ET

Two really hot teams match up here and the Capitals have had the stronger season thus far as they have been the top team in the league.  However, Washington is on the road for this one and they do not have a single regulation win in any of their last 4 road games.  The Capitals lost one of those, won one in a shootout, and won two in overtime.  In those 4 road games Washington has allowed an average of 4 goals per game.  That holds some significance here for sure because the Flyers are a stellar 6-1-1 on home ice this season and in their last 7 games as a host Philadelphia has allowed just 2.3 goals per game.  Both Carter Hart and Brian Elliott have proven capable of going into "shut down mode" when they are in between the pipes on home ice and you know the Flyers are going to be emotionally charged for this game as Alex Ovechkin and company come to town!  Philly has won 8 of its last 11 games and the Capitals have allowed 3.5 goals per game in their past 8 road games so truly the Caps have not been the same team in their D zone when away from home this season.  Per our computer math model, the Flyers will take advantage here!  This is a great home dog spot for a divisional foe to bring their A game as they look to knock off the team that is not only at the top of their division but also the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup champs.  Bet Philadelphia in early evening NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Pittsburgh Penguins over New York Rangers, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Penguins are without Sidney Crosby for this one but that is helping to keep this money line in a very fair price range.  That, coupled with the fact that Evgeni Malkin has been on an absolute tear for Pittsburgh since returning to the ice is why we are elevating this play to top game status.  The Penguins have won 11 of their last 16 games against the Rangers and that includes 7 of 10 in New York.  Pittsburgh has not lost in regulation in any of the past 6 meetings between these divisional foes.  Overall, the Penguins enter this game having gone 4-1-1 their last 6 games.  Also, even though Pittsburgh is without Crosby here, the Rangers remain without Mika Zibanejad.  New York enters this game having lost 38 of its last 59 divisional games.  Also, when facing a team with a winning record, the Rangers have lost 59 of 92 games!  Per our computer math model, these recent season trends are likely to continue here as Pittsburgh dominates this one.  The Penguins get another big win tonight to improve to 4-0 in divisional games this season!  Bet Pittsburgh in early evening NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Carolina Hurricanes Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Ottawa Senators, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

The Senators jumped out to a 3-0 lead on Carolina in the 1st period Saturday and cruised to a 4-1 win. That game was in Ottawa however and now the Hurricanes are the host against Sens team that has won just 1 of 7 road games this season. The Canes have won 6 of their 9 home games this season and the value here is with the puck line. Carolina is a -250 favorite on the money line but available right around even money on the puck line. Can we expect a win by two or more goals here? Yes! Carolina's last 6 wins have featured 5 by a multiple goal margin and, in fact, they have won these games by an average margin of 3 goals per game. Overall, only 3 of the Hurricanes last 14 games have been one-goal games. The Senators have 10 losses this season and 8 of them have come by a margin of at least two goals. Carolina has been challenged by head coach Rod Brind'Amour and we expect a very focused Hurricanes team on the ice tonight as they are much better than they've shown in recent games during their current (and rare) 4-game losing streak. The Senators have been held to 2 or less goals in 5 of their 7 road games this season. The Hurricanes have scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 6 home wins this season. Look for at least a margin of 2 goals in this one! Laying the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -105 range) with Carolina is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON OVER: Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday at 7:05 PM ET

Though the Penguins lost Patric Hornqvist to injury recently they are, overall, much healthier than they have been in a long time.  Pittsburgh happily welcomed back Evgeni Malkin a few games ago and he helped the Pens register more than 50 shots on goal in his first game back.  It didn't pan out for the Penguins in that game but when you're generating that kind of offense you're going to get rewarded eventually and, per our computer math model, that happens tonight against the Blackhawks.  The issue for the Pens tonight won't be offense though, rather it will be keeping the puck out of their own net.  We say that because they could end up being a little soft in their own end after their hard-fought win over the Islanders in their most recent game.  The Penguins have now scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games but also have allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game in their past two games.  The Blackhawks have scored at least 3 goals in 4 of their past 6 games.  Off a 5-2 victory versus Vancouver on Thursday night, Chicago enters this game with some momentum.  The over is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings between these teams and those 3 overs saw an average of 9.3 goals scored per game.  Look for another "barn burner" type of game here with end to end action on Saturday night.  Bet the OVER in Pittsburgh in NHL early evening action Saturday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Boston Bruins Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Detroit Red Wings, Friday at 7:35 PM ET

The Bruins are off a loss.  The Red Wings are off a loss.  For Boston, this is VERY unusual.  For Detroit, this is becoming ALL too familiar.  In fact the Red Wings have lost 12 of its past 13 games.  Overall Detroit has lost 13 games this season and 11 of the 13 defeats have come by a margin of 2 goals or more.  Of course Boston is a huge favorite (-250 range) on the money line here because of stats like this.  But the value here is found in laying the 1.5 goals.  In doing so you get the hungry Bruins without laying any juice or a very small price (-105) and they just need to win the game by 2 goals or more.  Not only is that likely because of all the Red Wings struggles, lets take a look at what Boston has been doing this season.  They had won 6 straight games prior to their controversial one goal loss at Montreal Wednesday.  Keep in mind that was a very tough spot for the Bruins too because they were off a fierce battle with the Penguins which resulted in a two goal win the night before.  Speaking of wins by a margin of 2 or more goals, Boston has 11 wins this season and the first 3 came by a single goal but since then ALL EIGHT of their wins have come by 2 or more goals.  The Bruins are fired up here and losing 3 of 4 to Detroit last season also insures proper focus here.  That means a road rout will be the ultimate result here.  Laying the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -105 range) with Boston is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Toronto Maple Leafs over Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

Great home ice value here on the Maple Leafs.  The Golden Knights not only are not the same team they were in their magical inaugural season two years ago, they also are not even as strong as they were last season.  Vegas continues to regress and is simply not nearly the team they once were.  Yes they are off a win at Columbus on Tuesday but that followed two straight losses that featured blowing a two goal third period lead in each of the two games!  Marc-Andre Fleury was back between the pipes on Tuesday and made some outstanding saves to preserve that victory.  Certainly Vegas deserves some credit for that win but overall it was a tight low-scoring battle and the Knights very nearly lost to a Blue Jackets team that has been in a major slump.  Now the Golden Knights feature a major challenge here as they are at Toronto and captain John Tavares will be playing his 2nd game since returning to the ice.  The first game back after missing a lot of time with injury is always tough so look for him to be much stronger tonight and that means the firepower Toronto has up front for this contest is very dangerous. The Maple Leafs are going to pressure the Golden Knights early and often in this and are well worth laying the modest price at home here.  Toronto has won 40 of its last 64 non-conference games and 22 of its last 31 November games including both games so far this month.  Vegas has only won half its non-conference games since coming into the league and they are down 14.8 net units in those 76 contests.  Per our computer math model, look for another road loss to an Eastern Conference foe in this one.  Bet Toronto in early evening NHL action Thursday.

ASA NHL PLAY 8* ON New York Rangers over Detroit Red Wings, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

When do you lay the -150 price range in NHL?  When you have the home team and you are fading a team that has won just ONCE in its last DOZEN games.  The Red Wings are struggling and this is not the spot for them to turn it around.  They are facing a Rangers team off an ugly home loss to the Senators.  The fact is Ottawa had been playing better and not getting the results and it all came together for them in that game which featured a lot of physicality and showed the Sens were not going to be denied.  As disappointing as that loss was, the Rangers did enter that game having won 3 of 4 prior games and those 4 games were against the Lightning, Bruins, Sabres, and Predators.  Those are all quality teams and the Rangers were strong overall during that tough stretch.  After then laying an egg in their game against Ottawa, New York is undoubtedly going to respond big here.  The Red Wings have had their number in recent seasons but Detroit is really in a funk right now.  Their last 3 losses have come by a combined score of 17-4 and Detroit's coach, Blashill, is on the hot seat already this season!  Per our computer math model, there is high probability that the Rangers dominate on home ice here as the forecast is for the Red Wings to lose for the 12th time in their last 13 games.  Of course that means laying the -150 price is well worth it in this one!  Lay it!  Bet the New York Rangers in NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Vegas Golden Knights over Columbus Blue Jackets, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

Perfect set up here.  The Golden Knights are happy to be on the road for a change of scenery after losing back to back home games where they had a multiple goal 3rd period lead in each game!  Vegas simply can't wait to get back on the ice tonight and they're also welcoming back #1 goalie Marc-Andre Fleury whom had been out with the flu.  The Golden Knights are facing a Blue Jackets team that has been struggling as they have lost 4 straight games and are coming off a 3-0 shutout loss.  One of the key issues with Columbus is they have struggled in coming back in games this season.  They have won just 5 of their 14 games this season and they are 5-0 when scoring first but have lost all 9 games when they allow the first goal.  As noted above the Golden Knights recent trouble has been closing out games but they have done a good job of attaining leads.  Look for Vegas to draw first blood here and send Columbus to a 10th straight loss when allowing the first goal this season.  While the Blue Jackets overall have lost 9 of 14 games this season, Vegas has won 4 of its 6 road games and the fact they are on the road here is what is keeping this money line in a playable range.  If this game was in Vegas the Golden Knights would be a 2 to 1 favorite.  So we'll take advantage of the line value here and lay the fair price in a situation where all signs are pointing to Vegas bringing a very focused effort here and sustaining it for the full 60 minutes.  Those back to back late game losses on home ice have the Golden Knights ready to fly all over the ice Tuesday!  Vegas also has revenge here as, after splitting with Columbus in the Knights inaugural season, the Blue Jackets swept the two games last season.  Payback time here.  When the Golden Knights enter a match-up after playing 3 consecutive games on home ice, they have won 20 of 29 games!  Per our computer math model, the Blue Jackets get outplayed again tonight and lose for the 6th time in 7 games this season when facing a Western Conference opponent.  Bet Vegas in NHL early evening action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON OVER: Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Bruins, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

Though the Penguins lost Patric Hornqvist to injury in their most recent game they are, overall, much healthier than they have been in a long time.  Pittsburgh happily welcomed back Evgeni Malkin in their most recent games and he helped the Pens register more than 50 shots on goal in that game.  It didn't pan out for the Penguins in that game but when you're generating that kind of offense you're going to get rewarded eventually and, per our computer math model, that happens tonight at Boston.  The issue for the Pens tonight won't be offense though, rather it will be keeping the puck out of their own net.  We say that because the Bruins have been one of the hottest teams in the league and, even without David Backes, they'll be just fine tonight in terms of goal production.  Boston has scored an average of 5.4 goals per game during their current 5 game win streak!  The total on this game was set at 6 and 1 / 2 by the odds makers but the betting markets have pushed it down to a 6.  With all due respect to red hot Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, the Penguins can "bring it" in the offensive zone when they are "dialed in" and that certainly was the case against the Oilers Saturday and yet they walked away from that game with a loss.  That means an even more focused effort here from the Pens in the offensive zone but they're not going to be able to stop a Bruins team averaging 4 goals per game their last 9 games and that has not been held under 3 goals in ANY of those NINE games.  The over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings between these teams.  Bet the OVER in Boston in NHL early evening action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over New Jersey Devils, Wednesday at 7:05 PM ET

There is an old adage that we believe will hold true in this match-up Wednesday.  That is that too much of a good thing can actually turn into a bad thing.  Rest is a good thing but too much of it can cause a team to lose its sharpness on the ice and we fully expect to see that with the Devils tonight.  No team in the NHL has played fewer games this season than the Devils and in a rare scheduling quirk, this is their first game since the 25th and that particular game was their first since the 19th!  In other words, New Jersey enters tonight having played just 1 game in the past 10 days!  Considering that as well as the fact that the Devils have been struggling early this season, Tampa Bay is the play here even though this is a back to back game for the Bolts.  Strengthening this play on the Lightning is the fact that they are off a loss at New York against the Rangers last night.  Tampa Bay was held to just 1 goal in that defeat and that was the first time this season that the Bolts were held under 2 goals in a game.  Also, the Lightning entered that game on a 3-1 streak in road games.  Tampa Bay is 29-10 (including 2-0 this season) when off a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals.  They lost last night to the Rangers by a 3-1 count.  As for the Devils, they have lost 43 of 71 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals and that includes losing 4 of 5 when in that role this season.  New Jersey is off a 5-3 loss to Arizona on Friday.  Per our computer math model, their early season struggles (lost 7 of 9 games) continue tonight.  Bet Tampa Bay in NHL early evening action Wednesday.

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Washington Capitals over Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Capitals have one of the top records in the NHL early this season and are a red-hot 5-0-1 their last 6 games.  The Maple Leafs have lost 7 of their 13 games this season including 3 of their last 4.  That said, the opportunity to have Washington at plus money (because this game is at Toronto) is offering great underdog line value.  The Capitals already won their first meeting with the Leafs this season.  The Caps did have the added advantage of being on home ice for that one.  However, the fact is that the Capitals have won 4 of their last 5 meetings with the Maple Leafs at Toronto!  Washington has won 49 of it last 75 when facing a team with a losing record.  Again, the Leafs come into this game with just 6 wins in their 13 games and they are still without their team captain (and one of their best players) John Tavares.  Our computer math model is calling for the Capitals run to continue here as they wrap up their season long 5-game road trip with another victory.  Bet Washington in NHL early evening action Tuesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Florida Panthers at Vancouver Canucks, Monday at 10:05 PM ET

With yesterday's 6-2 win at Edmonton, the over is 7-3-1 in Panthers games this season.  Florida has scored an average of 4.7 goals per game in its past 6 games!  The Canucks are off a high-scoring loss that was just their 2nd defeat in 8 games.  It was no fault of the offensive production as Vancouver stayed hot in terms of finding the back of the net.  With their 5-goal outburst Friday, the Canucks have scored an average of 4 goals per game during this 8-game stretch.  The Panthers are likely to have back-up goalie Sam Montembeault between the pipes for this one.  Though the 22-year old has been solid this season his action has been limited and, of course, there is a reason he is the back-up to Sergei Bobrovsky whom was in the crease last night at Edmonton.  That said, the rested Canucks are likely to get to Montembeault early and often in this match-up.  The over is 41-24, including 4-1 this season, when Florida is off a game in which the Panthers scored 4 or more goals.  The over is 3-1-1 this season when the Canucks are off a non-conference game.  After a tough shootout loss versus Washington, they won't take their foot off the gas against Florida tonight.  Bet the OVER in Vancouver in NHL late night action Monday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Calgary Flames over Florida Panthers, Thursday at 9:05 PM ET

This is a tough spot for Florida as they were at home on Tuesday and got a big home win over Pittsburgh. Not only is beating the Penguins always a big victory for a team like the Panthers, having to then go from southern Florida all the way to western Canada is certainly a long haul. This first road game puts the Panthers in a true flat spot. Calgary, on the other hand, was already at home as they hosted the Capitals on Tuesday. Unlike Florida, the Flames lost that game on Tuesday. That said, Calgary will be hungry to get right back on track here and remaining on home ice is a big edge for them. The Panthers history against Western Conference foes is certainly not a good one as they have lost 254 of 418 games against teams from the west. Florida won their most recent meeting with Calgary but that makes this a revenge spot and the Flames had won 5 of the last 6 in this series prior to that loss. After losing 5-3 to Washington Tuesday, Calgary is likely to bounce back here. The Flames, after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game, are 3-1 this season. Per our computer math model, that record improves to 4-1 tonight! Bet Calgary in NHL late night action Thursday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY ON 10* OVER: Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Maple Leafs were in action last night (a 4-3 home loss in OT versus Columbus). Toronto used their #1 goalie, Frederik Andersen, last night which means the back-up Michael Hutchinson will be between the pipes tonight at Boston. That is a key factor here as he had a 3.64 GAA and .859 save percentage in his limited road action last season and Hutchinson also is off to an overall slow start this season. In his 2 starts this season Hutchinson has allowed 9 goals! He is sure to be tested early and often in this one as the division rival Bruins seek revenge for a 4-3 OT loss at Toronto on Saturday. The over is now 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. Also, with yesterday's high scoring loss in the books, the over is now 6-0 in the Maple Leafs last 6 games against Eastern Conference foes. The Bruins enter this game with a record of 5-1 to the over in their past 6 games. Tuuka Rask is expected to get the start for Boston in this one and he is 2-4 in recent seasons in his starts against the Maple Leafs. Toronto will be hungry to put pressure after they feel like they let last night's game get away from them late. With the Bruins playing with revenge and knowing Hutchinson is between the pipes for the Leafs, they will also be aggressive about keeping pressure on and getting plenty of pucks on net. As a result, and per our computer match model, this one gets to 7 goals or more. Bet the OVER in Boston in NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Columbus Puck Line (+1.5 goals) over Toronto, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

The Blue Jackets had a rough start to the season their first two games.  However, since then Columbus has picked up at least a point in the standings in 5 of their last 6 games.  During this stretch every single game the Blue Jackets have played has ended up being a 1 goal game.  Columbus got 3 wins, 2 OT losses, and a 1-goal loss in regulation in these 6 games.  As you can see with those numbers, the Blue Jackets at +1.5 goals would be 6-0 their last 6 games!  As for the Maple Leafs, they are off a win but it was a one-goal win that game in overtime versus Boston.  Also, prior to that win for Toronto they had lost 4 of 6 prior games and that was with John Tavares on the ice!  He is their team captain and one of their star players and he is now out for two weeks with a broken finger.  Columbus has a great shot at the outright upset here but if they do fall short, per our computer math model, the game will be their 7th straight one-goal game.  The Blue Jackets take the Maple Leafs to the wire in this one as they seek to avenge suffering a loss in their home opener versus Toronto earlier this month.  Grabbing the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -140 range) with Columbus is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Anaheim Ducks over Calgary Flames, Sunday at 9:05 PM ET

Anaheim has won 19 of its last 20 - yes, 95% - when hosting Calgary.  To say the least, the Flames have found facing the Ducks in southern California to be an absolute nightmare.  Two years ago in the 2017 playoffs Calgary was swept out of the post-season by Anaheim and their long-term struggles against the Ducks have continued since then.  That said, there is particularly strong value here because the Flames were in action yesterday as they lost 4 to 1 to the LA Kings last night.  Now playing the 2nd night of a back to back and having used both goalies in last night's game, Calgary is in trouble.  The Ducks are a rested team and Anaheim also has been the much stronger hockey club early this season.  Anaheim enters this game having won 7 straight home games and, per out computer math model, the Ducks are poised to make it 8 in a row tonight!  Bet Anaheim in NHL late night action Sunday. 

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Philadelphia Flyers over Edmonton Oilers, Wednesday at 9:35 PM ET

The Flyers are off back to back losses but the first came in the shootout and the second one last night was a tight loss at Calgary.  With their #1 goalie Carter Hart back between the pipes for this one Philadelphia is poised for a bounce back.  The Flyers have won 3 of the last 4 meetings with Edmonton.  The Oilers got off to a hot start this season but are off a loss Sunday and just got back to western Canada after a lengthy road trip in which 3 of the 4 games were played in the Eastern time zone.  Teams often come out a little bit flat in their first game back home after a lengthy road trip across multiple time zones and, per our computer math model, that will be the case tonight with the Oilers.  Edmonton, after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game, has lost their next game 37 of 59 times.  The Oilers, in a home game where the total is 6 or more, have lost 27 of 45 games!  The underdog Flyers are the play here as they have a two day break on deck and will "leave it all on the ice" tonight in terms of their effort!  Bet Philadelphia in NHL late night action Wednesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Nashville Predators over Vegas Golden Knights, Tuesday at 10:05 PM ET

The Predators entered their current road trip having won 3 of their first 4 games this season.  All of those were on home ice but after a "wake up call" on the road against the Kings on Saturday, the Preds will now be ready to respond Tuesday in Vegas.  The Predators spotted the Kings a 4-1 lead in LA on Saturday before rallying to tie it.  However, with less than a minute to go LA got the deciding goal and then also added a couple of empty netters.  The 7-4 final certainly doesn't tell the full story of how the game played out and the type of loss Nashville had in that game is the type of defeat that quality teams bounce right back from.  This is particularly true when that quality team is catching a team off back to back big wins and now playing their 3rd game in 4 nights.  That is the case here with the Golden Knights off big wins Saturday and Sunday.  As for the rested Predators, they have the rest edge for sure as they have been off the past two days.  Nashville can't wait to get back on the ice after a poor effort early on at LA ended up dooming them in that game.  The Predators lost here in February but previously had won 3 straight against the Golden Knights including a game at Vegas.  In those 3 victories Nashville held Vegas to a total of just 2 goals.  In a road game where the total is set at 6 or more goals, the Predators have won 12 of their last 16.  Bet Nashville in NHL late night action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Dallas Stars over Buffalo Sabres, Monday at 3:05 PM ET

Coming into this season big things were expected for the Stars and mediocrity was the expectation for the Sabres.  That said, it is still very early in the season but, with Dallas having faced a tough schedule and won only 1 of 6 games and Buffalo off to a surprising 4-0-1 start, excellent line value is being offered in this one.  This money line opened up in the pick'em price range and the Stars offer excellent value as a result.  Dallas has won 5 straight meetings with Buffalo including 8 of the last 9.  The Sabres have managed to score a total of only TWO goals in their last FOUR games against the Stars.  Per our computer math model, this one turns into a road rout as Dallas takes advantage of catching Buffalo off a big divisional win on Saturday.  Look for the Stars to make it 6 straight wins over the Sabres!  Bet Dallas in NHL afternoon action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Buffalo Sabres over Montreal Canadiens, Wednesday at 7:05 PM ET

Perfect set up here as Buffalo is on home ice and coming off a disappointing 4-3 OT loss Monday at Columbus that followed a powerful 2-0 start to the season.  The Sabres had won their first two games by a combined score of 10 to 3 and they're ready to respond here at home after they know they did not play well against the Blue Jackets Monday.  As for the Canadiens they are off a huge divisional win at Toronto Saturday night and it involved a huge late rally and a victory that came in the shootout.  Not only is Montreal off a big win this is now the first night of a back to back as the Habs host the Red Wings tomorrow.  Situational edges are with the Sabres in this one and the home team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these clubs.  Also, the Canadiens have lost 35 of 55 when off a divisional game.  Bet Buffalo in early evening NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY ON 10* OVER: Winnipeg Jets at Pittsburgh Penguins, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

Big total posted on this game makes perfect sense as the Jets have allowed 14 goals in just 3 games this season. The Jets highly skilled offense was shut down by the stifling style of the Islanders on Sunday but Winnipeg had scored 4 goals in regulation of each of their first two games and they'll be putting plenty of pressure on the Penguins early and often in this contest. The last game between these teams stayed under the total but the over was on a 4-1 run in Pens/Jets match-ups entering that game. The Jets have allowed 4 or more goals to the Penguins in 4 of their last 6 meetings. Pittsburgh will be playing their first game after losing Evgeni Malkin to injury. This is the type of situation where you see teammates step up huge and the Jets defense has looked very young and very soft early this season! The Penguins will take advantage of a Winnipeg club that has allowed at least 4 goals in all 3 of their games. We like the fact that Jets coach Paul Maurice put Laine back on the top line with Scheifele and Wheeler during Winnipeg's loss to the Islanders. Now Ehlers is switched up and on a line with Connor and that 1-2 speed punch provides challenges for opponents on that line as well. Winnipeg will have a strong game in the offensive zone tonight but their own defense and netminding continues to be functioning like a sieve. The result is each team is likely to get to at least 3 goals tonight and that means this game gets to 4-3 at the very least and 7 goals cashes this ticket. Per our computer math model the actual expectation here is 8 or 9 goals total. The Penguins over is 44-27 after a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. They tallied 7 times against the Blue Jackets Saturday and stay hot in the offensive zone in this game against a young and struggling Jets defensive corps. Winnipeg answers the Penguins goal for goal. Bet the OVER in Pittsburgh in NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over Carolina Hurricanes, Sunday at 5:05 PM ET

The Lightning are off a tight 4-3 loss at Florida yesterday.  The Hurricanes are off an upset win in overtime at Washington last night.  That sets this situation up perfectly for a play on Tampa Bay.  The Bolts are one of the best teams in the league so it is rare to get them in this low price range (about -110) on the money line.  However, that is available here because they are on the road and the Canes show a 2-0 record to the betting markets.  Factoring in both the Hurricanes and the Lightning were on the road yesterday, there is no significant edge for Carolina.  Add in the fact that Tampa Bay is off a loss and that the Canes are off two straight wins (neither in regulation) and you have a great set up here for backing the small road favorite. Bet the Lightning in early evening action Sunday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON New Jersey Devils over Winnipeg Jets, Friday at 7:05 PM ET

The Jets lost 6-4 last night and now become the first NHL team to have to play in a back to back situation in the new season.  Winnipeg had some nice moments last night in the offensive zone against the Rangers but truly did not look good at all in their own zone.  The point being that all the goals given up were not a fluke.  The Jets looked "soft" in their own zone and only the final of the 6 goals was an empty netter.  The Devils made a lot of improvements in the off-season and will be one of the most improved teams in the league this season.  Playing their season opener at home and catching Winnipeg in the 2nd night of back to back combines to give New Jersey a big edge in this one and makes them well worth the moderate price.  The Jets have lost 47 of their last 76 games when playing the 2nd night of a back to back.  In a home game with a total set at 6 goals or more, the Devils have won 64 of 103 games.  More of the same on tap here.  Bet the Devils in early evening action Friday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Montreal Canadiens over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

There is not a large variance between these two teams as evidenced by their projected season point totals heading into this season.  That said, even though Carolina has home ice edge in this match-up, they are arguably priced far too high. The infatuation the betting markets have with the Hurricanes is courtesy of their magical run last season but, keep in mind, it is tough to carry that type of momentum from one season to the next.  Additionally, the Canes do enter the season with a couple of injuries right out of training camp.  Conversely, the Canadiens come into this game very healthy and that goes for physical as well as mental.  We like the mindset of the Habs coming into this season as this is a proud NHL franchise with plenty of history that certainly is not happy about coming off back to back seasons that saw them miss the post-season.  Montreal did show improvement last season in their win total year over year and they have a great chance to take another step forward this season.  Whether the Canadiens make a strong push on the full season is, of course, to be determined long-term.  However, as for tonight, they are a great value play for a season opener at a significant underdog price.  Carolina has held the upper hand in recent meetings on the scoreboard but Montreal has outshot the Hurricanes by a margin of 25 shots on goal over their past 3 match-ups.  Tonight the Habs get rewarded with a similar effort!  Bet the Canadiens in early evening action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Washington Capitals over St Louis Blues, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

With this line jumping all the way up to the +130 range on the road dog, there is exceptional line value available with the Capitals in this match-up.  It was a long summer for the Capitals after they were eliminated in the first round of the post-season in April.  Keep in mind, this was after winning it all the prior season so, of course, the first round exit (punctuated by the fact they blew a 2-0 series lead) did not sit well at all with Washington.  Now after waiting many months to get back on the ice, the Capitals will skate with more urgency than the Blues in this regular season opener.  For St Louis, it was the shortest of summers after they won the Stanley Cup in mid-June!  There is expected to be a significant drop off for the Blues this season.  That is why, heading into the new season, about one third of NHL teams (including Washington) are projected to have a higher season points total than St Louis.  We are aware of the fact that Ovechkin and Eller sat out the preseason finale but this was more precautionary than anything else and these guys are expected to play for Washington on Wednesday.  Yes, the Capitals are without Kuznetsov for 1 more week but this was expected and something they've been adjusting for already.  Factoring all that in as well as goalie Holtby playing in a contract season and looking very much "in the zone" the way he handled his final preseason start, we like the odds of the Capitals beginning the season with a road upset here.  Yes, the Blues won both meetings last season but not only does that make this is a double revenge spot for Washington, it is also noteworthy because the Capitals had previously won 5 straight meetings with the Blues.  Per our computer math model, the Caps get the payback victory here.  Bet the Capitals in evening action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over Boston Bruins, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

With this line jumping all the way up to the +165 range on the road dog, there is exceptional line value available with the Blues in this match-up. St Louis post-season games have seen the road team winning at a 64% clip in these playoffs. The home ice edge simply hasn't been there in Blues games in this post-season. That trend has continued with the Blues winning at Boston in Game 5 and the Bruins winning at St Louis in Game 6. The Blues have been great when in bounce back mode as, since a 3-game losing streak in mid-March, St Louis has hardly ever lost back to back games. In fact, just 2 times in the past 3 months have the Blues suffered a loss when entering a game off a loss in their prior game. A key to remember here as Boston pushes up closer to being nearly 2 to 1 favorites in this game is that the Bruins had lost 3 of the last 4 games in this series before pulling away in the 3rd period for the big Game 6 win. Per our computer math model, St Louis gets the shocking win in a tight Game 7 at Boston. Bet the Blues in evening action Wednesday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Boston Bruins over St Louis Blues, Sunday at 8:20 PM ET

No team has clinched the Stanley Cup on home ice the past 3 seasons. We don't expect that to change here either as the Bruins force a Game 7 by coming up with a big win at St Louis. Oftentimes a team is at its best when many have counted them out. After back to back losses, many have given up hope for Boston this season but there is a lot of fight left in this team and let us not forget they came into this series as the favorite. The Bruins lost Game 5 on home ice but they outshot the Blues by a substantial margin. Also, Boston lost Game 5 on a controversial non-call. The Bruins are fired up while the Blues will be without Ivan Barbashev (suspended). Though he is a 4th-liner, the fact is the depth of St Louis has been a key in this series and the contributions from the 4th line have been a part of that. Boston has never lost more than 3 games straight this entire season and only 4 times have they lost 3 straight. They enter this game having lost 2 straight and the Bruins are 11-4 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 more consecutive losses. Also, Boston has won 11 of 13 games this season when off a game where they scored just 1 goal or were shutout. Off the tight 2-1 loss in Game 5, the Bruins respond here. Per our computer math model, Boston improves to 5-0 in the post-season when they are trailing in a playoff series. Bet the Bruins in evening action Sunday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Boston Bruins over St Louis Blues, Thursday at 8:05 PM ET

The Bruins are likely without Zdeno Chara for the rest of the Finals as he suffered a broken jaw on a deflected puck in Game 4. However, Boston is likely to rally around their fallen leader and the 42-year old, though a great leader, is not near the player he once was in his younger years. The point is that there has been an adjustment to this line because of the Chara injury and the result, per our computer math model, is actually even more value with the short-handed Bruins on home ice. Boston is now in a money line price range of only -150 and the Bruins are 17-7 in a home game with a total set at 5.5 goals this season. Also, the Bruins are 11-5 since the end of January in a game following a loss. This series has gone back and forth all the way through and now it is time for Boston to bounce back in Game 5. Even if Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is still out for this game as well, Boston's decision to go with an extra forward and only 5 defensemen could prove to be a sharp move in this one. On home ice and with an ultra-potent power play, the Bruins are going to have the Blues on their heels throughout this crucial Game 5. St Louis did start the post-season on fire in road games but, prior to winning Game 2 at Boston, the Blues had lost 3 of their last 6 on the road. Also, prior to that Game 2 loss for Boston on home ice, the Bruins had won 5 of their last 6 home games. Bet the Bruins in evening action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY ON UNDER: Boston Bruins at St Louis Blues, Monday at 8:05 PM ET

The Bruins exploded for 7 goals in their Game 3 win at St Louis on Saturday but 4 of those markers came on the power play. The Blues know they can ill afford another effort like that as they are now down 2-1 in this series and 2 of the next 3 games after Monday (if necessary) will be at Boston. Based on the above, look for a much stronger effort from St Louis with their defense in front of goalie Jordan Binnington definitely being raised a couple notches for this one. The last 8 times the Blues have trailed in a playoff series only 1 of the 8 games resulted in an over. The Bruins have had 5 unders and just 1 over in this post-season when they are leading in a playoff series. 16 of Boston's 24 road games with a total of 5.5 goals this season have resulted in an under. After a loss by 2 or more goals in their previous game, St Louis' games have stayed under the total in 15 of 23 games this season. The Bruins have allowed 2 or less goals in 13 of their last 16 games. Before the ugly home loss in Game 3, St Louis had allowed 2 or less goals in 8 of their last 11 games. Defense rules the day in this one. Bet the UNDER in St Louis in NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: Boston Bruins at St Louis Blues, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

The Bruins are off a home loss in Game 2 in which they scored only 2 goals. Prior to that Boston had won 8 straight games and averaged scoring 4 goals per game in those 8 wins. St Louis has averaged scoring 3.4 goals per game in their last 10 games overall and also 3.7 goals per game in their last 3 home games. The Bruins ultra-dangerous power play has tallied 9 goals in their last 6 games. The Blues also lost a key penalty killer for this game with the suspension of Oscar Sundqvist for this game. St Louis should be highly energized by a rowdy home crowd for their first Stanley Cup Finals home game in 49 years. The Blues are 7-3 overall in their last 10 games and averaged scoring 4.3 goals per game in their last 3 victories. With this total set at 5 goals and, based on the statistics above, this over is offering great value. Bet the OVER in Boston in NHL action Saturday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON UNDER: St Louis Blues at Boston Bruins, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

There were a couple of unusual goals in Game 1 because of the rust of the Bruins after their long layoff. Of course as the game went on the Blues never scored again as Boston resumed their typical dominance. The point is that even with the 2 early St Louis goals and with Boston getting an empty net goal late, Game 1 still barely went over the total of 5.5 goals. With another 5.5 posted on Game 2, our computer math model is indicating great value in this one as it projects this game to end at either 4 or 5 goals total with an outside chance at a 2-1 final score a possibility as well. The Bruins have won 8 straight games and allowed only 1.4 goals per game in those 8 games. The Blues certainly did collapse a bit as Monday's Game 1 went on but they are sure to respond in Game 2. With that being said, it is noteworthy that previous to Monday's loss, St Louis had allowed 2 or less goals in 7 of its last 9 games. When the Blues are off a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals only 8 of 24 games this season have resulted in an over. When St Louis is trailing in a playoff series, only 1 of 7 games has resulted in an over. In this post-season, when leading in a playoff series, Bruins games have stayed under the total in 4 of 5. Bet the UNDER in Boston in NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over Boston Bruins, Monday at 8:05 PM ET

The Blues have been great on the road in this post-season as they have won 7 of their 9 games away from St Louis. The layoff here for the Blues afforded them ample rest while the Bruins time off easily could prove to be too much. Boston has not played a game in 10 days and that amount of time off can lead to some sloppiness on the ice. Sure the Bruins have been practicing and scrimmaging plenty but that is still no comparison to live game action. Boston has lost 6 of 7 this season when they are playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. For the Blues, they have won 7 of 11 this season with those same parameters. If St Louis is going to steal one on the road this would likely be the one as they catch the Bruins a little slow out of the gate after all the time off. The Blues have allowed 2 or less goals in 3 of their last 4 road games. Boston has allowed 2.5 goals per game in its last 4 games. Certainly that is a respectable number but you can see where the Blues hold a slight edge in that department and catching Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask playing for the first time in a week and a half is also an edge. Per our computer math model, this one belongs in the 'upset alert' category! Bet the Blues in evening action Monday

ASA NHL PLAY ON San Jose Sharks over St Louis Blues, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

When a team is given little chance by the masses it is often the time that team is at its most dangerous. The San Jose Sharks are off an embarrassing 5-0 home loss, they are banged up, and they now face the Blues at St Louis knowing that a loss ends their season. It is at a time like this that teams rise up and the Sharks are 8-2 this season following a game where they were held to one goal or less. Also, when off a loss by a multiple goal margin, San Jose has a record of 41-27 the last 68. As strong as the Blues overall post-season has been, the fact is that St Louis has been better on the road than at home. The Blues did win their most recent game on home ice but, prior to that victory in Game 4, St Louis had lost 5 of its last 8 on home ice. The road dog is very undervalued in this spot. Bet the Sharks in evening action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over San Jose Sharks, Sunday at 3:05 PM ET

The Blues are off a key win in Game 4 that has swung momentum in this series. St Louis has won 22 of their last 33 games against teams with a winning record. On the season, the Sharks have lost HALF of their games against teams with a winning record. That hurts and what also hurts (literally) for San Jose in this match-up is that Erik Karlsson is currently hurting. Even if he plays he doesn't seem right and he missed a lot of ice time late in Game 4 and that was during the crunch time throughout the third period. The concern here for the Sharks is warranted. That is part of the reason this money line is so low, essentially the books are encouraging money on San Jose while the sharps are all over the Blues in this one. St Louis won Game 2 here at San Jose and that was their 6th win in their last 7 road games as the Blues continue to be road warriors in this post-season. The Blues have not been outshot by the Sharks since Game 1 of this series. Our computer math model is forecasting that St Louis will again have the edge in shots on goal in this match-up and that it will also lead to the edge on the scoreboard when the final horn sounds on this one! Bet the Blues in afternoon action Sunday

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: San Jose Sharks at St Louis Blues, Friday at 8:05 PM ET

With game three's 5-4 San Jose win flying over the total St Louis has now had just 4 unders in their last 13 conference finals games. The Sharks are 4-1 to the over when leading in a playoff series and the way they've been scoring goals (20 in last 5 games against the Blues) it comes as no surprise that our computer math model is forecasting that the over trend continues in Game 4. These teams have combined for an average of 8 goals per game in the first 3 games of this series! We are expecting a 4-3 type game here. The Sharks are 8-2 to the over in their last 10 road games with a total set at 5.5 goals. Bet the OVER in St Louis in NHL action Friday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON San Jose Sharks over St Louis Blues, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Sharks are off a tight loss in Game 2 but now offer great line value as a road dog in Game 3. The reasons are many. For one thing, San Jose is a perfect 4-0 the last 4 times they were off a loss. They have not lost back to back games since early in the first round series with Vegas! Additionally, the Blues win at San Jose Monday continued a trend that has seen the road team prevail in 10 of 15 games in this postseason for St Louis. By the way, prior to that win St Louis had lost 4 of its last 7 games including 2 of its last 3 on home ice! The Blues power play is in a horrific 1 for 26 slump in the past 8 games! On the other hand, the Sharks power play is on a respectable 7 for 34 run their last 10 games. Additionally, the San Jose penalty kill has held opponents to just a 2 for 34 mark with the man advantage in their last 11 games. The Blues penalty kill has allowed their opponents to convert on 5 of 20 chances in their last 9 games. St Louis won their most recent home game in this postseason but previously lost 4 of their first 6 on home ice in the playoffs. The Sharks have won 4 of 5 when tied up in a playoff series in this postseason. The Blues have lost 9 of their last 12 games in conference finals action. Our computer math model is forecasting San Jose goalie Martin Jones to come up big in this game as the Sharks improve to 5-0 the last 5 times they've entered a playoff game off a loss. Bet the Sharks in evening action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: St Louis Blues at San Jose Sharks, Monday at 9:05 PM ET

With game one's 6-3 San Jose win flying over the total St Louis has now had just 4 unders in their last 11 conference finals games. The Sharks are 3-1 to the over when leading in a playoff series and the way they've been scoring goals at home it comes as no surprise that our computer math model is forecasting that the over trend continues in Game 2. San Jose has scored an average of 4.1 goals per game in their last 13 matches on home ice! The over is 7-3-2 in the Blues last 12 road games as, Game 1 notwithstanding, St Louis has been great on enemy ice in this post-season. The Blues have scored an average of 3.3 goals per game in their last 6 road games. We are expecting a 4-3 type game here. The Sharks are 11-2 to the over in their last 13 home games. Bet the OVER in San Jose in NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over San Jose Sharks, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

St Louis has won 38 of their last 58 games including 20 of their last 29 games against teams with a winning record. Conversely, the Sharks have only been a .500 team when playing teams with a winning record this season! Also, the Blues have won 5 of their 6 road games in this post-season! San Jose won Game 7 to wrap up their series with the Avalanche but that series saw the teams alternate wins and losses all the way through. The Sharks haven't won back to back games since winning the final 3 games of the Vegas series after dropping two straight to the Golden Knights. Per our computer math model, the up and down trend for San Jose continues here with another Sharks loss following a win. The Blues have oushot their opponent by 38 shots on goal in their last 3 games. The Sharks have averaged only 2 goals per game in their last 8 games. St Louis has averaged 3.4 goals per game in their last 5 road games. Too much value to pass up on here given the way the Blues have been playing on enemy ice! Bet the Blues in evening action Saturday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Boston Bruins over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 8:05 PM ET

This line has dropped from the -155 range to the -140 range and we already had our eyes on Boston in Game One when the lines first came out. That said, it is now go time with this one and we're releasing this play as of mid-day Thursday to grab the value. Part of the reason for the drop with this line is that Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is out due to a one game suspension. While that can be considered a slight factor in this game the fact is that the much bigger factors here are home ice and, especially, the rest situation. While the Bruins have had an ideal amount (2 days) of rest, the Hurricanes have been off for nearly a week. We expect having not played in almost a full week to have a direct impact on Carolina's level of play in this game and the history supports that theory. The Hurricanes have lost 15 of 24 (including 7 of 10 this season) when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Boston has won 31 of 45 (including 13 of 20 this season) when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Also, the Bruins have won 5 of the last 6 meetings between these teams as well as 4 straight meetings in Boston! Bet the Bruins in evening action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Dallas Stars over St Louis Blues, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Stars penalty kill finished the season on a great run and it has continued well into the post-season. In the past 5 games of this series the Dallas penalty kill has held the Blues to 1 for 18 on the power play. In a Game 7 the play of special teams can certainly have a special effect on the end game result. The Stars power play is on a 5 for 15 run on the power play in their games against St Louis. Getting a power play goal (more likely for Dallas as you can see) certainly could be the key difference maker in a make or break Game 7 situation. Although St Louis has home ice here the Blues have lost 4 of their 6 games here in this post-season. Also, Dallas has the veteran goalie Ben Bishop in this match-up and he has a wealth of playoff experience compared to Blues rookie Jordan Binnington. In road games with a total set at 5 goals or less the Stars have won 9 of 12 and, per our computer math model, a road dog upset is to be expected in this one! Grab the money line value with underdog Dallas in this one. Bet the Stars in evening action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Colorado Avalanche over San Jose Sharks, Monday at 10:05 PM ET

The Avalanche are 3-0 this post-season when trailing in a playoff series and the Sharks are 0-3 this post-season when leading in a playoff series. So far in this series the teams have alternated wins and losses all the way through. Per our computer math model that pattern continues here and the Avalanche get the win after falling short in Game 5. The home team has won 8 of the last 11 meetings between these teams and Colorado will respond after being held to just 1 goal Saturday. The Avalanche have won 9 of the last 11 times they have entered a game off a match-up in which they were held to 2 goals or less. The Sharks enter this game having lost 6 of their last 9 games away from San Jose. Bet the Avalanche in late night action Monday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Colorado Avalanche over San Jose Sharks, Saturday at 10:05 PM ET

The Avalanche have now evened this series up at two games apiece after bouncing back and winning on home ice in Game 4. We don't see them being denied here in Game 5 either as the momentum is now theirs and all the pressure is on San Jose for Game 5 as they know a home loss here is very likely too much to overcome. Per our computer math model the Avalanche will pick up here right where they left off in Game 4 when they dominated in a 3-0 win. With that victory Colorado has won 14 of its past 20 games. The Sharks have actually lost 14 of their last 23 games! Also, San Jose has lost 8 of its last 14 home games. The Avalanche have won 3 of their last 4 road games. When tied in a playoff series the Sharks have lost 5 of the past 7. Getting the plus money price means even more value here as Colorado's top line continues to be the best grouping on the ice and will be a difference maker in a swing game like this Game 5 match-up. Bet the Avalanche in late night action Saturday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Dallas Stars over St Louis Blues, Friday at 9:35 PM ET

These teams have alternated wins and losses throughout this series though the first 4 games. Naturally that will have many now backing the Blues on home ice in Game 5 after the Stars won on home ice in Game 4. However, the road team is actually 7-3 in St Louis post-season games this year. Also, prior to Dallas winning at home on Wednesday, the road team had prevailed in 5 of the last 7 meetings between the Stars and Blues. Dallas, in road games with a total set at 5 or less goals, have won 8 of 11 games. The Blues have lost 25 of 42 second round playoff games so history is most certainly not on the St Louis side in this one. Also, the Stars really seemed to rattle Blues rookie goalie Jordan Binnington in the Game 4 win and, per our computer math model, the effects of that our likely to still be felt in this game. As a result, a road upset is expected in this one! Bet the Stars in late night action Friday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Colorado Avalanche over San Jose Sharks, Thursday at 10:05 PM ET

The Avalanche are now down 2-1 in this series after losing on home ice in Game 3. We don't see them being denied here as a 3-1 deficit before heading to San Jose for Game 5 is very likely too much to overcome. Per our computer math model the Avalanche will respond well here. Colorado had gone 8-0 in their last 8 home games prior to the Game 3 loss to the Sharks Tuesday. Of course that means the Avalanche are still a very strong 8-1 their last 9 as a host. The Sharks actually had lost 5 of their previous 7 games away from home prior to getting the upset win in Game 3 Tuesday. San Jose has been in this spot twice (leading in a playoff series) so far in these playoffs and they've lost the game each time. Look for that same scenario to play out here as the Avalanche resume their recent home dominance. Colorado has been perfect in this situation in the post-season so far as they have gone 2-0 when trailing in a playoff series. A short home price to lay means even more value here. Bet the Avalanche in late night action Thursday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON New York Islanders over Carolina Hurricanes, Wednesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Hurricanes have the upper hand in this series considering they are up 2 games to none and both those wins came at New York. However, Carolina is otherwise in a precarious position here as they are suddenly without their #1 goalie plus the Canes have 3 wingers and a defenseman all listed as questionable on the injury report. Perhaps in Game 2 the Hurricanes won the battle but the Islanders won the war? It is a long way to go to determine that of course but the Islanders are led by head coach Barry Trotz and he took the Capitals all the way to winning the ultimate prize and hoisting the Stanley Cup last June. In a 2-0 deficit and facing a wounded foe, Trotz will be ready to get the most out of this "must win" situation in terms of game planning and strategy and taking advantage of the wounded Hurricanes. Home ice has not meant much at all in meetings between these teams as the road team has won 11 of the last 15 match-ups! Also, the Islanders have only had ONE three-game losing streak this entire season! New York enters this game off back to back losses and this season the Islanders are 11-1 when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games! The Islanders have also won 13 of 20 games this season when off a game in which they were held to scoring 1 goal or less. The Hurricanes have won 4 straight games but they have lost 17 of 27 when they enter game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. Bet the New York Islanders in early evening action Wednesday