Thursday's Best NHL Bets
By Covers.com
San Jose Sharks at Washington Capitals (-125, 6)
Maybe it was the pressure of being the team’s leader. Maybe that extra bit of lettering was slowing him down. Whatever, the case – Patrick Marleau is thriving since dropping the captain’s C from his jersey.
In the first five games of the season, the Sharks center scored five goals including netting a pair against the Minnesota Wild last weekend. Marleau has been bumped back to the second line and doesn’t have Joe Thornton making plays anymore. But that hasn’t slowed his pace.
"I'm just playing," he said. "I'm trying to get off to a good start. ... It's a long season,” Marleau told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Marleau’s nose for the net along with Dany Heatley’s resurgence in San Jose (10 points since being traded from Ottawa) has the Sharks off to a 3-2-0-1 start to the season. They currently sit just 12th in goals heading into Thursday’s showdown with another club known for goal scoring, the Washington Capitals.
The last time these teams met, San Jose scored seven goals for a 7-2 win that played over the 5.5-point total.
Pick: Over
Los Angeles Kings at Detroit Red Wings (NA)
There were questions about the Red Wing’s scoring punch after watching some major contributors leave the team this offseason.
And, five games into the season, those questions are still unanswered. The first line forwards, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Todd Bertuzzi are scoreless to start the year and have just seven assist between them.
"We've got to score some goals," Zetterberg told the media. "We had a few chances. I should have had at least one or two today.
"It's not just finishing off, you have to be a little more desperate when you have your chances. You've got to put them in, otherwise, you will not score now. I had a few chances I should have put in. Just have to go back to work again and make sure we score next time."
Detroit is 2-3 to start the schedule and is averaging just 2.8 goals on 30.2 shots per game.
Pick: Los Angeles
SAN JOSE vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games
San Jose is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
COLORADO vs. MONTREAL
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games
Montreal is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
LOS ANGELES vs. DETROIT
Los Angeles is 1-12-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 9 games at home
TAMPA BAY vs. OTTAWA
Tampa Bay is 4-20 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 9 games
Ottawa is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
CHICAGO vs. NASHVILLE
Chicago is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Nashville's last 23 games when playing at home against Chicago
Nashville is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago
ST. LOUIS vs. PHOENIX
St. Louis is 5-10-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
San Jose Sharks vs. Washington Capitals
The San Jose Sharks and the Washington Capitals will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Verizon Center.
Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov made 30 saves in San Jose's 1-0 shootout loss to Phoenix on Monday night.
Phoenix cashed as +190 road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Mike Knuble had a goal and an assist for Washington in its 3-2 shootout loss to New Jersey on Monday night.
New Jersey won as +155 road underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 3-2-1
Washington: 2-2-2
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing San Jose
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
San Jose at NY Islanders, Saturday, October 17
Washington home to Nashville, Saturday, October 17
Los Angeles Kings vs. Detroit Red Wings
The Los Angeles Kings and the Detroit Red Wings will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Joe Louis Arena.
The Kings were doubled 4-2 by the Rangers last time out, as +140 underdogs. The game's six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ryan Smyth and Michal Handzus tallied in that loss.
Tomas Holmstrom and Valtteri Filppula found the back of the net for Detroit in its 6-2 loss to Buffalo on Tuesday night.
Buffalo cashed as a -110 home pick 'em, while the teams played OVER the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 4-2-0
Detroit: 2-3-0
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing NY Rangers are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Buffalo are 6-6-1
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Los Angeles is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Los Angeles is 2-20-1 SU in its last 23 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Detroit is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 9 games at home
Detroit is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
Los Angeles at Columbus, Saturday, October 17
Detroit home to Colorado, Saturday, October 17
Colorado Avalanche vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Colorado Avalanche and the Montreal Canadiens will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Bell Centre.
Darcy Tucker, John-Michael Liles, and David Jones had a goal and an assist apiece to lead the Avalanche over the Maple Leafs 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Colorado won as +120 road underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 6-goal total set by sportsbooks.
The Canadiens' comeback fell short as they lost 3-2 to the Oilers last time out, as +115 underdogs. The five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Brian Gionta and Roman Hamrlik tallied in the loss.
Current streak:
Colorado has won 2 straight games.
Montreal has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 4-1-1
Montreal: 2-3-0
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Toronto are 3-3-4
After a win are 5-5
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Edmonton are 1-9
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Colorado's last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 9 games on the road
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Montreal's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
Montreal is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
Next up:
Colorado at Detroit, Saturday, October 17
Montreal home to Ottawa, Saturday, October 17
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators
The fans at Scotiabank Place will be treated to a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Ottawa Senators when they take their seats on Thursday.
Ryan Malone's third period marker lifted the Lightning past the Panthers 3-2 on Monday night.
Tampa Bay cashed as -145 home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Milan Michalek netted the lone goal for Ottawa in its 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Monday night.
Pittsburgh cashed as -115 road favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 6-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 2-1-2
Ottawa: 3-2-0
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Pittsburgh are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Ottawa is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, Saturday, October 17
Ottawa at Montreal, Saturday, October 17
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Thursday when the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators meet at Sommet Center.
The Oilers were defeated 4-3 by the Blackhawks last time out, as +155 underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (6).
Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner, and Denis Grebeshkov answered for the Oilers. Nikoali Khabibulin made 34 saves in the loss.
The Predators were shut out 6-0 by the Stars last time out, as +140 underdogs. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Dan Ellis allowed three goals off three shots before getting pulled.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Nashville has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 4-1-1
Nashville: 2-3-0
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Edmonton are 7-3
After playing Edmonton are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing Nashville
Chicago is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Nashville's last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Nashville's last 23 games when playing at home against Chicago
Nashville is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago
Next up:
Chicago home to Dallas, Saturday, October 17
Nashville at Washington, Saturday, October 17
St. Louis Blues vs. Phoenix Coyotes
The St. Louis Blues and the Phoenix Coyotes will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Jobing.com Arena.
The Blues were defeated 2-1 by the Kings last time out, as -150 favorites. The teams played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Alexander Steen scored the lone marker for the Blues.
Lauri Korpikoski netted the winner in the shootout to lift the Coyotes past the Sharks 1-0 on Monday night.
Phoenix cashed as +190 road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
St. Louis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 2-2-0
Phoenix: 3-2-0
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing San Jose are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
St. Louis is 5-10-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing St. Louis
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
St. Louis at Anaheim, Saturday, October 17
Phoenix home to Boston, Saturday, October 17
SAN JOSE (3-2-0-1, 7 pts.) at WASHINGTON (2-3-0-1, 5 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 34-34 ATS (-25.5 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-4 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 127-106 ATS (+19.9 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 90-135 ATS (+225.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 1-0-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)
COLORADO (4-1-0-1, 9 pts.) at MONTREAL (2-3-0-0, 4 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 18-30 ATS (-17.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 43-48 ATS (-17.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 23-28 ATS (-13.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 1-0-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)
TAMPA BAY (2-1-0-2, 6 pts.) at OTTAWA (3-2-0-0, 6 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 26-59 ATS (+99.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 58-124 ATS (+226.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 12-27 ATS (+39.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-50 ATS (+83.7 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 3-15 ATS (+22.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 82-91 ATS (+201.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 3-11 ATS (-10.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 12-24 ATS (-15.1 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 37-43 ATS (-19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 7-14 ATS (-15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-3 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-3-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.8 Units)
LOS ANGELES (4-2-0-0, 8 pts.) at DETROIT (2-3-0-0, 4 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 91-136 ATS (-50.2 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 16-31 ATS (+48.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-1 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)
CHICAGO (4-1-0-1, 9 pts.) at NASHVILLE (2-3-0-0, 4 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 11-19 ATS (-9.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 189-232 ATS (-84.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 96-121 ATS (-46.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 105-111 ATS (+251.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
CHICAGO is 46-26 ATS (+16.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-6 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-6-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-1.6 Units)
ST LOUIS (2-2-0-0, 4 pts.) at PHOENIX (3-2-0-0, 6 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.4 Units)
SAN JOSE at WASHINGTON
SAN JOSE: 14-2-1 SU against Washington
WASHINGTON: 83-131 SU in non-conference games
COLORADO at MONTREAL
COLORADO: 13-31 SU after playing a road game
MONTREAL: 10-6 SU off 3+ consecutive road losses
TAMPA BAY at OTTAWA
TAMPA BAY: 2-12 SU off a home win by 1 goal
OTTAWA: 15-5 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150
LOS ANGELES at DETROIT
LOS ANGELES: 5-21 SU when playing their 3rd game in 4 days
DETROIT: 24-3 SU at home after one or more consecutive overs
CHICAGO at NASHVILLE
CHICAGO: 11-19 SU vs. division opponents
NASHVILLE: 16-5 SU after having lost 3 of their last 4
ST LOUIS at PHOENIX
ST LOUIS: 57-44 SU when playing with 3 or more days rest
PHOENIX: 5-13 SU at home after 4+ consecutive unders