Cnotes National Hockey League February Rated Plays - Trends - News - Etc. !!

[CNOTES]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, February 13

Hot teams
-- Bruins won three of their last four games.
-- Islanders won last three games, scoring 16 goals
-- Blue Jackets won five of their last seven games.
-- Washington won its last five games. Dallas Stars won five of their last six.
-- Anaheim won seven of its last nine games.
-- San Jose is 5-0 in game following its last fiv losses.

Cold teams
-- Devils/Flyers both lost three of their last four games.
-- Minnesota lost 11 of its last 12 games.
-- Toronto lost 12 of its last 15 games. Canucks lost last three home games.
-- Carolina lost three of its last four games.
-- Ottawa lost seven of its last ten games.
-- Nashville is 1-4 since All-Star break. Florida lost three of last four games.
-- Chicago lost last two games, 4-2/2-0.
-- Winnipeg lost six of its last nine games. Edmonton lost three of last four.
-- Arizona lost five of its last six games.

Series records
-- Flyers lost three of last four games with New Jersey.
-- Bruins won last two games with Minnesota 3-2ot/4-2.
-- Home side won last six Toronto-Vancouver games.
-- Road team won six of last seven Islander-Carolina games.
-- Senators won five of last six games with Columbus.
-- Predators won seven of last ten games with Florida.
-- Dallas Stars won their last eight games wth Washington.
-- Chicago won its last four games with Anaheim, last two in OT.
-- Winnipeg won four of its last five games with Edmonton.
-- San Jose won six of its last eight games with Arizona.

Totals
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six New Jersey road games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Boston games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Toronto games.
-- Over is 6-0-2 in last eight Islander games.
-- Five of last six Ottawa games went over total.
-- Last four Nashville games went over total.
-- Last five Dallas Stars games went over total.
-- Over is 6-0-2 in last eight Anaheim games.
-- Five of last six Winnipeg games went over.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Arizona games.

Back-to-backs
-- Carolina is 6-4 if it played the night before.
-- Nashville is 1-6 if it played night before. Florida is 6-3 if it played night before.
-- Arizona is 2-4 on road if it played night before.

 

[CNOTES]

NHL

Saturday, February 13

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. PHILADELPHIA
New Jersey is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey

2:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MINNESOTA
Boston is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. FLORIDA
Nashville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
Florida is 5-11-3 SU in its last 19 games ,when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games

7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. CAROLINA
NY Islanders are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Carolina
NY Islanders are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Carolina is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Carolina is 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing NY Islanders

7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games on the road
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 9 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. VANCOUVER
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Toronto is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Vancouver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. DALLAS
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Washington's last 15 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
Dallas is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

8:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. CHICAGO
Anaheim is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Anaheim

10:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games

10:30 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN JOSE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Arizona is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Jose's last 6 games at home
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona

 

[CNOTES]

NHL MONEYLINE


NHL > (55) TORONTO@ (56) VANCOUVER | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO using money line in Road games second half of the season
The record is 4 Wins and 32 Losses for the last two seasons (-26.5 units)


NHL > (55) TORONTO@ (56) VANCOUVER | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO using money line in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 3 Wins and 23 Losses for the last three seasons (-19.6 units)


NHL > (53) BOSTON@ (54) MINNESOTA | 2016-02-13 14:05:00 - 2016-02-13 14:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games second half of the season
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-15.6 units)


NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE using money line in Home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 2 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (-10.9 units)

NHL > (63) WASHINGTON@ (64) DALLAS | 2016-02-13 20:05:00 - 2016-02-13 20:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON using money line in Road games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 25 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+18.1 units)


NHL > (51) NEW JERSEY@ (52) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-02-13 13:05:00 - 2016-02-13 13:05:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 19 Wins and 41 Losses for the last two seasons (-29.2 units)

NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play ON ARIZONA using money line in All games after a division game
The record is 13 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+11.8 units)


NHL > (63) WASHINGTON@ (64) DALLAS | 2016-02-13 20:05:00 - 2016-02-13 20:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON using money line in All games
The record is 37 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (+19.65 units)


NHL > (59) OTTAWA@ (60) COLUMBUS | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play ON COLUMBUS using money line in All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 23 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (+18.6 units)


NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 21 Wins and 25 Losses for the last three seasons (-31.1 units)


NHL > (65) ANAHEIM@ (66) CHICAGO | 2016-02-13 20:35:00 - 2016-02-13 20:35:00
Play ON ANAHEIM using money line in Road games on Saturday games
The record is 22 Wins and 8 Losses for the last three seasons (+16.4 units)


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NHL PUCKLINE


NHL > (55) TORONTO@ (56) VANCOUVER | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO in Road games second half of the season
The record is 4 Wins and 32 Losses for the last two seasons (-26.5 units)


NHL > (55) TORONTO@ (56) VANCOUVER | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 3 Wins and 23 Losses for the last three seasons (-19.6 units)

NHL > (53) BOSTON@ (54) MINNESOTA | 2016-02-13 14:05:00 - 2016-02-13 14:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA in All games second half of the season
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-15.6 units)

NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE in Home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 2 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (-10.9 units)


NHL > (63) WASHINGTON@ (64) DALLAS | 2016-02-13 20:05:00 - 2016-02-13 20:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON in Road games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 25 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+18.1 units)


NHL > (51) NEW JERSEY@ (52) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-02-13 13:05:00 - 2016-02-13 13:05:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 19 Wins and 41 Losses for the last two seasons (-29.2 units)

NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play ON ARIZONA in All games after a division game
The record is 13 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+11.8 units)


NHL > (63) WASHINGTON@ (64) DALLAS | 2016-02-13 20:05:00 - 2016-02-13 20:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON in all games
The record is 40 Wins and 13 Losses for the this season (+20.65 units)


NHL > (59) OTTAWA@ (60) COLUMBUS | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play ON COLUMBUS in All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 23 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (+18.6 units)


NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 21 Wins and 25 Losses for the last three seasons (-31.1 units)


NHL > (65) ANAHEIM@ (66) CHICAGO | 2016-02-13 20:35:00 - 2016-02-13 20:35:00
Play ON ANAHEIM in Road games on Saturday games
The record is 22 Wins and 8 Losses for the last three seasons (+16.4 units)


------------------


NHL TOTALS


NHL > (55) TORONTO@ (56) VANCOUVER | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play UNDER VANCOUVER on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 4 Overs and 16 Unders for the this season (+12.35 units)

NHL > (63) WASHINGTON@ (64) DALLAS | 2016-02-13 20:05:00 - 2016-02-13 20:05:00
Play OVER WASHINGTON on the totalin All games second half of the season
The record is 9 Overs and 0 Unders for the this season (+9.2 units)

NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play OVER SAN JOSE on the totalin Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 22 Overs and 6 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.95 units)


NHL > (57) NY ISLANDERS@ (58) CAROLINA | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play UNDER CAROLINA on the totalin Home games after a division game
The record is 5 Overs and 20 Unders for the last two seasons (+14.7 units)


NHL > (61) NASHVILLE@ (62) FLORIDA | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play OVER NASHVILLE on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season
The record is 21 Overs and 6 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.8 units)

NHL > (69) ARIZONA@ (70) SAN JOSE | 2016-02-13 22:35:00 - 2016-02-13 22:35:00
Play OVER SAN JOSE on the totalin Home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 10 Overs and 1 Unders for the last two seasons (+9.2 units)


NHL > (51) NEW JERSEY@ (52) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-02-13 13:05:00 - 2016-02-13 13:05:00
Play UNDER NEW JERSEY on the totalin Road games in February games
The record is 17 Overs and 48 Unders for the since 1992 (+29.75 units)

NHL > (55) TORONTO@ (56) VANCOUVER | 2016-02-13 19:05:00 - 2016-02-13 19:05:00
Play UNDER TORONTO on the totalin Road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 5 Overs and 16 Unders for the last two seasons (+11.35 units)

 

[CNOTES]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




NJ at PHI 01:00 PM


NJ +121 BEST BET




BOS at MIN 02:00 PM


BOS -105

 

[CNOTES]

NHL SELECTIONS:


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




NYI at CAR 07:00 PM


NYI -140




TOR at VAN 07:00 PM


TOR +142 BEST BET




OTT at CLB 07:00 PM


OTT +107




NAS at FLA 07:00 PM


FLA -120




WAS at DAL 08:00 PM


WAS -110




ANA at CHI 08:30 PM


ANA +121 BEST BET




WIN at EDM 10:00 PM


EDM +102




ARI at SJ 10:30 PM


ARI +213 BEST BET

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Avalanche (29-25) at Sabres (22-28)
Date: February 14, 2016 12:30 PM EDT

Even with Ryan O'Reilly now on their side, the Buffalo Sabres were unable to end their prolonged struggles against the Colorado Avalanche last month.


Getting another crack at his former team, O'Reilly tries to help the Sabres avoid an 11th consecutive defeat to an Avalanche club that can complete a sweep of its three-game trip Sunday.


Deciding it would cost too much to sign O'Reilly to a long-term contract extension after six seasons in Denver, Colorado sent the talented forward to Buffalo in a five-player deal over the summer. The Sabres then signed him to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract.


In his return to Colorado on Jan. 20, O'Reilly assisted on Evander Kane's second-period power-play goal, but defenseman Francois Beauchemin broke a tie with 31.7 seconds left to give the Avs (29-25-4) a 2-1 victory.


'Once you got on the ice it's just another game,' said O'Reilly, who leads Buffalo with 17 goals and 30 assists. 'You try to win. It wasn't too weird I guess. It was just different.'


O'Reilly should feel even more relaxed this time as the Sabres (22-28-6) try to end an 0-6-4 slide in the series. They've been held to eight goals while losing the last five in regulation.


However, Buffalo could have a little more jump after ending its 0-2-2 slide with Friday's 6-4 home victory over Montreal. Kane and Marcus Foligno each scored twice and O'Reilly had two assists as the Sabres matched their season-high goal total while almost squandering a 4-1 lead.


"We had some moments where we were bending, but we didn't break," defenseman Josh Gorges told the Sabres' official website. "We found a way to get the two points," We'll build and we'll learn from how to play in the third periods with a one-goal lead."


Buffalo has yielded 16 goals in three games and won twice in 11 at home.


That might not bode well against Colorado, which in addition to its series dominance is 11-4-0 on the road since the beginning of December and won five of the last six away from the Pepsi Center.


"We've been playing with confidence on the road," coach Patrick Roy told the Avalanche's official website.


The Avs followed an 0-3-1 post-All-Star break homestand by winning 4-3 at Ottawa on Thursday then 3-2 in a shootout at Detroit one night later. Colorado was outshot 45-21 by the Red Wings, but Semyon Varlamov stopped all but two to improve to 14-3-3 when making 40 or more saves.


"When you see him play like that, it gives you a lot of confidence," said teammate Mikhail Grigorenko, who was also part of the O'Reilly trade.


Varlamov has a 1.84 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage while winning seven of eight on the road. Following his 27-save performance in last month's meeting, the veteran netminder has a 1.65 GAA during a six-game winning streak against the Sabres.


Robin Lehner made 33 saves at Colorado in January, but has yielded nine goals in his last two starts.


O'Reilly's gone 15 games without a goal but has 12 assists during that span. Kane has scored five of his 15 goals in the last seven.


Colorado's Matt Duchene has recorded 17 of his team-leading 25 goals on the road. He has three in three games at Buffalo.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Kings (33-18) at Devils (27-21)
Date: February 14, 2016 12:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Kings' pattern of inconsistency has carried over into their season-high road trip, but they have proved steady in many recent visits to New Jersey.


The Kings, however, will have to face a Devils team that's coming off a pair of stingy efforts and has a red-hot power play going into Sunday's matchup.


Los Angeles (33-18-3) has alternated wins and losses in its last seven games, including a 2-1 record on a seven-game trip. It began with a pair of lopsided results, winning 9-2 in Boston on Tuesday before losing 5-2 to the New York Islanders on Thursday. They nearly suffered a second straight defeat Friday but pulled off a 5-4 overtime victory over the New York Rangers.


Anze Kopitar completed his third career hat trick with 29.7 seconds left in regulation, and Tanner Pearson moved Los Angeles to 8-1 in the NHL's 3-on-3 format for extra periods.


"We weren't very happy with the way we played (Thursday). We talked about responding, and I think guys did a fairly good job," defenseman Luke Schenn said. "Obviously, there are a couple of things we need to tighten up for sure. I think our goals against is a little higher than we would have liked, but a win is a win.


"This is a huge road trip and a huge point in our season. Every two points we'll take."


The Pacific Division leaders haven't won back-to-back games since Jan. 17-19 but are heading to a place where they are 6-1-1 in their last eight visits, including three in the 2012 Stanley Cup finals and a 3-1 win March 23 in the teams' last matchup.


The Kings held the Devils to nine goals in those eight games and to 1 for 20 on the power play, but New Jersey has been tough to stop with the man advantage lately.


The Devils (28-21-7) are coming off back-to-back 2-1 wins, scoring all of their goals on the power play. That unit is 11 for 25 in the past nine contests, including 7 for 11 at home.


"Power play is going right now," Adam Henrique said after scoring the overtime winner against Philadelphia on Saturday. "Past couple of games it's been the difference maker, getting us two points."


Henrique scored on the power play in both games, giving him three goals and two assists in the last four games.


Los Angeles also has been strong on the power play, going 8 for 17 in five games this month, but has allowed a power-play goal in four straight.


New Jersey has had no such problems, killing 22 of 23 penalties this month while getting solid play from Cory Schneider. He stopped 31 shots Saturday and improved to 7-2-1 with a 1.59 goals-against average in his last 10 starts.


With the Devils playing on back-to-back days, it's unclear if coach John Hynes will start Schneider again. Schneider started both games in New Jersey's most recent back-to-back set Monday and Tuesday, earning a 2-1 win over Edmonton in the second.


The Kings have played their past two games without top goaltender Jonathan Quick (lower body), and they placed Marian Gaborik (knee) on injured reserve Saturday.


Quick, who reportedly practiced Saturday, is 8-3-1 with a 1.29 GAA in his past 12 games against New Jersey, including the postseason.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bruins (29-19) at Red Wings (28-18)
Date: February 14, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

An uptick in offense helped the Boston Bruins rebound from their most lopsided loss, even as their top scorer was sidelined for the first time this season.


A little more might improve their already impressive streaks on the road and against an Atlantic Division rival.


The Bruins might again be without Patrice Bergeron on Sunday when they try to continue their success away from home by beating the Detroit Red Wings for the seventh straight time.


Boston (30-19-6) suffered an embarrassing 9-2 home loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday but bounced back with Thursday's 6-2 win at Winnipeg and Saturday's 4-2 victory at Minnesota to open a season-high six-game road trip.


Those gave the Bruins six consecutive wins on the road and improved them to 13-3-3 away from home since Nov. 8. Their 18-5-3 road record is second to only Washington's and has helped offset a 4-7-1 stretch at home since Dec. 22.


'I wish I could transport that to our home games, but we just seem to be ready to play and seem to be able to continue to play more or less, for the 60 minute span,' coach Claude Julien said.


Bergeron leads Boston with 47 points and scored twice against the Jets, but he sat out against the Wild with an undisclosed injury and is day to day.


Boston averaged only 2.25 goals in eight games from Jan. 21-Feb. 9, but it has scored in five of its last six periods. Brad Marchand has goals in 11 of the last 12 games, including each of the last six. His goal Saturday was his 19th career short-handed - the most of any player since he entered the league in 2009-10.


Marchand has been held mostly in check in 15 career meetings against the Red Wings (28-18-9), but the Bruins have still dominated the series.


Boston has won the last six games and 10 of 11, including four straight to close a 2014 playoff series. That stretch includes wins in five of six in Detroit and two more to open this season's series - a 3-1 home victory on Nov. 14 and a 3-2 overtime win on Nov. 25 at Detroit.


"It just seems like they find ways to beat us," Detroit center Darren Helm told the Red Wings' official website. "We're playing good hockey right now and we've got to find a way to beat them. It's a really big game coming up."


That solid play has resulted in Detroit's 3-0-1 start to a five-game homestand, though its three-game win streak was snapped with Friday's 3-2 shootout loss to Colorado - in which the Red Wings finished one off a season high with 45 shots.


Petr Mrazek had another strong game despite the loss, stopping 19 of 21 shots. He has a 0.98 goals-against average while starting each game of Detroit's homestand. Mrazek, who will start on his 24th birthday Sunday, holds the top save percentage (.952) and GAA (1.22) of any goaltender who has started more than three games since Jan. 4.


He is still searching for his first career victory against the Bruins, though, after losing the first two matchups this year to fall to 0-2-1 against them with a 3.01 GAA.


Tuukka Rask has fared much better for Boston, going 8-1-0 with a 1.51 GAA in his last nine starts against Detroit, including playoffs.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Blues (31-17) at Lightning (30-20)
Date: February 14, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

While it's unclear how long he'll remain in Tampa Bay, Steven Stamkos can get the Lightning's home win streak into record territory before it's time to make that crucial decision.


After playing the hero in the latest game, Stamkos will try to help Tampa Bay tie its all-time mark with a 10th consecutive home victory Sunday night against the St. Louis Blues.


With the chances of re-signing their star appearing murky, the Lightning could deal Stamkos before the trade deadline at the end of this month. The high-scoring forward hasn't said if he would waive his no-trade clause, stating before Friday's game against Nashville that any answers would come in a couple weeks.


Stamkos then provided a power-play goal with 26.6 seconds left in regulation and assisted on Tyler Johnson's overtime winner in a 4-3 victory over the Predators. Tampa Bay (30-20-4) had totaled three goals in back-to-back losses.


"We dug deep and we found a way. Hopefully this gets us over that little hump," said Stamkos, who is two shy of his 300th career goal. "You've got to find ways when you don't necessarily play your best in this league. We'll work on some things but this could be a confidence booster for our team."


The Lightning established their record run at home last season, but they will have to end a four-game skid against St. Louis.


The Blues extended their recent mastery in the series with a 2-0 victory Oct. 27. Jake Allen stopped 26 shots but is currently out because of a knee injury.


Brian Elliott has gone 8-3-2 with a 1.77 goals-against average in 13 consecutive starts in his absence. He's 3-0-0 with a 1.33 GAA in his last three against the Lightning.


Elliott got plenty of support from his teammates Friday in a 5-3 victory at Florida, including Jaden Schwartz in his return from a fractured left ankle.


Schwartz's first goal of the season was among the Blues' four in a row across the opening two periods. Captain David Backes started that run and ended a 10-game drought.


"(Schwartz has) been watching games for I don't know how many months now, so it's good to see him get back out there and put it in right away," Elliott said. "We obviously can't expect that every night, but he's a big piece to our puzzle."


The Blues, seeking their first three-game road win streak since November, have alternated wins and losses in their last five trips to Tampa. They won 6-3 in their lone visit last season.


Vladimir Tarasenko, who wrapped up the scoring in that game, has three goals and one assist in his last four matchups with the Lightning as does Troy Brouwer. Tarasenko, St. Louis' leading scorer, has two of his 27 goals in the last three games after finding the net once in his previous 11.


Tampa Bay goaltender Ben Bishop is 0-3-1 with a 3.02 GAA in last four starts against his former team. Stamkos has two goals in his last six games against St. Louis after producing four goals and four assists in his first three.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Flyers (24-20) at Rangers (31-18)
Date: February 14, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The New York Rangers don't lose often at Madison Square Garden, but one slipped away this weekend. The same applies to home games against the Philadelphia Flyers, though a lengthy streak came to a close earlier this season.


The Rangers look to get back on track at MSG when the Flyers visit Sunday night for the fifth and final regular-season meeting between the Metropolitan Division rivals.


New York (31-18-6) is riding a 7-0-2 run at the Garden, improving its record at the famed arena to 20-5-3. The Rangers are one of only four teams with that many home wins.


A five-game home streak came to a close, however, with Friday's 5-4 overtime loss to Los Angeles. The Rangers seemed to have their fifth straight victory in hand before allowing the tying goal with 30 seconds left in regulation and another in the extra period with backup Antti Raanta making his first start since Jan. 17.


"When you have the lead in the final minute, you want to nail it down and take the two points, but 3 on 3 (in overtime) is touch and go sometimes and it's a heartbreaker when you lose," defenseman Keith Yandle told the team's official website.


"We're not going to get deflated."


The Garden had a habit of taking the air out of Philadelphia (24-20-10) until the Flyers' 3-0 victory there Nov. 28.


Wayne Simmonds had two goals and an assist to help snap the club's 10-game regular-season skid at MSG, which came by a combined 38-11 score. The win was just the Flyers' second in their last 15 games on Broadway, including a 2014 first-round playoff series.


The first four in this season's series were split, though New York won the last two in shootouts at Philadelphia. The most recent was a 3-2 Rangers win Feb. 6 that opened 1-2-2 stretch for the Flyers.


Though Philadelphia has scored only 11 goals during that time - even with Thursday's 5-1 win over Buffalo - Shayne Gostisbehere has hit his stride. The rookie scored in Saturday's 2-1 loss to New Jersey to become the first rookie defenseman in NHL history with a point in 11 consecutive games, one more than Barry Beck in 1977-78.


Gostisbehere's streak is also a club record for rookies.


"He's stayed very confident with the puck and he's confident in adding offense to our team," coach Dave Hakstol said.


Philadelphia, which is 11-12-3 away from home, will draw a tough matchup against New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist as he tries to improve on his 17-3-2 home record. Lundqvist has won four straight and holds a .939 save percentage and 1.73 goals-against average in 12 starts since Jan. 11.


He is 2-0-1 against the Flyers this season with a .946 save percentage, and he can draw even with Chicago's Corey Crawford and Washington's Braden Holtby for the league lead in home victories.


The Rangers will continue on without Ryan McDonagh (concussion) and Rick Nash (left leg bruise), who have missed three and eight straight games, respectively. McDonagh practiced Saturday and is nearing a return, while coach Alain Vigneault said Nash would be shut down for at least another week.


New York has averaged a healthy 3.29 goals over the last seven games and will face Steve Mason, who made 41 saves Thursday against the Sabres. Mason has started each game against the Rangers this season, going 2-0-2 with a .951 save percentage.

 

[CNOTES]

NHL MONEYLINE


NHL > (3) LOS ANGELES@ (4) NEW JERSEY | 2016-02-14 12:35:00 - 2016-02-14 12:35:00
Play ON LOS ANGELES using money line in Road games after allowing 4 goals or more
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+8.25 units)


NHL > (7) ST LOUIS@ (8) TAMPA BAY | 2016-02-14 18:05:00 - 2016-02-14 18:05:00
Play ON TAMPA BAY using money line in Home games second half of the season
The record is 9 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+9 units)


NHL > (9) PHILADELPHIA@ (10) NY RANGERS | 2016-02-14 19:35:00 - 2016-02-14 19:35:00
Play ON PHILADELPHIA using money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 8 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+8.85 units)


NHL > (9) PHILADELPHIA@ (10) NY RANGERS | 2016-02-14 19:35:00 - 2016-02-14 19:35:00
Play AGAINST NY RANGERS using money line in Home games after allowing 4 goals or more
The record is 89 Wins and 116 Losses for the since 1992 (-77 units)


--------------------


NHL PUCKLINE


NHL > (3) LOS ANGELES@ (4) NEW JERSEY | 2016-02-14 12:35:00 - 2016-02-14 12:35:00
Play ON LOS ANGELES in Road games after allowing 4 goals or more
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+8.25 units)


NHL > (7) ST LOUIS@ (8) TAMPA BAY | 2016-02-14 18:05:00 - 2016-02-14 18:05:00
Play ON TAMPA BAY in Home games second half of the season
The record is 9 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+9 units)

NHL > (9) PHILADELPHIA@ (10) NY RANGERS | 2016-02-14 19:35:00 - 2016-02-14 19:35:00
Play ON PHILADELPHIA in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 8 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+8.85 units)


------------------------


NHL TOTALS


NHL > (3) LOS ANGELES@ (4) NEW JERSEY | 2016-02-14 12:35:00 - 2016-02-14 12:35:00
Play UNDER NEW JERSEY on the totalin Home games in non-conference games
The record is 5 Overs and 17 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.3 units)


NHL > (5) BOSTON@ (6) DETROIT | 2016-02-14 15:30:00 - 2016-02-14 15:30:00
Play UNDER DETROIT on the totalin Home games vs. division opponents
The record is 1 Overs and 8 Unders for the this season (+7.25 units)

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack


Six of the top minor league prospets of the Colorado Rockies........


1) Jon Gray, P-- Was 0-2, 5.53 in nine big league starts LY.


3) Brendan Rodgers, SS-- Won't turn 20 until August; HS kid from Florida.


4) Jeff Hoffman, P-- Allowed 36 hits in 48 IP in AA last year.


6) Kyle Freeland, P-- Evansville alum got $2.3M to sign in 2014


8) Trevor Story, 2B/SS-- Hit .277 at high altitude Albuquerque LY; not great.


9) Antonioo Senzatela, P-- 37-18, 2.49 in three minor league seasons.


**********


Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday.........


13 Back in the early days of ESPN, when they had most of the NCAA tourney, they would run replays of every game back all night long, until next day's games started. This was tremendous; now there is station on DirecTV, ROOT TV (channel 687) that basically does the same thing every Saturday night, running games back all night. As I type this, I'm on my 18th straight hour of watching college hoop- tremendous!!!


12) Kentucky 89, South Carolina 62-- Calipari got tossed 2:26 into this game, then his players then played their best game of the season. Funny how that works.


11) ESPN treats Joe Lunardi's NCAA tournament projections like they are a fact: "Gonzaga dropped out of the field by losing at SMU". Stop already. Lunardi does an excellent job projecting the field, but he isn't always right and it becomes annoying as they talk about this stuff when the brackets are still four weeks away.


10) Providence (-4) 75, Georgetown 72-- Gambling is hard; Friars were up 26 in this game, led by 20 at the half, but didn't cover the spread.


9) Morehead State 78, Belmont 77-- Contrasting styles, a growing rivalry. Belmont was up 14 at the half in this game. This was a tough game to officiate


8) Stacey Augmon spoke out about the vacant UNLV head coaching job; he is an assistant at his alma mater now and he spoke to the Las Vegas newspaper Saturday, saying he wanted the job. If they don't hire him or Reggie Theus, another alum, then they better hire Rick Pitino or they're going to look bad.


7) Fort Wayne 88, Denver 84-- Pioneers of Summit League lost this game, but made 20-32 on the arc, wthout taking a single foul shot the whole game. Very rarely see a team go a whole game without any FTs- scoring 84 points makes it more rare.


6) Atlantic 14 needs better TV exposure- when you're on the east coast and your first game on a Saturday doesn't start until 4:00, you're missing out on four hours of potential TV exposure. Some good teams in this league; they need to be seen more.


5) Wright State 61, Valparaiso 59........Texas Tech 84, Baylor 66-- Rough day for the Drew brothers, who were favored by 14, 9 points in these games.


4) Albert Einstein has been dead since 1955- his estate made $11M last year.


3) Kansas 76, Oklahoma 72-- Not often Sooners go 10-32 on the arc- they shot 33% from floor in this game. .


2) I've said this before: ESPN fouled up letting basketball anaylst Doug Gottlieb get away-- he is smart, opinionated and teaches you stuff. He is so much better at his job than Jay Bilas is, but ESPN has anointed Bilas as its #1 analyst. Bad move.


1) Stanford 76, Oregon 72-- Rough weekend for Ducks in Bay Area; getting swept by Cal and Stanford. Oregon-Arizona-USC are all tied for first in loss column- Arizona and USC play today. Six teams are within 1.5 games of first place in Pac-12.

 

[CNOTES]

NHL
Dunkel

Sunday, February 14


Philadelphia @ NY Rangers

Game 9-10
February 14, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
12.648
NY Rangers
11.530
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Rangers
-175
5
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+155); Under

Colorado @ Buffalo

Game 1-2
February 14, 2016 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
9.239
Buffalo
10.641
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-125
5
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(+105); Over

Los Angeles @ New Jersey

Game 3-4
February 14, 2016 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
9.747
New Jersey
10.694
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Jersey
by 1
3 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Jersey
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
New Jersey
N/A

Boston @ Detroit

Game 5-6
February 14, 2016 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
8.469
Detroit
11.966
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 3 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
N/A

St. Louis @ Tampa Bay

Game 7-8
February 14, 2016 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
11.817
Tampa Bay
12.985
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-135
5
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-135); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (29-25-0-4, 62 pts.) at BUFFALO (22-28-0-6, 50 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 123-106 ATS (+16.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-29 ATS (+65.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 15-10 ATS (+26.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
COLORADO is 110-81 ATS (+193.2 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
COLORADO is 30-19 ATS (+49.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 11-36 ATS (+71.2 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 3-13 ATS (+18.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 5-0-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOS ANGELES (33-18-0-3, 69 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (28-21-0-7, 63 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 12:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-2 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-2-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOSTON (30-19-0-6, 66 pts.) at DETROIT (28-18-0-9, 65 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-5 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-5-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST LOUIS (31-17-0-9, 71 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (30-20-0-4, 64 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 193-201 ATS (+475.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 99-80 ATS (+180.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 107-80 ATS (+26.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-1 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 4-1-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (24-20-0-10, 58 pts.) at NY RANGERS (31-18-0-6, 68 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-50 ATS (+79.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 95-61 ATS (+169.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 54-29 ATS (+12.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 41-20 ATS (+11.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 73-34 ATS (+23.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 20-5 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-6 ATS (+18.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-11 ATS (+30.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY RANGERS are 63-73 ATS (-48.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 91-126 ATS (-93.8 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 117-119 ATS (-60.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 11-8 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 11-8-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

 

[CNOTES]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 14

Hot teams
-- Colorado won last two games, after losing five of previous six.
-- Los Angeles won four of its last five road games. Devils are 7-4 in last 11 games.
-- Bruins won four of their last five games. Detroit won three of its last four.
-- Lightning won 11 of its last 14 games. St Louis won four of its last six road games.
-- Rangers won four of their last five games.

Cold teams
-- Sabres lost four of their last five games.
-- Flyers lost four of their last five games.

Series records
-- Avalanche won their last ten games with Buffalo.
-- Road team won last four LA-New Jersey games.
-- Bruins won their last six games with Detroit.
-- Blues won their last four games with Tampa Bay.
-- Rangers are 6-3 in last nine games with Philly- they won last two in SO.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Colorado games.
-- Last six Los Angles games went over total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last six Boston games.
-- Last four Tampa Bay games went over total.
-- Over is 4-1-3 in last eight Philadelphia games.

Back-to-backs
-- New Jersey is 3-3 if it played the night before.
-- Boston lost three of last four if they played day before.
-- Philadelphia lost four of last fie if it played day before.

 

[CNOTES]

NHL

Sunday, February 14

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:30 PM
COLORADO vs. BUFFALO
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Buffalo is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home
Buffalo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado

12:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

3:30 PM
BOSTON vs. DETROIT
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

6:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. TAMPA BAY
St. Louis is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games ,when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
NY Rangers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

 

[CNOTES]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




LA at NJ 12:30 PM


LA -158




COL at BUF 12:30 PM


COL -105




BOS at DET 03:30 PM

BOS +131 BEST BET




STL at TB 06:00 PM


TB -140




PHI at NYR 07:30 PM


PHI +155 BEST BET

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Ducks (27-19) at Flames (25-26)
Date: February 15, 2016 4:00 PM EDT

Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau isn't surprised that Anaheim's turnaround coincides with Ryan Getzlaf's improvement.




Getzlaf will look to extend his surge and spark the Ducks to another win over the Calgary Flames on Monday night.


Anaheim (27-19-8) finished with the most points in the Western Conference last season, so entering the Christmas break with the fewest was stunning.


The Ducks, however, have lately looked more like the team that won three straight Pacific Division titles, going 15-4-2 following the layoff to vault it into third place in the division - one point back of second-place San Jose.


Getzlaf has been the catalyst, collecting 19 points over the last 15 games while getting at least one in 13. The captain had 23 points through the first 35 games.


"When he was struggling at the beginning of the year, we were struggling," Boudreau said. "When he's going pretty well right now, we're not going too bad right now."


Getzlaf has two points in each of the first four on this season-high seven-game trip after scoring in overtime of a 3-2 win at Chicago on Saturday.


He's not likely to slow down since he's got 54 points in 52 career meetings against the Flames, including the playoffs. Getzlaf matched his career high with five assists in a 5-3 win Nov. 24, but he didn't have any points in a 1-0 win at Calgary on Dec. 29.


John Gibson only needed to make 14 saves in that matchup, but it's unknown if he'll be back in net after an upper-body injury forced him to leave Saturday after two periods. He stopped 16 of 17 shots before Frederik Andersen had five saves in the third.


"The one thing that we have is two great goaltenders," Getzlaf said. "Obviously, Gibby went down. Freddie was able to come in and give us a couple of key saves."


While reports claim Gibson's injury isn't serious, Andersen could get the call. He's 7-0-1 with a 1.83 goals-against average in his last nine games, but he had 16 saves in a 4-3 shootout loss in his only start at Scotiabank Saddledome on Nov. 18, 2014.


Anaheim has won nine of its last 11 matchups with the Flames, including a five-game victory in the second round last year.


The Flames (25-26-3), eight points out of playoff position, are trying to bounce back from Friday's 4-1 loss at Arizona which halted their three-game winning streak.


Like the Ducks, Calgary also has a problem in net. Karri Ramo is on injured reserve with a knee injury, which forced him to exit late in the third period of Thursday's 6-5 shootout win at San Jose. He surrendered five goals on 34 shots, while Jonas Hiller had 31 stops after getting the nod the following day.


He's 4-2-1 with a 2.06 GAA over his last eight games.


"You're not allowed to lose too many games now until the end of the year," Hiller told the team's official website. "If you don't play well as a goalie, you can easily lose a game for your team.


"You aren't allowed to have too many bad games right now."


Hiller has lost all three decisions with a 4.31 GAA over his last four starts against the Flames.


Johnny Gaudreau leads Calgary with 51 points, and his 21 goals are also a team high and three shy of his personal best set last year. He has one goal in the past eight games after collecting 15 with 10 assists over the previous 21.


Gaudreau has no points in two matchups with the Ducks this season.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Penguins (28-19) at Panthers (32-18)
Date: February 15, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Florida Panthers' hopes of staying atop the Atlantic Division are appearing tenuous with their recent struggles.


Coming off one of their most lopsided defeats of the season, the Panthers look to avoid a fifth loss in six games Monday night when they face the team that started them on their cold stretch, the Pittsburgh Penguins.


Florida (32-18-6) dropped to 1-3-1 in its last five with Saturday's 5-0 drubbing to visiting Nashville. The Predators scored two goals in the opening nine minutes as the Panthers gave up at least four for a third straight contest.


"Our team has been pathetic the last couple of games," coach Gerard Gallant said. "It's a tough spot but men get through it and you battle back. It's two losses in a row that we were no good. We're going to play another real good team in Pittsburgh. We'll see what we're made of."


The Panthers have lost 3-2 in overtime in both matchups with the Penguins this season, with a Feb. 6 defeat ending a five-game win streak. Florida allowed two goals in the final 5:05 of regulation on its own ice.


Aleksander Barkov scored a short-handed goal in the third period but is currently among the Panthers' injured players. Barkov, who has an upper-body ailment, has joined Erik Gudbranson and Willie Mitchell on IR.


Quinton Howden suffered an upper-body injury when he was hit by Nashville's Anthony Bitetto, and Brandon Pirri hurt his ankle Saturday.


"Guys have to step up and find ways. It doesn't matter who is in our lineup. We shouldn't be giving up five goals," defenseman Brian Campbell said.


Evgeni Malkin (lower body) is among the missing for the Penguins (28-19-7), but they registered back-to-back road wins for the first time since November with a 2-1 shootout victory against Carolina on Friday.


"We'd like to play better. I don't think we had great jump, but sometimes you have nights like that on the road," center Matt Cullen said. "We just need to find ways to get two points. It's a huge win and a gutsy win and we'll take it."


Pittsburgh has won seven of nine overall, and is close to getting back into playoff position in the Eastern Conference.


Marc-Andre Fleury made 31 saves against Florida in October, improving to 10-1-1 with a 1.71 goals-against average in his last 12 starts in the series.


Backup goaltender Jeff Zatkoff stopped 42 shots in last weekend's matchup.


Panthers netminder Roberto Luongo is 1-2-4 with a 2.92 GAA in his past seven versus Pittsburgh, and backup Al Montoya has fared worse, posting a 5.04 GAA in losing his last three matchups.


Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has three goals and seven assists while leading his team to a 4-0-1 mark in its last five versus the Panthers. Kris Letang had two goals, including the overtime winner, and an assist against Florida last weekend.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Stars (36-15) at Predators (26-21)
Date: February 15, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

With one of their most productive streaks this season, the Dallas Stars have driven back to the top of the Western Conference.


The Stars' lead, however, is razor thin, and they could use another win over the Nashville Predators on Monday night to protect it. It's also unclear if they'll have Tyler Seguin available.


Dallas (36-15-5) matched a season high by reaching the four-goal mark for a third consecutive game Saturday and that was enough to edge Eastern Conference-leading Washington. Tyler Seguin found the net twice in a 4-3 victory as the Stars survived the Capitals' third-period rally.


The Stars' third straight win gave them 77 points to match Central Division-rival Chicago, but they've played three fewer games, giving them the tiebreaker.


Dallas had a nine-point lead in the conference Jan. 1 but dropped five points behind the Blackhawks with its 2-6-2 start to the new year. The Stars have won six of seven since, scoring 21 goals in their past five victories.


Seguin has five goals and four assists in six games this month, but had his arm cut by Nicklas Backstrom's skate in the third period Saturday. Cody Eakin also suffered an undisclosed injury in that same period.


The Stars are already missing Jason Spezza, one of their top goal scorers with 18, due to an upper-body ailment.


John Klingberg, one of the league's highest-scoring defensemen, has four goals and three assists this month. Dallas has also gotten four goals and four assists in the last five games from Patrick Eaves, who had four points in his first 31.


Eaves registered his second career hat trick Thursday in a 4-2 victory in Chicago, the Stars' fourth straight on the road.


"Obviously, those are two pretty good teams that we beat, so we're a confident group in here," captain Jamie Benn said.


Eaves had one of the Stars' trio of third-period goals and Seguin tallied the other two in a 5-1 rout of Nashville on Dec. 31. The Stars have outscored the Predators 13-5 in winning three straight in the series.


They ended a four-game skid in Nashville last April and will next face a team that's lost four of five on its own ice.


The Predators (26-21-9) have given up a combined 18 goals in those home games but topped Florida 5-0 on Saturday to earn three points in their two contests in the Sunshine State. Carter Hutton stopped 22 shots in his first action since Jan. 27.


"Whenever they give me starts, I play," said Hutton, who has stopped 77 of 78 shots in winning his only three starts over the last month. "Anything I can do to help our team win. I understand my role. At the same time, just any way I can contribute is what I try to do."


That would appear to force coach Peter Laviolette to choose between Hutton or his struggling No. 1 goaltender Pekka Rinne, who is 1-2-1 with a 4.00 goals-against average in his last four starts.


Rinne has given up a combined nine goals in his past two meetings with Dallas, including the loss in December. Hutton is 2-2-0 with a 2.26 GAA in four lifetime matchups.


Benn has four goals and two assists in his past two games against Nashville while Seguin has scored three times in his last two. Eaves has four goals and three assists in a seven-game point streak versus the Predators.