592-591 -1702
2U MIN U6.5 -130
Minnesota's defense is fourth in the NHL in goals given up (2.84 per game) and tied for No. 1 in save percentage (.910). The offense is 18th in shooting percentage, averaging 3 goals in their last seven road contests. Ottawa comes off a 4-1 win at home over Buffalo. They've allowed 22 goals in their last 11 home contests (2.00 goals per game). Ottawa is on a 13-8-1 run UNDER the total.
2U COL -110
Colorado has won five of seven, but the Avalanche can't wait to redeem themselves after losing 8-6 to Vancouver, the team with the worst record in the NHL, on Wednesday. Mackenzie Blackwood started and allowed six goals before being replaced by Scott Wedgewood, who is the likely starter today. Wedgewood is 27-6-6 with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage with two shutouts this season. Colorado has won 10 of 11 road games, and perhaps it was looking ahead to this game while overlooking the Canucks. Dallas has lost six of eight, although it did get a 3-0 victory over Winnipeg on Thursday. The Stars have averaged only 2.60 goals in their past 10 games.
2U CAR U6.5 -119
The Islanders are trying to secure a playoff spot. They are in this position because of defense. New York ranks fifth in fewest goals allowed and is 10th on the penalty kill. Look for a lot of defensive intensity from the Islanders following a 4-1 home loss to the Flyers on Friday. Carolina gives up the eighth fewest goals. The Hurricanes lead the NHL with 439 takeaways, which is 44 ahead of the next closest team, the Capitals. Carolina's defense also ranks first in the league with a league-low 23.9 shots against per game. They gave up just 10 shots in their most recent game, a 5-1 win against the Blue Jackets two days ago. The Hurricanes are permitting an average of only two goals per game during their last four games. The Islanders are 22nd in scoring and have the league's 30th-ranked power play. This one will be decided on the defensive end.
2U BUF -110
After a 14-year postseason drought, Buffalo could clinch a playoff spot today. But the Sabers are so much better than that. They have arguably been the NHL’s best team for nearly four months. They are tied with Tampa Bay for the second-most points in the Eastern Conference with 100. Aided by getting 53 goals from defensemen, the second most in the NHL, the well-rounded Sabers rank seventh in scoring and are 11th defensively. Alex Lyon is projected to start in the net for Buffalo. He is 10-0-1 with a .926 save percentage in his last 11 road games. The Capitals haven't been nearly as consistent as Buffalo and are three points out of a wild-card spot as a result. Washington's three-game winning streak came to a crashing halt with a 7-3 road loss to the Devils two days ago. The Capitals' slipping defense has allowed an average of 4.7 goals per game over their last four games.
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