Xam’s Gem(s):
Lightning/Canadiens Over 6.5 Goals -134
The Lightning have been hot offensively in recent games, as they’ve scored 3 or more goals in 6 of their last 7 games. However, they have been iffy defensively as well, giving up a whopping 14 goals in their last 3 games! Montreal has been bad defensively as well, having given up at least 3 goals in each of their last 6 games.
Rangers Money Line -146
The Rangers are a good team at home and they have a decided home-ice advantage. The Red Wings have been hot and cold on the defensive end, giving up 3 goals or more in 4 of their past 5 games. The Rangers have the better goalie and defensive players in this game. The Rangers have given up 2 goals or less in 5 of their last 7 games.
Avalanche Money Line -182
The Devils are wrapping up a west coast swing, and this is a bad game to be missing key offensive personnel. Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes are out for this game, and the Avs can score with the best of teams. Colorado has only played one game since November 1st, so they are well rested and ready to get rid of the stench from their last game, a 7-0 loss.
Xam’s Prop(s):
Steven Stamkos Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -146
Stamkos has 3 games this year with at least 6 shots on goal. He is a pure shooter on a team that loves to be aggressive on offense. This game has all the makings of a shootout, and Stamkos should be leading the charge offensively.
Artemi Panarin Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -164
Panarin has hit this number in 4 of his last 5 games. He’s a big part of what the Rangers want to do offensively. Given Detroit’s struggles this year, the Rangers can and should be playing much of this game in Detroit’s zone.
Mikael Backlund Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -152
Backlund has hit this in 2 of his last 3 games. The Flames need Backlund to contribute for them to have success offensively. The Predators aren’t great offensively, giving up 3 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 games. Calgary is coming alive offensively, scoring 9 goals in their last 2 games and they should be rested tonight, having played only one game since November 1st.
Cole Makar Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -125
Makar has hit this in each of his last 2 games, and should be fully rested for a game that should have plenty of offense. Makar likes shooting the puck, as he has multiple games with 5 shots on goal. This is shaping up to be a get-right game for the Avs, and one of their leading shooters should be heavily involved in that effort.