Detroit Red Wings at New York Islanders (130, 5.5)

It took longer than many thought but Jimmy Howard is finally playing like the goalie Red Wings management envisioned.

Howard was given numerous chances to win the Wings’ backup goalie spot over the last four years but it wasn’t until this season that the prospect earned the job. He took over when starter Chris Osgood got sick in November and has been giving steady play since.

In 27 starts this season, Howard is 16-9-2 with a 2.14 goals against average.

“His work ethic is really good. He does a lot of stuff after practice, taking a lot of shots,” teammate Kris Draper told Michigan Live. “He’s getting rewarded right now with hard work and we have a ton of confidence in whoever is in net for us. Right now, Howie’s getting a great opportunity and making the most of it.”

The 25-year-old has started 11 of Detroit’s last 12 games and the under is 16-3-2 over in the last 21 games he started.

Pick: Under


Ottawa Senators at Atlanta Thrashers (-165, 6)

After winning four of five, the Ottawa Senators have now lost four in a row, most recently falling 4-1 to the lowly Carolina Hurricanes Sunday night at RBC Center.

And things won’t be getting any easier with four more road games ahead. The Senators are now 6-12-1 this season away from Scotiabank Place.

Ottawa has had trouble finding the back of the net with forwards Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek and Jesse Winchester all out due to injury.

“It’s frustrating. We’re having a tough time getting goals. We have things we definitely have to work at,” Senators centre Mike Fisher told the Ottawa Sun. “We have to start playing more as a team and getting quality scoring chances and we’re just not doing that right now.

“It’s not like guys aren’t trying. We’ve got to be better as a group and as a team. I’ve got to be better myself and start leading the way and regroup.”

Fortunately for the Senators, they face a Thrashers team that has been nothing short of horrendous lately. Atlanta has only one win in its last 10 tilts and just got humiliated by the Capitals, 8-1 on Saturday night.

Pick: Under