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Posted at 10:00 AM EST. Odds are subject to change.

Dallas -1½ +165 over Pittsburgh  

7:00 PM EST. Reports of the Dallas Stars' demise were apparently a little premature. After opening the season with two losses, the Stars responded by outscoring San Jose and Buffalo by a combined 9-0. That's nine goals scored, none allowed, and a pretty convincing reminder that Dallas remains one of the NHL's most dangerous teams.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is about to discover that the NHL schedule doesn't give a damn how tired you are. The Penguins played last night, suffered an overtime loss, and now have to get right back at it against a rested Dallas team that's beginning to find its stride. This is Pittsburgh's second game in as many nights, third in four days and fourth in six. That's a lot of hockey in a short period, particularly for a team that just had to work overtime and has several important players who aren't exactly fresh out of junior hockey.

The fatigue factor becomes even more significant when considering the opponent. Dallas has the depth to roll four lines, apply sustained pressure and force Pittsburgh to defend for extended stretches. That's a difficult assignment under normal circumstances, never mind when your legs are still recovering from the previous night's overtime session. The Penguins aren't getting much of a chance to catch their breath, and the Stars are hardly the ideal opponent when you're running on fumes.

Mikko Rantanen is certainly doing his part for Dallas. The Finnish superstar was involved in all four goals against Buffalo on Thursday, collecting a goal and three assists. He's now factored into five consecutive Stars goals, which is another way of saying that opposing defenses might want to consider keeping an eye on him. Just a suggestion.

Pittsburgh still has Sidney Crosby, and as long as No. 87 is wearing a Penguins sweater, this franchise will command respect. But Crosby's greatness doesn't erase the disadvantages of a demanding schedule, nor does it magically restore tired legs. Dallas has superior depth, excellent goaltending and an offense capable of punishing defensive mistakes. Those advantages become even more pronounced against an opponent playing on consecutive nights.

The price is what makes this particularly attractive. Rather than paying a premium on the Dallas moneyline, we're taking the puck line at +165. Pittsburgh's scheduling disadvantage creates an opportunity for the Stars to establish control, and their offensive depth gives them a legitimate chance to create some separation on the scoreboard.

Dallas is finding its stride, Oettinger is locked in, and Rantanen is playing like somebody stole his lunch money. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is being asked to play another demanding game on tired legs after an overtime loss less than 24 hours earlier. That's a lousy spot for the Penguins and an attractive one for the Stars. We'll take Dallas to win by two or more at a very appealing price.

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Posted at 10:00 AM EST. Odds are subject to change.

Buffalo -1½ +229 over Utah

7:00 PM EST. Utah is coming to town at the end of a five-game road trip, and that is not exactly the time you want to be living out of a suitcase and trying to keep your legs fresh. There is only so much hotel food, airport coffee, and time-zone hopping a hockey team can take before the road starts looking like a punishment rather than a profession. The Mammoth have been on the move long enough, and now they have to finish the trip against a Buffalo team playing on home ice.

This is where we want Buffalo to put its foot down. The Sabres need to bring the pressure early, make Utah defend, and turn this into the kind of night where the visitors are counting the minutes until they can get back home. We are not interested in Buffalo sneaking out a one-goal win and leaving us sweating over an empty-net situation. We are taking the beefed-up price because we trust in the Sabres to win this game with some authority. Utah has been living on the road, and Buffalo has a chance to make that final stop a miserable one.

Of course, Buffalo has to do its part. We need a full sixty-minute effort, smart puck management, and enough finish around the net to turn the advantage into a multi-goal victory. The end of a long road trip is a spot where the home team can make life uncomfortable, and we like the Sabres to take advantage. No overtime drama, no last-minute escape act from Utah. Let’s get the job done in regulation and cash the puck line.

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Nashville +142 over Ottawa 

7:00 PM EST. We are going with Nashville tonight against Ottawa, a team that may want to check its calendar before checking into the rink. The Senators are coming through a rough stretch of the schedule, playing their second game in three days and their fourth in six. That is a lot of hockey in a short period, and sooner or later somebody's legs are going to start filing a formal complaint. The NHL is not exactly a league where you can coast through a game on fumes and expect to collect two points.

Nashville needs to make Ottawa earn every inch of ice. Keep the game honest, stay aggressive on the puck, and make the Senators work for their chances. The longer Ottawa has to grind through another demanding night, the more attractive this spot becomes for the Predators. We are not asking Nashville to reinvent hockey here. Just bring a solid effort, take advantage of a team with a busy itinerary, and let the schedule do some of the heavy lifting.

Everybody loves a home team, but home ice does not come with an extra set of legs or a complimentary oxygen tank. Ottawa has a tough assignment, and we are happy to make the Senators prove they have enough gas left in the tank. We will take Nashville to make the most of the opportunity and get the job done.

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