NHL Slapshot: Jan 16th

[Tinfish]

Game of the day
Washington Capitals at Ottawa Senators (-240, O/U 6 1/2)

The Ottawa Senators have risen from last place in the Northeast Division and look to ride their recent surge into their third matchup this season against the Washington Capitals. The Sens lead the season series 2-0, winning both times in Washington. The Capitals have given up their last five road contests as an underdog.

National TV Watch

Canucks at Canadiens - RDS
Capitals at Senators - Sportsnet East
Maple Leafs at Lightning - TSN
Oilers at Wild - Sportsnet West

Streaks & slumps

A win for the Canadiens will prove monumental as they haven`t beaten the Canucks in over six years. Meanwhile, the Canucks are enjoying life on the road, looking for their fifth straight road win.

Tampa Bay`s five-game winning streak has them favored at home against the Leafs.

The Devils are sitting comfortably atop the Atlantic Division by eight points. They`ve won eight of their last 10 games.

Minnesota trails only Calgary with the most victories at home with 17. The Flames have 18.

The Ducks have dropped eight of 10 games that have ended in overtime or a shootout.

Noteworthy odds

Highest line: Ducks -301 over the Blues
Lowest total: 5 goals for both the Rangers at Devils and Oilers at Wild matchups

Today`s top storyline

Trade rumors are swirling around Peter Forsberg and the Philadelphia Flyers organization. The Flyers, who have the league`s worst record, were said to be shopping the veteran in a possible deal with the Montreal Canadiens. Forsberg, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, has denied the rumor and said that he does not want to leave Philadelphia.

Key player injuries

Leafs - Toronto`s depleted offense continues to struggle. Six forwards are benched including top goal-scorer Darcy Tucker (19 goals) to a foot injury and Kyle Wellwood (groin). Both players are listed as day-to-day.

Blackhawks - Chicago lost defenseman Adrian Aucoin to the injured reserve on January 14 with a pulled groin.

Oilers - Daniel Tjarnqvist and Steve Staios are both listed as day-to-day for Edmonton. The blueliners lead the Oilers` defense in ice time and have 15 and 13 points respectively.

Between the pipes

Henrik Lundqvist`s five straight wins against the Devils and 1.80 career goals-against average will likely earn him the start today for the Rangers. He will however, face-off against Martin Brodeur who boasts a league-leading 27 wins and seven shutouts.

Special teams notes

Anaheim has won both matchups against the Blues this season and five straight, including two in a shootout. The Ducks have converted 29.6 percent (8-for-27) of their power-play opportunities in that five-game run and averaged 5.0 goals.

Pick of the day

The Devils and the Rangers have played under the total in two of their last three games. My pick tonight is this total to land under 5 (+118).