Who’s Hot

Detroit Red Wings - The Detroit Red Wings have to be mentioned in the red hot category after a 31-11 ATS start to the season. They are the best team in the NHL and if you can look for opportunities to back this team on the road and on the puck line. Detroit is 14-7 on the road this season and has won four out of their last five games by two or more goals. The Red Wings have an opportunity to pad their Western Conference lead as they play four out of their next six at home starting Tuesday against Colorado.

Nashville Predators - The Nashville Predators are starting to come together behind upstart goaltender Dan Ellis. Ellis is 10-4 with a goals against average of 2.25 and a .922 save percentage. The former second round pick of the Dallas Stars has not allowed more than two goals in his last three starts. Nashville has won three straight and four out of their last five games and their defense finally seems to be coming around. Look to back this team at home this upcoming week against Chicago, Calgary and Anaheim. The Central Division boasts one of the strongest home/road splits in the league.

Boston Bruins - After dropping six straight games, the Bruins have won three in a row at home while goaltender Tim Thomas has allowed just five goals during that stretch. Boston, who are now 11-8 at home, should be able to take advantage of a decent home ice edge. Starting Tuesday, they play four of their next five at home -- a very important scheduling spot as they try and keep pace in the Northeast Division.

Who’s Not

Tampa Bay Lightning - The wheels have fallen off for the Lightning as they are 1-9 in their last 10 games. Goaltenders Johan Holmqvist, Karri Ramo and Marc Denis have combined for a team save percentage of 87.8 and a goals against average of 3.36, ranking last in the NHL. The Lightning are a league worst 3-16 on the road so there will be ample opportunities to play against them. However, despite the poor run, they still have value as a home team with a respectable 12-8 record.

Chicago Blackhawks - Chicago has really struggled of late and the problems have to do with the injuries they’ve suffered. Center Jonathan Toews was the latest Blackhawk injured as he will be out for four weeks with a sprained knee. Toews joins teammates Kevyn Adams (knee), Brent Sopel (finger), Jason Williams (groin), Dave Bolland (finger), Ben Eager (concussion) and James Wisniewski (knee, injured reserve). The Blackhawks have lost four straight games and with games against Dallas, Minnesota and Nashville this week it doesn’t get any easier for the banged up Blackhawks.

Buffalo Sabres - The Sabres have lost six in a row for the first time since March of 2006. Scoring goals remain the biggest issues with this squad with only 10 goals in the six losses. With games upcoming on the road against Ottawa, New Jersey and the New York Rangers, the Sabres will certainly have their hands full. As of Monday, those three aforementioned teams are 70-42 combined this season.