Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa’s late second-period goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday will forever live in highlight films.
Hossa caught a looping dump in, dropped the puck down to his stick and before it could hit the ice, batted the puck in mid air and past Lighting goaltender Antero Niittymaki. While the stunning score is garnering a ton of attention from fans and media, it is covering up Hossa’s poor play for the Blackhawks.
The goal was just his fourth of the season since returning from surgery Nov. 25. In his debut, Hossa netted two goals but since then has just seven points. Hossa is still adjusting to his new teammates, leaving Chicago to average under 2.5 goals per game since Hossa joined the lineup.
"I'm getting more comfortable," said Hossa. "When you're playing more and more games you get the good habits and get the system and you get comfortable."
The Blackhawks post an over/under record of 2-6 with Hossa on the ice and now face a Blues squad that is among the best under plays in the NHL. St. Louis is 10-17 over/under and has fallen below the total in three of its last five games.
These teams have also played under the number in four straight meetings
Pick: Under
Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators (-110, 5.5)
The Sabres continue to extend their lead over the Northeast Division, winning their fourth straight game against the Montreal Canadiens Monday night.
Buffalo currently sits at 20-9-2-0, six points ahead of the Ottawa Senators. However, Ottawa has owned the Sabres in recent meetings, taking a five-game winning streak against Buffalo into Wednesday’s home tilt.
The Senators won the teams’ only meeting this season, earning a 5-3 win with three goals in the third period at Scotiabank Place Nov. 21. Ottawa has actually won seven of the last 10 games against its divisional foe.
The Sens lost a tough one in Toronto Monday but now return home, where they are 11-4-1-2 this year – the third best home record in the NHL.
Ice Picks 12/16
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