Brandon Lee
Dec 21 '18, 4:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-F | BYU vs Western Michigan
Play on: BYU -12½ -106 at pinnacle
10* FREE NCAAF PICK (BYU -12.5)
I'll lay the double-digits with BYU. Typically when you have a double-digit favorite in a bowl game, the public is all over that team, but that's not the case here.
My guess is the public just doesn’t feel all that confident laying this many points with a BYU team that only finished the year 6-6. I get it, but a closer look at this thing and it’s really hard to see the Broncos making a game of this.
Western Michigan had a mere 3 wins the entire season by more than a touchdown and those were against Delaware State, who is an FCS team that finished the year 3-8. The other two were against a 2-10 Georgia State team and 1-11 Central Michigan team.
While they did have a couple of nice wins over Miami (OH) and Eastern Michigan in MAC play, both those came before they lost starting quarterback Jon Wassink to a season-ending injury. The only reason they didn’t finish the year on a 4-game losing streak, is because Northern Illinois was resting their starters in the finale, as they had already clinched a spot in the MAC Championship Game.
Prior to holding Northern Illinois to 21 points, the Western Michigan defense had given up 42 to Ball State, 59 to Ohio and 51 to Toledo in their previous 3 games. BYU is going to have a field day against this defense. I think a lot of people just look at the fact that the Cougars only averaged 25.4 ppg on the season and think they aren’t all that great.
What they need to realize is just how many good defenses they played. They played Arizona, Cal, Wisconsin, Washington and Utah from the Power 5. They also played 3 of the top Group of 5 defenses in Utah State, Northern Illinois and Boise State.
I also like the move BYU made to true freshman quarterback Zach Wilson. He started the final 6 games and completed 62.2% of his attempts with a 8-3 TD-INT ratio. He also averaged 7.7 yards/attempt, which was quite an improvement over Tanner Magnum’s 5.8 yards/attempt. Magnum also had a mere 5-4 TD-INT ratio.
While BYU figures to be scoring at will, I think the Cougars defense is going to make it real tough on the Western Michigan offense. The Broncos have some decent skill players, but this was not the same high-powered offense once Wassink went down. They will struggle to run against this BYU defense, which only gave up 3.7 yards/carry despite the brutal schedule they faced. Give me the Cougars -12.5!
Dec 21 '18, 4:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-F | BYU vs Western Michigan
Play on: BYU -12½ -106 at pinnacle
10* FREE NCAAF PICK (BYU -12.5)
I'll lay the double-digits with BYU. Typically when you have a double-digit favorite in a bowl game, the public is all over that team, but that's not the case here.
My guess is the public just doesn’t feel all that confident laying this many points with a BYU team that only finished the year 6-6. I get it, but a closer look at this thing and it’s really hard to see the Broncos making a game of this.
Western Michigan had a mere 3 wins the entire season by more than a touchdown and those were against Delaware State, who is an FCS team that finished the year 3-8. The other two were against a 2-10 Georgia State team and 1-11 Central Michigan team.
While they did have a couple of nice wins over Miami (OH) and Eastern Michigan in MAC play, both those came before they lost starting quarterback Jon Wassink to a season-ending injury. The only reason they didn’t finish the year on a 4-game losing streak, is because Northern Illinois was resting their starters in the finale, as they had already clinched a spot in the MAC Championship Game.
Prior to holding Northern Illinois to 21 points, the Western Michigan defense had given up 42 to Ball State, 59 to Ohio and 51 to Toledo in their previous 3 games. BYU is going to have a field day against this defense. I think a lot of people just look at the fact that the Cougars only averaged 25.4 ppg on the season and think they aren’t all that great.
What they need to realize is just how many good defenses they played. They played Arizona, Cal, Wisconsin, Washington and Utah from the Power 5. They also played 3 of the top Group of 5 defenses in Utah State, Northern Illinois and Boise State.
I also like the move BYU made to true freshman quarterback Zach Wilson. He started the final 6 games and completed 62.2% of his attempts with a 8-3 TD-INT ratio. He also averaged 7.7 yards/attempt, which was quite an improvement over Tanner Magnum’s 5.8 yards/attempt. Magnum also had a mere 5-4 TD-INT ratio.
While BYU figures to be scoring at will, I think the Cougars defense is going to make it real tough on the Western Michigan offense. The Broncos have some decent skill players, but this was not the same high-powered offense once Wassink went down. They will struggle to run against this BYU defense, which only gave up 3.7 yards/carry despite the brutal schedule they faced. Give me the Cougars -12.5!
Mike Lundin
Dec 21 '18, 7:05 PM in 7h
NBA | Pistons vs Hornets
Play on: Hornets -3½ -109 at GTBets
#NBA FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
The Detroit Pistons are in a let down spot following a 129-123 OT triumph as a 5.5-point underdog at Minnesota Wednesday night. They had lost seven of eight before that win and I think they'll come up well short of covering the spread when visting Charlotte Hornets tonight.
Charlotte put together a solid performance as they snapped a two-game slide with a 110-99 win against Cleveland on Wednesday. Sure, they failed to cover the spread for a fourth straight game, but I think that just makes the Hornets a stronger play here.
Free pick on Charlotte Hornets.
Dec 21 '18, 7:05 PM in 7h
NBA | Pistons vs Hornets
Play on: Hornets -3½ -109 at GTBets
#NBA FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
The Detroit Pistons are in a let down spot following a 129-123 OT triumph as a 5.5-point underdog at Minnesota Wednesday night. They had lost seven of eight before that win and I think they'll come up well short of covering the spread when visting Charlotte Hornets tonight.
Charlotte put together a solid performance as they snapped a two-game slide with a 110-99 win against Cleveland on Wednesday. Sure, they failed to cover the spread for a fourth straight game, but I think that just makes the Hornets a stronger play here.
Free pick on Charlotte Hornets.
Jack Jones
Dec 21 '18, 8:05 PM in 8h
NBA | Bucks vs Celtics
Play on: Celtics -1 -101 at pinnacle
Jack’s Free Pick Friday: Boston Celtics -1
The Boston Celtics come into this game with the Milwaukee Bucks highly motivated for a victory. They come in off back-to-back upset losses to Detroit and Phoenix, so they should be focused and ready to go. Plus, they’ll be fresh as this is just the 2nd game in 6 days for the Celtics.
The Bucks come in riding high on a three-game winning streak. But those three wins have come against the Cavs, Pistons and Pelicans, and that’s a banged-up Pelicans team right now. All three of those games were close deep into the fourth quarter as well. And it’s the 3rd game in 5 days here for the Bucks and their 3rd different city.
It’s crazy that the Celtics are only 1-point home favorites tonight, basically just having to win the game to cover, when you consider how important home-court advantage has been in this series. Indeed, the home team is a perfect 10-0 SU in the last 10 meetings. The home team is also 8-2 ATS in those 10 meetings. Boston is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 meetings with Milwaukee.
Even with their two recent losses, the Celtics are still playing well going 8-2 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Boston is 6-0 ATS in its last six games when playing on one days’ rest. The Celtics are 23-7 ATS in their last 30 home games. The Bucks are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 road games. Boston is 12-2 ATS at home when the line is +3 to -3 over the last two seasons. Bet the Celtics Friday.
Dec 21 '18, 8:05 PM in 8h
NBA | Bucks vs Celtics
Play on: Celtics -1 -101 at pinnacle
Jack’s Free Pick Friday: Boston Celtics -1
The Boston Celtics come into this game with the Milwaukee Bucks highly motivated for a victory. They come in off back-to-back upset losses to Detroit and Phoenix, so they should be focused and ready to go. Plus, they’ll be fresh as this is just the 2nd game in 6 days for the Celtics.
The Bucks come in riding high on a three-game winning streak. But those three wins have come against the Cavs, Pistons and Pelicans, and that’s a banged-up Pelicans team right now. All three of those games were close deep into the fourth quarter as well. And it’s the 3rd game in 5 days here for the Bucks and their 3rd different city.
It’s crazy that the Celtics are only 1-point home favorites tonight, basically just having to win the game to cover, when you consider how important home-court advantage has been in this series. Indeed, the home team is a perfect 10-0 SU in the last 10 meetings. The home team is also 8-2 ATS in those 10 meetings. Boston is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 meetings with Milwaukee.
Even with their two recent losses, the Celtics are still playing well going 8-2 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Boston is 6-0 ATS in its last six games when playing on one days’ rest. The Celtics are 23-7 ATS in their last 30 home games. The Bucks are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 road games. Boston is 12-2 ATS at home when the line is +3 to -3 over the last two seasons. Bet the Celtics Friday.
Jimmy Boyd
Dec 21 '18, 9:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-B | Oklahoma vs Northwestern
Play on: Northwestern -1 -110 at betonline
1* Free NCAAB Pick on Northwestern -
I like the value here with the Wildcats at basically a pick'em on their home court against the Sooners. Northwestern comes in at 9-3 with two of those losses coming in Big Ten play where they got a raw deal and had to play at Indiana and then host Michigan in a 4 day span. The only other loss is a neutral site defeat to Fresno State, where they went an ice-cold 35.3% from the field.
Oklahoma is a quality team and they built up quite the resume in their 10-1 start to the season. However, that lone loss came in a game against Wisconsin, who held the high-powered Oklahoma offense to just 58 points. Like the Badgers, Northwestern is a team that enjoys grinding out games and winning with their defense.
The Wildcats come in allowing 61.0 ppg and have been outstanding at defending the 3-point shot, as opposing teams are averaging just 5 made 3-pointers a game against them and shooting 28.5%.
Northwestern has thrived at home against hot shooting teams like Oklahoma, as they are 14-5 ATS at home over the last 3 seasons vs a team that is shooting 45% or better from the floor. They are also a perfect 6-0 ATS last 6 at home after holding their previous opponent to 33% or less from the field and have won here by an average of 25 ppg. Take Northwestern!
Dec 21 '18, 9:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-B | Oklahoma vs Northwestern
Play on: Northwestern -1 -110 at betonline
1* Free NCAAB Pick on Northwestern -
I like the value here with the Wildcats at basically a pick'em on their home court against the Sooners. Northwestern comes in at 9-3 with two of those losses coming in Big Ten play where they got a raw deal and had to play at Indiana and then host Michigan in a 4 day span. The only other loss is a neutral site defeat to Fresno State, where they went an ice-cold 35.3% from the field.
Oklahoma is a quality team and they built up quite the resume in their 10-1 start to the season. However, that lone loss came in a game against Wisconsin, who held the high-powered Oklahoma offense to just 58 points. Like the Badgers, Northwestern is a team that enjoys grinding out games and winning with their defense.
The Wildcats come in allowing 61.0 ppg and have been outstanding at defending the 3-point shot, as opposing teams are averaging just 5 made 3-pointers a game against them and shooting 28.5%.
Northwestern has thrived at home against hot shooting teams like Oklahoma, as they are 14-5 ATS at home over the last 3 seasons vs a team that is shooting 45% or better from the floor. They are also a perfect 6-0 ATS last 6 at home after holding their previous opponent to 33% or less from the field and have won here by an average of 25 ppg. Take Northwestern!
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 2018-12-21
NHL PREDICTIONS 21ST DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE
The Colorado Avalanche attempt to complete their four-game homestand with a winning record when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Colorado split the first two contests of its string at Pepsi Center before rallying for a 2-1 triumph over Montreal on Wednesday.
The Avalanche fell behind in the first period, but Mikko Rantanen forged a tie early in the second before helping set up captain Gabriel Landeskog's team-leading 23rd goal 35 seconds into the third. Rantanen, a 22-year-old right wing from Finland who was playing in his 200th NHL game, is three points ahead of teammate Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL scoring lead with 58 and has landed on the scoresheet in 15 of his last 16 contests - collecting nine goals and 20 assists in that span. Chicago is seeking its initial three-game winning streak of the season after posting a 5-2 victory in Dallas on Thursday, giving it back-to-back wins for the first time since Oct. 23 and 25. Patrick Kane scored twice to end his five-game drought and overtake captain Jonathan Toews for the team lead with 17 goals.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Sportsnet360, NBCS Chicago Plus, Altitude (Colorado)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (12-19-6): Kane, who also notched an assist against the Stars to give him a club-leading 42 points, has tallied in only two of his last 13 games - with both occurrences being two-goal performances. The sophomore jinx appears to have avoided striking Alex DeBrincat, who began the season with a seven-game point streak and is surging again after a cooling-off period. The 21-year-old has recorded at least one point in 11 of his last 15 contests, collecting six goals and seven assists in that span - including a tally and two assists on Thursday.
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (19-10-6): MacKinnon is riding a seven-game point streak during which he has notched two goals and 10 assists. The 23-year-old has not been kept off the scoresheet in back-to-back contests since Oct. 27 and Nov. 1, registering 13 multi-point performances in 22 contests since - including a pair of four-point efforts. Colorado will be without Nikita Zadorov for the next two games due to what coach Jared Bednar described as a "muscular tweak" in his lower body.
OVERTIME
1. Linemates Rantanen and MacKinnon entered Thursday tied for the league lead in multi-point performances with 18 apiece while Landeskog has scored nine goals in his last 11 contests, including four during his three-game streak.
2. Kane increased his career total to 236 even-strength goals on Thursday, moving him past Steve Larmer for fifth place on the franchise list.
3. Colorado G Philipp Grubauer, who is 8-0-3 in his last 11 starts, is expected to be in the crease on Friday while Semyon Varlamov will get the start in Arizona the following night.
PREDICTION: Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 3
NHL PREDICTIONS 21ST DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE
The Colorado Avalanche attempt to complete their four-game homestand with a winning record when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Colorado split the first two contests of its string at Pepsi Center before rallying for a 2-1 triumph over Montreal on Wednesday.
The Avalanche fell behind in the first period, but Mikko Rantanen forged a tie early in the second before helping set up captain Gabriel Landeskog's team-leading 23rd goal 35 seconds into the third. Rantanen, a 22-year-old right wing from Finland who was playing in his 200th NHL game, is three points ahead of teammate Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL scoring lead with 58 and has landed on the scoresheet in 15 of his last 16 contests - collecting nine goals and 20 assists in that span. Chicago is seeking its initial three-game winning streak of the season after posting a 5-2 victory in Dallas on Thursday, giving it back-to-back wins for the first time since Oct. 23 and 25. Patrick Kane scored twice to end his five-game drought and overtake captain Jonathan Toews for the team lead with 17 goals.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Sportsnet360, NBCS Chicago Plus, Altitude (Colorado)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (12-19-6): Kane, who also notched an assist against the Stars to give him a club-leading 42 points, has tallied in only two of his last 13 games - with both occurrences being two-goal performances. The sophomore jinx appears to have avoided striking Alex DeBrincat, who began the season with a seven-game point streak and is surging again after a cooling-off period. The 21-year-old has recorded at least one point in 11 of his last 15 contests, collecting six goals and seven assists in that span - including a tally and two assists on Thursday.
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (19-10-6): MacKinnon is riding a seven-game point streak during which he has notched two goals and 10 assists. The 23-year-old has not been kept off the scoresheet in back-to-back contests since Oct. 27 and Nov. 1, registering 13 multi-point performances in 22 contests since - including a pair of four-point efforts. Colorado will be without Nikita Zadorov for the next two games due to what coach Jared Bednar described as a "muscular tweak" in his lower body.
OVERTIME
1. Linemates Rantanen and MacKinnon entered Thursday tied for the league lead in multi-point performances with 18 apiece while Landeskog has scored nine goals in his last 11 contests, including four during his three-game streak.
2. Kane increased his career total to 236 even-strength goals on Thursday, moving him past Steve Larmer for fifth place on the franchise list.
3. Colorado G Philipp Grubauer, who is 8-0-3 in his last 11 starts, is expected to be in the crease on Friday while Semyon Varlamov will get the start in Arizona the following night.
PREDICTION: Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 3
CHICAGO (12-19-0-6, 30 pts.) at COLORADO (19-10-0-6, 44 pts.) - 12/21/2018, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-4 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 5-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-4 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 5-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 2018-12-21
NHL PREDICTIONS 20TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE
After seeing a number of streaks come to an end in a home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night, the Washington Capitals look to get back in the win column when they host the Buffalo Sabres for the second time in seven days on Friday night. Washington made it five straight wins with a 4-3 shootout victory over Buffalo before the Penguins halted its run.
Wednesday's 2-1 setback ended a string of 14 consecutive games in which the Capitals scored at least three goals and marked only the third loss in the last 15 games for Washington. Captain Alex Ovechkin, the league leader with 29 goals, also had a pair of streaks halted - a six-game goal binge and career-best 14-game point streak. Despite last week's loss at Washington, Buffalo had earned points in four straight games (3-0-1) before it surrendered four third-period goals in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to last-place Florida. Jeff Skinner has scored five times in the past five games to give him 25 for the season - second in the league entering Thursday and one better than his total from 2017-18.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, TVA, Sportsnet, NBCS Washington
ABOUT THE SABRES (20-10-5): Forward Patrik Berglund was suspended for failing to report to the team for last week's road game at Washington and the messy saga ended Thursday after his contract was terminated and he cleared unconditional waivers. "I think that we've tried to limit our focus to playing, and the guys that are here," captain Jack Eichel told reporters Thursday. "You let the right people take care of that situation. You kind of just focus on what you can control and the people that are here." The red-hot Eichel has nine goals and five assists during a seven-game point streak.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (20-10-3): Washington's power play was lethal early in the season but has converted on only 4 of their 26 chances this month after going 0-for-5 against Pittsburgh, which marked the first time this season the Capitals failed to score with at least five man-advantage opportunities. "Clearly, special teams is an area we need to continue to work on, and it's important, definitely important as the season goes on," Coach Todd Reirden told reporters. Ovechkin, who is on an amazing tear with 17 goals in his last 15 games overall, has scored 31 times in 46 career meetings versus Buffalo.
OVERTIME
1. Buffalo has one win in their last seven overall (1-4-2) versus the Capitals and is winless in six straight (0-4-2) in Washington.
2. Capitals G Braden Holtby is 8-3-1 with a 2.62 goals-against average in his career versus the Sabres.
3. Skinner had an assist in the last meeting, part of his current seven-game point streak.
PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Sabres 2
NHL PREDICTIONS 20TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE
After seeing a number of streaks come to an end in a home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night, the Washington Capitals look to get back in the win column when they host the Buffalo Sabres for the second time in seven days on Friday night. Washington made it five straight wins with a 4-3 shootout victory over Buffalo before the Penguins halted its run.
Wednesday's 2-1 setback ended a string of 14 consecutive games in which the Capitals scored at least three goals and marked only the third loss in the last 15 games for Washington. Captain Alex Ovechkin, the league leader with 29 goals, also had a pair of streaks halted - a six-game goal binge and career-best 14-game point streak. Despite last week's loss at Washington, Buffalo had earned points in four straight games (3-0-1) before it surrendered four third-period goals in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to last-place Florida. Jeff Skinner has scored five times in the past five games to give him 25 for the season - second in the league entering Thursday and one better than his total from 2017-18.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, TVA, Sportsnet, NBCS Washington
ABOUT THE SABRES (20-10-5): Forward Patrik Berglund was suspended for failing to report to the team for last week's road game at Washington and the messy saga ended Thursday after his contract was terminated and he cleared unconditional waivers. "I think that we've tried to limit our focus to playing, and the guys that are here," captain Jack Eichel told reporters Thursday. "You let the right people take care of that situation. You kind of just focus on what you can control and the people that are here." The red-hot Eichel has nine goals and five assists during a seven-game point streak.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (20-10-3): Washington's power play was lethal early in the season but has converted on only 4 of their 26 chances this month after going 0-for-5 against Pittsburgh, which marked the first time this season the Capitals failed to score with at least five man-advantage opportunities. "Clearly, special teams is an area we need to continue to work on, and it's important, definitely important as the season goes on," Coach Todd Reirden told reporters. Ovechkin, who is on an amazing tear with 17 goals in his last 15 games overall, has scored 31 times in 46 career meetings versus Buffalo.
OVERTIME
1. Buffalo has one win in their last seven overall (1-4-2) versus the Capitals and is winless in six straight (0-4-2) in Washington.
2. Capitals G Braden Holtby is 8-3-1 with a 2.62 goals-against average in his career versus the Sabres.
3. Skinner had an assist in the last meeting, part of his current seven-game point streak.
PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Sabres 2
BUFFALO (20-10-0-5, 45 pts.) at WASHINGTON (20-10-0-3, 43 pts.) - 12/21/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.WASHINGTON is 86-54 ATS (+161.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-7 ATS (+12.2 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-5 ATS (+10.4 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 50-29 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 100-67 ATS (+17.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
BUFFALO is 20-15 ATS (+37.2 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 20-15 ATS (+37.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
BUFFALO is 15-8 ATS (+24.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
BUFFALO is 6-1 ATS (+7.1 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-1 (+4.9 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)
Top Trends for this game.WASHINGTON is 86-54 ATS (+161.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-7 ATS (+12.2 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-5 ATS (+10.4 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 50-29 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 100-67 ATS (+17.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
BUFFALO is 20-15 ATS (+37.2 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 20-15 ATS (+37.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
BUFFALO is 15-8 ATS (+24.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
BUFFALO is 6-1 ATS (+7.1 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-1 (+4.9 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)
Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 2018-12-21
NHL PREDICTIONS 20TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE
The Ottawa Senators stormed out to a three-goal lead in the first period last time out but watched it disappear before defenseman Thomas Chabot became the hero in overtime. Ottawa hopes to avoid a similar letdown as it seeks its third win in four games when it visits the New Jersey Devils on Friday.
Chabot prevented a disastrous home setback for the Senators on Monday, scoring 21 seconds into the extra session to earn the team a split of its season series with Nashville. It was the career-high 10th goal of the season for the 21-year-old, who is slated to appear in his 100th NHL game on Friday. New Jersey has lost three straight (0-2-1) and 13 of its last 16 (3-7-6) after dropping a 2-1 decision in Columbus on Thursday. Reigning Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall scored his 200th career goal in the setback, ending his five-game drought while increasing his team-leading point total to 33.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN5, RDS (Ottawa), MSG Plus (New Jersey)
ABOUT THE SENATORS (15-16-4): Ryan Dzingel recorded a goal and an assist against the Predators, giving him points in seven of his last 10 contests. Mark Stone, who leads the team with 39 points, registered his fifth two-point performance in 12 games by setting up a pair of tallies on Monday. The 26-year-old has collected seven goals and eight assists in that span.
ABOUT THE DEVILS (11-15-7): Mackenzie Blackwood made his first career start on Thursday, turning aside 36 shots - including all 10 he faced with the team short-handed. The 22-year-old, who was a second-round pick in the 2015 draft, allowed two goals on 10 shots in relief against Toronto on Tuesday in his NHL debut. Defenseman Steven Santini was in the lineup Thursday for the first time since suffering a fractured jaw in his season debut on Oct. 20 and recorded one shot while blocking another and dishing out four hits in 12 minutes, 25 seconds of ice time.
OVERTIME
1. The Senators have five players with double-digit goal totals after Chabot and LW Brady Tkachuk each scored their 10th of the campaign on Monday.
2. New Jersey RW Kyle Palmieri has collected five goals and four assists over his last nine contests.
3. Ottawa F Colin White has scored five of his nine goals this season on the power play while four of D Maxime Lajoie's seven tallies have come with the man advantage.
PREDICTION: Senators 3, Devils 2
NHL PREDICTIONS 20TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE
The Ottawa Senators stormed out to a three-goal lead in the first period last time out but watched it disappear before defenseman Thomas Chabot became the hero in overtime. Ottawa hopes to avoid a similar letdown as it seeks its third win in four games when it visits the New Jersey Devils on Friday.
Chabot prevented a disastrous home setback for the Senators on Monday, scoring 21 seconds into the extra session to earn the team a split of its season series with Nashville. It was the career-high 10th goal of the season for the 21-year-old, who is slated to appear in his 100th NHL game on Friday. New Jersey has lost three straight (0-2-1) and 13 of its last 16 (3-7-6) after dropping a 2-1 decision in Columbus on Thursday. Reigning Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall scored his 200th career goal in the setback, ending his five-game drought while increasing his team-leading point total to 33.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN5, RDS (Ottawa), MSG Plus (New Jersey)
ABOUT THE SENATORS (15-16-4): Ryan Dzingel recorded a goal and an assist against the Predators, giving him points in seven of his last 10 contests. Mark Stone, who leads the team with 39 points, registered his fifth two-point performance in 12 games by setting up a pair of tallies on Monday. The 26-year-old has collected seven goals and eight assists in that span.
ABOUT THE DEVILS (11-15-7): Mackenzie Blackwood made his first career start on Thursday, turning aside 36 shots - including all 10 he faced with the team short-handed. The 22-year-old, who was a second-round pick in the 2015 draft, allowed two goals on 10 shots in relief against Toronto on Tuesday in his NHL debut. Defenseman Steven Santini was in the lineup Thursday for the first time since suffering a fractured jaw in his season debut on Oct. 20 and recorded one shot while blocking another and dishing out four hits in 12 minutes, 25 seconds of ice time.
OVERTIME
1. The Senators have five players with double-digit goal totals after Chabot and LW Brady Tkachuk each scored their 10th of the campaign on Monday.
2. New Jersey RW Kyle Palmieri has collected five goals and four assists over his last nine contests.
3. Ottawa F Colin White has scored five of his nine goals this season on the power play while four of D Maxime Lajoie's seven tallies have come with the man advantage.
PREDICTION: Senators 3, Devils 2
OTTAWA (15-16-0-4, 34 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (11-15-0-7, 29 pts.) - 12/21/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-2 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-2-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-2 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-2-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)
