EVAN ALTEMUS
3 Units Duke +13.5
Navy played one of the biggest games of their season last week and were able to get a win against Notre Dame in dominant manner. The Irish were banged up and playing a Navy team that they didn't get up for at all. Navy put everything they had into that game and are riding high this week. The Naval Academy is always reminding the football players of how good they are after these big wins, and there is none bigger for them than beating Notre Dame. Now they return home this week to play a game against lowly Duke, one of the worst teams on their schedule. However, Navy's team isn't their best this season and they really haven't blown out any opponent they have faced. The Midshipmen are notorious for playing up or down to the level of their competition. Duke is horrible no doubt. However, these two teams have faced two of the same opponents this season in Wake Forest and Maryland. Navy beat Wake Forest by 1 point, while Duke only lost to Wake by 6 points. Navy lost to Maryland by 3 points, while Duke lost to them by 5 points. Also, Duke has already faced the triple option offense this season in their game against Army. They held Army to only 3.8 yards per carry in that game, which isn't too bad. However, that game will make it much easier for them to defend Navy's offense because of the experience against it. Look for Duke to keep this game close throughout and cover the inflated point spread.
3 Units Duke +13.5
Navy played one of the biggest games of their season last week and were able to get a win against Notre Dame in dominant manner. The Irish were banged up and playing a Navy team that they didn't get up for at all. Navy put everything they had into that game and are riding high this week. The Naval Academy is always reminding the football players of how good they are after these big wins, and there is none bigger for them than beating Notre Dame. Now they return home this week to play a game against lowly Duke, one of the worst teams on their schedule. However, Navy's team isn't their best this season and they really haven't blown out any opponent they have faced. The Midshipmen are notorious for playing up or down to the level of their competition. Duke is horrible no doubt. However, these two teams have faced two of the same opponents this season in Wake Forest and Maryland. Navy beat Wake Forest by 1 point, while Duke only lost to Wake by 6 points. Navy lost to Maryland by 3 points, while Duke lost to them by 5 points. Also, Duke has already faced the triple option offense this season in their game against Army. They held Army to only 3.8 yards per carry in that game, which isn't too bad. However, that game will make it much easier for them to defend Navy's offense because of the experience against it. Look for Duke to keep this game close throughout and cover the inflated point spread.
DAVE MALINSKY
4* SOUTH CAROLINA over TENNESSEE
We have written the Tennessee tale a couple of teams already this season – three head coaches in as many years has taken a drastic toll on the roster, not only leaving the Volunteers short-handed, but also with plenty of confusion as yet another new playbook is put in place. Now as losses and injuries take their toll there isn’t any way for things to get better down the stretch, and we see this matchup as being particularly ugly, with Derek Dooley and his limited team in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Tennessee does not have a strength. The Vols can not run the ball to slow games down, only reaching 100 rushing yards once in the last five games, and much of that due to a 59-yard TD burst by Tauren Poole vs. Alabama last week. Without a run threat QB’s Matt Simms and Tyler Bray are sitting ducks in the pocket, with the offense #113 in the nation in sacks allowed. A young OL is drastically overmatched, and it all gets worse here without starting FB Kevin Cooper, a 5th-year SR who brought some leadership and experience, but has been suspended by Dooley. That forces FR Channing Fugate into the starting lineup, and exacerbates issues for an attack that has scored just seven points in the 3rd or 4th quarter over the last four games. And when the offense does not move the defense wears down, which is part of why they have been out-scored by an awful 120-19 in the 3rd and 4th quarter of lined games. Now with starting S Marsalis Teague unlikely to go with a toe injury, it only gets worse on that side of the ball.
So why do we still find line value despite those seemingly obvious issues? It is because South Carolina has been much better than the scoreboards have shown in SEC play. Imagine being 3-2 and in control of the Eastern Division of the league despite being -7 in turnovers in those five league affairs? In their two home conference games the Gamecocks beat Alabama and Georgia both in double figures, controlling the line of scrimmage to a significant 299-97 in rushing yardage - each of those offenses had their worst rushing game of the season. That defense can throttle the limited Tennessee attack, and can generate some prime opportunities for game-changing plays with a pass rush that is #1 in the SEC, and #5 in the nation in sacks.
But that defense is not the major story right now – instead it is Stephen Garcia and all of those weapons on offense coming together. Few teams in the nation have the playmakers at WR and RB that the Gamecocks bring, and instead of having to create plays now Garcia only has to execute what is available. And that is plenty. He has gone on an amazing run of 51-71-737 on the road the past two games, with four TD’s, taking him to #5 in the nation in passing efficiency. And the team just had a 100-yard rusher, and two 100-yard receivers, in a game for the first time in the history of the program, despite top RB Marcus Lattimore not even playing. Lattimore is back to 100 percent this week, which combines with Brian Maddox for a one-two overland punch that can wear this fading defense down, and Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley are the kind of physical receivers that Tennessee has struggled with all season. It leads to a complete mismatch in this one, and while Dooley and so many of the young Tennessee players were not around LY, the 31-13 loss these Gamecocks suffered in Knoxville was their worst of the season, and something that creates a special spark here.
4* SOUTH CAROLINA over TENNESSEE
We have written the Tennessee tale a couple of teams already this season – three head coaches in as many years has taken a drastic toll on the roster, not only leaving the Volunteers short-handed, but also with plenty of confusion as yet another new playbook is put in place. Now as losses and injuries take their toll there isn’t any way for things to get better down the stretch, and we see this matchup as being particularly ugly, with Derek Dooley and his limited team in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Tennessee does not have a strength. The Vols can not run the ball to slow games down, only reaching 100 rushing yards once in the last five games, and much of that due to a 59-yard TD burst by Tauren Poole vs. Alabama last week. Without a run threat QB’s Matt Simms and Tyler Bray are sitting ducks in the pocket, with the offense #113 in the nation in sacks allowed. A young OL is drastically overmatched, and it all gets worse here without starting FB Kevin Cooper, a 5th-year SR who brought some leadership and experience, but has been suspended by Dooley. That forces FR Channing Fugate into the starting lineup, and exacerbates issues for an attack that has scored just seven points in the 3rd or 4th quarter over the last four games. And when the offense does not move the defense wears down, which is part of why they have been out-scored by an awful 120-19 in the 3rd and 4th quarter of lined games. Now with starting S Marsalis Teague unlikely to go with a toe injury, it only gets worse on that side of the ball.
So why do we still find line value despite those seemingly obvious issues? It is because South Carolina has been much better than the scoreboards have shown in SEC play. Imagine being 3-2 and in control of the Eastern Division of the league despite being -7 in turnovers in those five league affairs? In their two home conference games the Gamecocks beat Alabama and Georgia both in double figures, controlling the line of scrimmage to a significant 299-97 in rushing yardage - each of those offenses had their worst rushing game of the season. That defense can throttle the limited Tennessee attack, and can generate some prime opportunities for game-changing plays with a pass rush that is #1 in the SEC, and #5 in the nation in sacks.
But that defense is not the major story right now – instead it is Stephen Garcia and all of those weapons on offense coming together. Few teams in the nation have the playmakers at WR and RB that the Gamecocks bring, and instead of having to create plays now Garcia only has to execute what is available. And that is plenty. He has gone on an amazing run of 51-71-737 on the road the past two games, with four TD’s, taking him to #5 in the nation in passing efficiency. And the team just had a 100-yard rusher, and two 100-yard receivers, in a game for the first time in the history of the program, despite top RB Marcus Lattimore not even playing. Lattimore is back to 100 percent this week, which combines with Brian Maddox for a one-two overland punch that can wear this fading defense down, and Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley are the kind of physical receivers that Tennessee has struggled with all season. It leads to a complete mismatch in this one, and while Dooley and so many of the young Tennessee players were not around LY, the 31-13 loss these Gamecocks suffered in Knoxville was their worst of the season, and something that creates a special spark here.
Joseph D'Amico
Toledo Rockets vs. Eastern Mich
Play: Toledo Rockets -10
Toledo is one strong win from bowl eligibility. They are undefeated in MAC play. The Rockets have won and covered 7 of the L8 over the Eagles, including the L3 in a row. The Toledo offense will have no problems moving the ball against an EMU defense that gives up 44 PPG. The Rockets come into this matchup winning their L2 over Kent State and Ball State. In each of those games, Toldeo has controlled the line of scrimmage. After this contest, the Rockets will have a week off then a matchup with rival Northern Illinois. This is a great confidence-builder before that showdown. EMU is just horrible, going 1-7 SU and being outscored by an average of 23.1 PPG. They are 0-3 at home and have gotten some beatings over the season that has taken their toll on the squad. The Rockets are 4-1 ATS their L5 games played in Eastern Michigan and 9-3 ATS their L12 following a ATS loss. The eagles are 0-4 ATS their L4 vs. teams with a winning record and 4-14 ATS their L18 games played at home. Take Toledo. Thank you.
Toledo Rockets vs. Eastern Mich
Play: Toledo Rockets -10
Toledo is one strong win from bowl eligibility. They are undefeated in MAC play. The Rockets have won and covered 7 of the L8 over the Eagles, including the L3 in a row. The Toledo offense will have no problems moving the ball against an EMU defense that gives up 44 PPG. The Rockets come into this matchup winning their L2 over Kent State and Ball State. In each of those games, Toldeo has controlled the line of scrimmage. After this contest, the Rockets will have a week off then a matchup with rival Northern Illinois. This is a great confidence-builder before that showdown. EMU is just horrible, going 1-7 SU and being outscored by an average of 23.1 PPG. They are 0-3 at home and have gotten some beatings over the season that has taken their toll on the squad. The Rockets are 4-1 ATS their L5 games played in Eastern Michigan and 9-3 ATS their L12 following a ATS loss. The eagles are 0-4 ATS their L4 vs. teams with a winning record and 4-14 ATS their L18 games played at home. Take Toledo. Thank you.
Payoff Pitch: Saturday's Best MLB Mound Matchup
Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA)
When the left-hander is on the mound, you know two things: he is going to walk a lot of people and you will see a filthy curve ball.
Sanchez was eighth in the National League in strikeouts this season with 205 thanks to his fantastic hook, but also led the Senior Circuit with 96 walks, a staggering number of free passes, especially considering he averages just under 98 pitches per start. It’s a wonder he ever makes it out of the fifth inning.
In his most recent start in Game 6 against Philadelphia, an altercation with Chase Utley left him so rattled that he had to be pulled after giving up two runs over a meager two innings. Also over that span, he threw an absurd 50 pitches and walked a pair.
Not good news for facing a Texas lineup looking to find its groove and breakout after getting shutout in Game 2.
"I'm going to go there with the same mentality I always have," Sanchez told MLB.com. "You're not always going to have a perfect game, so you just have to be realistic. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad ones."
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
And if you think Sanchez has a nasty curve ball, then you need to pay close attention when Lewis takes the bump.
Lewis threw the curve an average of 11.2 times per start before mid-September, with opponents hitting .304 against it. But since then, he is throwing it 14.6 times per outing with opponents hitting just .056 against it when they make contact. And in the playoffs he has leaned on the pitch even more. Through three postseason outings, he is tossing 18.7 curves per start.
And it’s not like the Yankees could hit it.
In two victories over the Bronx Bombers and their vaunted batting order, Lewis went a combined 13.2 innings, giving up just nine hits and allowing a measly three earned runs. His biggest issue -- like Sanchez -- is his walks. In three postseason starts, he has 18 punch-outs, but also has a postseason-leading issued 11 free passes.
"He has swing-and-miss stuff," Rangers manager Ron Washington told MLB.com. "When he's commanding the strike zone, he's as tough as any pitcher in the game. We've needed him twice so far in this postseason, and he's come through, and that's why we're so confident with Colby."
Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA)
When the left-hander is on the mound, you know two things: he is going to walk a lot of people and you will see a filthy curve ball.
Sanchez was eighth in the National League in strikeouts this season with 205 thanks to his fantastic hook, but also led the Senior Circuit with 96 walks, a staggering number of free passes, especially considering he averages just under 98 pitches per start. It’s a wonder he ever makes it out of the fifth inning.
In his most recent start in Game 6 against Philadelphia, an altercation with Chase Utley left him so rattled that he had to be pulled after giving up two runs over a meager two innings. Also over that span, he threw an absurd 50 pitches and walked a pair.
Not good news for facing a Texas lineup looking to find its groove and breakout after getting shutout in Game 2.
"I'm going to go there with the same mentality I always have," Sanchez told MLB.com. "You're not always going to have a perfect game, so you just have to be realistic. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad ones."
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
And if you think Sanchez has a nasty curve ball, then you need to pay close attention when Lewis takes the bump.
Lewis threw the curve an average of 11.2 times per start before mid-September, with opponents hitting .304 against it. But since then, he is throwing it 14.6 times per outing with opponents hitting just .056 against it when they make contact. And in the playoffs he has leaned on the pitch even more. Through three postseason outings, he is tossing 18.7 curves per start.
And it’s not like the Yankees could hit it.
In two victories over the Bronx Bombers and their vaunted batting order, Lewis went a combined 13.2 innings, giving up just nine hits and allowing a measly three earned runs. His biggest issue -- like Sanchez -- is his walks. In three postseason starts, he has 18 punch-outs, but also has a postseason-leading issued 11 free passes.
"He has swing-and-miss stuff," Rangers manager Ron Washington told MLB.com. "When he's commanding the strike zone, he's as tough as any pitcher in the game. We've needed him twice so far in this postseason, and he's come through, and that's why we're so confident with Colby."
HOT LINES
Saturday's Best MLB Bet
San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers (-152, 8.5)
So maybe this will be the round where the Rangers finally embrace home field advantage?
The Rangers reached the postseason by being among the best in the league at home, posting a 51-30 record in their own back yard. During the regular season, Texas averaged a whopping 5.3 runs per game at home and supported that number with a solid 93 home runs and 136 doubles. At home, the team also is hitting a phenomenal .288, making the most of opposing pitchers’ mistakes.
This postseason, however, the team is averaging nearly a run per game less -- 4.6 per game -- and is just 2-3 in its own yard. But anything familiar would be good for the Rangers at this point, as the team needs to win Game 3 of the World Series to have a legitimate chance at claiming a title in its first appearance in the Fall Classic.
"Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly," Texas manager Ron Washington told the Associated Press. "We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine."
The team may be gripping the bat tight, but should be able to get loose on Saturday night and do enough to keep this series interesting.
Pick: Texas Rangers
Saturday's Best MLB Bet
San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers (-152, 8.5)
So maybe this will be the round where the Rangers finally embrace home field advantage?
The Rangers reached the postseason by being among the best in the league at home, posting a 51-30 record in their own back yard. During the regular season, Texas averaged a whopping 5.3 runs per game at home and supported that number with a solid 93 home runs and 136 doubles. At home, the team also is hitting a phenomenal .288, making the most of opposing pitchers’ mistakes.
This postseason, however, the team is averaging nearly a run per game less -- 4.6 per game -- and is just 2-3 in its own yard. But anything familiar would be good for the Rangers at this point, as the team needs to win Game 3 of the World Series to have a legitimate chance at claiming a title in its first appearance in the Fall Classic.
"Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly," Texas manager Ron Washington told the Associated Press. "We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine."
The team may be gripping the bat tight, but should be able to get loose on Saturday night and do enough to keep this series interesting.
Pick: Texas Rangers
MLB DUNKEL
San Francisco at Texas
The Giants look to follow up their 9-0 win in Game 2 and take advantage of a Texas team that is 2-8 in Colby Lewis' last 10 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. San Francisco is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30
Game 955-956: San Francisco at Texas (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 17.172; Texas (Lewis) 16.011
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Over
San Francisco at Texas
The Giants look to follow up their 9-0 win in Game 2 and take advantage of a Texas team that is 2-8 in Colby Lewis' last 10 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. San Francisco is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30
Game 955-956: San Francisco at Texas (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 17.172; Texas (Lewis) 16.011
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Over
Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
Portland Trail Blazers at New York Knicks (+4.5, 197.5)
What are they putting in the Trail Blazers’ Gatorade? Portland is outscoring its opponents 59-28 in the fourth quarter through two games this season.
“We were taking too many jump shots in the third quarter,” Blazers point guard Andre Miller told the Portland Tribune after the 98-88 win over the Clippers on Wednesday. “The fourth quarter, our defense forced some turnovers and the ball fell our way.”
Portland is getting some great work from its bigs in the paint. Nate McMillan’s club has outrebounded its opposition by double digits in each game this season.
That’s not good news for the Knicks. Mike D’Antonio’s team is known for its effort on the perimeter, not in the key. Look for Portland to expose a New York team coming off a Friday night game against Boston.
Pick: Portland
Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets (-5, 212)
Defense is the topic in Houston these days. Head coach Rick Adelman is steaming after back-to-back defensive no-shows.
"We must be better than we were defensively than last year," he told the Houston Chronicle. "If not, we're going to have a hard time."
Houston gave up 132 points against Golden State on Wednesday night and 112 against the Lakers on Tuesday. To help sure up its iffy defense, Houston signed veteran center Erik Dampier on Friday to play extensive minutes on nights that Yao Ming rests his ailing body.
The Rockets already have Brad Miller and Luis Scola but neither big man is considered to be much of a shot-blocking presence.
The Dampier signing should help but it won’t be enough to slow down the fast-starting Nuggets.
Pick: Denver
Portland Trail Blazers at New York Knicks (+4.5, 197.5)
What are they putting in the Trail Blazers’ Gatorade? Portland is outscoring its opponents 59-28 in the fourth quarter through two games this season.
“We were taking too many jump shots in the third quarter,” Blazers point guard Andre Miller told the Portland Tribune after the 98-88 win over the Clippers on Wednesday. “The fourth quarter, our defense forced some turnovers and the ball fell our way.”
Portland is getting some great work from its bigs in the paint. Nate McMillan’s club has outrebounded its opposition by double digits in each game this season.
That’s not good news for the Knicks. Mike D’Antonio’s team is known for its effort on the perimeter, not in the key. Look for Portland to expose a New York team coming off a Friday night game against Boston.
Pick: Portland
Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets (-5, 212)
Defense is the topic in Houston these days. Head coach Rick Adelman is steaming after back-to-back defensive no-shows.
"We must be better than we were defensively than last year," he told the Houston Chronicle. "If not, we're going to have a hard time."
Houston gave up 132 points against Golden State on Wednesday night and 112 against the Lakers on Tuesday. To help sure up its iffy defense, Houston signed veteran center Erik Dampier on Friday to play extensive minutes on nights that Yao Ming rests his ailing body.
The Rockets already have Brad Miller and Luis Scola but neither big man is considered to be much of a shot-blocking presence.
The Dampier signing should help but it won’t be enough to slow down the fast-starting Nuggets.
Pick: Denver
Hockey Night in Canada: NHL betting preview
New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs
These Original Six rivals clash for the third time this season, having split the first two meeting of the schedule.
New York, which downed Toronto 2-1 last week, will be coming off a game against the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night while the Maple Leafs have had a full day to recover from a 2-0 loss to the Boston Bruins Thursday.
No O’ in T.O.
After exploding on offense to start the season, Toronto has stumbled with the puck in recent games. The Maple Leafs are just 1-4 in their last five games, totaling just four goals in those four losses including a shutout defeat to the Bruins Thursday.
“We just couldn’t generate much,” Leafs coach Ron Wilson told the Toronto Sun. “Timmy Thomas has given up three goals in five games. He’s on top of things.”
While that scoring slump has paid off for NHL total bettors, who have cashed in on the under in four of those contests, the lack of offense has dropped the Leafs to second in the Northeast Division heading into Saturday night.
Fallen Leafs
Toronto is dealing with some injuries to key players heading into the weekend. Forward Colby Armstrong is out four to six weeks after breaking his finger and fellow winger Kris Versteeg is nursing a sore back and is listed as questionable for Saturday.
Those losses take a lot of energy out of the Toronto lineup, which the team is hoping to replace with callup Luca Caputi, who was limited in Thursday’s loss.
“Nothing’s ever written in stone,” Caputi told the Toronto Star. “You’re only as good as your last shift. It’s ‘What have you done lately?’ not what you’ve done in the past.”
Flipping the switch
The Rangers had a three-game winning streak snapped by a 6-4 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers Wednesday.
New York head coach John Tortorella is still looking for the right mix among his forward corps and has been playing musical chairs with the return of some injured players. Artem Anisimov is expected back Friday night after missing time with an ankle injury and could have some new linemates.
Erik Christensen and Todd White both had time with the first-line forwards this past week and Brian Boyle was put on the so-called “checking line” with Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko. Tortorella told the media he will continue to tinker with the lineups in the early parts of the season and is keeping a close eye on the talented Christensen, who has yet to find a solid spot on the team.
"It's about trying to make a difference," Tortorella told the New York post of Christensen’s future with the club. "It's been brought to his attention, and we'll continue to work with him on that, but sooner or later the player has to take hold of it."
Washington Capitals at Calgary Flames
Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals go west to face the Flames Saturday night. Each team brings a 6-4 record into this game and both are coming off losses in their most recent outing. Washington is 6-2-2 in its last 10 games against Calgary, however, those two defeats have come in the teams’ last two clashes, including a 5-3 win for the Flames in D.C. last March.
Fanning the Flames
Calgary coach Brent Sutter is no stranger to strong words. He blasted his players following Thursday’s 6-5 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, calling out his veterans for their lack of direction this season.
“The only way you can consistently be a good hockey team is if you understand that it doesn’t matter who you are, this is what you have to do,” Sutter told the media. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done somewhere else in the past, this is our team - this is the way we have to play.
“There’s no one left off the hook. Until everyone understands that? This is going to happen.”
The Flames, who took a three-game winning streak into Thursday, were outscored 3-1 in the third period, getting outshot 15-3 in the final 20 minutes. That defensive lull gave total bettors their second straight win on the over and evened Calgary’s over/under mark to 5-5 on the year.
Sutter expects his team to play until the final whistle and not take its foot of the gas when it has a lead. Hockey fans should see a relentless Flames attack if they manage to get a lead on the Capitals Saturday night.
“We want to keep scoring goals, for sure, but we can’t give up goals like that,” center Matthew Stajan told the Calgary Herald. “You know, it’s the NHL and to win championships in this league, you’ve got to be able to shut the door when you get a lead. Giving up a lot of goals in the third period on home ice in the last two games just simply isn’t good enough. We know that in this dressing room.”
Weary Washington
The Capitals suffered their third loss in the past five games with a lackluster effort against the Minnesota Wild Thursday night. Washington, which was playing in its second straight contest, fell 2-1 to the Wild and managed to get only 12 shots on goal in the first two periods of the game – 22 in total.
“It was a really disappointing effort, I thought, from our team for about 50 minutes. You can't play 10 minutes in this league and hope to win a game,” Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters. “We can't let the other team take the game to us for the first half of the game. It looked like we were in quicksand. We weren't moving the puck. We couldn't handle the puck.”
Washington has just one day off before making the trip to Alberta for the third and final game of its road trip. The Capitals offense has been sluggish, falling short of its season numbers. They average 32 shots per game and score an average of 2.7 goals a night.
With Saturday’s tilt being the third game in four days for Washington, NHL bettors may want to avoid what should be a hefty price tag on the visiting team. The Capitals are just 2-3 on the road and average only two goals in opposing rinks this season.
New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs
These Original Six rivals clash for the third time this season, having split the first two meeting of the schedule.
New York, which downed Toronto 2-1 last week, will be coming off a game against the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night while the Maple Leafs have had a full day to recover from a 2-0 loss to the Boston Bruins Thursday.
No O’ in T.O.
After exploding on offense to start the season, Toronto has stumbled with the puck in recent games. The Maple Leafs are just 1-4 in their last five games, totaling just four goals in those four losses including a shutout defeat to the Bruins Thursday.
“We just couldn’t generate much,” Leafs coach Ron Wilson told the Toronto Sun. “Timmy Thomas has given up three goals in five games. He’s on top of things.”
While that scoring slump has paid off for NHL total bettors, who have cashed in on the under in four of those contests, the lack of offense has dropped the Leafs to second in the Northeast Division heading into Saturday night.
Fallen Leafs
Toronto is dealing with some injuries to key players heading into the weekend. Forward Colby Armstrong is out four to six weeks after breaking his finger and fellow winger Kris Versteeg is nursing a sore back and is listed as questionable for Saturday.
Those losses take a lot of energy out of the Toronto lineup, which the team is hoping to replace with callup Luca Caputi, who was limited in Thursday’s loss.
“Nothing’s ever written in stone,” Caputi told the Toronto Star. “You’re only as good as your last shift. It’s ‘What have you done lately?’ not what you’ve done in the past.”
Flipping the switch
The Rangers had a three-game winning streak snapped by a 6-4 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers Wednesday.
New York head coach John Tortorella is still looking for the right mix among his forward corps and has been playing musical chairs with the return of some injured players. Artem Anisimov is expected back Friday night after missing time with an ankle injury and could have some new linemates.
Erik Christensen and Todd White both had time with the first-line forwards this past week and Brian Boyle was put on the so-called “checking line” with Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko. Tortorella told the media he will continue to tinker with the lineups in the early parts of the season and is keeping a close eye on the talented Christensen, who has yet to find a solid spot on the team.
"It's about trying to make a difference," Tortorella told the New York post of Christensen’s future with the club. "It's been brought to his attention, and we'll continue to work with him on that, but sooner or later the player has to take hold of it."
Washington Capitals at Calgary Flames
Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals go west to face the Flames Saturday night. Each team brings a 6-4 record into this game and both are coming off losses in their most recent outing. Washington is 6-2-2 in its last 10 games against Calgary, however, those two defeats have come in the teams’ last two clashes, including a 5-3 win for the Flames in D.C. last March.
Fanning the Flames
Calgary coach Brent Sutter is no stranger to strong words. He blasted his players following Thursday’s 6-5 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, calling out his veterans for their lack of direction this season.
“The only way you can consistently be a good hockey team is if you understand that it doesn’t matter who you are, this is what you have to do,” Sutter told the media. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done somewhere else in the past, this is our team - this is the way we have to play.
“There’s no one left off the hook. Until everyone understands that? This is going to happen.”
The Flames, who took a three-game winning streak into Thursday, were outscored 3-1 in the third period, getting outshot 15-3 in the final 20 minutes. That defensive lull gave total bettors their second straight win on the over and evened Calgary’s over/under mark to 5-5 on the year.
Sutter expects his team to play until the final whistle and not take its foot of the gas when it has a lead. Hockey fans should see a relentless Flames attack if they manage to get a lead on the Capitals Saturday night.
“We want to keep scoring goals, for sure, but we can’t give up goals like that,” center Matthew Stajan told the Calgary Herald. “You know, it’s the NHL and to win championships in this league, you’ve got to be able to shut the door when you get a lead. Giving up a lot of goals in the third period on home ice in the last two games just simply isn’t good enough. We know that in this dressing room.”
Weary Washington
The Capitals suffered their third loss in the past five games with a lackluster effort against the Minnesota Wild Thursday night. Washington, which was playing in its second straight contest, fell 2-1 to the Wild and managed to get only 12 shots on goal in the first two periods of the game – 22 in total.
“It was a really disappointing effort, I thought, from our team for about 50 minutes. You can't play 10 minutes in this league and hope to win a game,” Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters. “We can't let the other team take the game to us for the first half of the game. It looked like we were in quicksand. We weren't moving the puck. We couldn't handle the puck.”
Washington has just one day off before making the trip to Alberta for the third and final game of its road trip. The Capitals offense has been sluggish, falling short of its season numbers. They average 32 shots per game and score an average of 2.7 goals a night.
With Saturday’s tilt being the third game in four days for Washington, NHL bettors may want to avoid what should be a hefty price tag on the visiting team. The Capitals are just 2-3 on the road and average only two goals in opposing rinks this season.
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
Boston Bruins at Ottawa Senators (+106, 5)
The way 36-year-old Tim Thomas is playing, if you get a puck past him, you better frame it.
Thomas has allowed only three goals on a whopping 156 shots this season, posting a 5-0-0 record with a pair of shutouts. His goals-against average is a microscopic 0.60 and his save percentage figures out to a stupid .981. At 5-foot-11, 182-pounds, the native of Flint, Michigan, is the closest thing to a wall in the league this season.
And don’t expect him to make things easy on the resurgent Senators. Ottawa has won two straight and is playing much better defensively.
"I'm hoping this isn't just a hot streak; this is me now," Thomas, who had offseason surgery on the labrum in his left hip, told the Associated Press. "At times last year I felt like I was a one-legged goalie."
Overall, four of the team’s past five meetings have gone under the total and nine of the team’s past 12 meetings in Canada have fallen short of the number.
Pick: Under
Columbus Blue Jackets at Colorado Avalanche (-145, 5.5)
Don’t look now, but the Blue Jackets are spunky. Columbus is tied for the second-most wins in the league with six through nine games and is a sparkling 3-0 on the road this season.
The Blue Jackets have gotten off to their fast start thanks to an ability to win close games, especially those on the road. The team has been blown out by the Blackhawks and Flames at home by a combined score of 11-4, but has kept things more simple on enemy ice, winning three road games by the slimmest of margins, including one in overtime.
"The guys are really bearing down and sticking to what their individual jobs are," Columbus goalie Steve Mason told the Associated Press. "It's paying off when you have guys competing hard the whole game. It really puts some pressure on the other team and they make mistakes. And we just have to capitalize on them."
Meantime the Avalanche will be starting Peter Budaj in net after losing stud Craig Anderson to a torn knee ligament. Budaj has been less then stellar so far, getting smacked for 13 goals on just 78 shots in three games. For those doing the math at home, that’s a .833 save percentage.
Pick: Blue Jackets
Boston Bruins at Ottawa Senators (+106, 5)
The way 36-year-old Tim Thomas is playing, if you get a puck past him, you better frame it.
Thomas has allowed only three goals on a whopping 156 shots this season, posting a 5-0-0 record with a pair of shutouts. His goals-against average is a microscopic 0.60 and his save percentage figures out to a stupid .981. At 5-foot-11, 182-pounds, the native of Flint, Michigan, is the closest thing to a wall in the league this season.
And don’t expect him to make things easy on the resurgent Senators. Ottawa has won two straight and is playing much better defensively.
"I'm hoping this isn't just a hot streak; this is me now," Thomas, who had offseason surgery on the labrum in his left hip, told the Associated Press. "At times last year I felt like I was a one-legged goalie."
Overall, four of the team’s past five meetings have gone under the total and nine of the team’s past 12 meetings in Canada have fallen short of the number.
Pick: Under
Columbus Blue Jackets at Colorado Avalanche (-145, 5.5)
Don’t look now, but the Blue Jackets are spunky. Columbus is tied for the second-most wins in the league with six through nine games and is a sparkling 3-0 on the road this season.
The Blue Jackets have gotten off to their fast start thanks to an ability to win close games, especially those on the road. The team has been blown out by the Blackhawks and Flames at home by a combined score of 11-4, but has kept things more simple on enemy ice, winning three road games by the slimmest of margins, including one in overtime.
"The guys are really bearing down and sticking to what their individual jobs are," Columbus goalie Steve Mason told the Associated Press. "It's paying off when you have guys competing hard the whole game. It really puts some pressure on the other team and they make mistakes. And we just have to capitalize on them."
Meantime the Avalanche will be starting Peter Budaj in net after losing stud Craig Anderson to a torn knee ligament. Budaj has been less then stellar so far, getting smacked for 13 goals on just 78 shots in three games. For those doing the math at home, that’s a .833 save percentage.
Pick: Blue Jackets
