Bettors' best friend: Thursday's wagering tips
KEY TRENDS
NCAAB: The Arizona Wildcats have lost two of their last three meetings with Washington, but have covered the number four straight times and in seven of their last eight dates with the Huskies.
NCAAB: Wisconsin has covered six straight times against Indiana, which has lost six of its last seven games overall.
NHL: Tampa Bay has won nine straight games over the Atlanta Thrashers. Atlanta comes into Thursday’s game following a 3-2 shootout win over Florida, the club’s first victory in five games.
NHL: Ottawa has won only eight of its last 30 games overall and will be up against a Philadelphia club that has lost just once over its last eight contests.
NBA: The Dallas Mavericks have dropped six consecutive games both straight up and against the number heading into Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. However, the Mavericks have covered in seven of their last 10 games in the Windy City.
NUMBER TO REMEMBER
107 – The Minnesota Timberwolves have allowed at least 107 points in five of their last seven games, failing to cover in each of those five games. Minnesota allows 108 points per game on the year, ranking 29th in the Association.
TIPS AND NOTES
Blake Griffin may be the poster boy of the Los Angeles Clippers but veteran Baron Davis says DeAndre Jordan is the main reason for the club’s recent surge. The Clippers have won 10 of their last 14 games and covered the number in five of their last six. While Jordan’s 6.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game aren’t going to stop the presses, that doesn’t diminish the impact he has had on the team since Chris Kaman went down with a sprained ankle in November. “Oh man, [Jordan] is the reason why we've been such a hot team," Davis told reporters. "A lot of the things he's able to do on the defensive end allows us to be a great defensive team. That 41 percent, our field-goal percentage, that credit goes to him. He's our anchor.”
The St. Louis Blues received a big boost to their offense with T.J. Oshie returning to the lineup after missing 31 games with a fractured left ankle. Oshie returned well ahead of schedule and showed a lot of jump in almost 18 minutes of ice time in a 2-1 win over Los Angeles. Averaging only 2.6 goals per game, the Blues are in no position to hold him back in any way and Oshie isn’t the type of player who’s going to ease himself back into the mix anyway. He had 10 points in 13 games before the injury and should finally give David Backes some offensive support heading into Thursday’s game against the beat-up Detroit Red Wings.
First place in the Pac-10 is on the line Thursday night when the No. 25 Arizona Wildcats visit the No. 20 Washington Huskies. Washington isn’t shy about its game plan in this one – shutting down sophomore sensation Derrick Williams. "You can't really shut down one player like him or completely take him out of the whole game," said junior forward Darnell Gant. "But you can take some things away. Limit his touches on the block. Limit his touches on the elbow. If a shot goes up, box him out and try to keep him off the boards as best you can." That’ll be easier said than done with the 6-foot-8, 240-pounder averaging 19.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Already without captain Sidney Crosby, who’s still out with a concussion, the Pittsburgh Penguins won’t have Evgeni Malkin in the lineup Thursday against the New Jersey Devils either. Malkin is reportedly dealing with a leg injury and didn’t practice on Wednesday. The extent of the injury hasn’t been released.
KEY TRENDS
NCAAB: The Arizona Wildcats have lost two of their last three meetings with Washington, but have covered the number four straight times and in seven of their last eight dates with the Huskies.
NCAAB: Wisconsin has covered six straight times against Indiana, which has lost six of its last seven games overall.
NHL: Tampa Bay has won nine straight games over the Atlanta Thrashers. Atlanta comes into Thursday’s game following a 3-2 shootout win over Florida, the club’s first victory in five games.
NHL: Ottawa has won only eight of its last 30 games overall and will be up against a Philadelphia club that has lost just once over its last eight contests.
NBA: The Dallas Mavericks have dropped six consecutive games both straight up and against the number heading into Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. However, the Mavericks have covered in seven of their last 10 games in the Windy City.
NUMBER TO REMEMBER
107 – The Minnesota Timberwolves have allowed at least 107 points in five of their last seven games, failing to cover in each of those five games. Minnesota allows 108 points per game on the year, ranking 29th in the Association.
TIPS AND NOTES
Blake Griffin may be the poster boy of the Los Angeles Clippers but veteran Baron Davis says DeAndre Jordan is the main reason for the club’s recent surge. The Clippers have won 10 of their last 14 games and covered the number in five of their last six. While Jordan’s 6.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game aren’t going to stop the presses, that doesn’t diminish the impact he has had on the team since Chris Kaman went down with a sprained ankle in November. “Oh man, [Jordan] is the reason why we've been such a hot team," Davis told reporters. "A lot of the things he's able to do on the defensive end allows us to be a great defensive team. That 41 percent, our field-goal percentage, that credit goes to him. He's our anchor.”
The St. Louis Blues received a big boost to their offense with T.J. Oshie returning to the lineup after missing 31 games with a fractured left ankle. Oshie returned well ahead of schedule and showed a lot of jump in almost 18 minutes of ice time in a 2-1 win over Los Angeles. Averaging only 2.6 goals per game, the Blues are in no position to hold him back in any way and Oshie isn’t the type of player who’s going to ease himself back into the mix anyway. He had 10 points in 13 games before the injury and should finally give David Backes some offensive support heading into Thursday’s game against the beat-up Detroit Red Wings.
First place in the Pac-10 is on the line Thursday night when the No. 25 Arizona Wildcats visit the No. 20 Washington Huskies. Washington isn’t shy about its game plan in this one – shutting down sophomore sensation Derrick Williams. "You can't really shut down one player like him or completely take him out of the whole game," said junior forward Darnell Gant. "But you can take some things away. Limit his touches on the block. Limit his touches on the elbow. If a shot goes up, box him out and try to keep him off the boards as best you can." That’ll be easier said than done with the 6-foot-8, 240-pounder averaging 19.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Already without captain Sidney Crosby, who’s still out with a concussion, the Pittsburgh Penguins won’t have Evgeni Malkin in the lineup Thursday against the New Jersey Devils either. Malkin is reportedly dealing with a leg injury and didn’t practice on Wednesday. The extent of the injury hasn’t been released.
NBA
Write-Up
Thursday, January 20
Hot Teams
-- Bobcats are 5-2 vs spread in last seven games as home favorite. 76ers covered seven of last ten games as a road underdog.
-- Bulls won/covered five of their last seven games.
-- Clippers won/covered six of their last seven games. Portland won last three games, by 7-11-4 points.
Cold Teams
-- Mavericks snapped a 6-game losing skid last night.
Totals
-- Last three Charlotte games stayed under the total. Five of Philly's last seven games went over.
-- Five of last seven Chicago games stayed under.
-- Clippers' last five road games went over the total.
Back-to-Back
-- 76ers are 2-5 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Mavericks are 4-2 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Portland is 5-5 vs spread if they played night before, but 0-2 at home. Clippers are 5-1 vs spread on road if they played night before.
Write-Up
Thursday, January 20
Hot Teams
-- Bobcats are 5-2 vs spread in last seven games as home favorite. 76ers covered seven of last ten games as a road underdog.
-- Bulls won/covered five of their last seven games.
-- Clippers won/covered six of their last seven games. Portland won last three games, by 7-11-4 points.
Cold Teams
-- Mavericks snapped a 6-game losing skid last night.
Totals
-- Last three Charlotte games stayed under the total. Five of Philly's last seven games went over.
-- Five of last seven Chicago games stayed under.
-- Clippers' last five road games went over the total.
Back-to-Back
-- 76ers are 2-5 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Mavericks are 4-2 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Portland is 5-5 vs spread if they played night before, but 0-2 at home. Clippers are 5-1 vs spread on road if they played night before.
NCAAB
Write-Up
Thursday, January 20
Florida won eight of last nine games vs Auburn, winning last three here by 6ot-25-3 points; Gators are 4-1 in true road games, winning by 4-19-4-6 points- they're 2-7 vs spread as a favorite. SEC underdogs are 14-7 vs spread, 4-1 at home. Auburn is 0-3 in SEC, losing by 7-24-19 points; they're 3-2-1 as an underdog, with a baffling upset of Florida State.
Detroit swept Cleveland State LY after losing previous five meetings in series; Titans lost five of last six visits here, losing by 7-6ot-2-4-17 pts. Vikings are 5-2 in Horizon, 2-0 as home favorite, winning by 18-24 at home- home side covered their last five games. Horizon home favorites of 6+ points are 11-3. Detroit won both its Horizon road games.
Arkansas State lost five of last six visits to Denver, with losses by 14-17-8-7-9 points; Pioneers are 5-0 in Sun Belt, 2-1 as home favorite, with home wins by 13-2-9ot points. Home side won all six of ASU's (4-2) league games, with State losing its road games by 5-4 points. Sun Belt home favorites of less than 6 points are 4-5 against the spread.
Home side won six of last eight Virginia Tech-Maryland games; Hokies lost three of last four visits here, losing by 15-7-10 points. Tech is 2-2 in ACC, with both losses by 3 points, at Carolina/vs Virginia. ACC home favorites of 8 or less points are 7-4-1 vs spread. Maryland lost two of last three games- they lost only ACC home game, by 4 to BC (-7.5).
Arizona State swept Washington State LY, after losing previous six in series; ASU lost six of last seven visits here, losing by 7-8-15-20-12-2 points. Dogs are 5-0 vs spread in ASU's Pac-10 games- they lost three games in row, by 14-4-11 points. Wazzu PG Moore is back from a suspension here. Double digit home faves are 2-4-1 vs spread in Pac-10.
Portland won its last four games vs San Francisco by an average score of 73-61; Dons lost last two visits here by 5-16 points. USF covered six of its last seven games- they're 2-0 as a WCC dog. Portland is 4-2 on road, winning by 13-4-7-11 points. WCC home underdogs are 0-4 vs spread. Both teams are 2-1 in WCC; Dons' only loss was by 14 at St Mary's.
Nevada-New Mexico State split last six games, after Wolf Pack had won previous six meetings; two of State's three wins came in WAC tourney. Aggies lost four of last five visits here, losing by 4-22-13-8 points. Wolf Pack lost three of last four games- they're 0-3 in WAC if they give up 70 or more points. State won its last three games, scoring 80 ppg.
Home team won last 11 Stanford-USC games; Cardinal lost its last five visits to USC, by 11-4-13-1-5 points. Stanford scored just 57 ppg in its last four games; they're 3-1 as Pac-10 underdog, with conference losses by 10-3 points. Trojans allowed 56-52 points in its two Pac-10 wins, an average of 73.7 ppg in three losses. Pac-10 home favorites are 5-7-1.
Cal won its last two games vs UCLA by 13 points each, after dropping 10 of previous 11 vs Bruins; Bears lost three of their last four visits to Westwood, losing by 10-1-15 points. Faves are 5-0 vs spread in Bruins' league games, with UCLA winning by 9-5-8 points when favored. Pac-10 single digit home favorites are 3-3 against the spread this season.
Home side won last seven Arizona-Washington games; Wildcats lost last three visits here, by 9-5-6 points- average total in last eight series games is 162.1. Wildcats are 4-1 in Pac-10, with only loss by point at Oregon State; they're 1-1 as dog this season. Huskies are 5-1 in Pac-10, winning home games by 18 vs Oregon, 31 vs OSU- they're 3-3 as Pac-10 fave.
Western Carolina is 3-2 in last five games vs Charleston, after going 0-7 in seven previous games; Catamounts lost four of last five visits here, by 16-9-12-11 points. Cougars are 2-1 as home faves, winning home games by 9-8-21 points. SoCon home favorites of 9+ points are 7-3 vs spread. Western won its last four games, scoring an average of 77.8 ppg.
Chattanooga is double digit dog here despite being 7-0 in SoCon, winning four times as an underdog; Mocs split last six visits here, losing by 8-3-7 points. UTC's last six wins are all by 6 or less points. Wofford is 5-1 in SoCon, 2-1 as home favorite, winning its home games by 22-18 points with loss to Charleston. SoCon home favorites of 10+ points are 5-2.
Visitor is 7-0 vs spread in Tennessee Tech's OVC games; Tech is 3-0 as road underdog, - their OVC losses are by 2-12-7 points- they won two of three vs Austin Peay LY, winning by 3 in OVC tourney, after losing previous four series games; Tech lost three of last four visits here, losing by 4-16-5ot points. Double digit home faves are 1-5 vs spread in OVC.
Write-Up
Thursday, January 20
Florida won eight of last nine games vs Auburn, winning last three here by 6ot-25-3 points; Gators are 4-1 in true road games, winning by 4-19-4-6 points- they're 2-7 vs spread as a favorite. SEC underdogs are 14-7 vs spread, 4-1 at home. Auburn is 0-3 in SEC, losing by 7-24-19 points; they're 3-2-1 as an underdog, with a baffling upset of Florida State.
Detroit swept Cleveland State LY after losing previous five meetings in series; Titans lost five of last six visits here, losing by 7-6ot-2-4-17 pts. Vikings are 5-2 in Horizon, 2-0 as home favorite, winning by 18-24 at home- home side covered their last five games. Horizon home favorites of 6+ points are 11-3. Detroit won both its Horizon road games.
Arkansas State lost five of last six visits to Denver, with losses by 14-17-8-7-9 points; Pioneers are 5-0 in Sun Belt, 2-1 as home favorite, with home wins by 13-2-9ot points. Home side won all six of ASU's (4-2) league games, with State losing its road games by 5-4 points. Sun Belt home favorites of less than 6 points are 4-5 against the spread.
Home side won six of last eight Virginia Tech-Maryland games; Hokies lost three of last four visits here, losing by 15-7-10 points. Tech is 2-2 in ACC, with both losses by 3 points, at Carolina/vs Virginia. ACC home favorites of 8 or less points are 7-4-1 vs spread. Maryland lost two of last three games- they lost only ACC home game, by 4 to BC (-7.5).
Arizona State swept Washington State LY, after losing previous six in series; ASU lost six of last seven visits here, losing by 7-8-15-20-12-2 points. Dogs are 5-0 vs spread in ASU's Pac-10 games- they lost three games in row, by 14-4-11 points. Wazzu PG Moore is back from a suspension here. Double digit home faves are 2-4-1 vs spread in Pac-10.
Portland won its last four games vs San Francisco by an average score of 73-61; Dons lost last two visits here by 5-16 points. USF covered six of its last seven games- they're 2-0 as a WCC dog. Portland is 4-2 on road, winning by 13-4-7-11 points. WCC home underdogs are 0-4 vs spread. Both teams are 2-1 in WCC; Dons' only loss was by 14 at St Mary's.
Nevada-New Mexico State split last six games, after Wolf Pack had won previous six meetings; two of State's three wins came in WAC tourney. Aggies lost four of last five visits here, losing by 4-22-13-8 points. Wolf Pack lost three of last four games- they're 0-3 in WAC if they give up 70 or more points. State won its last three games, scoring 80 ppg.
Home team won last 11 Stanford-USC games; Cardinal lost its last five visits to USC, by 11-4-13-1-5 points. Stanford scored just 57 ppg in its last four games; they're 3-1 as Pac-10 underdog, with conference losses by 10-3 points. Trojans allowed 56-52 points in its two Pac-10 wins, an average of 73.7 ppg in three losses. Pac-10 home favorites are 5-7-1.
Cal won its last two games vs UCLA by 13 points each, after dropping 10 of previous 11 vs Bruins; Bears lost three of their last four visits to Westwood, losing by 10-1-15 points. Faves are 5-0 vs spread in Bruins' league games, with UCLA winning by 9-5-8 points when favored. Pac-10 single digit home favorites are 3-3 against the spread this season.
Home side won last seven Arizona-Washington games; Wildcats lost last three visits here, by 9-5-6 points- average total in last eight series games is 162.1. Wildcats are 4-1 in Pac-10, with only loss by point at Oregon State; they're 1-1 as dog this season. Huskies are 5-1 in Pac-10, winning home games by 18 vs Oregon, 31 vs OSU- they're 3-3 as Pac-10 fave.
Western Carolina is 3-2 in last five games vs Charleston, after going 0-7 in seven previous games; Catamounts lost four of last five visits here, by 16-9-12-11 points. Cougars are 2-1 as home faves, winning home games by 9-8-21 points. SoCon home favorites of 9+ points are 7-3 vs spread. Western won its last four games, scoring an average of 77.8 ppg.
Chattanooga is double digit dog here despite being 7-0 in SoCon, winning four times as an underdog; Mocs split last six visits here, losing by 8-3-7 points. UTC's last six wins are all by 6 or less points. Wofford is 5-1 in SoCon, 2-1 as home favorite, winning its home games by 22-18 points with loss to Charleston. SoCon home favorites of 10+ points are 5-2.
Visitor is 7-0 vs spread in Tennessee Tech's OVC games; Tech is 3-0 as road underdog, - their OVC losses are by 2-12-7 points- they won two of three vs Austin Peay LY, winning by 3 in OVC tourney, after losing previous four series games; Tech lost three of last four visits here, losing by 4-16-5ot points. Double digit home faves are 1-5 vs spread in OVC.
NHL
Write-Up
Thursday, Janaury 20
Hot Teams
-- Anaheim won four of its last five games.
-- Flyers won eight of their last nine games.
-- Bruins won four of their last five games. Sabres won six of nine.
-- Penguins won last three games, outscoring foes 12-5. New Jersey won three of its last four games.
-- Colorado won three of its last four games. Predators won eight of their last ten games.
-- Dallas Stars won last four games, outscoring foes 15-4.
-- Sharks won five of their last seven road games.
Cold Teams
-- Toronto lost last three games by combined score of 14-2.
-- Islanders, Washington both lost four of their last five games.
-- Thrashers lost four of their last five games. Lightning lost three of last four road games.
-- Senators lost nine of their last ten games.
-- Carolina lost three of its last four games. Rangers are 7-7 in their last 14 games, 2-3 in last five, 2-4 in last six on road.
-- St Louis lost six of its last eight games. Red Wings lost three of their last four games.
-- Edmonton lost 12 of its last 14 games.
-- Vancouver lost three of its last four games.
-- Coyotes lost last two games, but won their last three on the road. Los Angeles lost nine of its last eleven games.
Totals
-- Under is 8-4-1 in Toronto's last 13 home games.
-- Under is 11-2 in Washington's last thirteen road games.
-- Over is 9-4 in Tampa Bay's last thirteen road games.
-- Under is 8-2 in Philadelphia's last ten home games.
-- Six of last eight Boston home games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Pittsburgh road games stayed under total.
-- Under is 7-0-2 in Rangers' last nine road games.
-- Three of last four Detroit road games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Colorado home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Dallas road games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in Vancouver's last seven home games.
-- Last six Phoenix games went over the total.
Back-to-Back
-- Maple Leafs are 2-4 if they played night before, 0-1 at home.
-- Rangers are 6-1 on road if they played the night before.
Series Records
-- Anaheim-Toronto split their last four games.
-- Islanders lost eight of last nine games against Washington.
-- Thrashers lost last nine games against Tampa Bay.
-- Flyers lost five of last seven games against Ottawa.
-- Bruins won six of last eight games against Buffalo.
-- Penguins are 2-0 vs New Jersey this season: 3-1/2-1.
-- Devils won four of last five games against Carolina.
-- Blues lost three of last four games against Detroit.
-- Predators won three of last four games against Colorado.
-- Oilers lost their last three games against Dallas.
-- Sharks lost three of last four visits to Vancouver.
-- Kings lost their last four games against Phoenix.
Write-Up
Thursday, Janaury 20
Hot Teams
-- Anaheim won four of its last five games.
-- Flyers won eight of their last nine games.
-- Bruins won four of their last five games. Sabres won six of nine.
-- Penguins won last three games, outscoring foes 12-5. New Jersey won three of its last four games.
-- Colorado won three of its last four games. Predators won eight of their last ten games.
-- Dallas Stars won last four games, outscoring foes 15-4.
-- Sharks won five of their last seven road games.
Cold Teams
-- Toronto lost last three games by combined score of 14-2.
-- Islanders, Washington both lost four of their last five games.
-- Thrashers lost four of their last five games. Lightning lost three of last four road games.
-- Senators lost nine of their last ten games.
-- Carolina lost three of its last four games. Rangers are 7-7 in their last 14 games, 2-3 in last five, 2-4 in last six on road.
-- St Louis lost six of its last eight games. Red Wings lost three of their last four games.
-- Edmonton lost 12 of its last 14 games.
-- Vancouver lost three of its last four games.
-- Coyotes lost last two games, but won their last three on the road. Los Angeles lost nine of its last eleven games.
Totals
-- Under is 8-4-1 in Toronto's last 13 home games.
-- Under is 11-2 in Washington's last thirteen road games.
-- Over is 9-4 in Tampa Bay's last thirteen road games.
-- Under is 8-2 in Philadelphia's last ten home games.
-- Six of last eight Boston home games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Pittsburgh road games stayed under total.
-- Under is 7-0-2 in Rangers' last nine road games.
-- Three of last four Detroit road games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Colorado home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Dallas road games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in Vancouver's last seven home games.
-- Last six Phoenix games went over the total.
Back-to-Back
-- Maple Leafs are 2-4 if they played night before, 0-1 at home.
-- Rangers are 6-1 on road if they played the night before.
Series Records
-- Anaheim-Toronto split their last four games.
-- Islanders lost eight of last nine games against Washington.
-- Thrashers lost last nine games against Tampa Bay.
-- Flyers lost five of last seven games against Ottawa.
-- Bruins won six of last eight games against Buffalo.
-- Penguins are 2-0 vs New Jersey this season: 3-1/2-1.
-- Devils won four of last five games against Carolina.
-- Blues lost three of last four games against Detroit.
-- Predators won three of last four games against Colorado.
-- Oilers lost their last three games against Dallas.
-- Sharks lost three of last four visits to Vancouver.
-- Kings lost their last four games against Phoenix.
Bet.Powa.Fr 275-227-8 (yesterday not posted)
Ticket Sporting Lisbon - Penafiel 1 @ 2.81 -
Atromitos - Diagoras 1 -
Barcelona - Maccabi Electra 1 -
South Korea - Slovakia 1 -
Hockey Ilves - Jyvaskyla 1 @ 1.90 -
Hockey Karpat - Lukko 1 OT @ 1.96 -
Hockey Manglerud - Stjernen 1 @ 1.85 -
Hockey Rosenborg - Sapsborg 2 @ 1.48 -
Hockey Modo - Frolunda 1 @ 2.00 -
BRC Macae - Cabofriense 1 @ 1.90 -
BRC Ituano - Palmeiras 2 @ 1.75 -
SPC Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid G:G @ 1.55 -
SPC Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid + 2.5 @ 1.50 -
ITC AC Milan - Bari + 2.5 @ 1.70 -
Ticket Sporting Lisbon - Penafiel 1 @ 2.81 -
Atromitos - Diagoras 1 -
Barcelona - Maccabi Electra 1 -
South Korea - Slovakia 1 -
Hockey Ilves - Jyvaskyla 1 @ 1.90 -
Hockey Karpat - Lukko 1 OT @ 1.96 -
Hockey Manglerud - Stjernen 1 @ 1.85 -
Hockey Rosenborg - Sapsborg 2 @ 1.48 -
Hockey Modo - Frolunda 1 @ 2.00 -
BRC Macae - Cabofriense 1 @ 1.90 -
BRC Ituano - Palmeiras 2 @ 1.75 -
SPC Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid G:G @ 1.55 -
SPC Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid + 2.5 @ 1.50 -
ITC AC Milan - Bari + 2.5 @ 1.70 -
SPORTS WAGERS
Anaheim +104 over TORONTO
Color the Ducks rather fortunate to win their last game in Ottawa, as they were clearly the second best team on the ice Wednesday night. However, another outstanding performance by Jonas Hiller allowed the Ducks to pick up a road win and one has to figure them for a better performance tonight in the center of the hockey universe. Anaheim makes a rare visit to Toronto and will bring some energy with them. Despite its road woes, the Ducks have still reeled off six wins in their last seven games with two wins in their last three road games and have a huge edge in net. The Leafs are coming off that disaster in New York last night. Shame on Ron Wilson for leaving young and fragile Jonas Gustavsson out to dry. In 38 years of watching the NHL, I’ve never seen a goaltender yanked and then put back in there to begin the next period. In any event, the Leafs defense was putrid and after a game like that it puts a whole lot of pressure on them tonight. Dion Phaneuf looks worse every year and every game and the only Maple Leaf defenseman that can be trusted to make consistently good defensive plays is Luke Schenn. The Leafs are certainly going to want to get back on the ice and erase that memory of last night as quickly as possible but they’re still fragile from it and an early goal could see another complete breakdown. Play: Anaheim +104 (Risking 2 units).
N.Y. ISLANDERS +160 over Washington
The Islanders are +1.47 with OT included and therefore at +1.60 we’ll play them in regulation only. The Caps are grossly overpriced here because of their fine record and reputation but this is not nearly the same team that has dominated the regular season for years and that started the year out well. The Caps have lost a ton of fire. Bruce Boudreau looks battered and beaten down. The offense hasn’t scored more than three goals in 11 straight games and had it not been for 40 seconds and outstanding goaltending by Semyon Varlamov they would’ve been whacked by Philly on Wednesday. The Caps have dropped three straight on the road and they just don’t have the same desire as they’ve had in the past. The Islanders have plenty of desire and that alone makes them very worthy of a bet here. Yes, they’re struggling and yes they’re goaltending is shaky but they’re still 8-6 over its last 14 games and they’ve scored four goals or more in half of them. If they lose here it won’t be because they’ll get outworked, it’ll likely be because of goaltending but at this price all the value is on the host. Play: N.Y. Islanders +160 (Risking 2 units).
Buffalo +142 over BOSTON
The Bruins are playing perhaps their best hockey of the season right now and for the first time in a long time goals are coming at a high rate. In fact, the B’s have scored 29 times over its last six games and that’s significant. Boston has also been getting great goaltending all year too. However, you can throw that all out the window when these two meet because when they do the game is a complete toss-up. The Sabres have beaten Boston six of the last 10 meetings. In four games this year, each team has won twice. The Sabres are coming off a 2-1 OT win over the Habs and have now won six of their last nine games. The real kicker though is the tag. Surely the Bruins can win this game but so can the Sabres and with a take-back like this on them, the Sabres offer up tremendous value. Definite overlay. Play: Buffalo +142 (Risking 2 units).
San Jose +136 over VANCOUVER
The Canucks bring out the best in the Sharkies. San Jose has beaten Vancouver in 10 of the last 14 games and they catch the Canucks at precisely the right time. Vancouver returns home from a five game trip that ended with a tough 4-3 OT loss to the Av’s. The last time the Canucks returned home from a trip they beat the Flames 3-1 but were dominated in that game and were outshot 44-21. After a torrid run that saw them pick up points in 17 straight games, the Canucks have since come back to earth with four losses in their last six. The Sharkies seem to be over their funk that saw them lose six in a row. They’re coming off back-to-back 4-2 wins over the Blue Notes and Coyotes and winning really energizes a club. San Jose is warming up, well rested, and they really need to make a push, as they’re in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time in years. This is a quality club that could go on a big run and again, they catch the Canucks in a vulnerable spot. Play: San Jose +136 (Risking 2 units).
Anaheim +104 over TORONTO
Color the Ducks rather fortunate to win their last game in Ottawa, as they were clearly the second best team on the ice Wednesday night. However, another outstanding performance by Jonas Hiller allowed the Ducks to pick up a road win and one has to figure them for a better performance tonight in the center of the hockey universe. Anaheim makes a rare visit to Toronto and will bring some energy with them. Despite its road woes, the Ducks have still reeled off six wins in their last seven games with two wins in their last three road games and have a huge edge in net. The Leafs are coming off that disaster in New York last night. Shame on Ron Wilson for leaving young and fragile Jonas Gustavsson out to dry. In 38 years of watching the NHL, I’ve never seen a goaltender yanked and then put back in there to begin the next period. In any event, the Leafs defense was putrid and after a game like that it puts a whole lot of pressure on them tonight. Dion Phaneuf looks worse every year and every game and the only Maple Leaf defenseman that can be trusted to make consistently good defensive plays is Luke Schenn. The Leafs are certainly going to want to get back on the ice and erase that memory of last night as quickly as possible but they’re still fragile from it and an early goal could see another complete breakdown. Play: Anaheim +104 (Risking 2 units).
N.Y. ISLANDERS +160 over Washington
The Islanders are +1.47 with OT included and therefore at +1.60 we’ll play them in regulation only. The Caps are grossly overpriced here because of their fine record and reputation but this is not nearly the same team that has dominated the regular season for years and that started the year out well. The Caps have lost a ton of fire. Bruce Boudreau looks battered and beaten down. The offense hasn’t scored more than three goals in 11 straight games and had it not been for 40 seconds and outstanding goaltending by Semyon Varlamov they would’ve been whacked by Philly on Wednesday. The Caps have dropped three straight on the road and they just don’t have the same desire as they’ve had in the past. The Islanders have plenty of desire and that alone makes them very worthy of a bet here. Yes, they’re struggling and yes they’re goaltending is shaky but they’re still 8-6 over its last 14 games and they’ve scored four goals or more in half of them. If they lose here it won’t be because they’ll get outworked, it’ll likely be because of goaltending but at this price all the value is on the host. Play: N.Y. Islanders +160 (Risking 2 units).
Buffalo +142 over BOSTON
The Bruins are playing perhaps their best hockey of the season right now and for the first time in a long time goals are coming at a high rate. In fact, the B’s have scored 29 times over its last six games and that’s significant. Boston has also been getting great goaltending all year too. However, you can throw that all out the window when these two meet because when they do the game is a complete toss-up. The Sabres have beaten Boston six of the last 10 meetings. In four games this year, each team has won twice. The Sabres are coming off a 2-1 OT win over the Habs and have now won six of their last nine games. The real kicker though is the tag. Surely the Bruins can win this game but so can the Sabres and with a take-back like this on them, the Sabres offer up tremendous value. Definite overlay. Play: Buffalo +142 (Risking 2 units).
San Jose +136 over VANCOUVER
The Canucks bring out the best in the Sharkies. San Jose has beaten Vancouver in 10 of the last 14 games and they catch the Canucks at precisely the right time. Vancouver returns home from a five game trip that ended with a tough 4-3 OT loss to the Av’s. The last time the Canucks returned home from a trip they beat the Flames 3-1 but were dominated in that game and were outshot 44-21. After a torrid run that saw them pick up points in 17 straight games, the Canucks have since come back to earth with four losses in their last six. The Sharkies seem to be over their funk that saw them lose six in a row. They’re coming off back-to-back 4-2 wins over the Blue Notes and Coyotes and winning really energizes a club. San Jose is warming up, well rested, and they really need to make a push, as they’re in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time in years. This is a quality club that could go on a big run and again, they catch the Canucks in a vulnerable spot. Play: San Jose +136 (Risking 2 units).
Thursday NCAAB play- GC
On Thursday the Free NCAAB Play is on South Alabama. Game 522 at 8:05 eastern. South Bama is 6-2 at home this season and 1-5 straight up as a home dog of 3 or less. Long term they are 26-6 vs teams with a losing record, including 5-2 this season. They are coming off a home favored loss as a 10 point favorite vs LA. Monroe. They will look to bounce back vs a Western Kentucky that is in a downward spiral having lost their last 6 games. WKU is 1-5 ats this year vs losing teams and 1-6 straight up and against the spread off 3 ats losses. Look for South Alabama to win this one as a small dog here. On Thursday its 3 Game Power pack that includes the NBA TV Game of the Month from a 100% subset a rare Overtime related system side and a 28-4 Triple Angle Dominator in college hoops. All plays 8-2 the last 4 days. For the Bonus Play take South Alabama. GC
On Thursday the Free NCAAB Play is on South Alabama. Game 522 at 8:05 eastern. South Bama is 6-2 at home this season and 1-5 straight up as a home dog of 3 or less. Long term they are 26-6 vs teams with a losing record, including 5-2 this season. They are coming off a home favored loss as a 10 point favorite vs LA. Monroe. They will look to bounce back vs a Western Kentucky that is in a downward spiral having lost their last 6 games. WKU is 1-5 ats this year vs losing teams and 1-6 straight up and against the spread off 3 ats losses. Look for South Alabama to win this one as a small dog here. On Thursday its 3 Game Power pack that includes the NBA TV Game of the Month from a 100% subset a rare Overtime related system side and a 28-4 Triple Angle Dominator in college hoops. All plays 8-2 the last 4 days. For the Bonus Play take South Alabama. GC
