DOUG UPSTONE
NHL | Jan 23
Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks-147
Anaheim has been playing good hockey, winning nine of their last eleven contests. They have outscored their opponents by a goal and after 52 games, that isn't a fluke. Los Angeles is on a three game skid, scoring only seven goals. They wrap up a five game road trip tonight. A small play on the puckline (Anaheim -1.5 +210) is advised as well for added value. Play the Ducks on Thursday night.
NHL | Jan 23
Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks-147
Anaheim has been playing good hockey, winning nine of their last eleven contests. They have outscored their opponents by a goal and after 52 games, that isn't a fluke. Los Angeles is on a three game skid, scoring only seven goals. They wrap up a five game road trip tonight. A small play on the puckline (Anaheim -1.5 +210) is advised as well for added value. Play the Ducks on Thursday night.
JESSE SCHULE
Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Flyers have lost back to back games to the Isles and Canes, and they will play their third game in four night's on the road in Columbus tonight.
While technically they didn't play due to inclement weather on Tuesday, it was hardly a day off. The players would have gone through their normal game day routines, showing up at the rink for the morning skate, and getting geared up to play.
That means tonight's game makes it four straight days without an off day. Needless to say, not an ideal spot when up against a feisty team like the Blue Jackets that are battling hard to get into the playoffs.
Columbus has won seven in a row, and Sergei Bobrovsky is back between the pipes, playing a lot like he did a year ago. He's now 8-0 with a 2.13 GAA in his last eight starts.
Nathan Horton has also been instrumental in the Jackets' recent winning streak, he's got six points in nine games since his debut earlier this month. "We're on a roll, but we're not where we want to be," Horton said. "We want to get back in the playoffs and stay there. We needed a winning streak; now we need to keep the thing going."
Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Flyers have lost back to back games to the Isles and Canes, and they will play their third game in four night's on the road in Columbus tonight.
While technically they didn't play due to inclement weather on Tuesday, it was hardly a day off. The players would have gone through their normal game day routines, showing up at the rink for the morning skate, and getting geared up to play.
That means tonight's game makes it four straight days without an off day. Needless to say, not an ideal spot when up against a feisty team like the Blue Jackets that are battling hard to get into the playoffs.
Columbus has won seven in a row, and Sergei Bobrovsky is back between the pipes, playing a lot like he did a year ago. He's now 8-0 with a 2.13 GAA in his last eight starts.
Nathan Horton has also been instrumental in the Jackets' recent winning streak, he's got six points in nine games since his debut earlier this month. "We're on a roll, but we're not where we want to be," Horton said. "We want to get back in the playoffs and stay there. We needed a winning streak; now we need to keep the thing going."
LARRY NESS
Arkansas-Little Rock
Arkansas-Little Rock now owns "the dean" of Sun Belt coaches in Scott Shields (with Troy's Maestri and South Alabama's Arrow leaving), as he enters his 11th season. FOUR starters are back from last year's 17-15 team, most notably the 6-10 Neighbour (17.8-7.2), guard Hagins (11.9-3.6-3.1) and the very athletic 6-7 White (11.4-5.9). The Trojans are just 9-9 overall but 4-2 in Sun Belt play and figure the be Georgia State's (12-6 / 5-0 in Sun Belt play) biggest competition.
Texas State checks in at 5-13 overall (1-4 in league play) and except for the team's "hard to explain" 61-36 win at UL-Monroe, the Bobcats are 1-6 SU on the road, going 1-5 ATS. The 6-7 Joel Wright (14.8-6.3) is the team's lone double digit scorer and I doubt the Bobcats will come anywhere near as close as their 63-59 home loss to the Trojans (back on Jan 2).
Lay the points with the home team.
Arkansas-Little Rock
Arkansas-Little Rock now owns "the dean" of Sun Belt coaches in Scott Shields (with Troy's Maestri and South Alabama's Arrow leaving), as he enters his 11th season. FOUR starters are back from last year's 17-15 team, most notably the 6-10 Neighbour (17.8-7.2), guard Hagins (11.9-3.6-3.1) and the very athletic 6-7 White (11.4-5.9). The Trojans are just 9-9 overall but 4-2 in Sun Belt play and figure the be Georgia State's (12-6 / 5-0 in Sun Belt play) biggest competition.
Texas State checks in at 5-13 overall (1-4 in league play) and except for the team's "hard to explain" 61-36 win at UL-Monroe, the Bobcats are 1-6 SU on the road, going 1-5 ATS. The 6-7 Joel Wright (14.8-6.3) is the team's lone double digit scorer and I doubt the Bobcats will come anywhere near as close as their 63-59 home loss to the Trojans (back on Jan 2).
Lay the points with the home team.
BRYAN POWER
1* Los Angeles (10:05 ET):
For the first time all season, the Anaheim Ducks dropped a home game in regulation. Of all teams, it was the Winnipeg Jets that beat them Tuesday and while I'm not necessarily ready to say one loss is going to start something much bigger, things get no easier Thursday night when they host the division rival Kings....
Though they currently lead the league w/ 79 points, Anaheim has dropped two of its last three overall and will be playing Los Angeles twice in a row, here and an outdoor game Saturday night at Dodgers Stadium. While the novelty of that second matchup is more likely to grab the headlines, the Kings need to have their full focus on this game Thursday night. That's because they've lost three in a row, all on the road, out East. They now trail the Ducks by 15 points in the Pacific Division and while they realistically have zero chance at catching up, the club's focus should be on second place San Jose, who is six points ahead of them and would have home ice advantage in a potential first round playoff series.
Tuesday saw LA run into a red-hot Columbus team and having struggling goaltender Martin Jones in net didn't help matters. Fortunately for tonight, it looks to be Jonathan Quick back between the pipes. Quick had started the previous eight games since returning from injury and while the team went just 4-2-2 in those games, his save percentage over his last four starts has been a solid .945. The Kings did win here at the Pond earlier in the season, 3-2 in a shootout back on December 3rd. That was one of only three home losses suffered by the Ducks all season. Lost in Anaheim's magical season is the fact that G Jonas Hiller is actually having somewhat of a down year. He was chased by Winnipeg Tuesday after allowing all three goals. He's lost his last two starts. Despite what their point total says, I do not believe the Ducks are the best team in the league. Look for LA to send them to a second straight home defeat.
1* Los Angeles (10:05 ET):
For the first time all season, the Anaheim Ducks dropped a home game in regulation. Of all teams, it was the Winnipeg Jets that beat them Tuesday and while I'm not necessarily ready to say one loss is going to start something much bigger, things get no easier Thursday night when they host the division rival Kings....
Though they currently lead the league w/ 79 points, Anaheim has dropped two of its last three overall and will be playing Los Angeles twice in a row, here and an outdoor game Saturday night at Dodgers Stadium. While the novelty of that second matchup is more likely to grab the headlines, the Kings need to have their full focus on this game Thursday night. That's because they've lost three in a row, all on the road, out East. They now trail the Ducks by 15 points in the Pacific Division and while they realistically have zero chance at catching up, the club's focus should be on second place San Jose, who is six points ahead of them and would have home ice advantage in a potential first round playoff series.
Tuesday saw LA run into a red-hot Columbus team and having struggling goaltender Martin Jones in net didn't help matters. Fortunately for tonight, it looks to be Jonathan Quick back between the pipes. Quick had started the previous eight games since returning from injury and while the team went just 4-2-2 in those games, his save percentage over his last four starts has been a solid .945. The Kings did win here at the Pond earlier in the season, 3-2 in a shootout back on December 3rd. That was one of only three home losses suffered by the Ducks all season. Lost in Anaheim's magical season is the fact that G Jonas Hiller is actually having somewhat of a down year. He was chased by Winnipeg Tuesday after allowing all three goals. He's lost his last two starts. Despite what their point total says, I do not believe the Ducks are the best team in the league. Look for LA to send them to a second straight home defeat.
WILL ROGERS
Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have won six in a row, and some might think a let down is inevitable. Tonight might not be the best spot to bet against the Leafs though, as they are an underdog in Dallas, taking on a Stars team that can't seem to keep the puck out of it's own net.
Before I make the decision to place a wager, there are numerous factors that I will take into careful consideration. While I won't go into great detail about all my handicapping methods, I will share a few of the key stats and trends for this contest:
1: Previous History - The Stars have lost seven straight to Eastern Conference opponents, and nine of 11 overall in the New Year. Toronto has won all three meetings with Dallas since 2010.
2: Special Teams - The Leafs continue to get it done with the man-advantage, boasting the #4 ranked power-play in the NHL. Toronto is converting on better than 22% of it's odd-manned chances. The Stars on the other hand rank near the bottom of the league, clicking at just 14%.
3: X-Factor - Phil Kessel has scored five goals in his last four games, and has 14 points during the Leafs recent winning streak.
Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have won six in a row, and some might think a let down is inevitable. Tonight might not be the best spot to bet against the Leafs though, as they are an underdog in Dallas, taking on a Stars team that can't seem to keep the puck out of it's own net.
Before I make the decision to place a wager, there are numerous factors that I will take into careful consideration. While I won't go into great detail about all my handicapping methods, I will share a few of the key stats and trends for this contest:
1: Previous History - The Stars have lost seven straight to Eastern Conference opponents, and nine of 11 overall in the New Year. Toronto has won all three meetings with Dallas since 2010.
2: Special Teams - The Leafs continue to get it done with the man-advantage, boasting the #4 ranked power-play in the NHL. Toronto is converting on better than 22% of it's odd-manned chances. The Stars on the other hand rank near the bottom of the league, clicking at just 14%.
3: X-Factor - Phil Kessel has scored five goals in his last four games, and has 14 points during the Leafs recent winning streak.
JIM FEIST
DENVER NUGGETS VS (504) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take: over the total.
Reason: Your free pick for Thursday, January 23rd, 2014, comes in the NBA as Denver and the Blazers meet in Portland. A pair of uptempo offensive teams meet, two potential playoff opponents: Portland is the No. 3 seed in the West, Denver is chasing Phoenix and Memphis for the last playoff spot. Denver is dynamite on offense, 11th in the NBA in points scored, 5th in rebounds behind sparkplug guards Ty Lawson and Nate Robinson, the latter coming off the bench. Denver is on a 5-0 run over the total, plus the over is 11-5-1 in the Nuggets last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. But Denver is 9-11 on the road and not playing well on a 1-3 SU/ATS run overall. Defense has bene the big problem, allowing 117, 117, 116, 118 the last 4 games. They are off a 117-103 loss at Phoenix allowing 50% shooting, 8-19 from three-point land. "Once again our defense failed us," Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said. They take on an even better offensive tea. Portland (31-11) is tops in the NBA in scoring, so they will run right at Denver. The over is 14-4 in the Trail Blazers last 18 vs. the Western Conference and the over is 28-11 in their last 39 home games. When these teams meet the over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings, including 4-1 over the total in the last 5 meetings in Portland. Play the Nuggets/Blazers over the total.
DENVER NUGGETS VS (504) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take: over the total.
Reason: Your free pick for Thursday, January 23rd, 2014, comes in the NBA as Denver and the Blazers meet in Portland. A pair of uptempo offensive teams meet, two potential playoff opponents: Portland is the No. 3 seed in the West, Denver is chasing Phoenix and Memphis for the last playoff spot. Denver is dynamite on offense, 11th in the NBA in points scored, 5th in rebounds behind sparkplug guards Ty Lawson and Nate Robinson, the latter coming off the bench. Denver is on a 5-0 run over the total, plus the over is 11-5-1 in the Nuggets last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. But Denver is 9-11 on the road and not playing well on a 1-3 SU/ATS run overall. Defense has bene the big problem, allowing 117, 117, 116, 118 the last 4 games. They are off a 117-103 loss at Phoenix allowing 50% shooting, 8-19 from three-point land. "Once again our defense failed us," Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said. They take on an even better offensive tea. Portland (31-11) is tops in the NBA in scoring, so they will run right at Denver. The over is 14-4 in the Trail Blazers last 18 vs. the Western Conference and the over is 28-11 in their last 39 home games. When these teams meet the over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings, including 4-1 over the total in the last 5 meetings in Portland. Play the Nuggets/Blazers over the total.
MARC LAWRENCE
Play On: Stanford.
Revenge again rears its profitable head in this showdown between two quality foes. The Cardinal got dumped twice by the Bruins last year, and that’s proved to be a money-making situation for Stanford backers when their team isn’t favored.
That's because the Tree-huggers have posted a strong 11-3-1 ATS mark as dogs with double revenge-exact from the previous season, including 5-0-1 ATS the last six and 9-1 ATS if the Cardinal own a win percentage of less than .800. Whew. First-year UCLA HC Steve Alford has his team off to a respectable 13-4 SU start but that glowing total masks the disturbing fact that the Bruins have gone 12-0 SU and 7-3 ATS versus .600 or less opposition while going only 1-4 SUATS versus greater than .600 foes, including a 74-69 setback at Utah this past Saturday. Yes, the Cardinal have been maddeningly inconsistent under HC Johnny Dawkins but this team looks experienced and deep enough – especially on defense – to finally live up to its potential. In fact, we’re betting on it. We recommend a 1-unit play on Stanford.
Play On: Stanford.
Revenge again rears its profitable head in this showdown between two quality foes. The Cardinal got dumped twice by the Bruins last year, and that’s proved to be a money-making situation for Stanford backers when their team isn’t favored.
That's because the Tree-huggers have posted a strong 11-3-1 ATS mark as dogs with double revenge-exact from the previous season, including 5-0-1 ATS the last six and 9-1 ATS if the Cardinal own a win percentage of less than .800. Whew. First-year UCLA HC Steve Alford has his team off to a respectable 13-4 SU start but that glowing total masks the disturbing fact that the Bruins have gone 12-0 SU and 7-3 ATS versus .600 or less opposition while going only 1-4 SUATS versus greater than .600 foes, including a 74-69 setback at Utah this past Saturday. Yes, the Cardinal have been maddeningly inconsistent under HC Johnny Dawkins but this team looks experienced and deep enough – especially on defense – to finally live up to its potential. In fact, we’re betting on it. We recommend a 1-unit play on Stanford.
NICK "BOOKIE KILLER" PARSONS
NHL | Jan 23
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Dallas Stars
Under 6
The Leafs have been the "hottest" team in the league over the last two weeks, winners of six straight.
Dallas has been solid this season, is 11-8-5 at home and is coming off a 4-0 win over the Wild.
Toronto has played to five straight "overs", however when it played the Stars at home back on December 5th, it would walk away with a hard-fought 3-2 win in OT and when the final horn does blare at the end of tonight's game, I'm ultimately expecting a similar combined final score.
Note that Toronto has seen the total go "under" the number in ten of 19 non-conference games this year, while Dallas has seen it dip below the number in six of 11 this season after a win by 2 goals or more and in eight of 15 after scoring 4 goals or more in its previous contest.
I have a hard time seeing the Leafs continuing to play at such a high level and believe we'll finally see a lower-scoring defensive battle when this club takes the ice on Thursday night; the situation, the numbers and the trends all point to the "under" as the sharp wager in this one.
NHL | Jan 23
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Dallas Stars
Under 6
The Leafs have been the "hottest" team in the league over the last two weeks, winners of six straight.
Dallas has been solid this season, is 11-8-5 at home and is coming off a 4-0 win over the Wild.
Toronto has played to five straight "overs", however when it played the Stars at home back on December 5th, it would walk away with a hard-fought 3-2 win in OT and when the final horn does blare at the end of tonight's game, I'm ultimately expecting a similar combined final score.
Note that Toronto has seen the total go "under" the number in ten of 19 non-conference games this year, while Dallas has seen it dip below the number in six of 11 this season after a win by 2 goals or more and in eight of 15 after scoring 4 goals or more in its previous contest.
I have a hard time seeing the Leafs continuing to play at such a high level and believe we'll finally see a lower-scoring defensive battle when this club takes the ice on Thursday night; the situation, the numbers and the trends all point to the "under" as the sharp wager in this one.
