Wednesday 10/22/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer - Race #5 - Post: 8:28pm - Starter Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,800 Class Rating: 85

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 THAT'S THE ANSWER (ML=5/1)
#1A IRON GINNY (ML=8/5)
#4 LONNIE BELL (ML=8/1)
#6 MISSY KIM (ML=4/1)


THAT'S THE ANSWER - Thomason brings her right back. I recommend you stick with this hot mare. IRON GINNY - When Parker and Woodard are put together on horses the winning pct has been tremendous at 41. Faced tougher last race out at Mountaineer. Based on Equibase class ratings, this is a weaker field, so I will put this horse on my list of top contenders. LONNIE BELL - Good return on investment for this rider and trainer tandem. This filly is rounding her way back into shape. Should compete well today. MISSY KIM - I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run her best in the 3rd or 4th start back. Have to make this mare a solid contender; she comes off a strong outing on October 8th. May have to wager on this magnificent animal in this contest. She has been claimed in each of her last two starts.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 RED LIGHT RUNNER (ML=8/5), #3 SHE'S LYING AGAIN (ML=7/2), #2 CARPE PRETIUM (ML=8/1),

RED LIGHT RUNNER - The pace scenario just isn't too promising for this early speedster. Many other horses would have to scratch to improve her hopes. This favorite ran on Sep 28th and hasn't had a drill after that. This entrant ran her best speed figure in awhile. May bounce and run poorly off that battle. SHE'S LYING AGAIN - Pace makes the race. Tough for this speedball to be able to handle the suicidal fractions from the rest of this field. Ran a great speed fig last time out, but the effort will probably take too much out of her. CARPE PRETIUM - Pace makes the race. Hard for this speedball to be able to manage the pressured pace from the rest of this group.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#7 THAT'S THE ANSWER is going to be the play if we are getting 6/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Zia Park - Race #7 - Post: 3:03pm - Optional Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $39,500 Class Rating: 90

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 KISS MY HENNESSY (ML=5/2)


KISS MY HENNESSY - Lone speed horses can be tough to run down. Here's a lone speed freak facing sluggish sorts today. Generally accepted angle - 3rd or 4th start after a vacation generally leads to a big effort. This one is live today. In his last race, this gelding showed good speed then fell back before finishing nicely. Sub-par try in the last race at Zia Park was due to the off-going (he finished fourth). Will most certainly do better in this race on a fast track.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 PROUD STEP (ML=2/1), #4 HUNTING DIXIE (ML=3/1), #3 DANDY DON WHO (ML=4/1),

PROUD STEP - You should normally wager against low-odds horses that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last 3 weeks. Last performed on September 22nd at Zia Park, finishing third. Not likely to move up off of that try in today's race. HUNTING DIXIE - The finish position of eighth in the last race shows me that this animal may be losing physical conditioning. Should be difficult for this horse to beat this bunch off of that last speed figure. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close to today's class figure, so put him on the questionable challengers list. DANDY DON WHO - Finished second in his most recent performance with a mediocre speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - KISS MY HENNESSY - Earnings per start is one measure of class I like to check out. This steed is number one in the group and has a good shot to beat this crew.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Go with #5 KISS MY HENNESSY on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Wednesday 10/22 Analysis + Pick Five Ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS


Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool ($8,565 C/O)

Race 6 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s 50 Cent Pick Five Play:

5 / 1,3,4,8,9 / 3,6 / 4,5,6 / 3,5 = $30


Best Bet (42 - 82 / $164.70): RIVERSIDE GOLD (3rd)

Spot Play: PARKLANE GLITTER (8th)


Race 1

(5) RT HABENERO has really rounded into a nice race horse late in the year. (3) CAPTAIN GREEDY will be flying out of the gate early securing an excellent trip up close. (4) JAKE QUAIDER has flashed some ability in a field with few contenders.

Race 2

(3) LITTLE MAN MORAND went from racing gamely to completely empty last out. The gelding gets a driver change and finds a weak field. (9) BOOT SCOOTN BOOGIE will offer a big price in an inconsistent field full of question marks. (8) PARK LANE SCOOTER will also offer a big price and has shown the ability to make a decent move late at times despite looking terrible on paper.

Race 3

(3) RIVERSIDE GOLD comes into the race off a decent qualifier and has some upset potential. (6) VALLEY PHOTO well bred mare raced well in her career debut and should have more to offer. (2) VICK VALOR made a big late burst last out after breaking at the start; threat.

Race 4

(6) HAPPY TIMES THREE filly has talent and some recent excuses. The connections have shown the ability to bounce back after a poor start. (5) PRINCESSS JOVENTINA four-year-old mare looks terrible on paper but was bet way down off a layoff at this level and needed her last two starts. (4) ALWAYS A JEWEL always seems to come up short; command a price.

Race 5

(5) LIZZABELLE doesn't win often but is capable against a very soft field. (3) INDIAN CREEK KATIE gets a low percentage pilot but has really shown a big late kick even with dull cover. (9) PARK LANE CRYSTAL would have been a heavy favorite at this level last year and does own the ability to win despite being shut out on the year.

Race 6

(5) HOLY MCMOSES was roughed up last out but could be a big player with a smooth trip. (1) DAVE'S ART looks to be in line for another ground saving trip; threat. (2) PARTY'S GOLD bumps up in class off two straight victories and could have more to offer.

Race 7

(6) VAL'S WAY has been very good at this level and should offer a fair price. (2) SAND IN MY BIKINI has turned it around in two of his last three racing very gamely in the victories. (4) SISTER'S KEEPER looks to have a chance in an evenly matched race but is probably best used underneath.

Race 8

(4) PARKLANE GLITTER never fired after a big effort. A repeat of his start prior gets it done. (3) GET THE TERROR is very inconsistent from week to week but has beaten this field on the year. (9) SANDCASTLE GIRL probably has the most ability but needs another big effort from a tough post.

Race 9

In a tough race to gauge (5) ALEXIBRAY should offer value and raced gamely to a horse who has dominated this class on the year. (6) KITTY O'BRIEN has been heating up and just needs a good setup; fires late. (3) DONTMESSWITHANGEL kicked home nicely last out despite poor cover and a soft middle half.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 10/22 Analysis
By Ken Walters

DRF HARNESS


Best Bet: MY JUSTICE (5th)

Spot Play: STRONG TOGETHER (2nd)


Race 1

(1) WEST RIVER VICTORY just missed in last. Won three and four back. Has the rail, has no excuse. (4) MOMA JEANS CROWN has been battling last five efforts and looms as the main threat. (2) THAT WAS YOU has speed and drops.

Race 2

(3) STRONG TOGETHER has finished with pace last few and can get that elusive first win of the year with right trip. (2) POWNAL BAY MAGIC was parked forever in last from the second tier. Needs a better trip but should get it tonight. (1) NOT AGAIN WOMAN was uncovered a long way three back from similar post but should get a better trip in here.

Race 3

(1) HOLLYS SECRET has the rail and was well used two back. Took a tour of the track in last and needs only get an alert drive to be right in the mix. (4) BUILDING WEALTH flashed speed in last but tired. Tough if tighter. (2) CHRYSE made a costly break in last, left the course and sat in the rest of the way. Should improve off that tonight.

Race 4

(3) FOLLOW THROUGH has faced better in recent with a good second three back. Moves in and gets the nod. (4) STORMY GHOST won three back. Last two were steady trips around the oval. Should give it his best in here. (9) ALLAMERICAN JUNIOR was brutalized in last parked a long way before tiring. Needs to clear traffic, find the rail and rally late to nail have a chance even against this bunch.

Race 5

(5) MY JUSTICE has speed to find the rail, sense to yield for the pocket and late speed enough to get it done. Oh, that's what she did last time. Nothing breed success like success. Give her another shot. (3) MORGANS MAJESTIC has broke two of last three but two back was a down the road effort getting nailed at the wire. (4) NEELYS BOY has been trying all recent outings and earns respect off that.

Race 6

(3) EL PUNCHO moves in and has shown late speed enough to earn a long look. (2) BEAU JET moves in, faces weaker and if you can look past his last effort, the two prior were fair attempts. Three back he flashed some speed, two back he flashed some late rally. Last was a dismal effort but from post eight. (7) SANDBAR SLUGGER is rounding into winning form and needs to be watched. Might get lucky tonight but seems to need one more tightener from off the pace.

Race 7

(4) MR GREEN just missed two back as the short priced favorite. Last was a tight squeeze and he never had a chance to get his racing mojo working in the late stages. Should atone for the beaten favorite effort two back. (2) FRANCO NATURA N has speed and will be up close throughout. (1) REBEL JET has speed and the rail and can be forgiven for last effort from bad post.

Race 8

(1) SEE YA LATER DUDE wins if he can get his racing strategy right. From the rail he should not be uncovered until it counts and he has enough speed to stay out of trouble. Won off a pocket trip from similar post a few back. (5) NIRVANA GEAR wired lesser in quick order last time. (6) OUTAMYSPACE will be hard pressed to win uncovered but seems capable of a covered trip from here.

Race 9

(5) HAT was unlucky two back from post eight. Made a huge move to crush foes in last with an improved post. Obviously her best wins this and perhaps the price will be more rewarding than $.60 on the dollar. (1) SCREAMIN DREAMIN has the pole and the speed but endurance can be questioned. (9) ERICSKARRI has the second tier behind the speed and jogged as the favorite in last.

Race 10

(1) WELCOME WAGON scored handily two back, got parked for life in last from post eight. Looms as nothing but deadly from rail. (4) YARROWS CRUISER qualified well two back after layoff. Got the tightener in last and could be there to spoil the top one's anticipated victory dance. (5) GRAMS LEGACY ships in off some interesting lines at Scioto and earns long look.

Race 11

(3) HOT CYCLE scored easily with impressive romp last time. Faces similar and is hard to look past. (1) C G SATIN should work out a good trip from the rail but it might not be enough to outkick the top one. (6) SONICPEDIA moves out off some decent tries but should not be ignored in current form. Had a bit too much traffic to clear in latest to give best shot.

Race 12

(2) TALLADEGA HANOVER has faltered last two making what could have been winning moves. Gets a break in post position and could be right one. (5) LASER LUCY showed some early speed and some late speed in last. If she puts it together her chances are good in this well matched field. (4) FUTURE PAST was brutal in last after some really solid efforts. It might have been the sloppy track. A thrice beaten favorite in three of last four, she has to be given an outside chance despite last.

Race 13

(1) JULIES DAVINCHE moves in, drops and pops? (2) WESTERN KISSED has been moving around from track to track to track, post to post, etc. Gave it a strong try two back over this oval but was picked off near the wire. Should break the schneid but not sure where or how. Losing becomes addictive eventually. (6) BLUE PUNCH has been knocking at the door in some of recent but needs to knock harder.

Race 14

(1) B QUITE MARVELOUS wired the field this level against some of these in last and gets the nod to repeat. (3) HELLO CAMIE closed strong to be second best to the top one last time out.(5) GILLA DREAM showed some early spunk two and three back. Flashed some late life in last. Could get lucky if she puts it together.

Race 15

(1) CRY FOR CASH really has no excuse from the rail judging by last two races. Should be able to work out the trip it will take. (4) MATTOXS WESTERN shipped in, closed well and normal improvement makes him the main threat. (6) FLYING METRO should have cover and that could get him in the thick of the stretch rallies.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

Entries come out on Wednesday afternoon for the Breeders’ Cup, which is coming up on Oct. 31 and Nov.1 at Santa Anita.

The Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown is exciting, but for a horseplayer there is nothing better than the Breeders’ Cup. We have 13 championship races coming up and over a week to peruse the past performances and make our selections.

We lost another headliner this week, as Beholder will miss the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) after spiking a fever. The filly was the early betting favorite for the Distaff and was looking to become just the second horse in Breeders’ Cup history to win three races.

She won the Juvenile Fillies in 2012 and the Distaff last year. She only made three starts this year, but her win in the Zenyatta (G1) at Santa Anita made her look as if she was coming into this year’s Distaff at the top of her game.

She is scheduled to be sold at the Fasig-Tipton November sale and it seems likely she will be headed to the breeding shed.

With her defection, it looks as if the betting favorite will end up being either Untapable or Close Hatches, and they are currently co-favorites at 2-1.

Untapable has won five of her six starts this year, the lone loss coming against the boys in the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park in July. She bounced back with a win in the Cotillion (G1) at Parx Racing on Sept. 20.

Close Hatches had started off her 2014 campaign winning her first four races, and was the big favorite to win the Spinster (G1) at Keeneland in her last outing. However, she threw in a real clunker, dueling for the early lead and fading to finish fourth, beaten 7 ¼ lengths.

Early Betting Odds for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Close Hatches 2/1
Untapable 2/1
Belle Gallantey 5/1
Dont Tell Sophia 6/1
Iotapa 8/1
Ria Antonia 15/1
Parranda 16/1
Let Faith Arise 20/1
Stopchargingmaria 20/1
Tiz Midnight 20/1
Fiftyshadesofhay 25/1
Flashy American 25/1
Molly Morgan 25/1
Valiant Emilia 35/1

Here is today’s opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md $40,000 (12:50 ET)
8 Path to Power 10-1
1 Wavell Avenue / 1a Is She Hot 3-1
2 Rachel's Temper 9-2
7 Time for Harlan 4-1

Analysis: Path to Power gets the call and I am hoping we are on the turf today although this gal has a solid off track pedigree. In her debut on turf at the Spa she tracked the early pace from the inside and tired to finish sixth at 16-1. She comes back with blinkers added for the underrated Lisa Lewis barn. She is out of the stakes winner Rare Blend ($657,685) who was best on dirt and won twice in two trips on wet tracks. She has dropped three winners including one turf winner and a couple of stakes winners, top earner Rare Gift ($292,078).

Wavell Avenue pressed the early pace and faded to finish seventh last out on the main track. She was off poorly in her debut on turf two back at eh Spa, checking in ninth. She drops into a softer spot here for the Brown barn that is 33% winners (with a +ROI) dropping runners from maiden special to maiden claiming. Entrymate Is She Hot is trained by RRod and is coming off a game second at Philly on dirt for a $35,000 tag. She was not a threat in her debut on turf going long at the Spa. .

Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 1,8 / 1,2,7,8
TRI: 1,8 / 1,2,7,8 / 1,2,4,7,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 OClm $40,000N2X (4:27 ET)
3 Writingonthewall 3-1
5 Frost Jordan 9-2
2 Wake Up in Malibu 10-1
1 Cuantos 7-2

Analysis: Writingonthewall dueled for the early lead and after getting headed he battled back to get the win against $25,000 starter allowance foes. The runner up Glickman came back to beat Alw-2 optional claimers in his next outing with a 102 Beyer. Three back he won at the Spa sitting off the pace which may be the way to go here as this race is top heavy with early speed. He has landed in the money in 3 of 6 over wet tracks and looks well spotted here showing up for a $40,000 tag for the sharp Nevin barn.

Frost Jordan is making his first start since May for the Hushion barn that is 18% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. The colt beat state bred Alw-1 foes in his last outing over a wet track going long, but broke his maiden at six furlongs last year and that was also over a wet track. Decent works and things may set up for him here as the early pace should be fast and he should be coming late.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 1,2,3,5
TRI: 3,5 / 1,2,3,5 / 1,2,3,5,9

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R1: #8 Path to Power 10-1
R2: #9 Queenofzeenile 10-1
R4: #2 Untiltherewasyou 12-1
R6: #6 Jesses Giant Dunk 8-1
R7: #8 Fade to Black 8-1
R8: #2 Wake Up in Malibu 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (3rd) Man of Mystery, 3-1
(6th) Futurazo, 7-2

Delaware Park (2nd) Appealing Beauty, 4-1
(9th) We B Jammin, 7-2

Delta Downs (9th) Richmond County, 5-1
(10th) Merry Mike, 7-2


Gulfstream Park West (3rd) Papa Upa, 3-1
(9th) Bluegrass Singer, 5-1


Hawthorne (3rd) Beauty of Scarlet, 9-2
(5th) Balega, 3-1


Indiana Grand (5th) Madd Exchange, 3-1
(6th) Ghostly Spaniard, 3-1


Keeneland (2nd) Sluiceway, 7-2
(6th) One Go All Go, 7-2


Laurel Park (6th) White Pants Night, 5-1
(9th) Litigious, 5-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Majestic Michelle, 5-1
(4th) Kitty's Dream, 5-1


Penn National (3rd) Chillin' It, 3-1
(6th) Seek Ye First, 4-1


Remington Park (4th) War Charger, 4-1
(7th) Black Rum, 3-1


Thistledown (1st) Causeway Cowgirl, 7-2
(6th) Galakazoo, 4-1


Woodbine (2nd) Strut N Stomp, 3-1
(7th) Rebellion on Tap, 9-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Totals4U

Wednesday's Free Selection: Philadelphia Flyers/Pittsburgh Penguins over 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Computer Sports

Free Selection Wednesday NHL: Washington -155

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Huddle Up Sports

Free Winner: Washongton -145 NHL

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dr. Vegas

Free Selection Wednesday NHL: Ottawa -155

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jeff Saad of Las Vegas Sports Services

10/22 8:05 PM NHL (3) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS VS (4) PITTSBURGH PENGUINS.

Wednesday NHL Free Pick

PLAY THE FLYERS

Philly has a powerhouse fast offense that can play with anyone and here they are a big dog against state rival Pittsburgh. The Flyers are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings, including 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Pittsburgh.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mr. Vegas

Free Wednesday Play from Mr. Vegas

0/22 10:35 PM NHL (7) BUFFALO SABRES VS (8) ANAHEIM DUCKS

PLAY UNDER THE TOTAL

Buffalo is a slow team that can't score against good teams, with the under 3-0-1 in the Sabres last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. San Jose can play great defense and the Under is 3-1-2 in the Sabres last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Play Buffalo/San Jose Under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Wednesday NBA

ATLANTA HAWKS UNDER 42 WINS

I don’t play many futures for a variety of reasons. But when I see a situation where there are intangibles that I feel could produce either a positive or negative impact, I’m willing to tie up some dollars long term in hopes of realizing a profit. This mindset will generally produce Under plays, as bad news seems easier for me to spot in terms of speculating on a particular team’s prospects.

I don’t see things going well for the Hawks this season. They’re okay from a personnel standpoint, at least from a strictly Eastern Conference perspective. Atlanta plays in a Southeast Division that can generously be described as wide open. On paper, they’re probably good enough to win half their games, so from that vantage point, the O/U is about where it’s supposed to be.

But there are all kinds of off the court issues already in place with this franchise. I’ve always believed in the domino principle, and when things are a mess at the top, there will be an impact throughout the organization. That’s the crux of my observations on the Hawks.

There’s uncertainty as to who’s going to own this franchise, thanks to Bruce Levenson sending out a racist email that he knew wasn’t going to go undiscovered. Danny Ferry is still the General Manager, but he’s taking a leave of absence follow his own inane comments regarding Luol Deng.

The Ferry situation is ridiculous. I don’t see any possibility he’s going to be retained by whatever individual or group assumes ownership of this outfit. So the “leave of absence” is highly unlikely to be anything other than permanent in the long run.

I realize there might be some who will disagree with me, but I don’t see how this mess at the top doesn’t filter through the entire organization, and that certainly includes the coaching staff and players. Once everything gets cleared up, maybe it creates a huge positive vibe that shows up on the court. But the current in limbo status is very likely to create a negative ripple effect.

The Hawks are not a franchise blessed with a great fan base. That’s not exactly a revelation, as it’s been that way for years with the team never really contending for anything. The ongoing off the court fiascos are doing nothing to endear this team to the locals and I can’t see how this team can enjoy a major home court edge with the way things are. Add in a middle of the pack roster and it’s a thoroughly bleak looking situation.

I don’t see Atlanta winning half its games, all things considered. More likely, they finish somewhere in the mid-30’s as far as total wins are concerned. That’s well under the posted O/U, so Under 42 is the play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Comp NBA Pick for Wednesday, October 22, 2014: 7:05 PM

(601) HOUSTON ROCKETS VS (602) ORLANDO MAGIC

Take: (602) ORLANDO MAGIC.

Reason: Your free pick for Wednesday, October 22nd comes in NBA action as the Magic and Houston meet in Orlando. Think a veteran Houston is going to be into this one? It's the second of a back to back spot after playing at Miami last night. They recently won 3 of 4 games and all the wins were at home. Now they head out on the road where they haven't shown much, losing 117-98 at New Orleans. This team doesn't play much defense when the games count and they allowed .538% shooting to New Orleans Houston center Dwight Howard has been sitting out with a knee injury. Now they face a young Orlando team that is rested, not having played since Saturday. They come off a loss at Philly but have actually had a strong preseason at 4-2, despite playing 4 road games already, including opening the season with three straight road contests. They've only played one home game and rolled in that one, 106-88. There is a lot of depth on this Orlando roster, with young players hungry for a roster spot somewhere. Play Orlando.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Will Rogers

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Bonus Play Over the total

The Philadelphia Flyers will play their second game in as many nights in Pittsburgh tonight. Philly is coming off a 4-0 loss to Chicago on Tuesday, but prior to that they had seen the total go over in four straight games. Both these teams have plenty of firepower, and neither is particularly good defensively. We should see plenty of goals in Pennsylvania tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Special Teams - The Penguins are the best team in the NHL on the power play so far this season, scoring eight goals converting over 47% of their opportunities. This comes as little surprise as they were the most effective team with a man advantage last season as well. The Flyers are quite effective as well, having scored on 29% of their chances for a seven goal total ranking fourth in the league. I don't expect those numbers to get lower today as both teams hover around the 70% mark regarding successfully killing penalties.
2. Trends - We've seen these teams play plenty of high scoring games in recent seasons, only three of the last 12 meetings in Pittsburgh have gone under the total.

3. X-Factor - Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was 1-2-1 with a 3.31 GAA in five starts versus Philly last year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jesse Schule

Washington Capitals vs. Edmonton Oilers

Free NHL Play Edmonton Oilers

The Caps are in Edmonton tonight, taking on an Oilers team that is coming off it's first win of the season. Washington has yet to lose in regulation, boasting a record of 3-0-2. The home team should hungrier, looking to string a few wins together after opening the season with five straight losses. This is a tough spot for the visitors, playing on the opposite side of the continent against a Western Conference team that they don't see a lot of.

Taylor Hall scored a goal and an assist in the win over Tampa on Monday, and he leads the team with four goals so far. Hall finished last year with 80 points, tied for 6th in the league. He's only 22 years old, and may well develop into one of the league's elite forwards. He's not alone, Ryan Nudgent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov are all in their early 20s, and each player has superstar potential.

As talented as the Oilers are, they are dreadful defensively. They finished last season dead last in goals against, and they aren't far off from that so far this year. Goaltender Ben Scrivens is coming off a couple solid outings in a row though, allowing just three goals on 53 shots against the Canucks and Lightning.

Home ice should be a big advantage here tonight, and it has been when these teams have met in recent seasons. The home team has won 10 of the last 13 in this series.

Take EDM

GL,

Jesse Schule

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Wednesday, Oct. 22 is:

Pitt Penguins over Philly Flyers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five things we know heading into World Series Game 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Behind Hunter Pence's bat and Madison Bumgarner's left arm, the San Francisco Giants cruised to a 7-1 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.

Here are five things we know about the World Series heading into Game 2:

--Pence finally figured out James Shields. The San Francisco right fielder came into the World Series 0-for-11 all-time against Shields. He hit a two-run home run in the first, then led off the third with a double and came around to score the fourth run off Shields. The three runs the Giants scored in the first inning gave Bumgarner a comfortable cushion, and the lefty coasted through seven innings.

"When you've got Madison on the mound, even when it's 0-0, you still feel very confident," Pence said. "We have all the confidence in the world with Bumgarner on the mound, no matter what the score is."

--Bumgarner knows how to pitch in the postseason, especially on the road. He extended his playoff road scoreless streak to a major-league-record 32 2/3 innings before giving up a solo home run to catcher Salvador Perez in the seventh..

"You know what, I felt pretty good," Bumgarner said. "It was just about going out and making pitches and executing. I know that's a boring answer, but for me, that's all it is."

Manager Bruce Bochy said of Bumgarner's postseason success away from AT&T Park, "Some things are hard to explain in this game. I can't tell you anything that would make sense of it, but he's been pitching well at home, too."

--The Giants are seeking to become the 11th team in the past 12 years to win the World Series after winning the opener. The only team since 2003 that lost the first game and went on to win the World Series was the 2009 New York Yankees, who dropped the first game against the Philadelphia Phillies but came back to win the series 4-2.

San Francisco won the first game of each series on the road this postseason, including a wild-card game victory over the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

"It's huge to be able to win that first game in the series," Giants center fielder Gregor Blanco said. "That puts pressure on the other team. We've got to go out tomorrow and keep playing baseball and try to win the second game. If we can do it, we can add more pressure."

--The Royals must respond to a loss for the first time since Sept. 27, when they fell to the Chicago White Sox in the penultimate game of the regular season. A day earlier, Kansas City clinched a spot in the postseason.

"I can speak for everybody in this clubhouse: We're not worried about it," third baseman Mike Moustakas said. "We're going to go out tomorrow and play the same game for whatever got us here. We're not concerned about it. We're not happy about it. We've got another game tomorrow.

"(Kansas City's Game 2 starter Yordano Ventura) throws 100 (mph). The guy has an electric arm with a plus curveball, plus everything. He can go out and dominate a lineup. He's a confident kid, going out there having that swagger. We feed off of him."

--The Kansas City bullpen endured its longest stint in the postseason, amassing six innings in relief of James Shields. With regular starter Danny Duffy pitching three-plus innings and reliever Tim Collins pitching two, the Royals' bullpen is still in good shape.

Duffy, who was pitching for the first time since Oct. 2, walked two of the first three batters he faced, forcing in a run, but then he retired eight in a row.

"I was really happy with his outing," manager Ned Yost said. "First inning in the World Series, you're a little amped up and you've got to come out and get settled in. Once he got settled down, (he) did a nice job."

Duffy wound charged with two runs on one hit and three walks.