Friday 10-20-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona

Matchup Edge

LAL	Edge in:	PHO
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Lakers at Suns

Gracenote
Oct 20, 2017

The Phoenix Suns experienced the most dreadful season-opening defeat in NBA history and attempt to erase the nightmarish memories when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Phoenix shot 31.5 percent from the field in Wednesday's 124-76 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and the 48-point margin also represents the worst defeat in Suns' history.

Phoenix trailed by as many as 58 points in the contest that supplanted a 44-point loss to the Seattle SuperSonics on April 2, 1988 as the most lopsided in team annals. "When you get into this game, you get into this league and you have to play a certain way, in the paint, out of the paint, continue to play every possession like it's your last," Suns coach Earl Watson told reporters afterward. "We have to play better, we have to play at a certain level, we have to play at a certain intensity." Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, the second overall pick in June's NBA draft, made his debut in Thursday's 108-92 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers but was a non-factor with three points on 1-of-6 shooting and four assists in 29 minutes. "We got blown out so I didn't play too well ...," Ball said afterward. "All I care about is winning. We lost (Thursday). We have to regroup (Friday) and come back and try to get a win."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles), FSN Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE LAKERS (0-1): The 19-year-old Ball is expected to make an immediate impact but pesky Clippers guard Patrick Beverley - a first-team All-NBA defender last season - repeatedly hounded him and threw him off his game. The club's other main building block, second-year small forward Brandon Ingram (No. 2 overall pick in 2016), also struggled in the opener with 12 points on 3-of-15 shooting. Off-season acquisition Brook Lopez scored 20 points in his team debut while power forward Larry Nance Jr., who beat out incumbent Julius Randle for the starting gig, displayed plenty of spring in his legs with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

ABOUT THE SUNS (0-1): Phoenix was outrebounded 57-33 and had more turnovers (16) than assists (10) in the porous opener. Star shooting guard Devin Booker, who averaged 22.1 points last season at age 20 in his second campaign, had 12 points on 6-of-17 shooting and backcourt mate Eric Bledsoe tallied 15 on 5-of-18 shooting. Both players fared well in four games against the Lakers last season as Booker averaged 25 points while Bledsoe averaged 21.8 points, 7.3 assists and 2.3 steals.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split the four contests last season but the Suns have won 16 of the past 22 meetings.

2. Los Angeles SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (suspension) will miss the second and final game of his discipline for an offseason drunk-driving offense.

3. Phoenix C Alex Len (ankle) missed the opener and is questionable for Friday's game.

PREDICTION: Suns 106, Lakers 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - L.A. Lakers at Phoenix

ATS TRENDS

L.A. Lakers

Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Lakers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 Friday games. Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference. Lakers are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS loss. Lakers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. Lakers are 6-15-1 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Lakers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Pacific. Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Lakers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home. Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Phoenix

Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Suns are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 Friday games. Suns are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games following a double-digit loss at home. Suns are 55-26-3 ATS in their last 84 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Suns are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Pacific. Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Suns are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

OU TRENDS

L.A. Lakers

Under is 6-0 in Lakers last 6 overall. Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 6-0 in Lakers last 6 vs. Western Conference. Under is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 vs. NBA Pacific. Under is 5-0 in Lakers last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Lakers last 7 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 Friday games. Over is 8-2 in Lakers last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Over is 7-2 in Lakers last 9 games following a ATS loss. Over is 5-2 in Lakers last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home. Over is 9-4 in Lakers last 13 road games.

Phoenix

Over is 5-0 in Suns last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 5-1 in Suns last 6 vs. NBA Pacific. Under is 9-2 in Suns last 11 games following a ATS loss. Over is 4-1 in Suns last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 6-2 in Suns last 8 overall. Over is 6-2 in Suns last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Suns last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Over is 18-8 in Suns last 26 home games. Over is 36-16 in Suns last 52 vs. Western Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 6-0-1 in the last 7 meetings in Phoenix. Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Home team is 16-7-1 ATS in the last 24 meetings. Lakers are 3-8-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings. Lakers are 2-10-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Phoenix.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, October 20

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BOSTON (0 - 2) at PHILADELPHIA (0 - 1) - 10/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 50-32 ATS (+14.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 112-146 ATS (-48.6 Units) in home games in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-3 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (1 - 0) at CHARLOTTE (0 - 1) - 10/20/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 4-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (1 - 0) at WASHINGTON (1 - 0) - 10/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 147-190 ATS (-62.0 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (1 - 0) at MILWAUKEE (1 - 0) - 10/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (1 - 0) at INDIANA (1 - 0) - 10/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 210-158 ATS (+36.2 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 159-124 ATS (+22.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
INDIANA is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 3-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (1 - 0) at BROOKLYN (0 - 1) - 10/20/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 34-48 ATS (-18.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-2 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 6-1 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (1 - 0) at MINNESOTA (0 - 1) - 10/20/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (0 - 1) at DALLAS (0 - 1) - 10/20/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 319-267 ATS (+25.3 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 5-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (0 - 1) at NEW ORLEANS (0 - 1) - 10/20/2017, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 4-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (0 - 1) at PHOENIX (0 - 1) - 10/20/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 204-249 ATS (-69.9 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 198-244 ATS (-70.4 Units) after a division game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 153-111 ATS (+30.9 Units) after allowing 115 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 29-46 ATS (-21.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-3 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Friday, October 20

Celtics won 9 of last 10 games with Philly; home teams won 7 of last 10 series games. Celtics won 3 of last 4 visits to Philly. Over is 8-2 in last ten series games. Boston lost its first couple games, by 3-8 points (over 1-1). 76ers lost their opener by 5 at Washington.

Hornets won 3 of last 4 games with Atlanta; Hawks lost last three visits to Charlotte, by 15-4-23 points. Last nine series games stayed under the total. Hawks won their opener 117-111 at Dallas. Charlotte lost its opener by 12 in Detroit.

Washington won six of last eight games with Detroit, covering six of last seven. Over is 3-1 in last four series games. Pistons lost last five visits to Washington, going 0-3 vs spread in last three visits. Detroit won its home opener by 12 over Charlotte. Wizards won their home opener by 5 over the 76ers.

Cavaliers are 8-2 in their last ten games with Milwaukee; they won four of last six games in this building. Bucks are 5-4 vs spread in last nine series games. Over is 8-2 in last 10 series games. Cleveland won its home opener by 3 over the Celtics. Bucks won their opener by 8 in Boston.

Portland won 7 of last 9 games with Indiana; home team won 7 of last 9 series games. Blazers won two of their last three visits to Indiana. Portland won its road opener by 48 in Phoenix. Pacers won their home opener 140-131 over the Nets.

Orlando won 6 of its last 7 games with the Nets; they split their last four games in Brooklyn. Over is 3-0-1 in last four series games. Magic won their home opener by 7 over Miami. Nets went to indiana and lost their opener, 140-131.

Jazz won 6 of last 7 games with Minnesota but Timberwolves covered last three; Utah won its last three visits to Minnesota, by 9-9-2 points. Under is 4-2 in last six series games. Jazz won its home opener over Denver by 10. Minnesota lost its opener by 8 in San Antonio.

Kings won four of last five games with Dallas; teams split last four games played here. Under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Sacramento lost its home opener by 5 to Houston. Mavericks lost its home opener by 6 to the Hawks.

Warriors won their last ten games with New Orleans, but Pelicans covered three of last four; Golden State is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Bourbon Street. Warriors lost their opener by a point at home to Houston. New Orleans lost its opener by 12 in Memphis.

Lakers lost 7 of their last 10 games with Phoenix; they’re 1-4 SU/ATS in last five games in this building. Last five series games went over total. both teams looked awful in their opener; Lakers lost by 16 to the Clippers last night, Suns lost by 48 at home to Portland.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Friday, October 20

Trend Report

PORTLAND @ INDIANA
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Portland

ATLANTA @ CHARLOTTE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Atlanta

BOSTON @ PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston

CLEVELAND @ MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

DETROIT @ WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

ORLANDO @ BROOKLYN
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
Brooklyn is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Brooklyn is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

UTAH @ MINNESOTA
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Minnesota's last 17 games at home

SACRAMENTO @ DALLAS
Sacramento is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
Sacramento is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 21-2 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games

GOLDEN STATE @ NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Golden State
New Orleans is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

LA LAKERS @ PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, October 20


Boston @ Philadelphia

Game 701-702
October 20, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
117.365
Philadelphia
114.297
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 3
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
217
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+1 1/2); Over

Atlanta @ Charlotte

Game 703-704
October 20, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
116.395
Charlotte
114.602
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 6
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+6); Under

Detroit @ Washington

Game 705-706
October 20, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
115.987
Washington
124.380
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 8 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 6
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-6); Over

Cleveland @ Milwaukee

Game 707-708
October 20, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
130.390
Milwaukee
121.547
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 9
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 2
210
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-2); Over

Portland @ Indiana

Game 709-710
October 20, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
127.515
Indiana
118.183
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 9 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 3 1/2
226
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-3 1/2); Under

Orlando @ Brooklyn

Game 711-712
October 20, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
112.207
Brooklyn
117.466
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 5 1/2
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 1 1/2
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(-1 1/2); Over

Utah @ Minnesota

Game 713-714
October 20, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
124.363
Minnesota
119.290
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 5
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 5 1/2
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+5 1/2); Over

Sacramento @ Dallas

Game 715-716
October 20, 2017 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
115.583
Dallas
116.674
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 5 1/2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+5 1/2); Over

Golden State @ New Orleans

Game 717-718
October 20, 2017 @ 9:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
132.580
New Orleans
119.632
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13
237
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 8
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-8); Over

LA Lakers @ Phoenix

Game 719-720
October 20, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
110.711
Phoenix
115.644
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 5
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 2 1/2
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(-2 1/2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Matchup Edge

SJ	Edge in:	NJ
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Sharks at Devils

Gracenote
Oct 20, 2017

The New Jersey Devils are off to a surprisingly torrid start to the season and hope to continue it Friday, when they begin a month-ending three-game homestand against the San Jose Sharks. New Jersey rallied on the road Thursday to edge Ottawa 5-4 in overtime for its sixth win in seven contests after finishing 29th in the league last season with 28 victories.

Rookie Nico Hischier scored his first two career goals and added an assist while Taylor Hall set up four tallies, including defenseman John Moore's winner 1:20 into the extra session as the Devils posted their third consecutive one-goal triumph. San Jose will become the last team to play a contest on the road as it begins a five-game trip after kicking off the season with a five-game homestand. The Sharks ended that string on a high note, producing their highest offensive output of 2017-18 with a 5-2 win over Montreal on Tuesday. Logan Couture led the way with two goals and two assists after recording just one point in his first four games of the campaign.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN California (San Jose), MSG Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE SHARKS (2-3-0): Couture's four-point performance versus the Canadiens gave him a share of the team lead for both goals (three) and points (five), tying him with Kevin Labanc in both categories. Couture was not the only member of the team to register multiple points in the victory as captain Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Tomas Hertl each notched a goal and an assist to give them three points apiece on the season. San Jose has scored 13 times over its first five games, with only eight different players netting tallies.

ABOUT THE DEVILS (6-1-0): Hischier, the first overall pick in this year's draft, registered four assists over his first six NHL games before finally breaking through on Thursday. The 18-year-old from Switzerland scored on the 12th and 13th shots of his career while Hall's four-point effort raised his season total to nine, matching rookie defenseman Will Butcher for the team lead. Keith Kinkaid recorded the win in relief on Thursday and could start against San Jose as Cory Schneider exited the victory in Ottawa with a lower-body injury.

OVERTIME

1. The Sharks have allowed just one goal in their last 20 short-handed situations.

2. San Jose D Tim Heed notched an assist Tuesday for his first point in four NHL games.

3. New Jersey will have six days off before returning to action on Oct. 27, when it hosts Ottawa.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Sharks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - San Jose at New Jersey

W/L TRENDS

San Jose

Sharks are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Sharks are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Sharks are 7-3 in their last 10 vs. Metropolitan. Sharks are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sharks are 2-8 in their last 10 road games. Sharks are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Sharks are 0-4 in their last 4 games following a win.

New Jersey

Devils are 6-1 in their last 7 overall. Devils are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win. Devils are 16-36 in their last 52 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Devils are 8-20 in their last 28 home games. Devils are 4-12 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing record. Devils are 15-46 in their last 61 Friday games. Devils are 4-13 in their last 17 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Devils are 1-6 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Devils are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Pacific. Devils are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

San Jose

Over is 5-0-1 in Sharks last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 2-0-2 in Sharks last 4 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 2-0-2 in Sharks last 4 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Sharks last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 10-4-5 in Sharks last 19 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2-2 in Sharks last 9 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 7-3-10 in Sharks last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

New Jersey

Over is 4-0-1 in Devils last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0-1 in Devils last 5 home games. Over is 9-1-2 in Devils last 12 games following a win. Over is 7-1-2 in Devils last 10 overall. Over is 6-1-2 in Devils last 9 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 10-2-2 in Devils last 14 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 3-1-1 in Devils last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 3-1-4 in Devils last 8 vs. Western Conference. Under is 5-2-3 in Devils last 10 vs. Pacific. Under is 39-18-13 in Devils last 70 games playing on 0 days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings. Sharks are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in New Jersey. Sharks are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings. Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in New Jersey. Road team is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York

Matchup Edge

VAN	Edge in:	BUF
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Canucks at Sabres

Gracenote
Oct 20, 2017

The Buffalo Sabres finally produced a few positives at the end of their West Coast road trip and hope to build on that when they host the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. The Sabres picked up their first victory of the season at Anaheim on Sunday and followed by scoring three times in the final 10 minutes of regulation before dropping a 5-4 decision in overtime at Vegas two days later.

“We can’t take periods off and shifts off,” Buffalo’s leading scorer Evander Kane (five goals, 10 points) told reporters after the setback. “We just played the way we need to play. Unfortunately, it took until the third period to get in the right mindset as a group.” The Sabres look to keep things going and grab their first victory on home ice when they face the Canucks, who have dropped four of five contests (1-3-1) and are 1-1-0 on their five-game road trip. Vancouver gave up three power-play goals during defenseman Erik Gudbranson's five-minute boarding penalty in the first period and went on to lose 6-3 at Boston on Thursday. Rookie Brock Boeser notched an assist in the contest and has recorded at least one point in all four games he has played this season to lead the team with five.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 360 (Vancouver), MSG (Buffalo)

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (2-3-1): Twin brothers Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who have combined for 2,010 points in their NHL careers, have been kept off the scoresheet in four consecutive games. Thomas Vanek and Bo Horvat each notched his third goal of the campaign against Boston while Derek Dorsett registered his second. Anders Nilsson, who posted a 32-save shutout in his first appearance of the season two days earlier against Ottawa, gave up four goals on 17 shots Thursday before giving way to Jacob Markstrom and his .901 save percentage.

ABOUT THE SABRES (1-4-2): Buffalo, which led the league in power-play percentage last season, registered three goals with the man advantage at Vegas after netting just a pair in 22 chances over the first six games of the season. Jason Pominville and Jack Eichel are tied for second on the team with nine points while Sam Reinhart has scored in each of his last two games after going without a point in the first five. Jacob Josefson (ankle) is questionable, Zemgus Girgensons (foot) is day-to-day and the status of Robin Lehner (illness) is uncertain after he reportedly missed practice on Thursday.

OVERTIME

1. Vancouver notched a power-play goal Thursday but is just 4-for-31 with the man advantage in its first six games.

2. Buffalo RW Kyle Okposo, who has yet to post a point in five contests this season, is set to play his 500th NHL game on Friday.

3. The Canucks won both meetings last season and have beaten the Sabres three straight times overall.

PREDICTION: Sabres 4, Canucks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Vancouver at Buffalo

W/L TRENDS

Vancouver

Canucks are 16-35 in their last 51 overall. Canucks are 15-37 in their last 52 road games. Canucks are 2-5 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Canucks are 5-14 in their last 19 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Canucks are 8-25 in their last 33 vs. Eastern Conference. Canucks are 6-20 in their last 26 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Canucks are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Atlantic. Canucks are 0-8 in their last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Canucks are 0-5 in their last 5 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.

Buffalo

Sabres are 19-40 in their last 59 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Sabres are 16-35 in their last 51 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Sabres are 3-7 in their last 10 Friday games. Sabres are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. Pacific. Sabres are 8-22 in their last 30 overall. Sabres are 3-9 in their last 12 vs. Western Conference. Sabres are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Sabres are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Sabres are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Vancouver

Over is 4-1-1 in Canucks last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2-3 in Canucks last 11 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 6-2-3 in Canucks last 11 Friday games. Over is 3-1-2 in Canucks last 6 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 7-3-3 in Canucks last 13 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.

Buffalo

Over is 5-1-1 in Sabres last 7 home games. Under is 13-4-4 in Sabres last 21 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 9-3-1 in Sabres last 13 Friday games. Under is 18-7-3 in Sabres last 28 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2-1 in Sabres last 8 overall. Over is 16-7-3 in Sabres last 26 vs. Western Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 7-1-2 in the last 10 meetings in Buffalo. Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings. Home team is 16-5-1 in the last 22 meetings. Canucks are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Canucks are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in Buffalo.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Matchup Edge

WAS	Edge in:	DET
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Capitals at Red Wings

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

Two teams that have fallen back a bit after a strong start meet Friday night when the two-time defending Presidents’ Trophy-winning Washington Capitals visit the Detroit Red Wings. The Capitals have lost of four of their last five games (1-3-1) since opening with two impressive victories that included seven goals from Alex Ovechkin, and Detroit dropped its last two contests after going 4-1-0 out of the gate.

Washington scored 10 goals in the first two games and managed 12 in five outings since with a 2-0 loss to Toronto at home Tuesday following an embarrassing 8-2 setback at Philadelphia. “It’s pretty hard to play without the puck right now,” Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov, who has an NHL-high 11 assists through Wednesday, told reporters. “We have to work harder away from the puck.” The Red Wings outshot the last two opponents, but went 0-for-9 combined on the power play and allowed nine goals, including six against Toronto on Wednesday as goaltender Jimmy Howard was pulled after allowing three goals on the first four Maple Leafs shots. “We did tons of good stuff and had lots of good moments, especially in the first (period) where we carried the play, but it just seemed like everything they threw at the net went in,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill told reporters. “I can’t say that’s all goaltending, just sometimes that’s how it goes.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN Washington Plus, FSN Detroit

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (3-3-1): Nicklas Backstrom (three goals) and Kuznetsov lead the team with 11 points and Ovechkin has 10 (nine goals), but has been kept off the scoresheet in two straight games. Andre Burakovsky, who has no goals and two assists on nine shots in seven games, was moved from the line with Backstrom and T.J. Oshie (five goals) and replaced by Thomas Wilson reportedly at practice Thursday. Center Lars Eller should be back in the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game because of illness while forward Tyler Graovac suffered an upper-body injury and is considered week-to-week.

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (4-3-0): Detroit was 27th in the league on the power play last season (15.1 percent) and is off to a slow start with the man advantage again, converting 4 of 27 opportunities. Tomas Tatar notched his first goal of the season and 100th of his career Wednesday while captain Henrik Zetterberg recorded his team-leading fourth tally to tie Dylan Larkin with eight points - behind only defenseman Mike Green (nine). Howard allowed only five goals in three games to start the season, but has surrendered six tallies on 30 shots over his last two appearances.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit D Niklas Kronwall, who has a plus-2 rating in four contests, is expected to play his 800th NHL game Friday.

2. Washington C Jay Beagle, who is scheduled to play his 400th NHL game, is 51-38 in the faceoff circle.

3. The Capitals have points in the last five meetings (4-0-1) with the Red Wings and are 6-1-1 in the last eight.

PREDICTION: Capitals 5, Red Wings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Washington at Detroit

W/L TRENDS

Washington

Capitals are 55-17 in their last 72 vs. Atlantic. Capitals are 20-7 in their last 27 games playing on 2 days rest. Capitals are 20-7 in their last 27 Friday games. Capitals are 22-9 in their last 31 vs. a team with a winning record. Capitals are 12-5 in their last 17 road games. Capitals are 66-30 in their last 96 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Capitals are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Capitals are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Capitals are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Detroit

Red Wings are 17-35 in their last 52 vs. Eastern Conference. Red Wings are 4-10 in their last 14 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.

OU TRENDS

Washington

Over is 5-0 in Capitals last 5 road games. Over is 5-2 in Capitals last 7 overall. Over is 5-2 in Capitals last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 7-3-2 in Capitals last 12 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 7-3 in Capitals last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-4 in Capitals last 13 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Detroit

Over is 5-1 in Red Wings last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 5-1 in Red Wings last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 overall. Over is 4-1-2 in Red Wings last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1-1 in Red Wings last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 3-1-1 in Red Wings last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Red Wings last 5 Friday games. Over is 16-6-4 in Red Wings last 26 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Detroit. Home team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Under is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings. Capitals are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida

Matchup Edge

PIT	Edge in:	FLA
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Penguins at Panthers

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

The Florida Panthers have dropped two games in a row but they will be trying to end a much longer drought when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night. The Panthers have not posted a regulation victory over the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions in 10 consecutive meetings, including a 4-3 setback in Pittsburgh on Oct. 14.

Florida followed up the narrow defeat against the Penguins with a dud at Philadelphia, permitting four second-period goals in a 5-1 drubbing. It marked the fifth straight game in which the Panthers allowed the opening goal and coach Bob Boughner admitted "there was a bit of a letdown" after his team fell behind early once again. The Penguins have won four of five since opening the season by surrendering 15 goals in a pair of losses, rallying for a 5-4 overtime victory at the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh is 8-0-2 during the 10-game point streak against Florida - the longest unbeaten stretch in the series history.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET; TVA, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FSN Florida

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (4-2-1): Captain Sidney Crosby ended a four-game goal-scoring drought by scoring twice, including what proved to be the deciding tally, in Saturday's victory over Florida. Crosby came through again in the clutch against the Rangers, forcing overtime by netting the tying tally with 56 seconds left in regulation to boost his point total to nine in seven games. Defenseman Olli Maatta has already matched last season's total of seven points after extending his point streak to five games.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (2-3-0): Evgenii Dadonov shifted back to the top line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov while the second unit featured Vincent Trocheck centering Jamie McGinn and Radim Vrbata at practice Thursday. Rookie Owen Tippett, the No. 10 overall pick in this year's draft, made his NHL debut against the Flyers and responded by registering a game-high seven shots on goal in just 11 minutes, 39 seconds. That earned him a bump up to the third line with Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann.

OVERTIME

1. Panthers G Roberto Luongo, tied with Curtis Joseph for fourth place on the all-time wins list with 454, gets the start Friday.

2. The Penguins are 6-for-17 on the power play over the past four games, but they have yielded five man-advantage goals in the past three.

3. Huberdeau scored twice against Pittsburgh last weekend, matching his goal output from 13 previous encounters versus the Penguins.

PREDICTION: Panthers 4, Penguins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Pittsburgh at Florida

W/L TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 6-1 in their last 7 Friday games. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win. Penguins are 50-21 in their last 71 vs. a team with a losing record. Penguins are 30-13 in their last 43 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 75-35 in their last 110 vs. Eastern Conference. Penguins are 23-11 in their last 34 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 3-9 in their last 12 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Florida

Panthers are 5-2 in their last 7 home games. Panthers are 4-9 in their last 13 overall. Panthers are 4-10 in their last 14 vs. a team with a winning record. Panthers are 5-16 in their last 21 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Panthers are 3-10 in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Panthers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Panthers are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Panthers are 1-6 in their last 7 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.

OU TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Under is 5-0 in Penguins last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Penguins last 4 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Penguins last 5 Friday games. Over is 3-1-1 in Penguins last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-2 in Penguins last 7 overall. Over is 48-22-8 in Penguins last 78 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 32-15-5 in Penguins last 52 vs. Atlantic.

Florida

Over is 5-0 in Panthers last 5 overall. Over is 4-0-1 in Panthers last 5 Friday games. Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 9-2 in Panthers last 11 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 14-4-3 in Panthers last 21 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 8-3 in Panthers last 11 home games. Over is 18-7-5 in Panthers last 30 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 5-2 in Panthers last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 7-3-1 in Panthers last 11 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 11-5-3 in Panthers last 19 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in Florida. Home team is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Penguins are 21-7 in the last 28 meetings. Over is 7-3-3 in the last 13 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Bell MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Matchup Edge

MIN	Edge in:	WIN
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Wild at Jets

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

The Minnesota Wild will be well-rested when they take to the road again to face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. Minnesota, which began the season with a three-game trek, have been idle for five days after falling to Columbus in overtime 5-4 on Saturday in its home opener.

Chris Stewart is leading the way offensively with four goals and six points in four games for the Wild, who are 1-1-1 away from home. Winnipeg is hoping to find its scoring touch as it wraps up a three-game homestand. The Jets, who split the first two contests of the string after dropping a 5-2 decision to the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, have scored only two goals in each of their first three games at Bell MTS Place. Nikolaj Ehlers was kept off the scoresheet by Columbus after recording all of his team-leading five goals and seven points over the previous three contests.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN North Plus (Minnesota), TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE WILD (1-1-2): Stewart is well on his way to the second 20-goal season of his career and first since netting 28 with Colorado in 2009-10. The 29-year-old right wing, who hasn't reached 15 tallies since 2013-14 with St. Louis, has needed only eight shots to record his four goals this campaign. Landon Ferraro made his debut for the Wild on Saturday and notched an assist as he appeared in his first NHL game since 2015-16 with Boston.

ABOUT THE JETS (3-3-0): Joel Armia and Kyle Connor each scored their first goal of the campaign Tuesday, with the latter's coming in his season debut. Brendan Lemieux was recalled from Manitoba of the American Hockey League on Tuesday but did not make his NHL debut that evening. The 21-year-old son of four-time Stanley Cup champion Claude Lemieux was acquired from Buffalo in February 2015 after being drafted by the Sabres in the second round a year earlier.

OVERTIME

1. Lemieux was recalled after the Jets placed C Adam Lowry (upper body) on injured reserve.

2. Minnesota is 4-for-14 on the power play this campaign, with LWs Tyler Ennis and Jason Zucker each scoring twice.

3. Winnipeg has eight players with one goal this season and only three with multiple tallies.

PREDICTION: Wild 3, Jets 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at Winnipeg

W/L TRENDS

Minnesota

Wild are 8-2 in their last 10 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Wild are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Wild are 4-1 in their last 5 Friday games. Wild are 7-2 in their last 9 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Wild are 4-9 in their last 13 road games. Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Wild are 0-4 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Winnipeg

Jets are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Central. Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Jets are 7-2 in their last 9 home games. Jets are 10-3 in their last 13 overall. Jets are 36-16 in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Jets are 3-10 in their last 13 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Jets are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Jets are 1-5 in their last 6 Friday games.

OU TRENDS

Minnesota

Over is 5-0 in Wild last 5 overall. Over is 7-1-1 in Wild last 9 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 4-1-2 in Wild last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 18-6-8 in Wild last 32 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 15-6-5 in Wild last 26 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Wild last 7 vs. Western Conference.

Winnipeg

Over is 5-0 in Jets last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 5-0 in Jets last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 13-3 in Jets last 16 vs. Central. Over is 18-5 in Jets last 23 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 22-7-1 in Jets last 30 vs. Western Conference. Over is 8-3-1 in Jets last 12 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 18-7-2 in Jets last 27 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2-1 in Jets last 8 following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 40-17-5 in Jets last 62 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 35-15-1 in Jets last 51 overall.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Winnipeg. Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Wild are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California

Matchup Edge

MON	Edge in:	ANA
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Canadiens at Ducks

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

It took 11 games before the Montreal Canadiens suffered their first regulation loss last season en route to the Atlantic Division title. The reeling Canadiens are hoping it doesn't take that many games to earn their first regulation win this season as they limp into the last stop of a three-game road trip at the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.

Montreal has dropped six games in a row since a 3-2 shootout win at Buffalo in the season opener and has been been outscored 10-3 on the first two legs of the California trip. The punchless Canadiens are the only team in the league without a regulation victory and are buried in the Atlantic cellar. Anaheim, which like Montreal won a division title last season, has been idle since a 3-1 home loss to Buffalo on Sunday - the fourth time in six games it has produced two goals or fewer. The Ducks ranked tied for 29th in the league in scoring through Wednesday with an average of 2.00 goals per game, and only the Canadiens are worse with a paltry total of 1.43.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TSN2, RDS (Montreal), Prime Ticket (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (1-5-1): Goaltender Carey Price sat out his first game in Wednesday's 5-1 loss at Los Angeles and now faces an opponent against whom he has enjoyed little success. The former Vezina Trophy winner, who has surrendered four goals in three of his last five starts, has faced the Ducks nine times and owns a 2-5-1 and 2.41 goals-against average. Claude Julien shuffled his lines for the Los Angeles matchup but all Montreal could produce was a goal by Paul Byron - his first of the season.

ABOUT THE DUCKS (2-3-1): Anaheim's roster is dotted with walking wounded but reinforcements could be on the way, with coach Randy Carlyle saying a decision on some players will be made after Friday's morning skate. Forward Ondrej Kase, out the past three games due to an upper-body injury, could be one of them after saying Thursday that "everything has been a little bit better, better and better." Captain Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Eaves have been day-to-day, but Carlyle termed both players "highly doubtful."

OVERTIME

1. The teams have split the series the past two seasons, with the home team winning each time.

2. The Ducks are 0-for-21 on the power play in their first six games.

3. Canadiens D David Schlemko had surgery on his hand Wednesday and is expected to be out three to four weeks.

PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Canadiens 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Montreal at Anaheim

W/L TRENDS

Montreal

Canadiens are 11-3 in their last 14 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Canadiens are 13-5 in their last 18 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 4-11 in their last 15 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Canadiens are 2-6 in their last 8 Friday games. Canadiens are 4-12 in their last 16 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Canadiens are 0-4 in their last 4 road games. Canadiens are 0-6 in their last 6 overall. Canadiens are 0-5 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Canadiens are 0-7 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Anaheim

Ducks are 5-1 in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Ducks are 10-3 in their last 13 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Ducks are 9-4 in their last 13 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Ducks are 41-19 in their last 60 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Ducks are 30-14 in their last 44 home games. Ducks are 49-23 in their last 72 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Ducks are 2-5 in their last 7 Friday games. Ducks are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Ducks are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

OU TRENDS

Montreal

Over is 2-0-2 in Canadiens last 4 vs. Pacific. Under is 9-1-1 in Canadiens last 11 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Under is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Under is 17-6-4 in Canadiens last 27 road games. Over is 13-5-4 in Canadiens last 22 Friday games. Under is 10-4-4 in Canadiens last 18 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 30-14-8 in Canadiens last 52 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 21-10-7 in Canadiens last 38 overall.

Anaheim

Under is 5-0 in Ducks last 5 overall. Under is 4-0-1 in Ducks last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Ducks last 4 home games. Under is 9-1-1 in Ducks last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 4-1-1 in Ducks last 6 Friday games. Under is 4-1 in Ducks last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 6-2-3 in Ducks last 11 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 17-6-5 in Ducks last 28 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 15-6-6 in Ducks last 27 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 7-3-1 in Ducks last 11 vs. Atlantic.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Anaheim. Canadiens are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Anaheim.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Friday, October 20

Road team won 6 of last 7 San Jose-New Jersey games; Sharks won their last five games in the Garden State. Under is 3-0-1 in last four series games. This is road opener for a San Jose team that started season with a 2-3 homestand (over 2-2-1). Devils are off to a 6-1 start after an OT win in Ottawa last nite- they’re 2-0 at home. Over is 5-1 in their last six games.

Home side won 6 of last 7 Vancouver-Buffalo games; Canucks lost three of last five visits to western NY. Over is 5-1-1 in last seven series games. Vancouver lost 6-3 in Boston last night; they’re 1-4 in their last five games- three of their last four games went over. Sabres lost six of its first seven games- they’re 0-2 at home. Over is 4-2 in their last six games.

Home side won 5 of last 6 Washington-Detroit games; Caps won 4 of last 5 series games- three of those five games went OT/SO. Washington split its last four games in Motor City- they’ve lost four of last five games. Over is 5-2 in their games this season. Red Wings are 4-3 but they lost their last two games; they split two home games. Over is 4-1 in their last five games.

Penguins won 7 of last 8 games with Florida; they split last four games in this building. Over is 4-2-3 in last nine series games. Pittsburgh won four of their last five games, with last three going over total- they split their four road games. Panthers won 5-2/5-4 in their two home games, but lost their three road games. All five Florida games went over the total.

Minnesota won 4 of its last 5 games with Winnipeg; five of last six series games went over total. Wild are 2-3 in their last five visits to Manitoba. Minnesota lost 3 of their first 4 games; their last two losses were in SO/OT- all four of their games went over total. Winnipeg won three of its last four games; five of their six games went over. Jets lost two of their three home games.

Home side won last five Montreal-Anaheim games; Ducks won four of last six meetings. Under is 6-3 in last nine series games. Canadiens lost last three visits here, scoring total of 4 goals. Montreal was outscored 25-8 in losing their last six games, last three of which went over total- they’re 1-4 on the road. Anaheim lost four of its last five games, all of which stayed under.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Friday, October 20

Trend Report

VANCOUVER @ BUFFALO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Vancouver's last 8 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Vancouver is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Buffalo's last 8 games when playing at home against Vancouver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games at home

SAN JOSE @ NEW JERSEY
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
San Jose is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games

WASHINGTON @ DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games

PITTSBURGH @ FLORIDA
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Florida
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games at home

MINNESOTA @ WINNIPEG
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 6 games

MONTREAL @ ANAHEIM
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games at home