Saturday 11-11-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Larry Ness

Nov 11 '17, 10:30 PM in 11h
NCAA-F | Boise State vs Colorado State
Play on: Boise State -6 -110 at BMaker

My 1* Free Play is on Boise State (10:30 EST).
The 7-2 Boise State Broncos are in Colorado State to take on the 6-3 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.
Boise State is surging towards the finish line as it’s won five straight, most recently a 41-14 victory over Nevada at home last weekend.
Colorado State is trending in the opposite direction, it comes in having dropped two straight, most recently a 16-13 setback to Wyoming last Saturday.
The Broncos come in ranked 48th in scoring offense, averaging 31.1 PPG, while ranked 25th on the defensive side in conceding just 19.9. QB Montell Cozart has 684 passing yards, nine TD’s to just one INT and is also second on the team in rushing with 299 yards on the ground and another four major scores. Brett Rypien has 1,360 yards, seven TD’s and three INT’s.
The Rams are ranked 47th offensively with 31.2 PPG, while ranked 62nd on the defensive side in conceding 25.7. QB Nick Stevens has 2,865 passing yards, 22 TD’s and nine INT’s. RB Dalyn Dawkins has 1,050 yards and five TD’s.
I’ll point out though that the Broncos are a perfect 4-0 ATS their last four on the road, while Coloroado State is 0-4 ATS in its last four conference contets.
Both teams are bowl eligible already, but CSU has dropped out of the conference picture after back-to-back losses. The door is now open for Boise State to step through. Consider laying the points in this matchup.
Good luck…Larry

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jack Jones

Nov 11 '17, 12:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-F | Duke vs Army
Play on: Duke -3 -105 at Bovada

Jack's Free Pick Saturday: Duke -3

At 4-5 on the season, the Duke Blue Devils need two wins in their final three games to get bowl eligible. They host Georgia Tech next week and travel to Wake Forest in the finale, and it would be tough to sweep those two games. So they are looking at this game at Army like a must-win for bowl eligibility.

The Blue Devils opened on fire going 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS, but they have gone 0-5 SU & 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games since. But they got a bye last week to regroup, and that has given the Blue Devils two full weeks to prepare for the triple-option offense that Army runs.

And Duke has been great against the triple-option in recent years. They are 6-0 ATS in their last six against triple-option teams, and I think a lot of that has to do with their familiarity with it. They are also 18-4 ATS in their last 22 non-conference games. They will be ready for Army this week after beating the Black Knights 13-6 at home last year and 44-3 on the road in 2015.

Army is in a letdown spot here. The Black Knights are coming off a 21-0 shutout win at Air Force last week. It was their fifth straight victory, and they are now finally getting a ton of respect from oddsmakers. But they were fortunate to win their two previous games both at home over Eastern Michigan and Temple by a combined 4 points. I think their luck runs out this week against a well-rested and ready Duke squad.

Duke does have a very good defense this season. It gives up just 20.6 points and 340 total yards per game. The key to stopping Army is stopping the run, and the Blue Devils are equipped to do just that. They are giving up only 142 rushing yards per game and 3.9 per carry this season. They have held Army to 165 and 120 rushing yards in their last two meetings, respectively.

David Cutcliffe is 15-6 ATS when the line if +3 to -3 as the coach of Duke. Jeff Monken is 0-6 ATS when playing against a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) as the coach of Army. The Blue Devils are 5-0 ATS in their last five vs. Independent teams. Duke is 12-0 ATS in its last 12 games on fieldturf. The Black Knights are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games. Army is 9-19-1 ATS in its last 29 games following a win. The Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings. Bet Duke Saturday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Price

Nov 11 '17, 10:30 PM in 11h
NCAA-F | Boise State vs Colorado State
Play on: Colorado State +6½ -110 at betonline

Dave's Saturday Free Play:

1* on Colorado State +6.5

The Key: The Colorado State Buffaloes came into the season as one of the favorites to win the Mountain West. But now at 4-2 in MWC play, they cannot afford another loss if they want to get to the title game. Those two losses came to Air Force and Wyoming. They get a chance to redeem themselves against the Boise State Broncos, the team leading the Mountain Division. Boise State is getting a lot of love right now after going 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. And now the price is right to go against them. This line is basically saying that Colorado State would be a 10-point dog on a neutral field against Boise, and I just don't think there's that much difference between these teams. The Rams have a high-powered offense that is putting up 31.2 PPG, 484 YPG and 6.7 YPP, including 42.0 PPG, 543 YPG and 7.6 YPP at home. The Broncos are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 vs. a team with a winning record. The Rams are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 vs. a team with a winning record. Take Colorado State.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Freddy Wills

Nov 11 '17, 3:30 PM in 4h
NCAA-F | SMU vs Navy
Play on: Navy -4½ -110 at betonline

Navy -4.5 1.1% Free Play
Navy is off 3 straight losses, but two have been against top 25 teams Memphis, and Central Florida and the third against Temple who had an extra week to prepare against the triple option with a defensive minded coach. SMU just fell to Central Florida at home by only 7 points where they gave everything they had. I expect a bit of a hang over here on the road against a Navy team that is desperate for a win.
This would normally be a premium play, but it's hard to tell if Navy is distracted this year by the Showtime Series following them around. The -7 TO margin is the big reason why they are not undefeated at this point, but they still can run the ball, and SMU has really struggled to stop it. The last two years SMU has given up 16 rushing TD's and nearly 1,000 rushing yards in 2 games against Navy in 31-75 loss, and a 14-55 loss. SMU has given up 200+ yards five times this year and that is against teams that throw the ball 50% of the time or more. Here Navy should get their 400 control the game and get out with a 7+ point win. I actually don't even think SMU will be able to stop Navy and force a punt. This one could get ugly.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bobby Conn

Nov 11 '17, 3:30 PM in 4h
NCAA-F | Michigan vs Maryland
Play on: Michigan -17 -110 at GTBets

1* Free Play on Michigan -17 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kyle Hunter

Nov 11 '17, 6:00 PM in 7h
NCAA-F | Kansas vs Texas
Play on: UNDER 56 -110

*3 Star Free Pick* The Texas Longhorns defense has been playing really well of late. They allowed 24 against TCU of late, but the Horned Frogs yards per play and total yardage numbers weren't all that impressive. Texas only gave up 13 points to a great Oklahoma State offense. They allowed only 7 points against a Baylor offense that has been pretty good.
Kansas has scored 0 points in two of their last four games. The Jayhawks have scored 9 points or less in 3 of their last 4. This Jayhawks offense has completely fallen apart.
Texas could run up the score here, though it wouldn't prove a whole lot. Texas needs to win another game after this to become bowl eligible. They should look to run clock later in the game.
With one offense inept, this is a fairly high total. I'll take the under here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 11, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

Matchup Edge

TOR	Edge in:	BOS
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Maple Leafs at Bruins

Gracenote
Nov 11, 2017

The Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Boston Bruins on Saturday in the back end of a home-and-home series and will not have leading scorer Auston Matthews for the third straight game because of an upper-body injury. Toronto rallied for a 3-2 victory Friday behind two goals from James van Riemsdyk - the second coming with one minute left in regulation - before Patrick Marleau ended it in overtime.

"Obviously, the guys did a good job coming back,'' Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock told reporters. "A good night for our team. Obviously, it looked like we were getting nothing and suddenly you get two (points). That's positive.'' Toronto tries for its sixth straight victory over Boston while hoping to win for only the second time in its last six road games. The Bruins fell to 0-2-3 versus the Eastern Conference this season but welcomed the return of Brad Marchand, who had an assist Friday after missing two games with a concussion and is second on the team with eight goals and 15 points. Boston's David Pastrnak scored his club-best 10th goal Friday, tallying for the second straight game and giving him 17 points this season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, CBC, CITY (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (11-7-0): Mitch Marner assisted on the final two goals Friday and boasts five in the last four games, but has only a goal and 10 assists this season after recording 19 goals and 61 points as a rookie in 2016-17. "It's great to see Mitch (Marner) be important at the end and get a couple of points,'' Babcock said. "He's looking for some positive reinforcement from the game and if you work real hard the game usually rewards you, so good for him." Curtis McElhinney (1-1-0, 4.10 goals-against average, .869 save percentage this season) is expected to play goal Saturday after Frederik Andersen improved to 9-0-0 versus the Bruins on Friday.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (6-5-4): Patrice Bergeron scored in his second straight game Friday and has 11 points (four goals) in 10 games this season. Noel Acciari returned Friday after missing 13 games with a broken finger and was a minus-1 in 14:47 of ice time. Tuukka Rask (3-5-2, 2.77, .903 this season), who is 15-5-2, 2.07, .927 versus Toronto, will start in goal after Anton Khudobin took the loss Friday.

OVERTIME

1. Marleau, who has 515 goals - tied for 38th all-time with Pierre Turgeon, has three goals and two assists in his last six games.

2. Boston killed 5-of-6 penalties Friday, allowing a power-play goal for the first time in seven games.

3. Matthews leads Toronto with 10 goals and 19 points.

PREDICTION: Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Toronto at Boston

W/L TRENDS

Toronto

Maple Leafs are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Maple Leafs are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Atlantic. Maple Leafs are 37-76 in their last 113 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 21-44 in their last 65 games playing on 0 days rest. Maple Leafs are 16-35 in their last 51 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Maple Leafs are 22-54 in their last 76 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Maple Leafs are 2-6 in their last 8 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Maple Leafs are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. Maple Leafs are 1-4 in their last 5 in the second game of a home-and-home situation.

Boston

Bruins are 44-15 in their last 59 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Bruins are 5-2 in their last 7 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Bruins are 58-28 in their last 86 Saturday games. Bruins are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Bruins are 4-13 in their last 17 games playing on 0 days rest. Bruins are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Bruins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bruins are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Bruins are 0-6 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU TRENDS

Toronto

Over is 8-0-1 in Maple Leafs last 9 Saturday games. Over is 5-1 in Maple Leafs last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 9-2-1 in Maple Leafs last 12 games following a win. Over is 4-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Over is 4-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 overall. Over is 9-3-1 in Maple Leafs last 13 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 6-2-1 in Maple Leafs last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-2-2 in Maple Leafs last 9 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Over is 5-2 in Maple Leafs last 7 vs. Atlantic.

Boston

Under is 6-1 in Bruins last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 4-1-1 in Bruins last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 home games. Under is 4-1-3 in Bruins last 8 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Under is 18-6-7 in Bruins last 31 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Over is 17-7-2 in Bruins last 26 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 14-6-3 in Bruins last 23 games following OT on the previous day.

HEAD TO HEAD

Maple Leafs are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 11, 2017
Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Sabres at Canadiens

Gracenote
Nov 11, 2017

The Montreal Canadiens hope to get two of their most important players back in the lineup Saturday,when they host the Buffalo Sabres for an Atlantic Division matchup. All-Star defenseman Shea Weber (lower body) and offensive whiz Jonathan Drouin (upper body) both missed Montreal’s 3-0 loss to Minnesota on Thursday but were back skating at the optional practice one day later.

“That’s part of hockey,” Canadiens coach Claude Julien told reporters after his team registered 41 shots against Minnesota. “Injuries happen during a season, and you have to manage it. (On Thursday), we still gave ourselves a chance to win.” Montreal’s Charlie Lindgren (5-1-0 career) is expected in net for the fourth straight contest - with former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner Carey Price still day-to-day with a lower-body injury - and will take on a Buffalo team that followed a big win against Washington with a disappointing 4-1 home loss to Florida on Friday. The Sabres have played better since starting the season with five straight losses, but they only have been able to post back-to-back wins once and mustered six shots in the first period against the Panthers while falling into a tie with them for last place in the Eastern Conference. Evander Kane notched an assist for Buffalo in the loss and leads the team with 16 points - five in his last five contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (Buffalo), Sportsnet, TVA (Montreal)

ABOUT THE SABRES (5-9-2): Buffalo is averaging just two goals per game since putting up five at Boston on Oct. 21, and that was the last time Jack Eichel scored as he’s gone seven contests without a tally. Jason Pominville (13 points) recorded two of his six goals in the season opener against Montreal and Ryan O’Reilly (12 points) posted a minus-3 rating on Friday. Nathan Beaulieu (upper body) returned to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 20 and fellow defenseman Josh Gorges (lower body) could be back as early as Saturday after missing nine games.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (7-9-1): Backup goaltender Al Montoya also is out with an upper-body injury, prompting Montreal to recall Zachary Fucale from Laval of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis, but Lindgren has been outstanding as he has posted a .961 save percentage. “I have zero issues of putting him in the net no matter what the situation is,” Julien told reporters. “As an organization, his teammates, everybody has good confidence in him.” Brendan Gallagher leads the team with 12 points, including 10 in his last 10 games, with Weber and Drouin next at 11.

OVERTIME

1. Buffalo RW Kyle Okposo scored his team’s only goal Friday and has two in four games after going scoreless his first 10 contests of the campaign.

2. Montreal LW Alex Galchenyuk has posted just two points - both assists - in his last four games but recorded 18 shots in that span, including eight on Thursday.

3. The Canadiens are 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings, including a 3-2 shootout victory in the season opener on Oct. 5.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 4, Sabres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Buffalo at Montreal

W/L TRENDS

Buffalo

Sabres are 29-62 in their last 91 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Sabres are 67-143 in their last 210 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 20-43 in their last 63 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 49-116 in their last 165 road games. Sabres are 4-10 in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference. Sabres are 6-16 in their last 22 overall. Sabres are 25-68 in their last 93 games playing on 0 days rest. Sabres are 15-42 in their last 57 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Sabres are 1-5 in their last 6 Saturday games.

Montreal

Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Canadiens are 14-4 in their last 18 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Canadiens are 18-6 in their last 24 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Canadiens are 8-3 in their last 11 Saturday games. Canadiens are 5-2 in their last 7 overall. Canadiens are 38-18 in their last 56 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Canadiens are 3-8 in their last 11 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Buffalo

Under is 5-0-1 in Sabres last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0-1 in Sabres last 5 road games. Over is 4-1 in Sabres last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Sabres last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 3-1-1 in Sabres last 5 overall. Over is 3-1-1 in Sabres last 5 Saturday games. Under is 5-2-1 in Sabres last 8 vs. a team with a losing record.

Montreal

Over is 4-0 in Canadiens last 4 Saturday games. Over is 3-0-1 in Canadiens last 4 vs. Atlantic. Over is 4-0 in Canadiens last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-0 in Canadiens last 5 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 5-1 in Canadiens last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 8-3-3 in Canadiens last 14 following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 9-4 in Canadiens last 13 overall. Under is 13-6-4 in Canadiens last 23 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 3-0-3 in the last 6 meetings in Montreal. Over is 5-2-5 in the last 12 meetings. Sabres are 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Montreal. Sabres are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 11, 2017
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Blue Jackets at Red Wings

Gracenote
Nov 10, 2017

The Columbus Blue Jackets hope to halt a four-game slide as they begin a stretch of three games against Original Six clubs Saturday versus the host Detroit Red Wings. Columbus, which follows with games against Montreal and the New York Rangers, fell to 0-3-1 over its last four contests with Friday's 3-1 loss to Carolina, a game in which it owned a lead after one period before allowing the final three goals.

Brandon Dubinsky continues to make up for an awful first month of the season as he scored the Blue Jackets' goal against the Hurricanes to give him four points (two goals) over his first five games of November. After breaking even on a four-game trek through Canada, Detroit begins a string of five contests at home, where it owns a 2-2-1 record. The Red Wings were thwarted Thursday in their attempt at their first three-game winning streak of the season as they concluded their road trip with a 6-3 loss at Calgary. Anthony Mantha recorded a goal and two assists in the setback to raise his team-leading point total to 16.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Columbus), FSN Detroit

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (9-7-1): Columbus' winless streak has coincided with its power play, which has failed to produce a goal in 11 opportunities during the slide. The club is 5-for-50 with the man advantage on the season, putting it last in the league. Alexander Wennberg has been one of the Blue Jackets' biggest disappointments thus far, recording one goal in 17 games after notching a career-high 13 in 80 contests last season.

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (8-8-1): Mantha is beginning to live up to being the 20th overall pick in the 2013 draft as he leads the team with eight goals in 17 games after recording 17 in 60 contests last season. The 23-year-old right wing has tallied in four of his last five games and notched eight points in his last six matches. Rookie Martin Frk is riding a three-game goal-scoring streak and is tied for second on the team with six and even with Mantha for first with three power-play tallies.

OVERTIME

1. Red Wings C Frans Nielsen has collected four points over his last three games to double his season total.

2. Columbus C Zac Dalpe sat out his second straight contest Friday because of an upper-body injury.

3. Detroit C Scott Wilson has gone nine games without registering a point since being acquired from Pittsburgh on Oct. 21.

PREDICTION: Red Wings 4, Blue Jackets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Columbus at Detroit

W/L TRENDS

Columbus

Blue Jackets are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Blue Jackets are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Blue Jackets are 9-4 in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Blue Jackets are 4-9 in their last 13 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 5-12 in their last 17 road games. Blue Jackets are 2-5 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Blue Jackets are 1-5 in their last 6 Saturday games. Blue Jackets are 0-4 in their last 4 overall.

Detroit

Red Wings are 7-1 in their last 8 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Red Wings are 18-39 in their last 57 vs. Eastern Conference. Red Wings are 4-11 in their last 15 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-6 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Red Wings are 0-4 in their last 4 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.

OU TRENDS

Columbus

Over is 3-0-2 in Blue Jackets last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Blue Jackets last 4 vs. Atlantic. Under is 5-1-1 in Blue Jackets last 7 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Over is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 road games. Over is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 Saturday games. Over is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 18-7-1 in Blue Jackets last 26 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2-1 in Blue Jackets last 8 games playing on 0 days rest.

Detroit

Under is 5-0 in Red Wings last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-0 in Red Wings last 4 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 2-0-2 in Red Wings last 4 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 4-0 in Red Wings last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1-1 in Red Wings last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 7-2 in Red Wings last 9 overall. Over is 17-7-4 in Red Wings last 28 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Detroit. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 21-8-1 in the last 30 meetings in Detroit.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 11, 2017
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Panthers at Devils

Gracenote
Nov 11, 2017

The New Jersey Devils are fighting through their first bit of adversity this season and look to end a four-game winless streak when they host the Florida Panthers on Saturday. The Devils have picked up a pair of points during their skid, including one in a 3-2 overtime loss to Edmonton on Thursday, but have given up 16 goals in their last four contests while the Panthers are near the top of the league in scoring.

“It was a pretty good effort,” New Jersey's Brian Boyle told reporters Thursday after scoring his first goal of the season. “It’s still a work in progress. It’s November. We’ve still got a bunch of points. We need to get better. … I think everybody’s got the right mindset.” The Devils outshot an opponent for the first time in eight games Thursday and hope to do so again versus Florida, which snapped a five-game losing streak Friday with a 4-1 victory at Buffalo. The Panthers, who are last in the league in goals-against average (3.93), allowed fewer than two for just the second time this season on Friday in what Roberto Luongo called “probably” their best defensive game of the season. “There were no passengers on this team,” Luongo told the Sun Sentinel. “That’s what it takes to win in this league.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Florida, MSG Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (5-8-2): Despite their record, Florida has five players averaging more than a point per contest while Vincent Trocheck is riding a four-game goal-scoring streak that has raised his team-high total to eight. Jonathan Huberdeau registered three assists Friday to take over the team lead with 19 points and Aleksander Barkov notched two points to tie Trocheck at 17 while Evgenii Dadonov (16) added a goal and an assist. James Reimer (3-4-1, .890 save percentage), who sat out the last three games as Luongo returned from a hand injury, could be back in net for the second contest of a back-to-back set.

ABOUT THE DEVILS (9-4-2): Boyle, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in September, went 9-5 in the faceoff circles on Thursday and told MSG after scoring his first-period goal: “I’ve never cried after a goal before. That’s a great feeling. It’s everything.” Boyle can add offense among the bottom-six forwards to support the top lines as Taylor Hall leads the team with 17 points (12 assists) and Brian Gibbons has scored a club-best seven goals. Rookie Nico Hischier has been held without a goal in eight consecutive games while Adam Henrique has notched just one point in five contests this month.

OVERTIME

1. Florida D Aaron Ekblad has had a bounce-back season with eight points and a plus-8 rating after finishing at minus-23 in 2016-17.

2. The Devils are 0-for-11 on the power play this month but still were eighth in the league (21.6 percent) through Thursday.

3. The Panthers have won five straight against New Jersey, allowing just seven goals during that stretch.

PREDICTION: Devils 4, Panthers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Florida at New Jersey

W/L TRENDS

Florida

Panthers are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Panthers are 10-25 in their last 35 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Panthers are 3-8 in their last 11 games following a win. Panthers are 4-12 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record. Panthers are 7-21 in their last 28 vs. Eastern Conference. Panthers are 3-10 in their last 13 road games. Panthers are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Panthers are 1-5 in their last 6 overall. Panthers are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Metropolitan.

New Jersey

Devils are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Devils are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Devils are 190-89-12 in their last 291 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Devils are 20-45 in their last 65 games playing on 1 days rest. Devils are 10-23 in their last 33 home games. Devils are 5-16 in their last 21 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 4-14 in their last 18 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 0-4 in their last 4 overall.

OU TRENDS

Florida

Over is 6-1 in Panthers last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Panthers last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 11-4 in Panthers last 15 overall. Over is 5-2 in Panthers last 7 games following a win. Over is 5-2 in Panthers last 7 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 9-4 in Panthers last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.

New Jersey

Over is 7-0-2 in Devils last 9 vs. Atlantic. Over is 8-1-1 in Devils last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 9-2 in Devils last 11 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 11-5-2 in Devils last 18 overall. Under is 34-16-10 in Devils last 60 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 27-13-11 in Devils last 51 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Panthers are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Home team is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings. Panthers are 10-28-1 in the last 39 meetings in New Jersey.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 11, 2017
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Wild at Flyers

Gracenote
Nov 10, 2017

Jakub Voracek has recorded back-to-back multi-point performances and eight this season as the Philadelphia Flyers' top line continues to produce a significant percentage of the team's offense. Voracek, Sean Couturier and captain Claude Giroux look to keep surging ahead on Saturday as the Flyers conclude their three-game stretch at Wells Fargo Center with the opener of a home-and-home series versus the Minnesota Wild.

All three members of the line scored a goal and Voracek and Giroux each added a pair of assists in Philadelphia's 3-1 triumph over Chicago, improving the club to 2-0-1 in its last three games. Voracek has collected 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in the last eight contests overall and scored two goals and set up another as the Flyers swept last season's two-game series versus the Wild. Jason Zucker bettered his two-goal performance in Wednesday's 4-2 setback at Toronto by netting a natural hat trick the following night as Minnesota snapped a three-game skid with a 3-0 win at Montreal. "I'll take them any way I can get them," the 25-year-old Zucker said. "I guarantee I've never done that (score five times in two games). It's nice to get that, but we've got to regroup and get ready for our next game in Philly."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), NBCSN Philadelphia-Plus

ABOUT THE WILD (6-7-2): Devan Dubnyk turned aside all 41 shots he faced on Thursday for his first shutout of the season and 25th career, improving his save percentage to .933 in his past six starts. The 31-year-old Saskatchewan native hasn't been as fortunate versus Philadelphia, dropping both encounters last season to see his career record against the club fall to 2-5-1. Eric Staal notched a pair of assists against the Flyers last season, increasing his career total to 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists) in 50 contests.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (8-6-2): Couturier has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in his last eight games overall, and perhaps more importantly earned the respect of Giroux with the way he plays away from the puck. "He's a really smart player," Giroux told Philly.com. "So he's good at finding ways to get open, finding air. ... Hey, make sure you don't tell him I said he was smart, OK?" Couturier scored in Philadelphia's 3-1 win at Minnesota on March 23 and fellow forward Wayne Simmonds had two assists versus the Wild last season, giving him 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 21 career encounters.

OVERTIME

1. Philadelphia G Brian Elliott turned aside 38 shots on Thursday to improve his save percentage to .934 in his last four starts. He sports a 9-2-0 mark with two shutouts in 13 career games against Minnesota.

2. Wild RW Nino Niederreiter has scored two goals and set up two others in six games since returning from a high ankle sprain.

3. The line of Couturier, Giroux and Voracek has totaled 23 goals and 60 points in 16 games, putting the unit second in the NHL.

PREDICTION: Wild 3, Flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at Philadelphia

W/L TRENDS

Minnesota

Wild are 5-0 in their last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Wild are 3-7 in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Wild are 3-7 in their last 10 Saturday games. Wild are 8-22 in their last 30 vs. Metropolitan. Wild are 3-13 in their last 16 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 1-7 in their last 8 games following a win.

Philadelphia

Flyers are 6-1 in their last 7 Saturday games. Flyers are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Central. Flyers are 7-21 in their last 28 games following a win. Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Flyers are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Flyers are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.

OU TRENDS

Minnesota

Under is 4-0 in Wild last 4 games following a win. Under is 5-0-1 in Wild last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Wild last 6 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Over is 5-1-2 in Wild last 8 road games. Over is 5-1 in Wild last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 9-2-1 in Wild last 12 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 6-2 in Wild last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2-1 in Wild last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 7-3-1 in Wild last 11 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 11-5-4 in Wild last 20 Saturday games.

Philadelphia

Over is 6-1 in Flyers last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 5-1 in Flyers last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 5-1 in Flyers last 6 games following a win. Under is 8-2 in Flyers last 10 vs. Central. Over is 9-3 in Flyers last 12 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 8-3 in Flyers last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 18-7-1 in Flyers last 26 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 7-3 in Flyers last 10 home games. Under is 14-6-1 in Flyers last 21 vs. Western Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 1-0-3 in the last 4 meetings in Philadelphia. Wild are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia. Wild are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 11, 2017
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina

Matchup Edge

CHI	Edge in:	CAR
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Blackhawks at Hurricanes

Gracenote
Nov 11, 2017

The Chicago Blackhawks hope to end their baffling offensive woes while taking on some old friends when they visit the rejuvenated Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. The Blackhawks, who scored 15 goals in their first two games of the season, managed a total of one in losing their last two and have tallied only 12 times over the last seven contests while falling back to .500 (7-7-2).

“I guess we all just have to have a little faith, we have to stick with it,” Chicago captain Jonathan Toews told reporters after a 3-1 loss at Philadelphia on Thursday. “Once we see a few go in, then everyone is going to feed off that confidence and feed off that energy those goals give us.” The Blackhawks are expected to face their former backup Scott Darling while ex-teammates Marcus Kruger, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Teuvo Teravainen, Joakim Nordstrom and Klas Dahlbeck all are on Carolina's roster. Jordan Staal scored twice as the Hurricanes rallied to post a 3-1 victory over Columbus on Friday - their second straight triumph after losing four in a row. “We played with speed (Friday),” Staal told reporters. “Our execution has been slowly improving, and it’s a continuing process we have to do day in and day out if we want to win games.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Carolinas

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (7-7-2): Coach Joel Quenneville started the last game with Toews centering Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp on the top line, but Brandon Saad replaced Sharp after a slow start and finished with a season-high eight shots. Saad has not scored a goal in 10 games while Kane, who leads the team with 14 points, was kept off the scoresheet the last two contests and Ryan Hartman (10 points) has been blanked in four straight. One of the problems on offense is the power play as Chicago is just 3-for-36 with the man advantage in its last nine contests.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (6-5-3): Darling, who went 18-5-5 with Chicago last season before being traded to Carolina, has given up one goal each in his last two starts and is 2-0-2 in his past four outings. Justin Williams notched an assist on Friday for his seventh point in six games and team-leading 12th overall while Jeff Skinner (team-best seven goals) has been kept off the scoresheet in four straight. Brett Pesce returned to the lineup after missing three games with a concussion, logging 23 minutes, 3 seconds of ice time, and fellow defenseman Noah Hanifin posted an assist for the third consecutive contest.

OVERTIME

1. Carolina RW Sebastian Aho recorded his eighth assist of the season Friday but is looking for his first goal after scoring 24 in 2016-17.

2. Chicago G Corey Crawford has allowed eight goals over his last six games, posting a .951 save percentage in that span.

3. The Hurricanes have won three of the last four meetings but lost the most recent matchup 2-1 on Jan. 6.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Hurricanes 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chicago at Carolina

W/L TRENDS

Chicago

Blackhawks are 7-1 in their last 8 vs. Metropolitan. Blackhawks are 4-1 in their last 5 Saturday games. Blackhawks are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Blackhawks are 3-8 in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest. Blackhawks are 3-9 in their last 12 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 3-10 in their last 13 road games. Blackhawks are 3-14 in their last 17 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Carolina

Hurricanes are 37-77 in their last 114 Saturday games. Hurricanes are 2-5 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Hurricanes are 2-7 in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Hurricanes are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Hurricanes are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Central. Hurricanes are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Chicago

Under is 4-0 in Blackhawks last 4 overall. Under is 4-0 in Blackhawks last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 3-0-2 in Blackhawks last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 7-1-3 in Blackhawks last 11 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1-1 in Blackhawks last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 23-8-7 in Blackhawks last 38 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 17-6-5 in Blackhawks last 28 road games. Under is 33-12-12 in Blackhawks last 57 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 7-3-3 in Blackhawks last 13 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Carolina

Under is 5-1 in Hurricanes last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games following a win. Under is 5-2-1 in Hurricanes last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 vs. Central.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 3-0-2 in the last 5 meetings in Carolina. Under is 3-0-2 in the last 5 meetings. Home team is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings. Blackhawks are 2-8-1 in the last 11 meetings in Carolina.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at St. Louis

W/L TRENDS

NY Islanders

Islanders are 9-0 in their last 9 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Islanders are 12-1 in their last 13 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 16-35 in their last 51 Saturday games. Islanders are 3-7 in their last 10 vs. Central. Islanders are 4-14 in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

St. Louis

Blues are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Blues are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. Metropolitan. Blues are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win. Blues are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Blues are 22-6 in their last 28 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 66-18 in their last 84 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Blues are 16-5 in their last 21 home games. Blues are 20-8 in their last 28 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 82-36 in their last 118 Saturday games. Blues are 40-18 in their last 58 overall.

OU TRENDS

NY Islanders

Over is 5-0 in Islanders last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 8-2 in Islanders last 10 overall. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 road games. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 Saturday games. Over is 6-2 in Islanders last 8 vs. Western Conference. Under is 5-2 in Islanders last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.

St. Louis

Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 6-0 in Blues last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 5-1 in Blues last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 21-6-4 in Blues last 31 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 21-8-1 in Blues last 30 games following a win. Under is 5-2 in Blues last 7 overall. Under is 5-2-1 in Blues last 8 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 16-7-2 in Blues last 25 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in St. Louis. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Islanders are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings. Islanders are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in St. Louis.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 11, 2017
Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Penguins at Predators

Gracenote
Nov 11, 2017

The Nashville Predators are in the midst of their longest winning streak of the season and look to keep it going as Kyle Turris makes his debut when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. Nashville closed out a four-game road trip with three straight victories, including a 3-1 triumph at Columbus on Tuesday.

Turris was acquired in a three-team trade involving Ottawa and Colorado on Sunday but was kept from joining his new club for several days while waiting for the completion of the immigration process. The 28-year-old has participated on a line with Kevin Fiala and Craig Smith during practice and could center the unit against Pittsburgh. The Penguins' road winless streak reached three games (0-2-1) on Friday as they dropped a 4-1 decision at Washington. Phil Kessel was credited with the goal for Pittsburgh and leads the team in scoring with 20 points.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FSN Tennessee (Nashville)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (9-7-2): Kessel is riding a three-game point streak during which he has recorded two goals and three assists. The 30-year-old has been consistent offensively thus far this season, notching at least one point in 14 of his 18 contests. Sidney Crosby, the reigning Maurice Richard Trophy winner, has gone 10 consecutive games without a goal.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (8-5-2): Viktor Arvidsson extended his goal-scoring streak to three games Tuesday and added an assist after being kept off the scoresheet in six consecutive contests. Filip Forsberg hopes to break out of his slump Saturday as he has gone four straight games without a tally. The 23-year-old Swede leads the team with eight goals and is one shy of 100 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Penguins C Evgeni Malkin ranks second on the team with 19 points, notching four over his last two games and at least one in six of his last seven contests.

2. Nashville C Ryan Johansen, who has scored at least 14 goals in each of the last four seasons, has yet to tally in 2017-18.

3. Pittsburgh ranks third in the league in power-play percentage (26.1) and has scored the second-highest amount of man-advantage goals (18).

PREDICTION: Penguins 3, Predators 2