12-13-11

[Mr. IWS]

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[Mr. IWS]

Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL betting trends

HOT TEAM: Detroit Red Wings

The numbers are starting to remind people of the glory days in Hockeytown. An easy 7-1 victory over Winnipeg Jets on Saturday was Detroit’s ninth win in the last 11 games. It was also their second straight victory after a modest two-game skid, and it was their ninth consecutive win on home ice.

The run, as great as it’s been, hasn’t put the Red Wings in first place in the Central Division yet, but if they keep up this pace, it’s hard to imagine they won’t overtake the Chicago Blackhawks at some point.

The scoring, as usual, has been coming from everywhere on the Detroit roster. Johan Franzen has 13 goals, Valtteri Filppula has 10, Pavel Datsyuk has 20 assists, and even Todd Bertuzzi has three goals and 10 points. It all adds up to one of the hottest buys in the league these days.

Keep in mind, it’s the Red Wings we’re talking about, so there will be a price to pay at the window. But wins are wins, and Detroit seems to be feeding off them these days.

COLD TEAM: Tampa Bay Lightning

What a difference a year makes. In June, the Lightning stretched the Eastern Conference Finals to seven games before finally bowing to Boston en route to the Bruins’ Stanley Cup. But along the way, Tampa Bay turned heads throughout the league by defeating powerhouses Pittsburgh and Washington in the first two rounds.

Well, the league has caught up to Tampa Bay’s 1-3-1 defensive system. It was cute last year, it worked well, and it stifled the competition -- not unlike the New Jersey Devils’ old neutral-zone trap. But the party is over. Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Philadelphia was the Lightning’s fourth loss in December, and Tampa Bay has now dropped six of the last seven games.

The offense is there -- Steven Stamkos has 16 goals and Vinny Lecavalier has 11 -- but Tampa Bay is not frustrating the opposition in the neutral zone like they did last year. And if they keep this up, they're going to be out of contention in a hurry in the ultra-tight Eastern Conference.

OVER PLAY: Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs have settled into a decent groove. No longer are they atop the Eastern Conference, which doesn’t surprise anyone, yet no longer are they at the bottom, like so many had become accustomed to. With their depth and their defense, they should remain in the playoff hunt the rest of the way, and will likely have a shot at one of the bottom seeds five months from now.

And while the goaltending has been good at times -- using many different names in the pipes along the way -- it hasn’t been so good that you can’t rely on Toronto for some overs. In fact, with an 18-11 over mark headed into Tuesday’s tilt versus Carolina, the Maple Leafs have become one of the better over plays in the East.

Friday’s 4-2 loss to the Capitals in Washington was Toronto’s sixth over in the last eight games. And the Maple Leafs have allowed 20 goals in their last five games, as well.

UNDER PLAY: Dallas Stars

The Pacific Division race is shaping up to be a beauty. Everyone is alive and well, with the exception of Anaheim, and the Coyotes, Sharks, Stars and Kings have given bettors plenty of reasons to stay up late.

Dallas has had some consistency issues -- the Stars are just 2-2 this month headed into Tuesday’s game at the New York Rangers -- but defense and goaltending has not been a problem. And as a result, the unders have been flowing.

A 2-1 win over the Kings in Los Angeles on Saturday was the Stars’ 15th under of the season, fourth since Nov. 26, and it came from an unlikely source. That’s because goaltender Richard Bachman made 26 saves in his first NHL start in a tough building on the road. As long as magic like that continues to occur, Dallas will remain a quality under play.

SURVEYING THE SCHEDULE:

** The Wild have been the story of the year so far, and rightfully so. A perfect blend of defense, goaltending and just enough offense has Minnesota cruising. But the next two weeks will test this team’s conditioning, as Tuesday’s game at Winnipeg will begin a stretch of six games in 10 days, four of which will be on the road.

** Keep an eye on the Devils as a potential fade play this week. They are offensively challenged to begin with, and this week, they have two different sets of back-to-back games, so their endurance may suffer. They play at Tampa Bay and at Florida on Monday and Tuesday, and then, two days later, they play Dallas at home, and then it’s off to Montreal, on Friday and Saturday. That’s a lot of hockey for a mediocre team.

[Mr. IWS]

Tuesday’s betting tips: Flyers’ top scorer sits

Who’s hot

NHL: Vancouver has won nine of its last 10 games.

NHL: The over is 8-3 in Washington’s last 11 overall.

NCAAB: Wyoming is 16-5-1 against the spread in its last 22 home games.

NCAAB: Mississippi State has covered in four straight.

Who’s not

NHL: The New York Islanders have won just four of their last 19 games in Montreal.

NHL: Buffalo is 3-7 in its last 10.

NCAAB: Minnesota has covered in only five of its last 19 games overall.

NCAAB: San Diego is 6-20 against the spread in its last 26.

Key stat

44.9 – The Wisconsin Badgers own the best scoring defense in college basketball, giving up just 44.9 points per game this season. They head into Tuesday’s date with UW-Milwaukee at 8-2 straight up and 6-1 against the spread.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers - Giroux was held out of practice on Monday and will likely miss Tuesday's contest against the Washington Capitals. The NHL's points leader, Giroux took a knee to the head by teammate Wayne Simmonds' during Saturday's 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Simmonds attempted to leap over Giroux, who left the contest in the second period and did not return. Giroux has collected 16 goals, 23 assists and 16 penalty minutes this season.

Game of the day

Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins (N/A)

Notable quotable

"That shows the real talent and toughness and character of this team. We all know it's going to be a lot more difficult as we get past Christmas, so we've got to continue to play well. But it is an honor to have 10 wins and be the first team in Division I to have 10 wins." – Minnesota Gophers coach Tubby Smith about the team’s 10-1 straight up record. However, the Gophers are just 4-3-1 against the spread heading into Tuesday’s meeting with Central Michigan. Minnesota opened as a 16.5-point favorite.

Notes and tips

Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor underwent surgery Sunday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Taylor was injured in practice earlier this week, but played in Saturday's win over No. 2 Ohio State, scoring nine points and handing out a career-high 13 assists. The leading returning scorer from last season's team, Taylor is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks. He is averaging 15.9 points and 4.7 assists this season.

The Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs fired their head coaches on Monday. The Dolphins canned Tony Sparano following three-plus seasons on the job, leaving secondary coach Todd Bowles to take over on an interim basis. The Chiefs let Haley go one season removed from winning the AFC West title. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will serve as interim coach. Oddsmakers have the Chiefs as 13.5-point home underdogs this week against Green Bay, but no line has been set for Miami’s matchup with Buffalo.

The Sidney Crosby watch is back on. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain was ruled out indefinitely with concussion-like symptoms on Monday. He will miss his third straight game on Tuesday when he sits out against the Detroit Red Wings. Crosby was initially ruled out against the Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders for "precautionary reasons." He has two goals and 10 assists in eight games this season.

[Mr. IWS]

College funds: Tuesday's best NCAAB bets

Wisconsin Badgers at UW-Milwaukee Panthers (10, 112)

Wisconsin looks to continue its recent dominance of an in-state rival when it travels to Milwaukee on Tuesday night. The Badgers, who come in off a 62-51 home win over UNLV Saturday, have won 18 straight against the Panthers dating back to 1992.

The Badgers rank at or near the top of Division I in most defensive categories, leading the nation in points allowed (44.9) and holding opponents to 33.5 percent shooting. Sophomore SG Ben Brust (12.6 ppg, 49.2 percent 3-point shooting) leads a group of four players scoring in double figures, while junior center Jared Berggren adds 11.6 ppg. Senior All-American PG Jordan Taylor averages 11.6 points and 5.7 assists for Wisconsin, which averages an NCAA-best 8.5 turnovers.

Milwaukee had its recent four-game winning streak snapped in a 67-51 setback at Northern Iowa on Saturday. Like the Badgers, the Panthers have been excellent on defense, holding its opposition to 38.9 percent shooting overall and 25 percent from 3-point range.

Even though buckets could be hard to come by, the Badgers have dropped just one game against the number all season and could make a rout of this one.

Pick: Badgers

Central Michigan Chippewas at Minnesota Gophers (-16.5, 129)

Even without Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota has outperformed expectations en route to a hot start and will look to extend its win streak to five games when it hosts Central Michigan Tuesday at Williams Arena. Led by senior Ralph Sampson III’s season-high 15 points and eight rebounds, the Gophers earned their fourth straight victory after defeating St. Peter’s, 69-47.

Mbakwe, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Gophers’ only loss this year, led the team in scoring with 14 points and was the team’s only scorer in double figures. Prior to Mbakwe’s injury, the Gophers had scored at least 70 points in six of seven games. Since then, they’ve only reached the 70-point mark once in four games.

However, in his absence, Sampson and Rodney Williams have been effective, averaging seven and nine points respectively for Minnesota, which has been forced to rely on defense. The Gophers, who shoot 49 percent from the field, have held their opponent under 60 points eight times, including four straight.

Meanwhile, the Chippewas enter on a two-game skid after losing 65-57 against Tennessee State. Central Michigan shot 39 percent from the field and was held to less than 60 points for just the second time this season.

Minnesota has covered in just six of its last 21 home games, so we're looking at the under.

Pick: Under

[Mr. IWS]

Ice picks: Tuesday's best NHL bets

Los Angeles Kings at Boston Bruins (-175, 5)

In one of the worst-kept secrets in the NHL this season, the Los Angeles Kings finally got around to firing coach Terry Murray Monday evening.

Numerous media outlets had been hinting at the move for a while before the Los Angeles Times cited unnamed sources that it was going down this week. Monday evening that became a reality as Murray was relieved of his duties and John Stevens has been named interim coach. Word has it that GM Dean Lombardi was very frustrated that he had to fire Murray and reportedly laced into the team Monday evening.

The Kings had it coming to them, playing well below their potential and there are rumors of conflict in the dressing room. They have lost four straight, scoring just six goals during that span and are averaging a league-worst 2.21 goals per game.

You could do worse than throw a sprinkle on the Kings for the upset here, especially with Bruins captain Zdeno Chara sidelined with a lower-body injury. If you'd like to see how the Kings react to the new coach before backing them, look to the under.

Pick: Kings

Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins (N/A)

Just when everything was looking up for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they’ve taken a couple of steps back.

When healthy, they are probably the deepest team in the league, but injuries forced winger Pascal Dupuis to play in the middle in Saturday’s win over the New York Islanders.

Sidney Crosby is now out again with more concussion symptoms and there’s no timetable for his return, while Jordan Staal is also banged up and also missed Pittsburgh’s last game.

The Penguins have to be commended for playing as well as they have with all the injuries they have faced this year, but you have to wonder how long they’ll be able to keep it up.

Meanwhile, Detroit is just hitting its stride, having won nine of its last 11. The Wings hammered Winnipeg 7-1 on Saturday thanks to six different players chipping in two points.

"It's important to get scoring from a lot of guys, to have that depth so you're not relying on those top two lines to have to do it all the time,” Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom told reporters. “We've got a lot of players chipping in and not relying on (Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk) to do it all for us."

Pick: Red Wings

[Mr. IWS]

DCI NHL

Season: 129-110 (.540)

BOSTON 3, Los Angeles 2
Ottawa vs. BUFFALO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
TORONTO 4, Carolina 3
N.Y. RANGERS 3, Dallas 2
Detroit vs. PITTSBURGH: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Philadelphia vs. WASHINGTON: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Vancouver 3, COLUMBUS 2
MONTREAL 3, N.Y. Islanders 2
New Jersey vs. FLORIDA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
NASHVILLE 3, Calgary 2
Minnesota vs. WINNIPEG: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
San Jose vs. COLORADO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

[Mr. IWS]

DCI CBB

Season
Straight Up: 1067-330 (.764)
ATS: 382-452 (.458)
ATS Vary Units: 1432-1877 (.433)
Over/Under: 413-406 (.504)
Over/Under Vary Units: 601-558 (.519)

Non-Conference
Belmont 72, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 71
Drexel 64, NIAGARA 59
IPFW 79, Dartmouth 61
MICHIGAN 78, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 44
MINNESOTA 71, Central Michigan 52
MISSISSIPPI STATE 79, Florida Atlantic 64
OREGON STATE 76, Uic 60
SAINT MARY'S 77, Jackson State 53
SOUTH CAROLINA 68, Presbyterian 57
TEXAS 86, Nicholls State 56
UC Santa Barbara 73, SAN DIEGO 63
UCF 79, North Carolina A&T 58
Villanova 71, Boston U. 64
Wisconsin 62, WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE 53
WYOMING 78, UC Irvine 64

[Mr. IWS]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with the Rams (+10) Monday.

Tuesday it’s Wisconsin. The deficit is 3024 sirignanos.

[Mr. IWS]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

772- 563 57 % Free Play Run over 3 YEARS

Free play 14-3 run Tues Cal S/B -10

[Mr. IWS]

Hockey Crusher
Play of the Day:

Montreal Canadiens -155 over New York Islanders

[Mr. IWS]

Basketball Crusher
Play of the Day:

Niagara +7 over Drexel

[Mr. IWS]

Sportbook Investing
Play of the Day:

Montreal Canadiens -155 over New York Islanders

[Mr. IWS]

Today's NHL Picks

Calgary at Nashville

The Flames look to take advantage of a Nashville team that is 3-13 in its last 16 Tuesday games. Calgary is the pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+145). Here are all of today's picks.


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Time Posted 7:30 a.m. EST


Game 51-52: Philadelphia at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.207; Washington 12.657
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A


Game 53-54: Carolina at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.839; Toronto 11.042
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+150); Over


Game 55-56: Ottawa at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.404; Buffalo 19.693
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+140); Over


Game 57-58: Detroit at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.740; Pittsburgh 12.903
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A


Game 59-60: Vancouver at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 13.042; Columbus 10.845
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-170); Over


Game 61-62: Los Angeles at Boston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 10.303; Boston 12.170
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-180); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-180); Under


Game 63-64: Dallas at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 10.662; NY Rangers 12.796
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-170); Under


Game 65-66: New Jersey at Florida (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.899; Florida 11.109
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+135); Over


Game 67-68: NY Islanders at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 10.785; Montreal 11.148
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-160); Under


Game 69-70: Calgary at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.923; Nashville 11.357
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+145); Over


Game 71-72: Minnesota at Winnipeg (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 12.034; Winnipeg 11.516
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Over


Game 73-74: San Jose at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.162; Colorado 11.725
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+125); Under

[Mr. IWS]

NCAA Basketball Picks

Florida Atlantic at Mississippi State

The Owls look to build on their 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 games as a road underdog of 13 points or more. Florida Atlantic is the pick (+14) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulldogs favored by only 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+14). Here are all of today's games.


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST


Game 541-542: Wisconsin at WI-Milwaukee (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 71.909; WI-Milwaukee 63.977
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 8; 118
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 10; 112
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (+10); Over


Game 543-544: Florida Atlantic at Mississippi State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 57.525; Mississippi State 68.804
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 11 1/2; 134
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 14; 138
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+14); Under


Game 545-546: Central Michigan at Minnesota (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 49.696; Minnesota 63.483
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 14; 132
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 16 1/2; 128
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+16 1/2); Over


Game 547-548: UC-Irvine at Wyoming (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 47.755; Wyoming 65.868
Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 18; 128
Vegas Line: Wyoming by 16; 133 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wyoming (-16); Under


Game 549-550: UC-Santa Barbara at San Diego (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 60.232; San Diego 51.350
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 9; 132
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 10; 135
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+10); Under


Game 551-552: Illinois-Chicago at Oregon State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 46.346; Oregon State 67.296
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 21; 140
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 16 1/2; 136
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (-16 1/2); Over


Game 553-554: Drexel at Niagara (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 57.947; Niagara 53.374
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 4 1/2; 133
Vegas Line: Drexel by 6 1/2; 128 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (+6 1/2); Over


Game 561-562: Dartmouth at IPFW (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 43.411; IPFW 55.088
Dunkel Line: IPFW by 11 1/2; 131
Vegas Line: IPFW by 9 1/2; 136
Dunkel Pick: IPFW (-9 1/2); Under

[Mr. IWS]

Cappers Access

Minnesota U
Cal Santa Barb

[Mr. IWS]

JOE WIZ DAILY FREE PICK

Dartmouth +11 over IPFW

[Mr. IWS]

Paul Leiner

100* Niagara +6.5

50* Dartmouth +10

[Mr. IWS]

RIGHT ANGLE SPORTS (RAS)
1* CBB* 547 UC-Irvine Anteaters +16.5

[Mr. IWS]

Rickenbach

8* Buf Sabres over 5.5

8* Wisconsin-Milwaukee +10

[Mr. IWS]

charliessports


NCAAB.
500*'s
Wyoming-16, Illinois Chicago+17' & Wisconsin Milwaukee+10'

NCAAB. California Santa Barbara-9' (30*)

NCAAB. Wisconsin @ Wisconsin Milwaukee over 113 (20*)

[Mr. IWS]

FAST CASH EDDY
GAME OF THE MONTH* CBB* Wisconsin Badgers -10
NON CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR* CBB* Drexel Dragons -7

[Mr. IWS]

SPORTS WAGERS

Vancouver -½ -110 over COLUMBUS

After a decent run that saved Scott Arniel’s job for the time being, the Blue Jackets are back to their losing ways. They’ve lost three of their past four games and have not won in regulation time in seven straight. What’s more interesting is that the coach has decided to go with goaltender Steve Mason here. Mason has been on the bench for the past 12 games after posting a 3-12-1 record with a 3.63 goals-against average and meager .875 save percentage. Mason’s confidence has been shattered (and his play has been awful) for two years running so it’s rather curious as to why Arniel decided to go with him against the Canucks when the offensively challenged Kings are in town on Thursday. Vancouver has scored 24 times over its last five games and has scored at least four times in all of those. They’re the hottest team in the NHL, they’re an elite club and they should have little trouble disposing of these Jackets. Play: Vancouver -½ -107 (Risking 2.20 units to win 2).

N.Y. Islanders +230 over MONTREAL (3-way betting line)

What we have here is perhaps the league’s biggest underachiever’s against a Montreal team that is thin on talent everywhere but in goal. Montreal has three wins in its last nine games. One of those was in OT and the other two were decided by a goal. The Canadiens are not capable of blowing away teams and they’re very capable of losing to anyone. Carey Price is to Montreal what Peyton Manning is to the Colts. Meanwhile, the undervalued Islanders got off to an awful start and most of it was goaltender related. That problem has been addressed with Al Montoya (2.43 GAA, .910 save %) offering stability at the all-important position. The Islanders had won four of five and picked up points in all five games before losing to Chicago and Pittsburgh in their past two games. The Isles’ last five losses were against Chicago twice, Pittsburgh twice and Philadelphia, all elite teams and they take a huge step down in class here. Big overlay. Play: N.Y. Islanders +230 (Risking 2 units).

Ottawa +230 over BUFFALO (3-way betting line)

The Senators are in a bit of a funk but that coincided with a nasty schedule that saw them playing six games in 10 days. Ottawa has shown terrific resiliency all season long, bouncing back time and time again when they weren’t supposed to. This is a underrated and undervalued club that is worth backing at these prices because they’re not going away and should remain in the playoff picture throughout. The Sens love coming to the rink again and they come in here rested and should be raring to go after that rough stretch. The Sabres need fixing. They have two ugly wins in their past six games. In the first win of that pair they were outshout 34-14 in Nashville and in the second win they mustered 20 shots on net against Florida. Since Nov. 25th, Buffalo is averaging just 2.25 goals per game and they’re on a 2-28 rut on the power-play. The Sabres heads aren’t in this thing for some reason and that was never more evident than on Saturday night against the Rangers when they surrendered two shorthanded goals. Buffalo is a team in trouble and until they wortk it out, we’ll keep fading them. Play: Ottawa +230 (Risking 2 units).

San Jose -½ +117 over COLORADO

The Sharks conclude their brief three-game road trip here after losing the first two. Their stock is low with just two wins in their last eight games and that provides us with a take-back opportunity for them to win in regulation and one we’re happy to jump on. San Jose has as many quality players as just about anyone. Its two losses on this trip were to St. Louis and Chicago, the latter in OT. They played well enough to win twice but instead lost twice and they’ll dig down deep tonight to salvage something out of this trip and they couldn’t have handpicked a better team to take its frustrations out on. The Avalanche are not a physical or big team. They constantly lose the battles for pucks and against elite teams they’re simply outclassed. Colorado also returns home from the dreaded three-game trip to Western Canada in which they lost all three and were outscored 13-3. No excuses for the superior club here in a game that sets up nicely for them. Play: San Jose -½ +117 (Risking 2 units).

Los Angeles +147 over BOSTON

John Stevens takes over the coaching duties from Terry Murray and perhaps the uninspiring efforts from these Kings will take a turn for the better. This was supposed to be a year that L.A was to make some noise but a slow start has them off the radar at the moment. Two positive angles come into play here with the first one being the first game for a new coach. The second profitable angle is playing a team in the first game of a trip, as they usually play its best game in an effort to “set the tone”. The Bruins have been more beatable at TD Center (10-6) than they’ve been on the road (8-3). They’ll also play this one without Zdeno Chara. Chara plays about 33 minutes a game and his loss is akin to an NFL team losing its #1 QB. The B’s are always tough and this is certainly no cakewalk for the Kings. What it is, however, is an opportunity to right this ship and you can expect the Kings to play one of its best games of the season. Play: Los Angeles +147 (Risking 2 units).

TORONTO -½ -104 over Carolina

Most losing NHL teams have some hope and plenty to build on for the future. The Hurricanes have very little hope. The toll that losing takes on a team without hope has hit the ‘Canes hard. They’ve lost eight of nine with only win over that span occurring against Edmonton. Carolina continues to allow more quality scoring chances than any team in the NHL and it’s not close. The Hurricanes have two high-end talent players on the whole roster, Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal. Skinner leads the team in goals with 12 and the closest player to him has seven. That’s disturbing and to make matters worse, Skinner is on the rack and will miss this game. Also note that the ‘Canes will play their fourth straight on the road after playing in Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg. The Leafs are coming off back-to-back losses to New Jersey and Washington but don’t put too much emphasis on that. They were the better team against both of those clubs but came out on the short end. The Leafs have been beating up on weaker teams all season long, they’ve beaten plenty of quality clubs too and there’s nothing to suggest that won’t continue here. Play: Toronto -½ -104 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).

[Mr. IWS]

DAVID BANKS

Wisconsin Badgers vs. WI-Milwaukee Panthers
A Dairy State battle is lined up for Tuesday night when the Wisconsin Badgers (8-2, 6-1 ATS) make the short trip to Milwaukee to take on the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers (8-2, 2-5 ATS) in their annual rivalry game; tip-off from US Cellular Arena is set to go live on ESPN3 at 8:00 ET.

Since dropping back to back games to both the North Carolina Tar Heels and Marquette Golden Eagles, head coach Bo Ryan's 15th ranked Wisconsin Badgers have posted a pair of impressive home win and covers against Wisconsin Green Bay and UNLV. In doing so, Wiscy improved its record to 6-1 SU & 3-1 ATS as a host after guard Ben Brust came off the bench and erupted for a game-high 25 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field which included a perfect 7-of-7 effort from beyond the arc. Though the Badgers score an average of just 68.1 PPG (#175) and shoot 44.8 percent from the field (#128), they’ve lit it up from downtown scorching the nylon to the tune of a 40.2% shooting percentage (#31). Per usual, the defense has clamped down on the opposition allowing just 44.9 PPG (#1) and a field-goal percentage of just 33.5% (#3). The Badgers have ventured away from Madison only three times this season beating both Bradley and Brigham Young on neutral courts before falling at North Carolina 60-57 (+7) in their only true road game of the season.

Though Wisconsin-Milwaukee sports an identical 8-2 SU record like tonight’s opponent, the schedule it’s taken on has been less than daunting. In fact, of their 10 games played to date, only seven of them had lines posted and the Panthers went on to cover the closing number in only two of those contests. They enter tonight's battle off a bludgeoning at the hands of Northern Iowa whom they fell to by a 67-51 final count as 7.5 point McLeod Center underdogs. Though they limited the Panthers to just 37 percent shooting from the floor, they turned it over 15 times to Northern Iowa’s six, and allowed the hosts to convert nine of 19 shots from beyond the arc. That came as quite a shock for WI-MIL who has done a solid job defending the 3-ball allowing only a 25 percent conversion rate (#12) heading into tonight's game. With the Badgers offense living and dying by the three, it would be best for head coach Rob Jeter’s kids to rediscover its ability to limit the opposition from long range. The Panthers have won all five of their home games on the year (1-1 ATS).

Tonight's matchup marks the first time that Wisconsin Milwaukee has hosted a ranked nonleague opponent since 1997. The Badgers have dominated this series winning 27 of the 28 all-time meetings with the Panthers and enter having won 18 in a row. Wiscy has won each of the L/5 meetings by nearly 19 PPG with the ‘under’ cashing for total bettors in each of those contests. The Badgers have covered six of their last seven non-conference games, but the Panthers are 5-2 ATS following their last seven SU defeats as well as 7-3 ATS versus the L/10 +.500 opponents they’ve faced.
PICK: WISC/WI-MIL UNDER

[Mr. IWS]

NHL Predictions

Hurricanes / Maple Leafs Over 5.5

A coaching change hasn’t done much good for the Hurricanes, who have lost 8 of their last 9 games. The Hurricanes are just 9-18-4 on the season, and just 4-9-2 on the road. Toronto has had struggled of their own recently, losing 4 of their last 5 games. Toronto is 15-11-3 on the season and 6-4-3 at home. On the season the Hurricanes are averaging 2.5 goals per game, but are giving up 3.42 goals against. In their last 5 games the Hurricanes are averaging a high 3.60 goals per game, but are giving up 4.40 goals against. The Maple Leafs are averaging 3 goals per game on the season, but are giving up 3.21 goals against per game (and 3.46 per game at home). Over their last 5 games the Leafs are giving up 3.80 goals against per game. Cam Ward is 9-13-3 for the Hurricanes with a high 3.37 GAA and .896 SV%. Leafs James Reimer is 4-2-2 with a 2.96 GAA and .896 SV%. Take note that the OVER is 4-1 in the Hurricanes last 5 games, and 4-0-1 in their last 5 road games. The OVER is also 6-1-1 in their last 8 games as an underdog. The Maple Leafs games have gone OVER the posted total in 6 of their last 8 games overall, and the OVER is 7-2 in their last 9 home games. The OVER is also 8-3 in their last 11 games vs a team with a winning % below .400. These two teams played to a 3-2 score earlier this season in Carolina, but the OVER is 6-2-1 in their last 9 meetings in Toronto. Both teams have been allowing a lot of goals per game, and neither is really struggling scoring. I like the value on the OVER here.

Calgary Flames +135

Calgary has been playing good hockey as of late, winning 3 straight, 4 of their lat 5, and 6 of their last 8 games (with points in 7 of their last 8). Their recent stretch of good hockey has gotten them back into things in the West with their 14-13-2 record. They are 6-8 on the road this season. Nashville on the other hand have won 2 straight, but have won just 4 of their last 11 games. At home Nashville is just 5-5-3 on the year, and they are just 1-4 in their last 5 home games. These two teams have met twice this season, both times in Calgary. In the first meeting the Flames outplayed the Predators and outshot them 33-14 but lost 2-0. In the second meeting the Flames won 1-0. Take note that the Flames have won 5 of these two teams last 6 meetings, and has beaten the Preds in 6 straight meetings in Nashville. If you look at the two starting goalies Kiprusoff has been better than Rinne as of late. Rinne has allowed less than 3 goals against just twice in his last 9 starts. Kiprusoff has won 4 straight starts, and hasn’t lost in regulation in his last 6 starts (which includes a shutout against the Predators on November 29th). Calgary is playing better hockey recently and have had Nashville’s number – including meetings in Nashville. Take the Flames at a generous underdog price tonight.

[Mr. IWS]

Robert Ferringo

Today's Plays:

CBB:

Small

545 Central Michigan +17.5
553 Drexel -6

Small Teasers

553 Drexel -1 AND Take #541 Wisconsin -5
549 UC-Santa Barbara -4.5 AND 552 Oregon State -12

[Mr. IWS]

Doc Sports
Wisconsin at Wisconsin-Milwaukee 8:00 PM ET over 113

[Mr. IWS]

Hoopsgooroo 12/13
542 Milwaukee +10.5 @ 8p
546 Minnesota -17.5 @ 9p

[Mr. IWS]

Turner System
NCB Niagara*+7
NHL Winnipeg O5.5
NHL Colorado +130

[Mr. IWS]

WUNDERDOG
NHL 57-45 Last 102 picks +$2090
1 OF 4
Game: Carolina at Toronto (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Carolina +155 (moneyline)

The Carolina Hurricanes have been faltering badly of late, as they have but a single win to show for their last nine games. The good news is that it did come on this road trip, as they handled Edmonton 5-3. We also have a dormant offense is coming to life as they have scored 13 goals in their last three games, and own a win this season vs. this Toronto team in the only other time they have met. The Maple Leafs aren't exactly creating confidence when posted as a big favorite, as they have had their own problems recently, especially the 19 goals allowed over their last five games. Toronto is just 1-4 in those five games, dropping four straight in the role of a favorite. The Hurricanes have played very well here as they are 5-1 in their last six trips across the border to Toronto. Play on Carolina here.

[Mr. IWS]

Trusted Picks 12-13
Sides:

Miss ST -13

[Mr. IWS]

FacingTheBook

Dec 13, 8:00PM - Wisconsin vs Wisconsin Milwaukee
$500 - [542] Wisconsin Milwaukee +10 -105

[Mr. IWS]

Ferringo

NHL:

Medium

Washington -125

Small

Los Angeles / Boston ov 5

[Mr. IWS]

Al DeMarco

5 Dime play on Mississippi State as the sizeable home favorite tonight against Florida Atlantic at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville. The host Bulldogs are currently -14 to -14 1/2 points in Las Vegas and offshore books as I release this selection at 4:30AM Pacific.

[Mr. IWS]

Anthony Redd

80 Dime selection on Illinois-Chicago as the road underdog against Oregon State. As this play is relelased at 7:30am Pacific, the Flames are currently getting 16 1/2 points here in Vegas and offshore.

[Mr. IWS]

Scott Ferrell Comp Picks

CBB

ORE ST -16.5

NHL

MON
DET
BUF

[Mr. IWS]

indian cowboy

4 unit c.michigan +17 1/2

[Mr. IWS]

Jrtips wisconsin over 113

[Mr. IWS]

Carolina Capper

NCAAB
15* Pick: Dartmouth/IUPU-Fort Wayne -OVER 136.5

[Mr. IWS]

Lou Lacerda

10* - OVER 5.5 - Philadelphia/Washington

[Mr. IWS]

INDIAN COWBOY
4 UNIT* NHL* TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS - CAROLINA HURRICANES Over 5.5

[Mr. IWS]

Denver Money | NHL Money Line

dime bet 52 WAS (-130) Bodog (http://www.pregameaction.com/?page_id=5) vs 51 PHI

[Mr. IWS]

Gaming Today’s Consensus Picks December 13, 2011 12:55 PM by GT Staff

NHL HOCKEY

Philadelphia Flyers +160

Vancouver Canucks -125

Boston Bruins -180

Minnesota Wild +105

COLLEGE HOOPS

Mississippi State -13

San Diego +10

Niagara +7

[Mr. IWS]

NHL hockey Play of the Day December 13, 2011 1:03 PM by GT Staff

NHL HOCKEY

Philadelphia Flyers +160 @ Washington Capitals @ 4:05 PM

Just cant pass up this big dog who has won five straight games and leads the Atlantic East conference. FLYERS +160