11-29-11

[Mr. IWS]

New Guys!

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Note:

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[Mr. IWS]

NHL NEWS AND NOTES
Panthers-Hurricanes Preview
By Davis Harper


Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes (+110, 5.5)

An offseason coaching change has helped the Florida Panthers reach the top of the Southeast Division.

The Carolina Hurricanes are hoping an in-season one will help them climb out of last place.

Kirk Muller makes his debut as Hurricanes coach Tuesday night when these division rivals meet for the first time in 2011-12.

Under first-year coach Kevin Dineen, Florida (12-7-4) has emerged as the surprising early Southeast leader as it attempts to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

The Panthers were likely taking notice Monday on a day of upheaval in the division. Washington replaced Bruce Boudreau with Dale Hunter while Carolina (8-13-4) got rid of Paul Maurice in favor of Muller.

Muller's first NHL head coaching job begins with a slumping team that has made one playoff appearance since 2006, and has lost 10 of 13 games.

"It's very simple: you've got to get guys to believe in the system," Muller said. "You've got to get them to believe in being accountable for each other. And if you can come every night and you create that culture, and you give them something, a way to believe in how they play and why you're going to win that night, I think that's what players want."

General manager Jim Rutherford said he reached his decision to fire Maurice following the Hurricanes' 4-0 loss at Montreal on Nov. 16.

"We may win (Tuesday) night, we may not, but really what I want to see is on a consistent basis, we have that work ethic," Rutherford said. "And when we get to that consistent basis, the wins will come and they will come in streaks."

Muller's biggest task may be getting the best out of center Eric Staal, who is off to a slow start with 11 points and is minus-17 on the season. Carolina also has a power play that is the league's second-worst at 12.2 percent.

The Hurricanes could be facing the right opponent to get untracked against since they went 4-1-1 in the 2010-11 season series with the Panthers. All three games in the RBC Center were decided by one goal.

Florida is trying to avoid a season-high third straight loss after being swept over the weekend in a home-and-home set against Tampa Bay. The Panthers went 0 for 10 on the power play, including six chances in Saturday's 5-1 defeat.

"I would just say our power play was a pretty good example of our overall game that we didn't have much jump out there," Dineen told the Panthers' official website.

The Panthers were outshot by an average of eight in the two losses. Top scorer Kris Versteeg came up empty after amassing 13 points over a 5-2-0 stretch preceding the games against the Lightning.

"We need to get back to the way we've been successful, and we didn't do that for the last four or five periods," Dineen said.

Florida is expected to start Jose Theodore, 5-2-0 with a 2.31 goals-against average in seven road starts. Carolina's Cam Ward is 8-2-1 with a 2.80 GAA in 13 career home starts against the Panthers.

[Mr. IWS]

ICE PICKS

Tuesday's Best NHL Bets

St. Louis Blues at Washington Capitals (-145, 5.5)

Let’s be honest: Bruce Boudreau isn’t exactly known as a hockey genius.

He’s probably a good guy and is generally known as a players’ coach but it was obvious his team had turned a deaf ear to his tirades. That won’t happen with Dale Hunter, one of the most feared players in the league when he laced them up.

This coaching move was long overdue for the Caps. Teams with this type of talent shouldn’t go through prolonged losing streaks every couple of months like Washington has been guilty of over the last two seasons. That’s something Hunter should put an end to immediately.

“I’m a players’ coach, but the players will know when I’m mad at them,” Hunter told reporters. “If you continuously make mistakes, there will be repercussions.”

The problem with the coaching change is that it’s probably going to be even harder to find a reasonable line for Capitals supporters, though at least they may start playing up to expectations.

PICK: Washington


Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes (+110, 5.5)

You have to feel for Paul Maurice. He could be one of the smartest hockey guys around, but for whatever reason, it just wasn’t working out.

However, likely the most significant reason is lack of talent. Outside of Eric Staal, Cam Ward, and Jeff Skinner, the Hurricanes don’t have a lot to fall back on. So when Staal’s off to the worst start of his career and Ward is fighting the puck, there are bound to be problems.

Kirk Muller may end up as one of the better coaches in the entire league, but he’ll have his problems with this group. The Hurricanes are one of the youngest teams in the league and have a lot to learn - which plays a big part in this coaching move.

“We may win our first game or first three games, but what I'm really looking for are new ideas," general manager Jim Rutherford told reporters. "What I also will look for is a consistent work ethic."

The work ethic may change but the results probably won’t.

PICK: Florida

[Mr. IWS]

NCAA CBB NEWS AND NOTES
Buckeyes Prepare For Blue Devils In Top 5 Matchup

Duke Blue Devils at Ohio State Buckeyes (-5.5, 144)

Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski is not only a great evaluator of talent, but he can spot a sleeping giant of a program as well.

So, the fact that his No. 3 Blue Devils (7-0) will face No. 2 Ohio State on Tuesday in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge is really no surprise to the all-time winner in men's Division I basketball.

He made the prediction that the Buckeyes could become a power when he ran across Ohio State coach Thad Matta on the recruiting trail in the summer of 2004, shortly after Jim O'Brien was fired for violating NCAA rules.

"After I got this job, I was recruiting and Coach K stopped me and said, `Hey, I really believe you've got one of the top jobs in the country,'" Matta said. "He said, `I've looked at Ohio State the past 25 years and I think you can win there.'"

The Buckeyes did, reaching the 2007 national title game before losing to Florida and recording a 34-3 record last season while reaching the Sweet 16 for a second straight year.

Ohio State lost three seniors from that team but it hasn't showed. The Buckeyes are 6-0, though the only ranked team they have faced was then-No. 7 Florida on Nov. 15, a team they defeated, 81-74.

Meanwhile, Duke is coming off wins over No. 15 Michigan (82-65) and No. 14 Kansas (68-61) en route to the Maui Invitational title last week.

"When you're in a dogfight like that and come out on top, you learn something about yourself," Blue Devils guard Tyler Thornton said. "We learned we can play tough. We feel like we can play with anybody in the country."

The Buckeyes have relied on 2011 national freshman of the year Jared Sullinger (18.8 points per game, 10.7 rebounds), William Buford (17.7 ppg) and Aaron Craft (9.2 ppg, 33 assists, 21 steals) while developing chemistry with a young team.

"You can't give (Sullinger) easy ones," Duke forward Mason Plumlee said. "You've got to stay between him and the basket. You've got to be physical. He's a good free-throw shooter, so you can't foul him; you can't bail him out with fouls.

"You just got to keep him off the glass."

Duke spreads its scoring around. In fact, five players -- Seth Curry, Ryan Kelly, Austin Rivers, Mason Plumlee and Andre Dawkins -- average double figures.

"Duke is a good defensive team, a great basketball team overall," Sullinger said. "Coach K. is a great coach and he always has his teams ready for games like this."

No one knows that better than first-year Ohio State video coordinator Greg Paulus, who played for Duke from 2006-09.

"It's fun watching (Duke) on film because they play so hard, they share the ball," he said. "As a college basketball fan, they play the right way."

More than 19,000 fans will pack Value City Arena for this one, and students have camped outside the building for several days with a fervor usually reserved for football games.

"With the Florida game, we thought it was loud," Sullinger said. "Imagine all the hype coming into this game. It's going to be a very loud gym."

[Mr. IWS]

COLLEGE FUNDS

Tuesday's Best NCAAB Bets

Duke Blue Devils at Ohio State Buckeyes (-5.5, 144)

Like so many of us, the Ohio State Buckeyes battled through a turkey hangover when they got back to work following Thanksgiving weekend.

They went into the half against Valparaiso up just four points. Luckily for Buckeyes bettors, they shook it off in the second half and cruised to an 80-47 victory as a 22.5-point favorite. Jared Sullinger had another huge game, posting 14 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

“We weren’t communicating enough, and I think that’s a big sign that we weren’t ready to play,” guard Aaron Craft told reporters. “Coach always says that’s one of the biggest ‘tells’ he has when we’re not ready. We did a good job fixing that in the second half.”

They won’t get away with that kind of effort with Duke visiting Tuesday. The Blue Devils are rolling along at 6-0 straight up and just downed Michigan and Kansas to claim another Maui Invitational title, covering the number in both of those wins.

PICK: Duke


Michigan Wolverines at Virginia Cavaliers (-2.5, 112)

Virginia heads into Tuesday’s date with the Michigan Wolverines owning one of the country’s best defenses. The Cavaliers are giving up just 45.3 points per game on 33.5 percent shooting, but they haven’t faced anything close to the caliber of offense Michigan will bring at them.

The Wolverines have already faced some tough competition at the Maui Invitational. They knocked off then-No. 8 Memphis and gave Duke a run for its money before beating UCLA in the third-place game.

"You don't know how people are going to do when all of a sudden, the teams and the coaches that you see on television every day, and all of a sudden, it's you," Michigan coach John Beilein told reporters. "I really liked what we saw from there."

Virginia has covered in 18 of its last 25 overall but Michigan is a tasty moneyline pick here.

PICK: Michigan

[Mr. IWS]

Tuesday's Betting Tips: 'Cuse Pushes On After Sex Scandal

WHO'S HOT

NHL: Pittsburgh is 10-4 in its last 14 games as an underdog.

NHL: The New York Rangers have won nine of their last 11.

NCAAB: Michigan has covered in nine of its last 10 road games.

NCAAB: Ohio State has covered in seven of its last nine non-conference games.

WHO'S NOT

NHL: Carolina is 3-10 in its last 13.

NHL: Nashville has dropped four straight games.

NCAAB: Maryland is 4-11 against the spread in its last 15 home games.

NCAAB: Arizona is 1-5 against the spread in its last six overall.

KEY STAT

3.24, 3.27 - If you need statistical evidence to back up the coaching changes the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals made Monday, you needn’t look any further than average goals against. The Hurricanes allow 3.24 goals per game (28th in the league) while the Capitals allow 3.27 (29th). We took a deeper look at the coaching changes in today's Ice Picks.

INJURY THAT SHOULDN'T BE OVERLOOKED

Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals - Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt expects quarterback Kevin Kolb to return for this Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Kolb has missed the past four games with an injured foot. He practiced on a limited basis last week, but was ultimately not ready to return for Sunday's win over the St. Louis Rams. John Skelton has been the starter in Kolb's absence, going 3-1. Kolb has thrown for 1,706 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in seven games. Arizona opened around +4.5 at home to Dallas.

GAME OF THE DAY

Duke Blue Devils at Ohio State Buckeyes (-5.5, 144)

NOTABLE QUOTABLE

“The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling. I am personally very shocked because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged. I believe the university took the appropriate step tonight. What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found. I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse.” – Syracuse Orange coach Jim Boeheim in a statement about the dismissal of assistant coach Bernie Fine, who is accused of sexually assaulting at least two former ball boys. The Orange, who are 4-1 against the spread this season, are back in action Tuesday night when they host Eastern Michigan as huge 29-point favorites.

TIPS AND NOTES

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III said he will be under center for Saturday's regular-season finale against Texas. Griffin was knocked out of Saturday's game against Texas Tech with an apparent head injury, but said there was "no doubt" he'd be ready to play against the Longhorns. Griffin was hit hard at the end of a run in the first half. After going to the sideline for one play, he returned to score on a short run. After he was checked out at halftime, the decision was made to keep Griffin on the sideline for the rest of the game. "He had a little trouble remembering what was going on," Baylor coach Art Briles said. "We were going to be cautious because that's the right thing to do. Robert's a tough guy. He wanted to go. ... But he didn't need to go."

Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty has been suspended for three games following his hit on Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang. The discipline was announced Monday after Pacioretty had a hearing with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. He is eligible to return Dec. 6 against Columbus. Pacioretty lowered the boom on Letang, who ended up with a broken nose, late in the third period of Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Penguins. "I feel terrible that he got hurt and I'm thankful that he came back," Pacioretty said of Letang following the game. Pacioretty knows a thing or two about injuries, having been sidelined with a severe concussion and cervical neck fracture after Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara sent him into a stanchion during a game on March 8.

[Mr. IWS]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with the Saints (-7) Monday.

Tuesday it’s Virginia. The deficit is 2884 sirignanos.

[Mr. IWS]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

759- 560 57 % Free Play Run over 3 YEARS

Free play TUES Miami-OH + 12 1/2

[Mr. IWS]

Gamblers Data

Free Play Tuesday

Islanders/Buffalo Under 5.5

[Mr. IWS]

DCI NHL

Season: 102-88 (.537)

BUFFALO 4, N.Y. Islanders 2
St. Louis vs. WASHINGTON: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
CAROLINA 3, Florida 2
N.Y. RANGERS 3, Pittsburgh 2
Ottawa vs. WINNIPEG: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Phoenix vs. CHICAGO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Nashville vs. CALGARY: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
VANCOUVER 4, Columbus 2

[Mr. IWS]

DCI CBB

Season
Straight Up: 674-198 (.773)
ATS: 226-288 (.440)
ATS Vary Units: 895-1300 (.408)
Over/Under: 264-243 (.521)
Over/Under Vary Units: 384-356 (.519)

Non-Conference
AMERICAN 72, Howard 51
Arizona 74, NEW MEXICO STATE 73
ARKANSAS STATE 66, Southeast Missouri State 58
BALL STATE 69, Texas Southern 52
BAYLOR 76, Prairie View A&M 48
CINCINNATI 71, Miami (Ohio) 55
Clemson 68, IOWA 64
East Tennessee State 78, TROY 72
Eastern Kentucky 67, DELAWARE STATE 59
EVANSVILLE 71, Alabama State 57
FORDHAM 73, Colgate 69
Georgia State 66, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 59
HAMPTON 71, High Point 63
HOUSTON 73, Lsu 69
Illinois 70, MARYLAND 68
Michigan 57, VIRGINIA 54
NORTH FLORIDA 70, Bethune-Cookman 55
Northwestern 67, GEORGIA TECH 63
NORTHWESTERN STATE 72, Ualr 69
OHIO STATE 76, Duke 70
OLD DOMINION 66, East Carolina 56
OREGON 73, Utep 62
PENN 69, Manhattan 60
PROVIDENCE 79, Holy Cross 71
PURDUE 71, Miami (Fla.) 62
Saint Louis 72, LOYOLA MARYMOUNT 61
SYRACUSE 78, Eastern Michigan 48
TEXAS 84, North Texas 65
Yale 67, HARTFORD 59

[Mr. IWS]

Basketball Crusher
Play of the Day:

Northwestern -1 over GT

[Mr. IWS]

Sportbook Investing
Play of the Day:

Chicago Blackhawks -140 over the Phoenix Coyotes

[Mr. IWS]

Hockey Crusher
Play of the Day:

Chicago Blackhawks -140 over the Phoenix Coyotes

[Mr. IWS]

Today's NHL Picks

Pittsburgh at NY Rangers

The Penguins look to build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games against Atlantic Division opponents. Pittsburgh is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Time Posted 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 51-52: NY Islanders at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 10.710; Buffalo 11.190 Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-180); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-180); Over

Game 53-54: Florida at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.439; Carolina 9.852 Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-120); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Florida (-120); Under

Game 55-56: St. Louis at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.183; Washington 11.430 Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-130); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Washington (-130); Over

Game 57-58: Pittsburgh at NY Rangers (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.950; NY Rangers 11.938 Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 4 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-110); 5 Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-110); Under

Game 59-60: Ottawa at Winnipeg (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.108; Winnipeg 11.603 Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1/2; 7 Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-130); 6 Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-130); Over

Game 61-62: Phoenix at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.999; Chicago 10.275 Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-145); 6 Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+125); Under

Game 63-64: Nashville at Calgary (9:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.708; Calgary 10.612 Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 5 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-120); 5 Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+100); Over

Game 65-66: Columbus at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.690; Vancouver 12.793 Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-225); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-225); Under