Thursday 10-5-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Yankees at Cleveland

W/L Trends

NY Yankees

Yankees are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. American League Central. Yankees are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Yankees are 6-1 in their last 7 during game 1 of a series. Yankees are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Yankees are 20-6 in their last 26 games on grass. Yankees are 6-2 in their last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Yankees are 19-7 in their last 26 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Yankees are 21-8 in their last 29 overall. Yankees are 5-2 in their last 7 Divisional Playoff road games. Yankees are 11-5 in their last 16 Divisional Playoff games. Yankees are 35-17 in their last 52 games vs. a right-handed starter. Yankees are 2-6 in their last 8 playoff road games. Yankees are 1-5 in their last 6 playoff games.

Cleveland

Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 Divisional Playoff home games. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 Divisional Playoff games. Indians are 7-1 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Indians are 7-1 in their last 8 games following an off day. Indians are 42-9 in their last 51 overall. Indians are 13-3 in their last 16 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Indians are 43-10 in their last 53 games following a win. Indians are 21-5 in their last 26 during game 1 of a series. Indians are 42-11 in their last 53 games on grass. Indians are 42-14 in their last 56 Thursday games. Indians are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. American League East. Indians are 37-14 in their last 51 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Indians are 38-16 in their last 54 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Indians are 35-16 in their last 51 home games. Indians are 35-16 in their last 51 vs. a team with a winning record. Indians are 6-0 in Bauers last 6 starts vs. American League East. Indians are 4-0 in Bauers last 4 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Indians are 5-0 in Bauers last 5 Thursday starts. Indians are 4-0 in Bauers last 4 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Indians are 7-1 in Bauers last 8 starts with 5 days of rest. Indians are 4-1 in Bauers last 5 starts during game 1 of a series. Indians are 7-2 in Bauers last 9 starts. Indians are 7-2 in Bauers last 9 starts on grass. Indians are 6-2 in Bauers last 8 home starts. Indians are 20-8 in Bauers last 28 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Indians are 5-2 in Bauers last 7 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.

OU Trends

NY Yankees

Under is 4-0 in Yankees last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Under is 4-0 in Yankees last 4 Divisional Playoff games. Over is 5-1 in Yankees last 6 Thursday games. Over is 4-1 in Yankees last 5 games following an off day. Under is 4-1 in Yankees last 5 games following a win. Over is 9-3 in Yankees last 12 vs. American League Central. Over is 11-4-2 in Yankees last 17 playoff road games. Over is 8-3 in Yankees last 11 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 8-3 in Yankees last 11 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Yankees last 7 on grass. Under is 5-2 in Yankees last 7 overall. Under is 7-3 in Yankees last 10 playoff games. Under is 7-3 in Yankees last 10 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Cleveland

Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 on grass. Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 vs. American League East. Under is 11-3 in Indians last 14 playoff games. Under is 15-5-1 in Indians last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 15-5-2 in Indians last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 8-3-2 in Indians last 13 playoff home games. Under is 13-5 in Indians last 18 games following a win. Under is 20-8-2 in Indians last 30 home games. Under is 10-4 in Indians last 14 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 12-5 in Indians last 17 Thursday games. Under is 25-12-3 in Indians last 40 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 6-1-2 in Bauers last 9 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-1 in Bauers last 6 starts on grass. Under is 5-1 in Bauers last 6 starts overall. Over is 5-1 in Bauers last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 8-2-3 in Bauers last 13 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Under is 3-1-1 in Bauers last 5 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 38-15-5 in Bauers last 58 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 7-3-1 in Bauers last 11 home starts. Under is 7-3-3 in Bauers last 13 starts vs. American League East.

Head to Head

Over is 2-0-2 in Bauers last 4 home starts vs. Yankees. Under is 2-0-2 in Bauers last 4 starts vs. Yankees. Over is 9-3-2 in the last 14 meetings in Cleveland. Yankees are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #5 - BELMONT PARK - 3:07 PM EASTERN POST
8½ FURLONGS TURF FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $40,000.00 OPTIONAL CLAIMING $65,000.00 PURSE

#4 STYLE DRIFT
#2 LADY JOAN
#3 VERDANT PASTURES
#7 BELLE OF THE SPA

#4 STYLE DRIFT qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," takes a slight class drop (-1) is the overall speed leader in this O.C. field racing at, or about, today's distance of 8½ furlongs on the turf, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four of her last five outings, winning in both her 3rd and 5th races back. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Chad Brown send her to the post ... they've hit the board with an impressive 66% of more than 150 entries saddled as a team to date. #2 LADY JOAN has hit the board in four straight, with her last three efforts, including a win in her 3rd race back, also qualifying as "POWER RUNS."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #1 - Post: 7:00pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 69

Rating: 4

#5 OFFICER RIDGE (ML=2/1)


OFFICER RIDGE - Peltroche and Contreras partnered together are a punter's friend.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 LIMEHOUSER (ML=9/5), #3 I NEED YOU (ML=5/1), #6 DEANDREA'S PRIDE (ML=6/1),

LIMEHOUSER - Hasn't been on the Charles Town oval in the last 3 weeks. Cause for some concern. I NEED YOU - Generally I need a sprinter to have some recent good showings in sprint contests in order to wager on him. This rallier looks to have little chance without a speed battle on the front end. DEANDREA'S PRIDE - This was a hot horse, but now this one hasn't been doing anything in the morning. Have to be leery of this one.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - OFFICER RIDGE - My calculated information would suggest that some type of wager is indeed necessary given the lone speed that this horse should demonstrate against this field.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #5 OFFICER RIDGE on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
5 with 6

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes - Race 3

EXACTA * TRIFECTA * SUPERFECTA * PICK 3 (50 Cent Minimum: Races 3-4-5) * DAILY DOUBLE (Races 3-4)


Claiming $5,000 • 1 Mile 40 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 75 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 2:08P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 5 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. GIGGY SMOOTH is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * GIGGY SMOOTH: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. SCHOUT BAY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. SMOOTH CAT: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. EMERGENCY EXIT: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
1
GIGGY SMOOTH
5/2

9/2
2
SCHOUT BAY
3/1

5/1
4
SMOOTH CAT
9/5

6/1
6
EMERGENCY EXIT
6/1

10/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fresno

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - SA - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10500 Class Rating: 91

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $4,000 OR LESS IN 2016-2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE AUGUST 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 SHEZ A GRILLER 8/1

# 7 BELLANZA 2/1

# 6 DIZZY TIZZY 3/1

SHEZ A GRILLER looks to be a very good contender and the potential return justifies the dangerous nature of the long odds. With Orozco getting the mount, watch out for this pony. BELLANZA - Demonstrates the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 85 Equibase Speed Fig which is one of the most favorable in this field. Looks solid against this group and will almost certainly be one of the leaders. DIZZY TIZZY - Should keep the strong string of finish positions intact this time around. Overall, has one of the best earnings per start in dirt sprint contests in this bunch.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream Park West

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 8 - Maiden Claiming - 7.5f on the Turf. Purse: $20000 Class Rating: 64

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 119 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 A. P. D'ORO 15/1

# 1 EL GUERRERO AZTECA 5/1

# 7 MCMANAMAN 10/1

A. P. D'ORO is my choice and the potential return justifies the unsafe nature of the long odds. Alvarez will almost certainly be able to get this colt to break out early for this event. Look for a decent pace improvement from this equine who enters with second time Lasix today. Displays the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 59 speed figure which is one of the best in this field. EL GUERRERO AZTECA - Should compete very well in the pace battle which bodes well with this group of horses in this race. MCMANAMAN - Is tough not to look at given the company run in as of late.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Remington Park

Remington Park - Race 9

Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta (.10 Cent Minimum)


Allowance • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 85 • Purse: $34,000 • Post: 10:45
(RAIL AT 18 FEET). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, TRIAL OR OKLAHOMA BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. (IF MANAGEMENT DEEMS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE THIS RACE OFF THE TURF, IT WILL BE RUN AT A DISTANCE OF 1 MILE ON THE MAIN TRACK.)
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * MIMI'S MONEY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. NATALIE'S MISCHIEF: Today is a horse's first or second race on turf, and turf starters from this sire have a win percentage of at least 15 (minimum of 50 starts). Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. MAKE AM ENDS: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. ENCHANTING EMBRACE: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or tur f) is at least 50. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.
9
MIMI'S MONEY
15/1

9/2
3
NATALIE'S MISCHIEF
8/1

6/1
10
MAKE AMENDS
2/1

7/1
6
ENCHANTING EMBRACE
4/1

10/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #3 - Post: 2:01pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating: 3

#7 GATO DOLCE (ML=5/1)
#12 ROLLS ROYCE DEAL (ML=12/1)
#9 OREJAS (ML=4/1)
#8 SUPREME GIANT (ML=12/1)


GATO DOLCE - I predict an ideal trip. Stalk the front runners, and swing by on the turn. ROLLS ROYCE DEAL - Jockey hops up aloft after getting to know the fine animal by riding last out. That's always a helpful angle. OREJAS - Ran in the last race against a tougher field at Del Mar. The move to a lower class rank should suit him well. This horse is a hot commodity. Claimed in his last two races. SUPREME GIANT - Gelding's finish positions keep getting better with each race. Maybe today's the day. Finished second, but easily runner-up over the third horse. Those types usually run well next time out.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 EMPIRE RULER (ML=3/1), #1 SOONER BOOMER (ML=6/1), #5 SOUTHERN THUNDER (ML=8/1),

EMPIRE RULER - No picnic to play this racer this time out. Make him show you something in a sprint contest before you bet on him in a race of 6 1/2 furlongs. Don't believe this horse will make an impact in today's event. That last speed figure was disappointing when compared with today's class rating. SOONER BOOMER - A runner should have more early zip at 1 mile to get me going about his chances at 6 1/2 furlongs. A strong thoroughbred that's been running well, but he's been off the track in the mornings recently. The rating last time out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's event. Mark this thoroughbred as a possibly overvalued equine. SOUTHERN THUNDER - Last raced on Aug 19th at Del Mar, finishing sixth. Unlikely to perk up off of that performance in today's race. Hasn't finished in the money in any sprint contests recently. Improbable to see him doing it in today's event either.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 GATO DOLCE is going to be the play if we are getting 9/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,9,12]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, October 5, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

Preview: Predators at Bruins

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

The Nashville Predators advanced past the second round for the first time in franchise history in the spring, moving past the Western Conference final before falling just two wins shy of the Stanley Cup title. The Music City representatives look to take the first step on what they hope is another long journey on Thursday when they open the 2017-18 season against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.

Nashville boasts a potent top line that features 31-goal scoring wings Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson around center Ryan Johansen, who erupted for 13 points in 14 playoff games before being shut down due to acute compartment syndrome. The Predators' offense takes a hit after this trio, with the team banking on offseason acquisition Nick Bonino (Pittsburgh) paying dividends and Colton Sissons, Kevin Fiala and Pontus Aberg taking the next step in their development to deal with the departures of former captain Mike Fisher (retirement) and fellow forward James Neal (Vegas). While Music City embraced the Predators during their lengthy postseason run, Boston's first playoff appearance in three years was promptly snuffed out by Ottawa in the first round to ignite a summer filled with questions. David Pastrnak (34 goals, 70 points) answered a significant one just before training camp by signing a six-year, $40 million deal.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (2016-17: 41-29-12, 4th in Central Division): Nashville's strength rests with arguably the best quartet of defensemen in Roman Josi, P.K. Subban, Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis, although Ellis is expected to be sidelined into January with a knee injury. Veteran Alexei Emelin was acquired to provide depth on the back end in front of Pekka Rinne, who overcame a mediocre regular season to excel in the first three rounds of the playoffs. Juuse Saros, 22, could be in for a greater workload if Rinne - who will turn 35 in November - falters this season.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (2016-17: 44-31-7, 3rd in Atlantic Division): Boston openly inserted a healthy dose of youth in its lineup last season and its success in 2017-18 could hinge on how quickly those kids adjust under the direction of coach Bruce Cassidy. "We have some spots available, and that's what you need in today's NHL, to have young guys come in and produce and can carry a bit of the load," said Brad Marchand, who recorded franchise bests in goals (37), assists (46) and points (85) last season. "We definitely have some guys that are going to be able to do that. ... It's going to help us not only this year but the next five or six years." Promising 19-year-old Charlie McAvoy and fellow defenseman Brandon Carlo will be looked upon to log significant minutes to take the load off 40-year-old captain Zdeno Chara.

OVERTIME

1. Former Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask recorded career bests in wins (37) and shutouts (eight) last season for Boston.

2. Johansen, who signed an eight-year, $64 million deal in the summer, has eclipsed 60 points and 20 power-play points in each of his last four seasons.

3. Bruins C Patrice Bergeron, a four-time Selke Trophy winner, will play in his 900th career game on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Bruins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Nashville at Boston

Nashville

Predators are 14-6 in their last 20 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 7-3 in their last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 3-7 in their last 10 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Predators are 2-7 in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Predators are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. Predators are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic.

Boston

Bruins are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Central. Bruins are 8-1 in their last 9 vs. Western Conference. Bruins are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Bruins are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Bruins are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Bruins are 1-4 in their last 5 Thursday games. Bruins are 0-5 in their last 5 home games.

OU Trends

Nashville

Under is 6-1-2 in Predators last 9 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Predators last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 10-3-4 in Predators last 17 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-2 in Predators last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2-3 in Predators last 10 Thursday games. Under is 7-3 in Predators last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 16-7-7 in Predators last 30 overall.

Boston

Under is 5-1 in Bruins last 6 vs. Central. Under is 4-1-1 in Bruins last 6 home games. Under is 4-1-2 in Bruins last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-3-2 in Bruins last 14 overall. Under is 3-1-2 in Bruins last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 12-4-2 in Bruins last 18 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

• Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
• Home team is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings.
• Under is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings in Boston.
• Predators are 1-6 in the last 7 meetings in Boston.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, October 5, 2017
Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York

Preview: Canadiens at Sabres

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

Claude Julien settles in for his first full season behind the bench with the Montreal Canadiens, who open the campaign on the road against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Julien steadied the Canadiens over the final two months last season en route to the Atlantic Division title before the team was bounced in the first round of the playoffs.

Montreal made a pair of offseason moves that it expects to ensure success, locking up franchise goaltender Carey Price to an eight-year, $84 million contract extension and adding a burgeoning offensive talent with the acquisition of Jonathan Drouin from Tampa Bay. "There's a lot of things that I think Jonathan can see and do, and we'll continue to work with that," Julien said of Drouin, the No. 3 overall draft pick in 2013. Buffalo made sweeping changes in the organization in the offseason, including the hire of former Sabres defenseman Phil Housley as its new head coach. Housley's hopes for success, and that of the organization's, rest on the shoulders of its young marquee star -- a point driven home when the team signed third-year center Jack Eichel to an NHL-maximum eight-year, $80 million contract on Tuesday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, RDS, TSN2 (Montreal), MSG-B (Buffalo)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (2016-17: 47-26-9, 1st in Atlantic Division): Captain Max Pacioretty scored 35 goals last season, the fifth time in six years he has eclipsed 30, but he was limited to one assist as Montreal managed 11 goals in a six-game playoff loss to the New York Rangers. Pacioretty will be paired with the 22-year-old Drouin, who is shifting to center after scoring 21 goals and adding 32 assists last season, with 26 of his 53 points coming on the power play. Drouin's presence allows Alex Galchenyuk, who dipped from 30 goals in 2015-16 to 17 last season, to remain on the wing, while veteran Ales Hemsky was brought in to bolster the offense. Montreal lost three defensemen but inked free agent Karl Alzner to join stud blue-liner Shea Weber in front of star netminder Price, who won 37 of his 62 starts last season.

ABOUT THE SABRES (2016-17: 33-37-12, 8th in Atlantic Division): Eichel, taken one spot behind Edmonton's Connor David in the 2015 draft, missed the first 21 games last season due to injury but matched his rookie total of 24 goals while collecting 57 points in 61 games. Ex-Sabres captain Jason Pominville was brought back to join an offense that features 28-goal scorer Evander Kane, Ryan O'Reilly (20) and Kyle Okposo (19), while there were a number of changes along the blue line. Marco Sandella was acquired along with Pominville in a trade with Minnesota to join former Canadiens defenseman Nathan Beaulieu and Russian signee Victor Antipin. Robin Lehner had a 2.68 goals-against average and .920 save percentage in his first full season as starter and will be backed up by Chad Johnson, who started 40 games for Buffalo in 2015-16.

OVERTIME

1. Montreal has had its struggles with Buffalo over the past two seasons, winning five of nine meetings (5-3-1).

2. Eichel has yet to score a goal in eight career matchups against Montreal.

3. The teams swung a minor trade Wednesday, with Montreal sending D Zach Redmond to Buffalo in exchange for F Nicolas Deslauriers.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 3, Sabres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Montreal at Buffalo

W/L Trends

Montreal

Canadiens are 12-4 in their last 16 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 11-4 in their last 15 road games. Canadiens are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. Atlantic. Canadiens are 3-7 in their last 10 Thursday games. Canadiens are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-8 in their last 9 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Buffalo

Sabres are 63-137 in their last 200 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Sabres are 14-50 in their last 64 Thursday games. Sabres are 1-5 in their last 6 overall. Sabres are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU Trends

Montreal

Over is 1-0-3 in Canadiens last 4 Thursday games. Under is 16-3-3 in Canadiens last 22 road games. Under is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 vs. Atlantic. Under is 20-6-6 in Canadiens last 32 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 19-6-6 in Canadiens last 31 overall. Under is 14-5-5 in Canadiens last 24 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 15-6-5 in Canadiens last 26 games following a win.

Buffalo

Over is 4-1 in Sabres last 5 home games. Over is 4-1-1 in Sabres last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 12-3-3 in Sabres last 18 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Head to Head

• Under is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings in Buffalo.
• Over is 5-2-4 in the last 11 meetings.
• Canadiens are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Buffalo.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, October 5, 2017
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

Preview: Avalanche at Rangers

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

The New York Rangers highlighted a summer of change by signing smooth-skating free agent Kevin Shattenkirk to a four-year, $26.6 million contract to calm the waters following the offseason departure of respected defenseman Dan Girardi. Shattenkirk will make his official debut on Broadway as the Rangers open their 2017-18 season against the visiting Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.

"I want to perform. I want to be the guy who can come in here and live up to the hype," the New Rochelle (N.Y.) native told the New York Daily News. Shattenkirk, who collected a career-high 56 points last season with St. Louis and Washington, has recorded at least 25 power-play points in each of his past four seasons and should form a potent defensive pairing with captain Ryan McDonagh (career-high 15 power-play points in 2016-17). While New York saw its season end with a second-round loss to upstart Ottawa, Colorado's campaign effectively ended shortly after it began and resulted with the fewest points (48) of any NHL team in the salary cap era. The Avalanche finished last in the league in goals per game (2.01), goals allowed (3.37), power-play efficiency (12.6) and second to last on the penalty kill (77.3).

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (2016-17: 22-56-4, 7th in Central Division): Potential trade pieces Matt Duchene and captain Gabriel Landeskog remained with the club during last year's dismal campaign, although they likely will be hot topics on the rumor mill prior to this season's trade deadline. Mikko Rantanen's 20 goals led the way for Colorado, which needs more on the offensive front from former top overall picks Nathan MacKinnon (team-best 37 assists, 53 points) and Nail Yakupov (three goals) as well as second-overall selection Landeskog (18 goals). Colin Wilson, who was the seventh overall pick in 2008, has just one 20-goal season in his career. Tyson Jost, who was the club's first-round pick in 2016, is aiming to take a big step forward after scoring one goal in just six games last season.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (2016-17: 48-28-6, 4th in Metropolitan Division): New York boasts substantial depth as opposed to individual stars on offense, with Chris Kreider (club-high 28 goals), Mats Zuccarello (team-leading 44 assists, 59 points), Kevin Hayes (49 points) and Mika Zibanejad (37 points). The 33-year-old Rick Nash (23 goals) enters the final season of a four-year deal that pays the him $7.8 million, second only to Henrik Lundqvist. The former Vezina Trophy winner has seen his goals-against average rise and his save percentage go down in each of the last past three seasons. Offseason acquisition Ondrej Pavelec will serve as Lundqvist's backup after Antti Raanta and top-line center Derek Stepan were shuffled to Arizona for the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft (center Lias Andersson) and defensive prospect Anthony DeAngelo.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado's former Vezina Trophy finalist Semyon Varlamov, who is returning from a hip surgery, will be put to the test in short order behind a leaky defense that yielded a league-worst 276 goals.

2. Shattenkirk was selected with the 14th overall pick of the 2007 draft by the Avalanche, with whom he played in 46 games during the 2010-11 season.

3. Colorado claimed former Dallas D Patrik Nemeth on waivers Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Avalanche 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Colorado at NY Rangers

W/L Trends

Colorado

Avalanche are 5-11 in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference. Avalanche are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Metropolitan. Avalanche are 16-39 in their last 55 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Avalanche are 7-20 in their last 27 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 13-38 in their last 51 road games. Avalanche are 5-16 in their last 21 Thursday games. Avalanche are 6-20 in their last 26 games following a win. Avalanche are 11-44 in their last 55 overall.

NY Rangers

Rangers are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Central. Rangers are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Rangers are 10-3 in their last 13 Thursday games. Rangers are 44-21 in their last 65 vs. Western Conference. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

OU Trends

Colorado

Over is 4-0-1 in Avalanche last 5 games following a win. Over is 5-1-2 in Avalanche last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Avalanche last 5 overall. Over is 4-1-1 in Avalanche last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 3-1-1 in Avalanche last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 3-1-2 in Avalanche last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 3-1-1 in Avalanche last 5 Thursday games. Over is 5-2 in Avalanche last 7 road games.

NY Rangers

Over is 3-0-2 in Rangers last 5 overall. Over is 5-1 in Rangers last 6 vs. Central. Under is 4-1-2 in Rangers last 7 home games. Under is 3-1-2 in Rangers last 6 Thursday games. Over is 8-3-2 in Rangers last 13 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 5-2-1 in Rangers last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 9-4 in Rangers last 13 vs. Western Conference.

Head to Head

• Avalanche are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in New York.
• Avalanche are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.
• Road team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, October 5, 2017
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

Preview: Capitals at Senators

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

It appears the Washington Capitals have nowhere to go but down -- at least where the regular season is concerned. The past two seasons have ended in disappointment for the Capitals after claiming the Presidents' Trophy twice, providing a tough act to follow as they open the 2017-18 season on the road at the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.

Washington rolled up 111 wins over the past two seasons before being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs both times by eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh, but the players are not buying into the predictions of a decline. "As a player, you can really feel from the outside (people) don't have high expectations, but at the same time, we still have high expectations of ourselves as players," center Nicklas Backstrom said. The Senators actually may have a more difficult sequel than the Capitals after their stunning run to the Eastern Conference finals, where they pushed the Penguins to double overtime in Game 7. Superstar defenseman and captain Erik Karlsson was not placed on injured reserve but will not be available for the season opener while he continues to recover from foot surgery in mid-June.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Washington, RDS2, TSN5 (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (2016-17: 55-19-8, 1st in Metropolitan Division): Captain Alex Ovechkin dipped to 33 goals after three consecutive 50-goal campaigns, but he still tied for the league high with 17 power-play tallies. Washington lost a pair of 24-goal scorers in Marcus Johansson and Justin Williams. Still, there is plenty of offensive talent -- Backstrom had 23 goals and was second in the league with 63 assists while T.J. Oshie (33 goals) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (59 points) are dangerous attackers. The biggest concern is on a blue line that saw the departures of Kevin Shattenkirk, Karl Alzner and Nate Schmidt, leaving Dmitry Orlov, Matt Niskanen and John Carlson at the top defensemen. Fortunately for the Capitals, the last line of defense is manned by Braden Holtby, who is coming off three straight 40-win seasons.
ABOUT THE SENATORS (2016-17: 44-28-10, 2nd in Atlantic Division): Karlsson revealed that half his ankle bone was removed during the June surgery, so all eyes will be on the player who led the team with 71 points in the regular season before collecting 18 points in 19 postseason contests. Kyle Turris, Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone each scored at least 22 goals, but Ottawa will be expecting more from Bobby Ryan and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who combined for 25 tallies in the regular season before lighting it up in the playoffs. Marc Methot's departure left a hole on the blue line that was plugged with the signing of veteran Johnny Oduya. Goaltender Craig Anderson had a trying season off the ice while his wife battled cancer, but he registered five shutouts in only 40 starts and has one of the league's top backups in Mike Condon.

OVERTIME

1. Washington's power play was tied for third in the league last season, converting on 23.1 percent of its chances.

2. Anderson is 11-7-1 with a 2.32 goals-against average versus Washington.

3. Capitals F Tom Wilson received a four-game suspension for a boarding incident in the preseason finale.

PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Senators 1