Saturday 10-7-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Chicago Cubs (93-70) at Washington Nationals (97-66)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, October 07 - 5:30 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A Playoff Series: Divisional Playoff; Chi. Cubs leads 1-0
Preview: Cubs at Nationals

Gracenote
Oct 7, 2017

The pressure already was on the Washington Nationals due to their previous postseason failures, and now they try to avoid an 0-2 deficit when they host the Chicago Cubs on Saturday for Game 2 of their National League Division Series. Washington recorded only two hits while being blanked 3-0 on Friday in the series opener and is two defeats away from its fourth first-round playoff exit in the last six years.

Nationals star Bryce Harper notched one of his team's hits but doesn't have an extra-base hit in six contests since returning from a knee injury. "Yeah, the longer we play, the closer Bryce is going to get," Washington manager Dusty Baker told reporters after the Game 1 defeat. "But you've got to put him out there, and you hope that, you know, surrounding cast of guys comes through." Chicago's Anthony Rizzo certainly came through in the opener with a run-scoring single and an RBI double. "You've got to be focused. You've got to be locked in," Rizzo told reporters. "Those are situations I want to be up in, and thankfully, I hit the ball where they weren't."

TV: 5:38 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (15-9, 2.96)

Lester went 5-1 in September to complete an inconsistent regular season in which he served up a career-worst 26 homers. But the 33-year-old has proven to be a solid postseason pitcher - he is 9-7 with a 2.63 ERA in 22 career appearances (19 starts) - and posted a 2.84 ERA in two no-decisions against the Nationals this season. "Eliminating damage is a huge thing against (Washington's) lineup," Lester told reporters. "We all know, obviously, they can hit the ball out of the ballpark at a high rate. So keep them on the ground and give our team a chance to field them and throw them out."

Gonzalez recorded at least 15 victories for the fourth time in his career but struggled down the stretch, losing four of his last six starts. The 32-year old, who has a 3.93 ERA in four career postseason starts (all no-decisions), lost to the Cubs in his lone meeting this season despite giving up one run and two hits in six innings. "That's a lineup that can do magic 1 through 9, so you have to respect it, whoever they put out there," Gonzalez told reporters. "I just want to prepare myself and try and take one hitter at a time, and we'll see how the outcome comes."

WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo is 19-for-54 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 14 postseason games after going 7-for-47 with two blasts and two RBIs in his first 13.

2. Washington LF Jayson Werth, who finished the regular season in a 10-for-76 funk, was hitless in three at-bats in Game 1.

3. Chicago RHP Wade Davis picked up his fifth career postseason save on Friday and has allowed just one earned run in 28 1/3 innings over 23 career postseason relief appearances.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Nationals 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chi. Cubs at Washington

W/L Trends

Chi. Cubs

Cubs are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. National League East. Cubs are 4-0 in their last 4 playoff games. Cubs are 4-0 in their last 4 playoff road games. Cubs are 7-1 in their last 8 Divisional Playoff games. Cubs are 5-1 in their last 6 road games. Cubs are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Cubs are 10-2 in their last 12 vs. a team with a winning record. Cubs are 16-5 in their last 21 overall. Cubs are 9-3 in their last 12 Saturday games. Cubs are 18-6 in their last 24 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Cubs are 19-7 in their last 26 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Cubs are 21-8 in their last 29 games following a win. Cubs are 9-4 in their last 13 during game 2 of a series. Cubs are 49-24 in their last 73 games on grass. Cubs are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 0-6 in their last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 8-1 in Lesters last 9 starts vs. National League East. Cubs are 5-1 in Lesters last 6 Saturday starts. Cubs are 4-1 in Lesters last 5 starts with 6 days of rest. Cubs are 7-2 in Lesters last 9 road starts. Cubs are 6-2 in Lesters last 8 starts during game 2 of a series. Cubs are 19-7 in Lesters last 26 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Cubs are 20-8 in Lesters last 28 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Cubs are 41-18 in Lesters last 59 starts on grass. Cubs are 35-16 in Lesters last 51 starts. Cubs are 3-7 in Lesters last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Washington

Nationals are 20-8 in their last 28 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Nationals are 16-7 in their last 23 games following a loss. Nationals are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Nationals are 2-5 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Nationals are 2-5 in their last 7 games on grass. Nationals are 3-8 in their last 11 playoff games. Nationals are 3-8 in their last 11 Divisional Playoff games. Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Nationals are 1-6 in their last 7 Divisional Playoff home games. Nationals are 1-6 in their last 7 playoff home games. Nationals are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Nationals are 6-1 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Nationals are 4-1 in Gonzalezs last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Nationals are 4-1 in Gonzalezs last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Nationals are 16-5 in Gonzalezs last 21 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Nationals are 8-3 in Gonzalezs last 11 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Nationals are 2-6 in Gonzalezs last 8 Saturday starts. Nationals are 4-13 in Gonzalezs last 17 starts vs. National League Central.

OU Trends

Chi. Cubs

Under is 9-2 in Cubs last 11 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 7-2 in Cubs last 9 road games. Under is 20-6-1 in Cubs last 27 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 22-8-1 in Cubs last 31 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 10-4 in Cubs last 14 on grass. Over is 5-2-1 in Cubs last 8 Divisional Playoff games. Over is 5-2 in Cubs last 7 during game 2 of a series. Under is 11-5 in Cubs last 16 overall. Under is 13-6 in Cubs last 19 Saturday games. Over is 6-0 in Lesters last 6 starts on grass. Over is 5-0 in Lesters last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 6-0 in Lesters last 6 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 7-0 in Lesters last 7 starts overall. Over is 4-1 in Lesters last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Washington

Under is 4-0-1 in Nationals last 5 Saturday games. Over is 4-0 in Nationals last 4 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 7-1-1 in Nationals last 9 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 6-1-2 in Nationals last 9 vs. National League Central. Under is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1-1 in Nationals last 6 playoff home games. Under is 4-1-1 in Nationals last 6 Divisional Playoff home games. Under is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 during game 2 of a series. Under is 6-2-1 in Nationals last 9 home games. Under is 31-13-7 in Nationals last 51 on grass. Under is 31-13-7 in Nationals last 51 overall. Under is 9-1-1 in Gonzalezs last 11 starts with 5 days of rest. Over is 3-1-1 in Gonzalezs last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Gonzalezs last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 23-9 in Gonzalezs last 32 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Over is 12-5-2 in Gonzalezs last 19 starts vs. National League Central. Over is 9-4 in Gonzalezs last 13 Saturday starts.

Head to Head

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Washington. Under is 4-1 in Gonzalezs last 5 home starts vs. Cubs. Under is 5-2 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts vs. Cubs. Nationals are 1-4 in Gonzalezs last 5 home starts vs. Cubs. Nationals are 0-4 in Gonzalezs last 4 starts vs. Cubs.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (94-70) at Los Angeles Dodgers (105-58)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, October 07 - 9:00 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A Playoff Series: Divisional Playoff; LA Dodgers leads 1-0
Preview: Diamondbacks at Dodgers

Gracenote
Oct 7, 2017

Justin Turner has thrived under the playoff spotlight, and he looks to help the Los Angeles Dodgers take a 2-0 lead when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday for Game 2 of their National League Division Series. Turner went 3-for-4 with a homer and five RBIs in a series-opening 9-5 victory to raise his career postseason average to .383 in 60 at-bats.

Turner's three-run, first-inning blast - his third postseason homer - set the tone for Friday's victory as Los Angeles built a 7-1 lead while withstanding Arizona's power show. Turner's five-RBI performance matched Davey Lopes (1978 World Series) and Pedro Guerrero (1981 World Series) for the most in a postseason game in franchise history. The Diamondbacks belted four homers, but they all were of the solo variety, and had just two at-bats with runners in scoring position. Arizona will attempt to even the series behind All-Star left-hander Robbie Ray, who went 3-0 with a 2.27 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings over five starts against the Dodgers this season.

TV: 9:08 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (15-5, 2.89 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (12-8, 3.32)

Ray won his final six decisions in the regular season, and his 218 strikeouts were the third-most in the NL. The 26-year-old was called on to pitch 2 1/3 innings of relief in Wednesday's wild-card victory over Colorado and insists the 34-pitch effort will not affect his routine or performance. "I feel great. My arm feels great and ready to go," Ray said at a press conference. "I wouldn't lie to (manager Torey Lovullo). I wouldn't give this team anything (other than) 100 percent of myself. I feel like that would be cheating me and cheating the team."

Hill finished the regular season in stellar fashion with three straight victories, and he allowed two runs and eight hits while striking out 26 in 18 innings during that stretch. The 37-year-old had nothing but trouble with the Diamondbacks this season, going 0-3 with a 5.03 ERA in four starts, but manager Dave Roberts feels the veteran's feisty nature will lead to better results. "He's a great competitor. He's wacky on his start days," Roberts said at a press conference. "It's been well-documented that he and I have had some good run-ins ... but that edge that he brings and the way that this guy prepares like no other, he's a baseball player."

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers SS Corey Seager and RF Yasiel Puig each registered two hits and two RBIs in Game 1.

2. Arizona RF J.D. Martinez homered in the opener and has gone deep 30 times in 64 games since being acquired from Detroit.

3. Los Angeles RHP Brandon Morrow, who was unscored upon in his final nine regular-season appearances, recorded four outs on seven pitches in the opener.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Dodgers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Arizona at LA Dodgers

W/L Trends

Arizona

Diamondbacks are 14-3 in their last 17 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Diamondbacks are 17-4 in their last 21 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss. Diamondbacks are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Diamondbacks are 12-3 in their last 15 vs. a team with a winning record. Diamondbacks are 13-4 in their last 17 games vs. a left-handed starter. Diamondbacks are 21-9 in their last 30 vs. National League West. Diamondbacks are 25-12 in their last 37 overall. Diamondbacks are 25-12 in their last 37 games on grass. Diamondbacks are 20-46 in their last 66 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Diamondbacks are 2-5 in their last 7 during game 1 of a series. Diamondbacks are 3-8 in their last 11 playoff games. Diamondbacks are 2-6 in their last 8 road games. Diamondbacks are 1-10 in their last 11 playoff road games. Diamondbacks are 0-4 in their last 4 Divisional Playoff road games. Diamondbacks are 5-0 in Rays last 5 road starts. Diamondbacks are 4-0 in Rays last 4 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Diamondbacks are 8-0 in Rays last 8 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Diamondbacks are 5-0 in Rays last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Diamondbacks are 12-2 in Rays last 14 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Diamondbacks are 5-1 in Rays last 6 starts during game 1 of a series. Diamondbacks are 4-1 in Rays last 5 Saturday starts. Diamondbacks are 16-5 in Rays last 21 starts vs. National League West. Diamondbacks are 20-8 in Rays last 28 starts. Diamondbacks are 20-8 in Rays last 28 starts on grass. Diamondbacks are 5-13 in Rays last 18 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

LA Dodgers

Dodgers are 7-1 in their last 8 vs. National League West. Dodgers are 44-11 in their last 55 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 23-6 in their last 29 games vs. a left-handed starter. Dodgers are 54-15 in their last 69 games following a win. Dodgers are 40-13 in their last 53 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 19-7 in their last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Dodgers are 19-7 in their last 26 Saturday games. Dodgers are 48-18 in their last 66 home games. Dodgers are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 26-11 in their last 37 during game 1 of a series. Dodgers are 9-4 in their last 13 Divisional Playoff home games. Dodgers are 70-33 in their last 103 overall. Dodgers are 70-33 in their last 103 games on grass. Dodgers are 5-14 in their last 19 vs. a team with a winning record. Dodgers are 3-10 in their last 13 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 1-9 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Dodgers are 8-0 in Hills last 8 Saturday starts. Dodgers are 7-2 in Hills last 9 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Dodgers are 8-3 in Hills last 11 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 8-3 in Hills last 11 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 1-5 in Hills last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Dodgers are 0-4 in Hills last 4 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 0-4 in Hills last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

OU Trends

Arizona

Over is 5-0 in Diamondbacks last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 vs. National League West. Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 playoff games. Under is 6-2 in Diamondbacks last 8 Saturday games. Over is 3-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 5 Divisional Playoff games. Under is 11-5 in Diamondbacks last 16 playoff road games. Under is 26-12-3 in Diamondbacks last 41 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 6-1-1 in Rays last 8 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Rays last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Rays last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 7-2-1 in Rays last 10 starts vs. National League West. Over is 3-1-2 in Rays last 6 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Rays last 5 starts during game 1 of a series. Under is 8-3 in Rays last 11 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 5-2 in Rays last 7 starts on grass. Over is 5-2 in Rays last 7 starts overall.

LA Dodgers

Over is 5-0 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 home games. Over is 3-0-1 in Dodgers last 4 Divisional Playoff games. Over is 5-1 in Dodgers last 6 playoff home games. Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 Divisional Playoff home games. Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 during game 1 of a series. Over is 9-3-1 in Dodgers last 13 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 12-5-1 in Dodgers last 18 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Hills last 4 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Under is 5-1 in Hills last 6 starts with 9 or more days of rest. Under is 4-1 in Hills last 5 Saturday starts. Over is 4-1 in Hills last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Hills last 5 starts vs. National League West. Over is 4-1 in Hills last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2-1 in Hills last 9 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Over is 4-0 in Rays last 4 starts vs. Dodgers. Diamondbacks are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings. Diamondbacks are 5-1 in Rays last 6 starts vs. Dodgers. Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Over is 3-1-1 in Hills last 5 starts vs. Diamondbacks. Diamondbacks are 10-28 in the last 38 meetings in Los Angeles. Dodgers are 1-4 in Hills last 5 starts vs. Diamondbacks.

Umpire Trends - Phil Cuzzi

• Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 games with Cuzzi behind home plate.
• Under is 7-1 in Cuzzis last 8 games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
• Under is 5-1 in Cuzzis last 6 Saturday games behind home plate.
• Road team is 9-2 in Cuzzis last 11 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
• Under is 4-1 in Cuzzis last 5 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 4-1 in Cuzzis last 5 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
• Home team is 6-2 in Cuzzis last 8 games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
• Road team is 8-3 in Cuzzis last 11 Saturday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 24-11 in Cuzzis last 35 games behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Preview: Rangers at Maple Leafs

Gracenote
Oct 6, 2017

The Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't have been more impressive in the way they began the 2017-18 NHL campaign while the New York Rangers left plenty to be desired in their season opener. The Maple Leafs look to ride the momentum of a seven-goal outburst into Air Canada Centre on Saturday when they play their home opener against the Original Six-rival Rangers.

Reigning Calder Trophy recipient Auston Matthews was strong out of the blocks for the second straight season, following up his four-goal performance in his NHL debut last year by collecting a goal and two assists in Wednesday's 7-2 victory over Winnipeg. The potent combination of Matthews, fellow 20-year-old Mitch Marner and William Nylander, who is all of 21, have jelled in short order to shave considerable time off the Maple Leafs' expected rebuild and put the residents of the hockey hotbed in the spotlight. The bright lights of New York only illuminated a less-than-stellar Rangers' debut, with the club dropping a 4-2 decision to a Colorado club that recorded the fewest points (48) of any NHL team in the salary cap era in 2016-17. "The result was not what we were looking for, but a lot of good things to build on," goaltender Henrik Lundqvist said.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, MSG (New York), CBC (Toronto)

ABOUT THE RANGERS (0-1-0): Mika Zibanejad scored a pair of power-play goals and recorded a career highs in shots (eight) and faceoff wins (18), with 10 coming in the offensive zone. "Our power play tonight capitalized twice and permitted us to get back in the game," coach Alain Vigneault said after the team's 2-for-4 performance with the man advantage. "There is no doubt that Mika's unit was making some good plays, so that's a real positive sign for our team here. There is no doubt that Kevin (Shattenkirk) sees the ice well and finds the open possibilities.” Shattenkirk had an assist to move within one point of 300 for his career.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (1-0-0): Patrick Marleau was pretty blunt in his summation of his first game in a jersey other than that of the Sharks. "Pretty darn close (to perfect). That's the way you want to see it go," the 38-year-old Marleau said following his 66th career multi-goal performance. Coach Mike Babcock is on record as saying that Toronto's "fountain of youth" could serve as a boost of energy and enthusiasm for Marleau when the veteran signed a three-year contract with the club in July. Marner has been seen at practice and in the locker room taking in the game's finer points from Marleau, something the 20-year-old said he wishes to reciprocate for someone else "when I'm that age."

OVERTIME

1. New York owns a 6-1-0 mark in its last seven games versus the Maple Leafs and is 10-2-1 in its last 13 contests in Toronto.

2. The Maple Leafs will add Wendel Clark, Frank Mahovlich, Red Kelly and Charlie Conacher to Legends Row prior to Saturday's game.

3. Rangers RW Mats Zuccarello set up a goal to pick up where he left off last season when he established a career high with 44 assists.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 5, Rangers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Rangers at Toronto

W/L Trends

NY Rangers

Rangers are 12-5 in their last 17 Saturday games. Rangers are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Rangers are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Rangers are 2-8 in their last 10 road games.

Toronto

Maple Leafs are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Maple Leafs are 7-3 in their last 10 games playing on 2 days rest. Maple Leafs are 20-41 in their last 61 Saturday games. Maple Leafs are 32-73 in their last 105 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Metropolitan. Maple Leafs are 2-5 in their last 7 home games. Maple Leafs are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU Trends

NY Rangers

Over is 4-0-2 in Rangers last 6 overall. Over is 3-0-2 in Rangers last 5 vs. Atlantic. Over is 3-0-2 in Rangers last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-0-2 in Rangers last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 3-1-1 in Rangers last 5 road games. Under is 5-2-1 in Rangers last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 14-6-5 in Rangers last 25 Saturday games. Over is 9-4-2 in Rangers last 15 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Toronto

Over is 4-0 in Maple Leafs last 4 Saturday games. Over is 4-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 7-2 in Maple Leafs last 9 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 22-8 in Maple Leafs last 30 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Maple Leafs last 10 games following a win.

Head to Head

Rangers are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Toronto. Over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Toronto. Rangers are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings. Over is 13-6-1 in the last 20 meetings. Road team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

Preview: Red Wings at Senators

Gracenote
Oct 6, 2017

The Ottawa Senators could get a huge boost, after suffering a disappointing result in their season opener, when they welcome the Detroit Red Wings for an Atlantic Division matchup Saturday night. Two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson is close to returning to the lineup for the Senators, who coughed up two third-period leads and went 0-for-5 on the power play in a 5-4 shootout loss to Washington on Thursday.

Karlsson is recovering from offseason foot surgery after leading Ottawa within one goal of reaching the Stanley Cup finals and registering one of his best campaigns with 17 goals, 54 assists and a plus-10 rating in the regular season before putting up 18 points in 19 playoff games. The Red Wings would rather not see Karlsson make his season debut and get their own standout defenseman Niklas Kronwall (groin) back in the lineup after he missed Thursday’s opener. Detroit opened its shiny new Little Caesars Arena with 4-2 victory over Minnesota while winning the special teams battle, getting four assists from defenseman Mike Green and enjoying a strong performance from goaltender Jimmy Howard for his 200th career win. “Confidence is a huge thing,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill told reporters. “It’s one game, a couple goals, but every little ounce of confidence you get helps you as a hockey team.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, Sportsnet 1 (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (1-0-0): The young line of Martin Frk, Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha made quite an impression in the opener while combining to record three goals and three assists. Frk, who made two appearances with Carolina last season after being lost on waivers by Detroit, returned to the Red Wings organization later in the campaign and put up 50 points in 65 games for Grand Rapids of the AHL before making it back to the NHL on Thursday. The Red Wings, who finished 27th in the league on the power play last season, converted two of their five chances (one on a 5-on-3) with the man advantage in the opener and killed off all four of Minnesota’s opportunities.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (0-0-1): Detroit will have to contain the line of Bobby Ryan, Derick Brassard and Mark Stone after the trio had seven points combined in their opener with each posting a plus-4 rating. Kyle Turris skated between Zach Smith and Ryan Dzingel on the other top line at Friday’s practice reportedly while 19-year-old center Logan Brown made his debut Thursday, but is expected to give way to 18-year-old forward Alex Formenton on Saturday. Karlsson would add to a defense corps that lost his partner Mark Methot but still features Cody Ceci, Dion Phaneuf and Johnny Oduya (799 career games), who left Thursday’s game with a lower-body injury and is questionable.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit C Henrik Zetterberg had the game-winning goal Thursday and is one power-play tally from 100 for his career.

2. Ottawa F Alex Burrows is one goal from 200 for his career and Detroit F Tomas Tatar needs one tally to reach 100.

3. The Red Wings had a seven-game point streak (6-0-1) against the Senators snapped with a 2-0 loss April 4 in the last meeting.

PREDICTION: Senators 4, Red Wings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Detroit at Ottawa

W/L Trends

Detroit

Red Wings are 19-7 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Red Wings are 20-41 in their last 61 vs. Eastern Conference. Red Wings are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a win. Red Wings are 4-10 in their last 14 games playing on 1 days rest. Red Wings are 6-16 in their last 22 road games. Red Wings are 9-27 in their last 36 vs. Atlantic. Red Wings are 5-16 in their last 21 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Ottawa

Senators are 5-0 in their last 5 Saturday games. Senators are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Senators are 5-2 in their last 7 home games. Senators are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Senators are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU Trends

Detroit

Over is 2-0-2 in Red Wings last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-0 in Red Wings last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 7-2-1 in Red Wings last 10 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2-2 in Red Wings last 9 overall.

Ottawa

Over is 4-1-1 in Senators last 6 home games. Under is 11-3-2 in Senators last 16 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 3-1-2 in Senators last 6 overall. Over is 3-1-2 in Senators last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Red Wings are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Red Wings are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Ottawa.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Lightning at Panthers

Gracenote
Oct 7, 2017

The Tampa Bay Lightning hope to get more consistent secondary scoring this season and, if the season opener was any indication, they may have a newly constructed line that can provide it. Linemates Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat look to follow up a strong debut together when the Lightning visit the Florida Panthers on Saturday for the back end of a home-and-home series between the Sunshine State rivals.

Palat scored twice while Point added a goal and two assists while playing with the gritty Yanni Gourde, as Tampa Bay recorded a 5-3 home victory over the Panthers on Friday despite being outshot 36-25. “They’re all smart players and were able to feed off each other tonight,” Lightning captain Steven Stamkos told reporters after notching an assist in his first game since Nov. 15, when he suffered a knee injury. “That line carried us and played extremely well. Hopefully, that’s a sign to come.” The Panthers carried the play for much of the game but did not capitalize enough on their possession advantage and could not hold the Lightning down in the first half of the third period. “The boys played hard,” Florida's rookie coach Bob Boughner told reporters. “My message after the game was, if we play like that, we’re going to win our share of games. I wasn’t unhappy with the effort. Sometimes the execution has to be better.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN Florida

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (1-0-0): Andrei Vasilevskiy turned aside 33 shots and made some big saves after the Panthers closed within 4-3, prompting defenseman Anton Stralman to tell reporters, “I expect nothing else." Stralman matched his career best with a plus-4 rating on Friday while playing alongside 19-year-old rookie Mikhail Sergachev, who tied for the team lead with four shots in his debut with Tampa Bay. Stamkos played with Nikita Kucherov and Vladislav Namestnikov, who each recorded a goal in the third period, and the trio combined for nine shots in the opener.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (0-1-0): Connor Brickley scored a goal in the opener to match his total in 23 games with Florida in 2015-16 and primarily played on a line with center Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann. Evgenii Dadonov took Jaromir Jagr’s spot on a line with Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, and the 28-year-old Russian registered an assist in his first NHL game since the 2011-12 season. Roberto Luongo, who may give way to James Reimer on Saturday, told reporters “I need to be better” after giving up two soft goals to put the Panthers in a 2-0 hole.

OVERTIME

1. The 24-year-old Huberdeau tallied on Friday to pull within one point of 200 in his career while Barkov is two assists from 100.

2. Tampa Bay D Dan Girardi recorded six blocked shots and four hits in his debut after being signed as a free agent in the offseason.

3. The Panthers have won four straight over the Lightning at home, allowing one goal in each of their two victories last campaign.

PREDICTION: Panthers 4, Lightning 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Tampa Bay at Florida

W/L TRENDS

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Atlantic. Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 overall. Lightning are 7-0 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Lightning are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Lightning are 7-1 in their last 8 road games. Lightning are 9-3 in their last 12 games following a win. Lightning are 6-2 in their last 8 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Lightning are 3-8 in their last 11 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Florida

Panthers are 13-6 in their last 19 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Panthers are 15-7 in their last 22 Saturday games. Panthers are 23-55-1 in their last 79 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Panthers are 2-7 in their last 9 overall. Panthers are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Panthers are 2-8 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Panthers are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic.

OU TRENDS

Tampa Bay

Under is 4-1-1 in Lightning last 6 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 10-3-1 in Lightning last 14 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 19-6-2 in Lightning last 27 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Under is 6-2 in Lightning last 8 road games. Under is 6-2 in Lightning last 8 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Lightning last 7 Saturday games. Over is 5-2 in Lightning last 7 games following a win. Over is 9-4 in Lightning last 13 overall.

Florida

Over is 7-0 in Panthers last 7 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Under is 7-1-1 in Panthers last 9 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Panthers last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 11-4-1 in Panthers last 16 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Florida. Lightning are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Florida.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Sabres at Islanders

Gracenote
Oct 7, 2017

Jason Pominville had a fine season debut, but the Buffalo Sabres need some of their other players to land on the scoresheet when they visit the New York Islanders on Saturday. Pominville, who is back with the Sabres after spending the last four-plus campaigns with Minnesota, scored both of the team's goals in its season-opening 3-2 shootout loss to Montreal on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Pominville began his career with Buffalo by playing one game in 2003-04 and went on to reach the 20-goal plateau in six straight seasons before being traded to the Wild during the 2012-13 campaign. First-year coach Phil Housley is expecting a lot from the 20-year-old Jack Eichel, who signed an eight-year, $80 million contract extension on Tuesday after scoring 24 goals in each of his first two NHL campaigns. New York, which will be playing its first game at home, will be happy to see anyone get on the scoresheet after being shut out 5-0 at Columbus in its season opener on Friday. Anders Lee and captain John Tavares led the team with four shots apiece as the Islanders were outshot 37-29 and received just one power-play opportunity.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Buffalo, MSG Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE SABRES (0-0-1): Eight players made their debuts for the team on Thursday, with defenseman Victor Antipin appearing in his first NHL contest, while a franchise-record 10 were not on the roster last season. Pominville and backup goaltender Chad Johnson, who went 22-16-4 with one shutout and a 2.36 goals-against average in 2015-16, began their second stints with the club. Center Seth Griffith was one of the eight skating in his first game with Buffalo and notched an assist after splitting last season between Toronto and Florida.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (0-1-0): New York is hoping to avoid a start similar to last season, when it won only six of its first 20 games. "Playing well and earning points early obviously puts you in a good frame of mind and a good position going forward," Tavares told the team's website prior to the season opener. Jordan Eberle made his Islanders debut on Friday after being acquired from Edmonton in June and registered one shot and two hits while finishing with a minus-2 rating.

OVERTIME

1. Pominville's first goal on Thursday was his 457th point as a Sabre, moving him past Miroslav Satan for 11th place on the franchise list.

2. New York G Jaroslav Halak likely will start against the Sabres after stopping all 11 shots he faced Friday in relief of Thomas Greiss, who made 21 saves versus the Blue Jackets.

3. Buffalo D Zach Bogosian (lower body) missed the season opener and is questionable for Saturday.

PREDICTION: Sabres 4, Islanders 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Buffalo at NY Islanders

W/L TRENDS

Buffalo

Sabres are 7-3 in their last 10 Saturday games. Sabres are 18-38 in their last 56 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 27-59 in their last 86 vs. Metropolitan. Sabres are 63-138 in their last 201 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 46-110 in their last 156 road games. Sabres are 1-6 in their last 7 overall. Sabres are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Sabres are 0-4 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Sabres are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.

NY Islanders

Islanders are 8-0 in their last 8 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Islanders are 10-1 in their last 11 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Islanders are 6-1 in their last 7 overall. Islanders are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Islanders are 10-4 in their last 14 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 15-37 in their last 52 Saturday games. Islanders are 2-5 in their last 7 home games.

OU TRENDS

Buffalo

Under is 5-1-1 in Sabres last 7 road games. Over is 4-1-1 in Sabres last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 18-6-3 in Sabres last 27 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Sabres last 7 vs. Metropolitan.

NY Islanders

Under is 5-1 in Islanders last 6 home games. Under is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 5-2 in Islanders last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 9-4-2 in Islanders last 15 Saturday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Predators at Penguins

Gracenote
Oct 6, 2017

A visit from the Nashville Predators on Saturday night would normally provide a fond memory for the Pittsburgh Penguins -- a reminder of their six-game win in last season's Stanley Cup Finals. Yet the Penguins may be more preoccupied with notching their first win of this season and erasing the stench of their most lopsided defeat in 14 years.

Pittsburgh needed a late rally to earn a point in an overtime loss to St. Louis in its season opener, but that was followed up by a stunning 10-1 bludgeoning in Chicago -- the team's worst loss since a 9-0 setback in November 2003. “It's early, but it's disturbing,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “When you lose a game like that, it's disturbing. I don't care when it is in the season. We've got to do some soul searching. ... We've got a long way to go, and it starts with a mindset.” The Predators were dominated in a season-opening loss at Boston, although a pair of power-play goals in the final two minutes made the 4-3 result look more palatable than it was. "We were all embarrassed, quite honestly," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. "None of us want to go through that experience."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), ATT Sportsnet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (0-1-0): Center Nick Bonino was back in the lineup for the season opener -- his first action since fracturing his tibia against Nashville in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals last season -- and admitted he's eager to face his former teammates. "I'd like to get in Phil's (Kessel) face a bit," said Bonino, who had 18 goals and 19 assists last season. Forward Viktor Arvidsson is not resting on his laurels after signing a seven-year deal, scoring one goal and setting up another.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (0-1-1): Sullivan opted to cancel Friday's practice and instead opted for a video session, although he hinted to the media that there could be lineup changes forthcoming. Kessel, who leads the team with nine shots on goal in the first two games, tallied on the power play against Chicago and had a goal and three assists versus Nashville in the Stanley Cup Finals. Captain Sidney Crosby had a goal and six assists against the Predators in the Finals.

OVERTIME

1. The Penguins have not been winless in the first three games of a season since 2005-06.

2. Predators G Pekka Rinne has won only one of eight regular-season starts versus the Penguins and lost all three at Pittsburgh in the playoffs.

3. Despite yielding a league-worst 15 goals, Pittsburgh is 9 of 10 on the penalty kill.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Predators 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Nashville at Pittsburgh

W/L TRENDS

Nashville

Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 Saturday games. Predators are 23-8 in their last 31 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Predators are 7-3 in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Predators are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Predators are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Metropolitan. Predators are 2-8 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Predators are 0-4 in their last 4 road games.

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 66-22 in their last 88 home games. Penguins are 22-8 in their last 30 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Penguins are 63-23 in their last 86 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Penguins are 19-7 in their last 26 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 42-16 in their last 58 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Penguins are 61-26 in their last 87 games playing on 1 days rest. Penguins are 1-4 in their last 5 Saturday games. Penguins are 0-4 in their last 4 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.

OU TRENDS

Nashville

Under is 5-1 in Predators last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1-2 in Predators last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 13-4-4 in Predators last 21 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 3-1-1 in Predators last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Predators last 5 Saturday games. Over is 19-9-1 in Predators last 29 vs. Metropolitan.

Pittsburgh

Under is 3-0-1 in Penguins last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-0 in Penguins last 4 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 6-1 in Penguins last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 Saturday games. Over is 4-1-1 in Penguins last 6 home games. Over is 3-1-2 in Penguins last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 7-3-2 in Penguins last 12 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings. Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Pittsburgh. Predators are 4-12 in the last 16 meetings. Predators are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Pittsburgh.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Canadiens at Capitals

Gracenote
Oct 6, 2017

Red, white and blue meets the rouge, blanc et bleu when the Washington Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Washington won its opener 5-4 in a shootout at Ottawa on Thursday as Alex Ovechkin recorded his 18th career hat trick while the Capitals' top line that also includes Evgeny Kuznetsov and forward Jakub Vrana is already clicking in mid-season form.

"It's always nice when you have the chemistry like we have," Kuznetsov, who assisted on all three Ovechkin goals and like Ovechkin scored in the shootout, told reporters. "We understand each other. ... Sometimes you don't see your partner, but you hear him.'' Vrana, the 13th overall pick in the 2014 draft, added two assists, prompting Ovechkin to tell reporters: "I said before the game, if he's going to play the way he can play, he's going to help us. And it's going to be huge for him as well." Montreal also won its first game, 3-2 in a shootout at Buffalo on Thursday as Jonathan Drouin was a factor in his Canadiens debut. The 22-year-old, who was converted to center after being acquired from Tampa Bay in an effort to enhance his playmaking abilities, recorded an assist and scored the only goal in the shootout.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CITY, TVAS (Montreal), NBCSN Washington

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (1-0-0): Drouin centers a line with Brendan Gallagher and captain Max Pacioretty, and assisted on Pacioretty's goal. "He played really well. We had a lot of chances, and he had a lot of chances," Pacioretty told reporters about Drouin. "It was a good start, but there are some areas we'd like to improve in. We had a lot of scoring chances, and with chemistry I think we can be even better at converting them." Defenseman David Schlemko (hand), who played for five teams between 2014-17, practiced Thursday but is questionable to make his Montreal debut Saturday while defenseman Shea Weber did not practice Friday in what was described as a therapy day.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (1-0-0): Washington's Nathan Walker will become the first Australian to play in the NHL when he makes his debut Saturday. Walker, who played at the junior level in the Czech Republic, recorded 28 goals and 36 assists in the past two seasons (131 games) with Hershey of the American Hockey League. Vrana recorded five shots on goal Thursday, second only to Ovechkin's six, and played 17:16.

OVERTIME

1. Pacioretty recorded four goals and an assist in his last four season openers, but has only one assist in the last three second games of the campaign.

2. Capitals D John Carlson logged 27:45 of ice time Thursday with fellow defensemen Dmitry Orlov (26:06), Matt Niskanen (25:03) and Brooks Orpik (24:47) not far behind.

3. The road team has won four straight meetings, six of the last seven, eight of 10 and 21 of 28.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 3, Capitals 2