Thursday 10-12-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Chicago Cubs (94-72) at Washington Nationals (99-67)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 12 - 8:00 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Playoff Series:

Divisional Playoff; Series Tied 2-2

Preview: Cubs at Nationals

Gracenote
Oct 11, 2017

With an assist from the weather, the Washington Nationals have forced a winner-take-all matchup against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Thursday in their National League Division Series. Stephen Strasburg’s stellar start in Washington’s 5-0 win in Game 4 on Wednesday sent the series back to the nation’s capital and left the Nationals with plenty of flexibility with their pitching staff.


Strasburg threw seven strong innings despite manager Dusty Baker’s announcement a night earlier that Chicago-area native Tanner Roark would start Game 4. That leaves Roark and left-hander Gio Gonzalez as potential Game 5 starters and gives Washington a fully stocked bullpen - including ace Max Scherzer - for the decisive contest. The Cubs’ bullpen is slightly more taxed after burning Game 2 Jon Lester on Wednesday, but Chicago will have Kyle Hendricks on the mound as he looks to continue a recent history of strong postseason performances. The Cubs have scored only eight runs in the series and managed just three hits in Wednesday’s setback.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TBS


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. TBA
Hendricks outdueled Strasburg in Game 1, allowing two hits and three walks while registering six strikeouts over seven scoreless innings. The 27-year-old has gotten the ball for the Cubs’ last two series clinchers – Game 6 of last year’s NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Game 7 of the World Series versus Cleveland. He is 2-1 with a 1.98 ERA in eight postseason starts.
Baker told reporters after Game 4 he is “not sure yet” who will start on Thursday and his decision will be based on who is the best fit. Gonzalez allowed three runs and three hits over five innings in Game 2 as the Nationals got him off the hook with a late rally. Roark has not started since Sept. 27 and gave up eight runs in 5 2/3 frames over his last two regular-season appearances (one start).


WALK-OFFS
1. Washington OF Michael A. Taylor’s eighth-inning blast in Game 4 was the first postseason grand slam in franchise history.
2. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant is 3-for-15 with nine strikeouts in the series.
3. The Nationals have scored nine of their 12 runs in the series in the eighth inning.


PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Cubs 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chi. Cubs at Washington

W/L TRENDS

Chi. Cubs

Cubs are 5-0 in their last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 playoff road games. Cubs are 16-5 in their last 21 games on grass. Cubs are 21-7 in their last 28 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Cubs are 9-3 in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Cubs are 17-6 in their last 23 overall. Cubs are 11-4 in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Cubs are 11-4 in their last 15 vs. a team with a winning record. Cubs are 30-11 in their last 41 games following a loss. Cubs are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. National League East. Cubs are 8-3 in their last 11 Divisional Playoff games. Cubs are 10-4 in their last 14 road games. Cubs are 5-2 in their last 7 playoff games. Cubs are 35-15 in their last 51 Thursday games. Cubs are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 0-7 in their last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 6-0 in Hendricks' last 6 Thursday starts. Cubs are 6-1 in Hendricks' last 7 starts vs. National League East. Cubs are 8-2 in Hendricks' last 10 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Cubs are 24-9 in Hendricks' last 33 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Cubs are 1-6 in Hendricks' last 7 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Washington

Nationals are 7-2 in their last 9 Thursday games. Nationals are 10-4 in their last 14 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Nationals are 50-24 in their last 74 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Nationals are 2-6 in their last 8 Divisional Playoff home games. Nationals are 2-6 in their last 8 playoff home games. Nationals are 4-1 in Gonzalezs last 5 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Nationals are 9-3 in Gonzalezs last 12 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Nationals are 19-7 in Gonzalezs last 26 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Nationals are 5-2 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Nationals are 5-2 in Gonzalezs last 7 home starts. Nationals are 9-4 in Gonzalezs last 13 starts. Nationals are 9-4 in Gonzalezs last 13 starts on grass. Nationals are 2-5 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts with 4 days of rest. Nationals are 5-13 in Gonzalezs last 18 starts vs. National League Central. Nationals are 2-6 in Gonzalezs last 8 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Chi. Cubs

Under is 5-0 in Cubs last 5 games following a loss. Under is 5-1 in Cubs last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 Divisional Playoff road games. Under is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 on grass. Under is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 overall. Under is 3-1-1 in Cubs last 5 during game 5 of a series. Under is 20-7-1 in Cubs last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-2 in Cubs last 7 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 30-12-1 in Cubs last 43 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 7-3 in Cubs last 10 road games. Over is 11-5-1 in Cubs last 17 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Hendricks' last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Under is 6-0 in Hendricks' last 6 starts on grass. Under is 6-0 in Hendricks' last 6 starts overall. Under is 6-0 in Hendricks' last 6 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 10-1 in Hendricks' last 11 road starts. Under is 6-1 in Hendricks' last 7 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 24-5-1 in Hendricks' last 30 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Hendricks' last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 7-2-1 in Hendricks' last 10 starts with 5 days of rest. Under is 16-5 in Hendricks' last 21 starts vs. National League East. Under is 6-2 in Hendricks' last 8 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Washington

Under is 6-0-2 in Nationals last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 3-0-2 in Nationals last 5 Thursday games. Under is 15-3-3 in Nationals last 21 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 9-2-1 in Nationals last 12 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 20-5-2 in Nationals last 27 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 8-2-2 in Nationals last 12 vs. National League Central. Under is 3-1-1 in Nationals last 5 Divisional Playoff games. Under is 3-1-1 in Nationals last 5 playoff games. Under is 35-13-4 in Nationals last 52 games following a win. Under is 34-13-4 in Nationals last 51 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 33-14-7 in Nationals last 54 on grass. Under is 33-14-7 in Nationals last 54 overall. Under is 37-16-2 in Nationals last 55 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 33-15-4 in Nationals last 52 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 3-0-1 in Gonzalezs last 4 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 3-0-1 in Gonzalezs last 4 starts vs. National League Central. Under is 6-1 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1-1 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts with 4 days of rest. Under is 4-1-2 in Gonzalezs last 7 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Gonzalezs last 6 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Gonzalezs last 7 home starts.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0 in Hendricks' last 4 starts vs. Nationals. Nationals are 1-4 in Gonzalezs last 5 starts vs. Cubs.

UMPIRE TRENDS - JERRY LAYNE

Nationals are 4-0 in their last 4 Thursday games with Layne behind home plate. Over is 3-0-1 in Laynes last 4 Thursday games behind home plate vs. Washington. Home team is 4-1 in Laynes last 5 Thursday games behind home plate vs. Washington. Under is 4-1 in Laynes last 5 games behind home plate vs. Washington. Home team is 4-1 in Laynes last 5 Thursday games behind home plate vs. Chicago. Home team is 16-5 in Laynes last 21 games behind home plate vs. Washington. Over is 3-1-1 in Laynes last 5 Thursday games behind home plate. Cubs are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Layne behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Penguins at Lightning

Gracenote
Oct 12, 2017

Brayden Point has picked up right where he left off in his rookie season and hopes to continue the offensive surge when the Tampa Bay Lightning host the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. The 21-year-old center surprised many by making the Lightning roster out of training camp last season and finished the campaign with five goals in his final five games before starting 2017-18 with seven points in three contests.

“He’s got that blend of the hockey sense and the drive, and he works and works,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper told reporters of Point, who has scored eight goals in his last eight NHL games. "And usually, those guys succeed.” Point scored the winning goal in overtime on a deflection as the Lightning rallied to beat Washington 4-3 on Monday after a rough start to the season during which they were outshot 84-55 despite splitting two meetings with Florida. Pittsburgh also has rebounded from an embarrassing 10-1 loss at Chicago with solid victories over Stanley Cup contenders Nashville and Washington, allowing a total of two goals in the wins. Captain Sidney Crosby leads the team with six points in the first four games and Patric Hornqvist recorded a goal and an assist while making his season debut in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Capitals after recovering from offseason hand surgery.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 360, TVA, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (2-1-1): Pittsburgh scored two power-play goals over its first three games but went 3-for-6 with the man advantage on Wednesday as defenseman Kris Letang converted in the first period to get things going. Bryan Rust has yet to register a goal but has collected five assists to rank second on the team in points, and Conor Sheary netted his second tally on Wednesday to tie blue-liner Olli Maatta for the club lead. Hornqvist played on a line with Sheary and center Greg McKegg to start his season while defenseman Chad Ruhwedel made his season debut in place of Ian Cole, who was placed on injured reserve after taking a puck in the mouth.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (2-1-0): Captain Steven Stamkos has yet to record a goal but has contributed five assists while linemates Vladislav Namestnikov (two) and Nikita Kucherov (three) have combined for five tallies. Cooper praised the newly constructed line of Chris Kunitz, Cedric Paquette and Ryan Callahan, which was a constant thorn in Washington’s side on Monday as Tampa Bay had a 40-26 advantage in shots. Defenseman Anton Stralman, who mainly has played with rookie Mikhail Sergachev, is off to a strong start with a plus-6 rating in three games while fellow blue-liner Victor Hedman leads the team with 14 shots.

OVERTIME

1. Letang is one shy of 300 career assists and Pittsburgh RW Phil Kessel, who has scored once this season, needs three goals to reach 300.

2. Hedman is expected to move ahead of Brad Richards (552) for fifth place on the franchise’s all-time games played list on Thursday.

3. Pittsburgh swept last season's three-game series, outscoring Tampa Bay 15-7, and has won five straight overall meetings - including the 2016 playoffs.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Lightning 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay

W/L TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 5-1 in their last 6 Thursday games. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Penguins are 73-34 in their last 107 vs. Eastern Conference. Penguins are 1-5 in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 home games. Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 Thursday games. Lightning are 20-8 in their last 28 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 9-4 in their last 13 games following a win. Lightning are 35-16 in their last 51 games playing on 2 days rest. Lightning are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Metropolitan.

OU TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Under is 9-2 in Penguins last 11 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 21-8-4 in Penguins last 33 Thursday games. Under is 5-2-2 in Penguins last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.

Tampa Bay

Over is 4-0 in Lightning last 4 home games. Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 overall. Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-0 in Lightning last 4 games following a win.

HEAD TO HEAD

Penguins are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Over is 21-4-1 in the last 26 meetings. Over is 12-3-2 in the last 17 meetings in Tampa Bay.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Blues at Panthers

Gracenote
Oct 11, 2017

The St. Louis Blues vie to win their fifth straight game to begin the season for the first time in franchise history on Thursday when they visit the Florida Panthers. St. Louis, which also won four consecutive contests in 2013-14, had been downright dominant this season and has either led or been tied in all but 1 minute, 54 seconds of action.

Jaden Schwartz extended his point streak to four games (two goals, five assists) after recording his 50th career multi-point performance with a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the New York Rangers. "It's early and there are still things that we can get better at, but sitting here 4-0, if you would have told us that before the year, it's hard to say," said the 25-year-old Schwartz, who collected one goal and two assists in a 6-3 win at Florida on April 6. While the Blues will be playing their third game in four days, the Panthers will be competing in their first since last weekend when they split a home-and-home series with Sunshine State rival Tampa Bay. Evgeni Dadonov collected a goal and two assists in those tilts and Jared McCann scored the go-ahead goal in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Lightning.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Florida

ABOUT THE BLUES (4-0-0): Offseason acquisition Brayden Schenn has picked up where he left off on the power play, scoring against the Rangers to increase his goal total with the man advantage to 29 since the start of the 2015-16 season - the third-most in the NHL in that span. The 26-year-old Schenn, who was acquired from Philadelphia for Jori Lehtera and a pair of draft picks, was tied with Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov and Washington's Alex Ovechkin with an NHL-best 17 power-play goals in 2016-17. St. Louis captain Alex Pietrangelo is riding an eight-game point streak (four goals, eight assists) dating to last season while Paul Stastny (one goal, four assists) has notched a point in each of the first four contests in 2017-18.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (1-1-0): Florida's new-look offense unleashed a franchise-record 84 shots on goal in the first two games of the season. "We've asked them to empty their tanks and concentrate on the structure and details that we've talked about in the past, and they've done just that," new coach Bob Boughner said. The Panthers are in the midst of a massive overhaul as they saw 29 percent of their offense depart in the offseason, including 30-goal scorer Jonathan Marchessault (Vegas) and future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr (Calgary).

OVERTIME

1. Florida C Nick Bjugstad, who scored and set up a goal on Saturday, had two goals and an assist in six career meetings versus St. Louis.

2. The Blues have scored one power-play goal in each game this season, but have also yielded one in three of their four contests.

3. Panthers G Roberto Luongo owns a 16-12-2 career mark versus St. Louis.

PREDICTION: Blues 4, Panthers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - St. Louis at Florida

W/L TRENDS

St. Louis

Blues are 6-0 in their last 6 Thursday games. Blues are 6-1 in their last 7 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Blues are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference. Blues are 25-9 in their last 34 overall. Blues are 19-7 in their last 26 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Blues are 20-8 in their last 28 road games. Blues are 7-3 in their last 10 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 21-9 in their last 30 games following a win. Blues are 55-26 in their last 81 vs. Atlantic.

Florida

Panthers are 18-8 in their last 26 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Panthers are 13-6 in their last 19 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Panthers are 3-7 in their last 10 overall. Panthers are 15-37 in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Panthers are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Panthers are 2-5 in their last 7 games following a win. Panthers are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Panthers are 1-5 in their last 6 Thursday games.

OU TRENDS

St. Louis

Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 5-0-2 in Blues last 7 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Under is 20-4-5 in Blues last 29 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 8-2-2 in Blues last 12 Thursday games. Under is 6-2-1 in Blues last 9 overall. Under is 15-5-1 in Blues last 21 road games. Under is 15-5-1 in Blues last 21 games following a win. Under is 17-6-3 in Blues last 26 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 8-3-4 in Blues last 15 vs. Atlantic.

Florida

Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 5-0 in Panthers last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 9-3-3 in Panthers last 15 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 11-4-1 in Panthers last 16 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 8-3-2 in Panthers last 13 vs. Western Conference. Over is 7-3 in Panthers last 10 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Blues are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Florida. Blues are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Under is 17-6-1 in the last 24 meetings. Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Florida. Road team is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Stars at Predators

Gracenote
Oct 12, 2017

A pair of teams that finally cracked the win column will square off when the Dallas Stars visit the Nashville Predators on Thursday night in a matchup of Central Division rivals. The Stars earned their first victory with a 4-2 win over Detroit on Tuesday, the same night Nashville used a stirring comeback to knock off Philadelphia.

Ken Hitchcock, in his second tour of duty behind the Dallas bench, earned his 782nd win to move into a tie with Al Arbour for third place on the all-time list. "I was thinking on the bench that we've played three great hockey games, and it would have felt poorly to not finish this off," Hitchcock said. "I thought this was the best balance we've had. This looked like something you could really build on." The Predators appeared headed for their third loss in as many games, giving up five unanswered goals before scoring twice in the final 77 seconds to stun the Flyers. It provided a fitting end to a home opener in which Nashville raised its Western Conference championship banner from last season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas), FSN Tennessee (Nashville)

ABOUT THE STARS (1-2-0): One reason for Hitchock's satisfaction with his team's play is the pressure applied by Dallas, which has unleashed 119 shots on goal through the first three games. Defenseman John Klingberg, who dropped to 36 points last season after scoring 48 in 2015-16, is off to a fast start with goals in back-to-back games and four points overall. Ben Bishop, injured in the season opener, earned his first win with the Stars by making 23 saves.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (1-2-0): Standout forward Filip Forsberg led the charge back from a two-goal deficit by scoring twice in the third period, including the game-winner with 35.6 seconds to play. Forsberg sandwiched two goals around a tying tally by Scott Hartnell, who also scored twice in the contest. "He's one of the best guys in front of the net," Forsberg said of Hartnell. "You see that on the first (goal). He's just shooting for anything and it goes in."

OVERTIME

1. Nashville won three of five meetings last season while Dallas was victorious in four of five in 2015-16.

2. Bishop is 1-3-1 with a 3.56 goals-against average against the Predators.

3. Forsberg had two goals and two assists in the five games last season versus Dallas.

PREDICTION: Stars 4, Predators 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Dallas at Nashville

W/L TRENDS

Dallas

Stars are 17-35 in their last 52 games following a win. Stars are 6-15 in their last 21 vs. Western Conference. Stars are 9-24 in their last 33 road games. Stars are 7-20 in their last 27 vs. Central. Stars are 3-9 in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Stars are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Stars are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Stars are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Stars are 1-7 in their last 8 Thursday games.

Nashville

Predators are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Central. Predators are 52-18 in their last 70 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Predators are 20-7 in their last 27 home games. Predators are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. Western Conference. Predators are 7-3 in their last 10 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Predators are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.

OU TRENDS

Dallas

Over is 4-1 in Stars last 5 overall. Over is 7-2 in Stars last 9 vs. Central. Under is 6-2 in Stars last 8 road games. Under is 5-2 in Stars last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 10-4 in Stars last 14 games following a win. Over is 12-5 in Stars last 17 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 34-15-2 in Stars last 51 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 13-6 in Stars last 19 vs. a team with a losing record.

Nashville

Over is 2-0-2 in Predators last 4 Thursday games. Under is 6-1-4 in Predators last 11 vs. Central. Over is 5-1 in Predators last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 5-1-1 in Predators last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1-2 in Predators last 7 games following a win. Over is 4-1 in Predators last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-3-3 in Predators last 15 home games. Under is 6-2-3 in Predators last 11 vs. Western Conference. Under is 15-6-5 in Predators last 26 games playing on 1 days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Home team is 48-22-1 in the last 71 meetings. Stars are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings in Nashville.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Wild at Blackhawks

Gracenote
Oct 12, 2017

Minnesota Wild coach Bruce Boudreau has no qualms about getting creative with his lineup as he attempts to navigate his way around early-season injuries in search of the team's first victory. With Zach Parise (undisclosed) and Mikael Granlund (groin) sidelined, Boudreau admitted he'll likely shuffle the deck on Thursday as the Wild visit the Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks.

"In a perfect world, would you like 12 (forwards) and six (defensemen)? Yeah," said Boudreau, who likely will send 11 forwards and seven defensemen to the ice versus Chicago. "I think this is a great challenge. I don't think it will happen all year long. Time will tell, but usually things work their way out." Minnesota traditionally is one of the stingiest teams in the league, but it has allowed eight goals through two games and faces a Blackhawks contingent that has erupted for 21 in four contests. Captain Jonathan Toews, who recorded eight points (four goals, four assists) versus Minnesota last season, set up Brandon Saad's team-leading fifth tally in a 3-1 win over Montreal on Tuesday.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, FSN North (Minnesota), NBCSN Chicago

ABOUT THE WILD (0-1-1): Chris Stewart will never be confused with Parise when it comes to offensive firepower, but the former has scored in both contests this season and added an assist to catch the eye of Boudreau. "On the goals, he's done a great job. He's got a very good offensive IQ, he always has. That's never been Chris Stewart's problem," Boudreau said. "We're hoping his start continues, it's a good start for him, it certainly is something that's added that you're not really counting on but he is scoring the goals." Speaking of Parise, he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and is loosely being targeted for a potential return to the ice next weekend, Boudreau said.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (3-0-1): Corey Crawford turned aside 41 of 42 shots against his hometown team on Tuesday to improve to 3-0-0 while keeping his goals-against average at 1.00 and boosting his save percentage to a robust .971. The 32-year-old Crawford won three of four encounters with Minnesota last season and boasts a 10-8-2 career mark versus the Wild. Saad's seven points are just one better than both Patrick Kane and Richard Panik, who torched Minnesota last season for five points (three goals, two assists) and four (two goals, two assists), respectively.

OVERTIME

1. Minnesota D Ryan Suter has recorded five goals and 28 assists in 66 career games versus Chicago, with the point total accounting for his highest against any team.

2. The Blackhawks boast six players who are averaging at least a point per game.

3. Minnesota F Marcus Foligno has elevated from the third to the top line in lieu of injuries to Parise and Granlund.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Wild 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at Chicago

W/L TRENDS

Minnesota

Wild are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Wild are 6-2 in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Wild are 14-5 in their last 19 Thursday games. Wild are 3-9 in their last 12 road games. Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Central. Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Wild are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Wild are 1-6 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 1-6 in their last 7 overall.

Chicago

Blackhawks are 9-1 in their last 10 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Blackhawks are 60-17 in their last 77 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Blackhawks are 39-12 in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Blackhawks are 22-8 in their last 30 games following a win. Blackhawks are 11-5 in their last 16 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 11-5 in their last 16 Thursday games. Blackhawks are 54-25 in their last 79 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Blackhawks are 3-9 in their last 12 overall. Blackhawks are 1-7 in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Blackhawks are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Central. Blackhawks are 0-7 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Minnesota

Over is 6-1-1 in Wild last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 5-1 in Wild last 6 vs. Western Conference. Over is 8-2-1 in Wild last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 4-1 in Wild last 5 vs. Central. Over is 18-6-8 in Wild last 32 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 15-7-2 in Wild last 24 vs. a team with a winning record.

Chicago

Over is 3-0-1 in Blackhawks last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 6-0-1 in Blackhawks last 7 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Blackhawks last 7 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 5-1-1 in Blackhawks last 7 Thursday games. Over is 9-2-2 in Blackhawks last 13 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 12-3-6 in Blackhawks last 21 vs. Central. Over is 22-7-6 in Blackhawks last 35 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 3-1-3 in Blackhawks last 7 overall. Over is 6-2 in Blackhawks last 8 games following a win. Over is 17-6-7 in Blackhawks last 30 vs. Western Conference. Over is 7-3 in Blackhawks last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-0-3 in the last 7 meetings. Wild are 5-13 in the last 18 meetings in Chicago.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Jets at Canucks

Gracenote
Oct 11, 2017

After getting gashed for 13 goals in the first two games of the season, the Winnipeg Jets tightened up on the defensive end to secure their first victory. The Jets will try to ride the momentum into Thursday night's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks in the final stop of their three-game road trip through western Canada.

Steve Mason was brought in to bolster Winnipeg's goaltending but had two horrid starts before Connor Hellebuyck stepped in to make 37 saves in Monday's 5-2 win at Edmonton. "I really liked his game," coach Paul Maurice said of Hellebuyck, who will get the nod against the Canucks. "It was good to get a win. He’s feeling confident and he deserves to go back in." Vancouver has split a pair of decisions at home, beating Edmonton 3-2 at home in the opener before losing in a 3-2 shootout to Ottawa on Tuesday. The Canucks have one only once in the past seven matchups against the Jets, scoring two goals or fewer five times in that stretch.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TSN3 (Winnipeg), Sportsnet Vancouver

ABOUT THE JETS (1-2-0): Nikolaj Ehlers sparks Winnipeg's first win by registering a hat trick and combining with linemates Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele for 10 points. Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (lower body) missed the Edmonton game and will sit out against Vancouver, although rookie Tucker Poolman filled in with two shots on goal and blocking a pair of shots in his NHL debut. "He's just a smart defenseman with the puck," said Maurice.

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (1-0-1): The watch remains on for the NHL debut of 2015 first-round pick Brock Boeser, who was scratched for the first two games after recording a team-best seven points (four goals, three assists) in the preseason. Boeser skated on a line with Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi and could be ready to play. "If I'm in the lineup, I'll make the most of it," Boeser said. "Camp was a grind, but my legs are back under me. I feel fresh."

OVERTIME

1. The Canucks are 1-for-11 on the power play.

2. Scheifele, who finished seventh in the league in scoring last season, has five points in three games.

3. Canucks F Thomas Vanek, who scored against Ottawa, has 21 goals and 32 points in 41 contests versus Winnipeg.

PREDICTION: Jets 4, Canucks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Winnipeg at Vancouver

W/L TRENDS

Winnipeg

Jets are 6-0 in their last 6 games following a win. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 road games. Jets are 8-2 in their last 10 overall. Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Jets are 5-2 in their last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. Jets are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games. Jets are 4-10 in their last 14 vs. Pacific.

Vancouver

Canucks are 17-38 in their last 55 games playing on 1 days rest. Canucks are 7-19 in their last 26 vs. Western Conference. Canucks are 15-41 in their last 56 Thursday games. Canucks are 7-20 in their last 27 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canucks are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Central. Canucks are 5-16 in their last 21 home games. Canucks are 6-22 in their last 28 overall. Canucks are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Canucks are 1-10 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Winnipeg

Over is 16-4-2 in Jets last 22 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Jets last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 18-5-3 in Jets last 26 Thursday games. Over is 16-5 in Jets last 21 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 16-5 in Jets last 21 games following a win. Over is 9-3 in Jets last 12 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 21-7-1 in Jets last 29 vs. Western Conference. Over is 17-6-3 in Jets last 26 road games. Over is 33-15-3 in Jets last 51 overall.

Vancouver

Under is 5-1-1 in Canucks last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-1-1 in Canucks last 7 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 7-2-1 in Canucks last 10 vs. Central. Under is 6-2-2 in Canucks last 10 overall. Under is 13-5-9 in Canucks last 27 home games. Over is 5-2-5 in Canucks last 12 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2-2 in Canucks last 9 vs. Western Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 2-0-3 in the last 5 meetings in Vancouver. Under is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings. Jets are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings. Home team is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings. Jets are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings in Vancouver.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Red Wings at Coyotes

Gracenote
Oct 11, 2017

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green would love to celebrate his 32nd birthday on Thursday by continuing his sizzling start to the season. Green has recorded six assists in his first three contests for Detroit, which makes its third stop on a four-game road trip with a visit to the Arizona Coyotes.

"I just think last year and the beginning of this year he's been excellent for us," coach Jeff Blashill said of Green, who set up a pair of goals in Tuesday's 4-2 loss at Dallas. "He's really done a good job of breaking us out and then a good job of making a ton of plays coming up the ice. He's attacking the game. He's been good defensively. He's a total winner." Arizona still is searching for its first win after dropping both ends of a home-and-home series to the expansion Golden Knights, including an emotional 5-2 setback in Vegas on Tuesday. "I don't know if we're in shape, and I have to take full responsibility for that," coach Rick Tocchet said following the contest. "We're going to have to get back to the grindstone here. That’s the one thing that disappoints me ... from five or six guys (Tuesday), the effort wasn't there."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, FSN Detroit, FSN Arizona

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (2-1-0): While Green is providing all the answers along the blue line, Detroit finds itself dealing with questions in the form of the availability of fellow defensemen Danny DeKeyser (lower body) and Niklas Kronwall (groin). Blashill is entertaining a wait-and-see approach until Thursday morning for both players, noting that DeKeyser's availability will depend on pain tolerance. "It's getting there definitely," Kronwall said of his health after Wednesday's optional skate. "No setbacks, so I think I'll be good to go tomorrow. We'll see what they say here. I'll be ready."

ABOUT THE COYOTES (0-2-1): Tobias Rieder has seen both his goal total and expectations rise in each of his three previous seasons, as the 24-year-old German adjusts to the NHL. Rieder scored for the second time in as many contests and ran his point streak to three games with a goal midway into the first period against the Golden Knights on Tuesday. That tally, however, came six minutes after Antti Raanta was pulled from the contest after yielding three goals on five shots.

OVERTIME

1. Blashill said versatile F Luke Witkowski could also play the role of a defenseman should Detroit need help on the back end.

2. Arizona's Brendan Perlini sustained an upper-body injury during the first period of Tuesday's tilt, prompting the club to place him on injured reserve and recall fellow forward Emerson Etem from Tucson of the American Hockey League.

3. The Red Wings and Coyotes have struggled in the faceoff circle this season, with the former winning an NHL third-worst 43.8 percent of their draws while the latter is second-worst at 38.0 percent.

PREDICTION: Coyotes 3, Red Wings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Detroit at Arizona

W/L TRENDS

Detroit

Red Wings are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Red Wings are 20-8 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Red Wings are 5-16 in their last 21 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-4 in their last 5 road games.

Arizona

Coyotes are 26-53 in their last 79 vs. Eastern Conference. Coyotes are 17-35 in their last 52 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Coyotes are 9-19 in their last 28 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Coyotes are 18-40 in their last 58 Thursday games. Coyotes are 49-110 in their last 159 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Coyotes are 17-39 in their last 56 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Coyotes are 2-5 in their last 7 home games. Coyotes are 3-10 in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest. Coyotes are 2-7 in their last 9 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Coyotes are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Atlantic. Coyotes are 0-4 in their last 4 overall.

OU TRENDS

Detroit

Over is 5-0 in Red Wings last 5 Thursday games. Over is 3-0-2 in Red Wings last 5 vs. Pacific. Under is 6-1 in Red Wings last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 vs. Western Conference. Over is 3-1-2 in Red Wings last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 3-1-1 in Red Wings last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Arizona

Over is 6-1-1 in Coyotes last 8 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 8-2 in Coyotes last 10 Thursday games. Over is 6-2 in Coyotes last 8 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 9-4-1 in Coyotes last 14 home games. Under is 32-15-5 in Coyotes last 52 games playing on 1 days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 3-1-2 in the last 6 meetings in Arizona. Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings. Red Wings are 24-8-3 in the last 35 meetings in Arizona. Red Wings are 43-18-6 in the last 67 meetings. Road team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Sabres at Sharks

Gracenote
Oct 12, 2017

The San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres have resided at opposite ends of the NHL spectrum over the past few years, but the series has been surprisingly one-sided during that span. The reigning Pacific Division champion Sharks look to build on a rare win over the Sabres when the teams meet at the SAP Center in San Jose on Thursday night.

The Sharks halted the Sabres' five-game winning streak in San Jose and a 10-0-1 run overall in the series in mid-March, but they are more preoccupied with their own play. “When you’re sitting two losses with no points in the standings, it stirs you up and makes you hungry to go get a ‘W’ and makes you want to come fired up for Thursday,” center Chris Tierney said. Buffalo also is searching for its first victory as it opens a four-game road trip and trying to group after being pierced for 12 goals in its last two defeats. "Yeah, I know it's only three games, but it's six points," defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen said. "At the end of the year the schedule might be tough and you need every point so right now the good thing is, it's only three games so we can regroup and be strong on this tough road trip against really, really good teams."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, MSG-Buffalo, NBCSports California (San Jose)

ABOUT THE SABRES (0-2-1): New coach Phil Housley juggled his lines at Tuesday's practice, elevating Zemgus Girgensons to the top line while inserting Evander Kane alongside Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo. "You change the lines to try to get other guys going or maybe there's some chemistry that you're looking for," Housley said. They could change tomorrow, but we thought we would try these combinations moving forward." Kane has been a force with consecutive two-goal games.

ABOUT THE SHARKS (0-2-0): San Jose coach Pete DeBoer also has tinkered with both his lines and power-play units during practice this week and might have a new face on the blue line. Defenseman Paul Martin exited Tuesday's practice after 10 minutes, possibly opened the door for Swedish rookie Tim Heed to play in his second career game. “Had a great year last year, arguably the best defenseman in the (AHL),” DeBoer said. He’s going to play some games and get an opportunity."

OVERTIME

1. Sabres C Jack Eichel had a goal and two assists in two matchups against San Jose last season.

2. Sharks G Martin Jones, sporting a 5.17 goals-against average, is 2-1-1 with a 2.22 GAA against the Sabres.

3. Buffalo has surrendered four short-handed goals, matching its total from last season.

PREDICTION: Sharks 4, Sabres 1