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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, October 12

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PITTSBURGH (2-1-0-1, 5 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (2-1-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 6-7 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-6-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.1 Units)

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ST LOUIS (4-0-0-0, 8 pts.) at FLORIDA (1-1-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 13-6 ATS (+19.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 112-90 ATS (+203.7 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 13-6 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 20-8 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 169-194 ATS (+384.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 151-228 ATS (-79.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-2 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 2-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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DALLAS (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) at NASHVILLE (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 35-50 ATS (-25.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 7-25 ATS (+33.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 9-21 ATS (-15.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 2-15 ATS (-16.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 6-15 ATS (-13.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 191-161 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 35-42 ATS (-29.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 13-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 17-21 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 14-23 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-4-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)

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MINNESOTA (0-1-0-1, 1 pts.) at CHICAGO (3-0-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 46-21 ATS (+17.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 343-340 ATS (-76.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-3-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.2 Units)

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DETROIT (2-1-0-0, 4 pts.) at ARIZONA (0-2-0-1, 1 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 430-323 ATS (-128.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
DETROIT is 120-80 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ARIZONA is 28-87 ATS (+169.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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WINNIPEG (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) at VANCOUVER (1-0-0-1, 3 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 369-342 ATS (+15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-1 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.0 Units)

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BUFFALO (0-2-0-1, 1 pts.) at SAN JOSE (0-2-0-0, 0 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 4-16 ATS (+24.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 167-145 ATS (-80.1 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 397-317 ATS (-4.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 91-74 ATS (-66.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 2-2 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 2-2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tommy Brunson

After a low-scoring affair last Thursday night between New England and Tampa Bay, I will look for a Thursday night shoot-out to breakout this evening in Carolina when the Panthers host the Eagles.

Both teams have been scoring some points in recent weeks, as Philly comes in with Overs played in 3 of their last 4 games, and for the season the Carson Wentz-led Birds are averaging over 27 points per game.

Carolina meanwhile has rung up 60 points their last pair of games, and the Over has connected in each of the Panthers last 3 games.

These teams did not play last season, but the Over is 4-1 the last 5 times they have squared off against one another, that includes Overs in '06, '09, '12 and '14.

Wentz and Newton capable of putting on a show, and both defenses also capable of chipping in with a key turnover here and there.

Eagles-Panthers Over.

3* PHILADELPHIA-CAROLINA OVER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Eric Schroeder

Play the Carolina Panthers tonight, as they're my free play, against the Philadelphia Eagles.

I think we're going to see two halves in this one, with the Eagles coming out firing in the first half, and the Panthers closing it out in the second half, with a late-game field goal to win it.

Philly's offense will come out strong against Carolina's sketchy defense, but Cam Newton won't be restrained that long. I expect the Panthers to finally catch on in the second half and come-from-behind in this one.

Carolina's secondary should have learned by now, and I think will be improved for this game.

Take the Panthers in a close one.

1* PANTHERS (buy the hook)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Larry Ness

Dallas vs. Nashville
Pick: Nashville

The Nashville Predators didn't make much noise in the regular season last year but then opened the playoffs with an improbable four-game sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Western Conference points leader. Nashville followed that by KOing the Blues and Ducks (each in six games) to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Nashville fell behind Pittsburgh 2-0 in that series but won Games 3 and 4 at home to even the series. However, the defending champs were too much in the end, taking the final two games by scores of 5-0 and 2-0.
Dallas was a trendy preseason pick to win the Central Division after Ken Hitcock was hired for a second go-around with the Stars (he was fired in early February by St Louis in what was supposed to be his final season with the Blues). Dallas was said to had a terrific off-season, landing goalie Ben Bishop and center Alex Radulov.

The Stars started with 2-1 and 4-2 losses to Vegas and St Louis but Dallas earned its first victory of the new season Tuesday, 4-2 at home over the Red Wings. Hitchcock 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." 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. Ben Bishop, who was injured in the season opener, earned his first win with the Stars by making 23 saves.

The Predators also know about slow starts, losing 4-3 at Boston in their season-opener and then losing a Stanley Cup rematch at Pittsburgh, 4-0 on Saturday (third straight shutout at the hands of the Pens). It appeared as if the Preds were headed for their third loss in as many games Tuesday night, after giving up five unanswered goals to the Flyers. However, Nashville scored twice in the final 77 seconds to stun the Flyers 6-5, providing a fitting end to a home opener in which Nashville raised its Western Conference championship banner from last season. 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, who was signed away from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the off-season. "You see that on the first (goal). He's just shooting for anything and it goes in."

The Predators have allowed 13 goals in their first three games, something they will have to cut down on in order to position themselves for a division title and a long playoff run. Veteran Pekka Rinne didn't turn it on until the postseason last year but the Preds surely don't want to wait that long, again. Nashville's first two losses came on the road but the team's first win of the new season on Tuesday, was at home. Nashville went 9-2 on home ice during last year's playoffs and my bet says the Preds win again, extending their 10-2 run at Bridgestone Arena to 11-2. After all, Bishop is just 1-3-1 with a 3.56 goals-against average against the Predators.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lee

Oct 12 '17, 8:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Cubs vs Nationals
Play on: Cubs -106 at 5Dimes

10* FREE MLB PICK (Cubs -106)
I'll gladly back the Cubs at a pick'em in Game 5. Chicago will send out their best starter going right now in Kyle Hendricks, who was sensational in Game 1, allowing just 2 hits over 7 innings of the Cubs 3-0 win. With Strasburg moving up to take the ball in Game 4, the Nationals are turning to Gio Gonzalez, who wasn't great in his start in Game 3, giving up 3 runs in 5 innings and was lucky it wasn't worse, as he gave up 2 home runs. That poor showing coincided with his poor finish to the season and I just think this will be the game the Cubs offense comes to life. This team is not afraid of the moment and will go into it with all the confidence in the world. I expect them to deliver and move on the NLCS. Give me Chicago -106!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doug Upstone

Oct 12 '17, 7:30 PM in 2h
NCAA-F | Texas State vs UL-Lafayette
Play on: OVER 54½ -105

With Georgia Tech and Miami moved to Saturday because of Hurricane Irma, we get a double dose of Sun Belt football on prime time. The total in this SBC bash has collapsed from 58 to 55. Texas State is only scoring 14.5 PPG, yet, I think this total is incorrect. The Bobcats defense is not holding anyone in check in allowing 33.7 PPG and last week against a team similar to Louisiana, their main rival UL-Monroe, they tallied 27 points. The Ragin' Cajuns are putting up 37 PPG and though they have played tougher schedule, against Monroe they gave up 56 points (43 in regulation) and 48 to S.E. Louisiana. I will back the OVER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Scott Rickenbach

Oct 12 '17, 7:35 PM in 3h
NHL | Penguins vs Lightning
Play on: Lightning -138 at betonline

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Thursday Free Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - The Penguins prevented the Lightning from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2016 when Pittsburgh knocked Tampa Bay out of the Eastern Conference Finals in a dramatic 4-3 series win. TB certainly wanted revenge last season but they truly were not a healthy team and had a tough season. The Pens took all 3 meetings last season. Now it is time for payback here and the Lightning are a much healthier team this season and also catch Pittsburgh in a tough scheduling spot. The Penguins had a big game at Washington last night and got a tight win over the Capitals. The Pens are now in the 2nd night of a back to back. Last week the Penguins also had a back to back game and they lost the 2nd one by a 10-1 count! The Lightning are 2-0 at home this season and they are well-rested here and that's notable because Tampa has won 25 of 37 when they enter a game off of 2 or more days of rest. The Penguins have lost 19 of 33 when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Free Pick on TAMPA BAY on the money line early Thursday evening. Best of luck, Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals Guru

Oct 12 '17, 8:35 PM in 4h
NHL | Wild vs Blackhawks
Play on: OVER 5½ -110

Free Total Annihilator On Wild vs Blackhawks over 5½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ASA

Oct 12 '17, 10:05 PM in 5h
NHL | Red Wings vs Coyotes
Play on: OVER 5½ +103

ASA FREE PLAY: OVER 5.5 goals Detroit Red Wings @ Arizona Coyotes, Thursday at 10:05 PM ET

Arizona has scored 4 goals in each of their past two meetings with the Red Wings. The Coyotes however did allow 5 goals in the most recent meeting and that was even when they had Mike Smith between the pipes. The bad news for Arizona fans this season is that Mike Smith is gone and his replacements, Louis Dominque and Antti Raanta, are both struggling early this season. Each have a save percentage in the 89% range and the Coyotes are allowing an average of 4 goals per game thus far. Only 1 of the last 4 meetings between these clubs resulted in an under and, with both of these teams entering off of a disappointing loss, each club is likely to being "pushing hard" in this game tonight. The Coyotes have scored a total of only 3 goals in their last 2 games and the Red Wings have scored just a pair of goals in each of their last two games so both teams are pushing to get their offense rolling tonight. When Detroit is off of a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals, their next game has stayed under the total only 14 of 46 times! Also, the Coyotes are a much different team without Smith between the pipes so look for a wild one in this non-conference match-up in the desert Thursday night. FREE PLAY: OVER 5.5 goals in Arizona in late night action Thursday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Larry Wallace

Oct 12 '17, 8:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Cubs vs Nationals
Play on: Cubs -104 at betonline

Taking the Cubs in this match-up against the Nationals. Hendricks has by far been the Cubs best pitcher. Hendricks is 4-2 this year on the road with a 2.55 ERA. Also, Hendricks is 1-0 in his last 3 starts with a 0.50 ERA. That win was against Washington in Game 1 of the NLDS. Gio Gonzalez is 3-3 in his career against the Cubs.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chase Diamond

Oct 12 '17, 8:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Cubs vs Nationals
Play on: Nationals +101 at 5Dimes

This game has the 2-2 Cubs at the 2-2 Nationals. Nationals have been living with the curse of never making it past this game and last year the Cubs took them out. Not sure why this line is so good for taking the Nationals we get the better team and pitcher at home. Yes public money is backing the Nats but with Geo Gonzalez going for them I think this is easy money. 15* Nationals

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd

Oct 12 '17, 7:30 PM in 2h
NCAA-F | Texas State vs UL-Lafayette
Play on: Texas State +14 -107 at 5Dimes

Free Pick on Texas State +14
I'll take the two touchdowns with the Bobcats. Texas State comes in having failed to cover 3 straight and haven't won a game since beating Houston Baptist in their opener. The betting public wants nothing to do with this team and oddsmakers know it and I believe they have inflated this line to where all the value is with the Bobcats.
Lafayette is simply getting too much respect for a team that doesn't play any defense. The Ragin' Cajuns come into this one 126th in the country against the run (265.2 ypg) and 91st against the pass (241.4 ypg). They are allowing on average 65 yards above their opponents average.
You also have to look at who Texas State has played. They had a stretch where they played @ Colorado, hosted Appalachian State and UTSA and visited Wyoming. They were competitive early against ULM last week before fading down the stretch. I look for a more complete effort here in a prime time game and only college football contest on tap for Thursday.
It's also worth pointing out that Lafayette has had trouble covering against bad teams. They are just 6-18 ATS at home against teams that have won 25% or less of their games. They are also just 9-22 ATS in their last 31 against teams that allow 31+ ppg. Take Texas State!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Williams

Oct 12 '17, 8:05 PM in 3h
MLB | CHC vs WAS
Play on: OVER 7½ -115

1* on Cubs vs Nationals over 7½ -115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sportsbook Advisor

MLB CHICAGO CUBS ‑105

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Scottie Can Pick

NFL PHILADELPHIA EAGLES +3.5 ‑105