Tuesday 10-24-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach Free Pick MLB Tuesday

OVER the total in Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Astros @ 8:05 ET -

The Dodgers have scored 25 runs in the last 3 games that Clayton Kershaw has started. Not surprisingly, none of the three games resulted in an under as the Dodgers left-hander has been getting plenty of run support. The Astros Dallas Keuchel gave up 4 earned runs on 7 hits in less than 5 innings of work in his start last week versus the Yankees. The over is 49-29 in Houston's road games this season. The weather is hot and dry in LA for this one so the ball will carry better than usual off of the bats. Free Pick on OVER the total in Los Angeles

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CAPPERS ACCESS
Dodgers
Cavaliers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chris Jordan

The other day I get a text message from the kid, Eric Schroeder, requesting we meet for our weekly chat ASAP because he wants to discuss the World Series. I, of course, reply with: #ThisTeam and add a bitmoji that has me in Dodgers gear.

I can't say what his reply was, but there were more four-letter words exchanged than I've seen from him since I got him aboard with the site last year. He's a cute kid, got a beautiful girl who dances in a production show on the Strip and in just one year being on this site, has purchased a beautiful home in Anthem Hills.

But I had to remind him who Daddy is! He needed to be put into his place, and reminded the difference between Mentor and Mentee.

Don't let him fool you with his blabbering up above here, the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to win the World Series - end of story.

You see, while he is enamored by the home record, the pitching staff and the offense, I reminded him Sunday night, while sipping a little tequila at Green Valley Station, about his pick on the Astros, who may be in the Fall Classic, but are there by default thanks to a lack of competition.

Come on, you really think the way the Astros played in the Bronx, they would have escaped the clutches of the Cleveland Indians had the Tribe been there? I think not. The Yankees caught the Tribe off guard, and really, at time, outplayed Houston.

Statistics reveal a lot, and the Astros are hitting just .247 in the postseason, after an abysmal .187 against the New York Yankees in the ALCS. They hit just four home runs in that series, and had no choice but to depend on their pitching. I'm not impressed. That lineup now gets to face Los Angeles' one-two punch - Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish - and the best bullpen in the bigs.

Los Angeles has the best ERA of all playoff teams, with a 2.28 clip. The entire staff has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 81-to-12, and the relievers have prodced an ERA of 0.94 during the playoffs. Of the 14 home runs the Dodgers staff has allowed, their bullpen has given up just one. The relievers strikeout-to-walk ratio is an astounding 32-to-2, while producing a 3-0 record.

Houston has great arms, I know this. Both starting rotations are pretty much even on paper. But if the Dodgers' impressive lineup that beat up the Cubs gets into the Astros' bullpen, it's going to be ugly. Houston's relievers have a 5.03 ERA in the postseason, having allowed 31 hits, 19 earned runs and eight home runs.

And let's talk about my guy Kershaw, who is 6-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 postseason games. How about the fact he is 2-0 this October, and we're talking about a guy who owns three Cy Young Awards, five ERA crowns and seven All-Star selections. This is long overdue for him, and he isn't about to tank at home.

Finally, I love Dave Roberts, and give him the edge in the managerial department. I love his decision-making. If you listen to his press conferences and interviews, you can feel the passion he has for HIS PLAYERS. Not for him, not for the organization - for his players. And don't get me wrong, he has pride, and he cares about the team as a whole. But he is a players' manager.

The second-year manager, who has two N.L. West crowns under his belt, has been extremely creative with the big-budget Dodgers, and profoundly strategic to get maximum value from each and every person on the roster. And most of all, what his players appreciate most, is Roberts gives his guys consistency with decision-making. There are no surprises with him, as he never wavers - win or lose. And that provides confidence in his players.

Behind an unpredictable and explosive lineup, the 1-2 pitching punch and a stifling bullpen, the Dodgers will win the World Series in Game 6 at Chavez Ravine.

5* DODGERS in World Series

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Houston Astros (108-65) at Los Angeles Dodgers (111-59)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, October 24 - 8:00 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Playoff Series:

World Series; Series Tied 0-0

Preview: Astros at Dodgers

Gracenote
Oct 23, 2017

The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't won a World Series since 1988, while the Houston Astros have never been crowned champions in their 56-season history. The teams begin their attempts to end their respective droughts when Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw pitches against Houston's Dallas Keuchel in Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers are in the World Series for the first time since their memorable 1988 slaying of the Oakland Athletics, a series best known for limping Kirk Gibson's decisive Game 1 homer. The Astros lost to the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series and this season's 101-win squad knocked out the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to reach the Series. "Our guys are battle tested now," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "We had no question coming in. I think more people had questions about us than we questioned ourselves. Now we chase the ultimate prize. There's two teams standing. It's a race to four wins now." The Dodgers, who won 104 regular-season games, rolled through the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs with standout third baseman Justin Turner excelling by going 12-for-31 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in the eight games.

TV: 8:09 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (2-1, 2.60 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 3.63 ERA)

Keuchel has struck out 25 in 17 1/3 innings over three starts this October and is a solid 4-1 with a 2.59 ERA in six career postseason appearances (five starts). The 29-year-old former Cy Young Award winner scanned the Dodgers' lineup and had no trouble anointing it as the best he'll face all season. "Just seems like production top to bottom, even some of their extra guys, has been there all year," Keuchel said at his Monday press conference. "They are going to be the deepest team we played, hands down. My job is to go out there and get the job done."

Kershaw has served up six homers in three starts this postseason but his career ledger has improved to 6-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 appearances (17 starts). The 29-year-old three-time Cy Young winner is 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA in eight career starts against the Astros and has experienced struggles with Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve (6-for-15, four doubles). "He hits everything pretty well. I think he's super aggressive but at the same time he hits a lot of pitches," Kershaw said of Altuve during his Monday press conference. "... He's a tough out. I think he's one of the toughest outs in the game. You just can't give in to him."

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers' bullpen didn't allow a hit in 29 at-bats in the National League Championship Series against the Cubs and has a 0.94 ERA this postseason.

2. Houston RF Josh Reddick went 1-for-25 in the American League Championship Series, including a record-tying 22 straight hitless at-bats (Dal Maxvill, 1968 St. Louis Cardinals).

3. Los Angeles SS Corey Seager (back) made the World Series roster and said Monday he's ready to play nine innings.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Astros 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Houston at LA Dodgers

W/L TRENDS

Houston

Astros are 6-0 in their last 6 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter. Astros are 9-2 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 Tuesday games. Astros are 22-6 in their last 28 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Astros are 23-7 in their last 30 vs. National League West. Astros are 23-7 in their last 30 interleague road games. Astros are 21-7 in their last 28 games following a win. Astros are 21-7 in their last 28 overall. Astros are 6-2 in their last 8 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record. Astros are 15-5 in their last 20 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Astros are 5-2 in their last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. Astros are 15-6 in their last 21 vs. a team with a winning record. Astros are 5-2 in their last 7 games following an off day. Astros are 42-18 in their last 60 interleague games. Astros are 14-6 in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Astros are 35-17 in their last 52 games on grass. Astros are 35-17 in their last 52 during game 1 of a series. Astros are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. Astros are 1-6 in their last 7 playoff road games. Astros are 0-4 in their last 4 World Series games. Astros are 5-1 in Keuchels last 6 starts vs. National League West. Astros are 5-1 in Keuchels last 6 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Astros are 4-1 in Keuchels last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Astros are 11-3 in Keuchels last 14 road starts. Astros are 21-6 in Keuchels last 27 starts during game 1 of a series. Astros are 21-6 in Keuchels last 27 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Astros are 24-9 in Keuchels last 33 starts with 5 days of rest. Astros are 20-8 in Keuchels last 28 starts. Astros are 7-3 in Keuchels last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Astros are 60-29 in Keuchels last 89 starts on grass.

LA Dodgers

Dodgers are 5-0 in their last 5 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record. Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Dodgers are 5-0 in their last 5 interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record. Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 interleague home games vs. a left-handed starter. Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 playoff home games. Dodgers are 9-1 in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Dodgers are 7-1 in their last 8 playoff games. Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. Dodgers are 47-12 in their last 59 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 59-16 in their last 75 games following a win. Dodgers are 21-6 in their last 27 games following an off day. Dodgers are 20-6 in their last 26 interleague games. Dodgers are 38-13 in their last 51 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Dodgers are 23-8 in their last 31 interleague home games. Dodgers are 40-14 in their last 54 home games. Dodgers are 19-7 in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Dodgers are 37-14 in their last 51 games vs. a left-handed starter. Dodgers are 26-11 in their last 37 during game 1 of a series. Dodgers are 37-16 in their last 53 Tuesday games. Dodgers are 76-34 in their last 110 overall. Dodgers are 76-34 in their last 110 games on grass. Dodgers are 35-16 in their last 51 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Dodgers are 37-18 in their last 55 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Dodgers are 5-11 in their last 16 vs. American League West. Dodgers are 47-9 in Kershaws last 56 starts. Dodgers are 46-9 in Kershaws last 55 starts on grass. Dodgers are 48-10 in Kershaws last 58 home starts. Dodgers are 47-10 in Kershaws last 57 starts with 4 days of rest. Dodgers are 40-11 in Kershaws last 51 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Dodgers are 42-12 in Kershaws last 54 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Dodgers are 49-14 in Kershaws last 63 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Dodgers are 41-12 in Kershaws last 53 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Dodgers are 50-18 in Kershaws last 68 starts during game 1 of a series. Dodgers are 19-7 in Kershaws last 26 Tuesday starts. Dodgers are 40-15 in Kershaws last 55 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Dodgers are 37-14 in Kershaws last 51 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 20-8 in Kershaws last 28 interleague starts.

OU TRENDS

Houston

Over is 5-0 in Astros last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 7-1 in Astros last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 5-1 in Astros last 6 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 15-5-2 in Astros last 22 games following an off day. Under is 6-2-1 in Astros last 9 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 8-3-1 in Astros last 12 interleague road games. Under is 18-7-2 in Astros last 27 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Astros last 7 playoff road games. Over is 7-3 in Astros last 10 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 9-4 in Astros last 13 games following a win. Under is 13-6 in Astros last 19 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Over is 13-6 in Astros last 19 road games. Under is 15-7-1 in Astros last 23 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-0-2 in Keuchels last 6 starts with 5 days of rest. Over is 4-0 in Keuchels last 4 interleague starts. Over is 4-0 in Keuchels last 4 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 3-0-1 in Keuchels last 4 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Keuchels last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Keuchels last 5 Tuesday starts. Under is 4-1-1 in Keuchels last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Under is 8-2 in Keuchels last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Keuchels last 5 starts vs. National League West. Under is 12-3-2 in Keuchels last 17 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.

LA Dodgers

Under is 4-0-1 in Dodgers last 5 games following a win. Under is 4-0-1 in Dodgers last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1-1 in Dodgers last 7 home games. Under is 4-1-1 in Dodgers last 6 games following an off day. Under is 4-1-1 in Dodgers last 6 on grass. Over is 4-1-1 in Dodgers last 6 playoff home games. Under is 4-1-1 in Dodgers last 6 interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1-1 in Dodgers last 6 overall. Under is 4-1-1 in Dodgers last 6 playoff games. Under is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 during game 1 of a series. Under is 18-6-2 in Dodgers last 26 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Over is 3-1-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 3-1-1 in Dodgers last 5 interleague home games. Under is 9-3 in Dodgers last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 Tuesday games. Under is 5-2-1 in Dodgers last 8 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 42-19 in Dodgers last 61 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 5-1-1 in Kershaws last 7 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Kershaws last 5 starts during game 1 of a series. Over is 3-1-1 in Kershaws last 5 home starts. Over is 6-2 in Kershaws last 8 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Kershaws last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Under is 15-6-1 in Kershaws last 22 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 34-15-2 in Kershaws last 51 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Astros are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. Astros are 1-6 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles.

UMPIRE TRENDS - NAME UNAVAILABLE

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Tuesday, October 24

Houston @ LA Dodgers

Game 901-902
October 24, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Keuchel) 18.368
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 16.851
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-175
7
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+155); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (108 - 65) at LA DODGERS (111 - 59) - 8:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 51-51 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 78-33 (+27.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KERSHAW is 26-4 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 35-7 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 28-4 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 108-65 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 54-32 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-18 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-22 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-20 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 39-25 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 104-122 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 147-105 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. HOUSTON since 1997
KERSHAW is 3-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.019.
His team's record is 4-4 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Tuesday, October 24

Houston @ Los Angeles
Astros are in World Series for 2nd time; last time was in 2005 when they were NL champs and lost to the White Sox. Dodgers are in their first World Series since 1988. Expected to be very hot for the 5:00 local time first pitch in LA- may be 100 degrees. No DH for the games in LA.

Keuchel is 4-2, 2.55 in his last six starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine starts. Houston is 10-3 in his road starts this season- he didn’t pitch against the Dodgers this year. Keuchel is 4-1, 2.59 in six career playoff games (5 starts).

Kershaw is 3-0, 3.38 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight starts. Dodgers are 14-2 in his home starts this season, Kershaw didn’t pitch against Houston this year; he is 6-7, 4.40 in 21 career playoff games (17 starts).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Tuesday, October 24

Trend Report

HOUSTON @ LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Houston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Series Game 1 betting preview and odds: Astros at Dodgers

Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers (-170, 7)

The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't won a World Series since 1988, while the Houston Astros have never been crowned champions in their 56-season history. The teams begin their attempts to end their respective droughts when Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw pitches against Houston's Dallas Keuchel in Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers are in the World Series for the first time since their memorable 1988 slaying of the Oakland Athletics, a series best known for limping Kirk Gibson's decisive Game 1 homer. The Astros lost to the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series and this season's 101-win squad knocked out the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to reach the Series. "Our guys are battle tested now," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "We had no question coming in. I think more people had questions about us than we questioned ourselves. Now we chase the ultimate prize. There's two teams standing. It's a race to four wins now." The Dodgers, who won 104 regular-season games, rolled through the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs with standout third baseman Justin Turner excelling by going 12-for-31 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in the eight games.

TV: 8:09 p.m. ET, FOX

LINE HISTORY: The Dodgers opened Game 1 as -155 home chalk and have since been moved to the current number of Dodgers -170. The total, not surprisingly, hit the board at a very low 7.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (2-1, 2.60 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 3.63 ERA)

Keuchel has struck out 25 in 17 1/3 innings over three starts this October and is a solid 4-1 with a 2.59 ERA in six career postseason appearances (five starts). The 29-year-old former Cy Young Award winner scanned the Dodgers' lineup and had no trouble anointing it as the best he'll face all season. "Just seems like production top to bottom, even some of their extra guys, has been there all year," Keuchel said at his Monday press conference. "They are going to be the deepest team we played, hands down. My job is to go out there and get the job done."

Kershaw has served up six homers in three starts this postseason but his career ledger has improved to 6-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 appearances (17 starts). The 29-year-old three-time Cy Young winner is 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA in eight career starts against the Astros and has experienced struggles with Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve (6-for-15, four doubles). "He hits everything pretty well. I think he's super aggressive but at the same time he hits a lot of pitches," Kershaw said of Altuve during his Monday press conference. "... He's a tough out. I think he's one of the toughest outs in the game. You just can't give in to him."

TRENDS:

* Astros are 1-6 in their last seven playoff road games.
* Dodgers are 7-1 in their last eight playoff games.
* Over is 7-1 in Astros last eight games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Over is 5-1-1 in Dodgers last seven home games.

CONSENSUS:

The public is siding with Kershaw and the Dodgers in Game 1, with 63 percent of wagers on Los Angeles. Even with the low number of 7, bettors think Kershaw and Keuchel will be on their games, with 59 percent of the public on the Under.

WALK-OFF NOTES:

* The Dodgers' bullpen didn't allow a hit in 29 at-bats in the National League Championship Series against the Cubs and has a 0.94 ERA this postseason.

* Los Angeles SS Corey Seager (back) made the World Series roster and said Monday he's ready to play nine innings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Where: PPG PAINTS Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

EDM	Edge in:	PIT
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Oilers at Penguins

Gracenote
Oct 23, 2017

Last season, Connor McDavid pried away some of the hardware that typically has been the property of Sidney Crosby, but the NHL's reigning MVP and his team have work to do if they hope to hoist the sport's ultimate trophy. McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers have a measuring-stick game on deck when they visit Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

McDavid won both the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy last season as the NHL's leading scorer - Crosby tied for second - and enters his third career matchup against Pittsburgh's resident superstar with the Oilers having dropped five of their last six. Stunningly, Edmonton ranks last in the Western Conference in scoring with an average of 2.00 goals per game despite the presence of McDavid, who has three goals and eight points in the first seven games. The two-time defending champion Penguins are last in goals allowed (4.33) and are coming off a 7-1 beating at Tampa Bay, prompting coach Mike Sullivan to call his team "flawed." Crosby, tied with Evgeni Malkin for the team scoring lead with 10 points, was held off the scoresheet for the second time in Saturday's drubbing.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TVA, Sportsnet One (Edmonton), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE OILERS (2-5-0): McDavid opened the season with a flourish, registering a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Calgary, but he has not scored since and Edmonton managed just two goals or fewer five times in the past six games. After squeezing out a 2-1 overtime win at Chicago on Thursday, the Oilers lost in Philadelphia by an identical score two days later after coughing up the winning goal with just over two minutes to play. "We're cleaning up the defensive part of our game, which is a start for us," coach Todd McLellan told reporters. "But now we've got to get the offensive part going."

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (5-3-1): Pittsburgh won three in a row, all by one goal, before the mauling in Tampa - the fifth straight time and seventh in nine games it has allowed at least three tallies. The Penguins made a move to address some of the defensive deficiencies while adding a third-line center by acquiring Riley Sheahan from the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. "He can play against other team's top guys, he can play certainly against the bigger, stronger guys," Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford told reporters. "He's a strong skater, but down low, he can handle those bigger, stronger guys."

OVERTIME

1. The Penguins on Monday placed G Antti Niemi on waivers after he fell to 0-3-0 with a 7.49 goals-against average.

2. McDavid has one goal and three assists in his two matchups against Crosby and Pittsburgh.

3. Penguins F Carter Rowney, injured in Saturday's loss, was not at practice Monday along with D Matt Hunwick.

PREDICTION: Penguins 3, Oilers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Edmonton at Pittsburgh

W/L TRENDS

Edmonton

Oilers are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Oilers are 111-227 in their last 338 vs. a team with a winning record. Oilers are 99-205 in their last 304 road games. Oilers are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 31-91 in their last 122 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Oilers are 12-40 in their last 52 Tuesday games. Oilers are 1-5 in their last 6 overall. Oilers are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Oilers are 0-4 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Oilers are 0-6 in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. Oilers are 0-4 in their last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Penguins are 41-13 in their last 54 home games. Penguins are 65-23 in their last 88 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Penguins are 43-16 in their last 59 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 16-6 in their last 22 Tuesday games. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 overall. Penguins are 31-14 in their last 45 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 36-17 in their last 53 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 37-18 in their last 55 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.

OU TRENDS

Edmonton

Under is 4-0 in Oilers last 4 road games. Under is 5-1 in Oilers last 6 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 Tuesday games. Under is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 8-2-1 in Oilers last 11 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 3-1-1 in Oilers last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 6-2 in Oilers last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 10-4-1 in Oilers last 15 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 5-2 in Oilers last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.

Pittsburgh

Over is 5-0 in Penguins last 5 overall. Over is 4-0 in Penguins last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Penguins last 6 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 7-2 in Penguins last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 7-2 in Penguins last 9 Tuesday games. Under is 3-1-1 in Penguins last 5 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 5-2-1 in Penguins last 8 home games. Under is 5-2 in Penguins last 7 vs. Pacific. Over is 50-22-8 in Penguins last 80 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Oilers are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh. Oilers are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina

Matchup Edge

TB	Edge in:	CAR
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Lightning at Hurricanes

Gracenote
Oct 23, 2017

Two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner Steven Stamkos is showing a new side to his game as a setup man and the Tampa Bay captain hopes to continue an early-season point barrage when the Lightning visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. Stamkos, who has recorded 324 goals in 595 NHL games, boasts league-bests of 15 assists and 18 points in nine games after missing most of 2016-17 with a knee injury.

“I said coming into the year, a healthy, hungry Steven Stamkos is really good for us and bad for the rest of the league,” Tampa Bay right wing Ryan Callahan told the Tampa Bay Times. “I think he’s showing that. He’s our leader. We go by his example, and he’s leading in the right way.” The Lightning have points in seven straight games (6-0-1) with Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov (10 goals overall - tied for the NHL lead with Alex Ovechkin) and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (.933 save percentage on the season) leading the way while Carolina is tied for the fewest games played (six) after finishing a road trip 2-2-0. The Hurricanes have not gotten off to a great start offensively, but left wing Jeff Skinner owns five goals (six points) in the early going after recording a career-high 37 in 2016-17. “He’s been dangerous for a long time now,” Carolina coach Bill Peters told the Raleigh News & Observer. “. … He gets the puck in good spots and works hard in the offensive zone, so he’s getting rewarded for that.”

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

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (7-1-1): Stamkos’ assist total is way up due in part to his linemate Kucherov, who is off to a blistering start while notching at least one goal in eight games, while both have a point in all nine contests. “When you got a guy like ‘Kuch’ on your line - there’s probably a lot of people yelling at me to shoot the puck more - but he’s so hot, you just try to get him the puck,” Stamkos said. Rookie defenseman Mikhail Sergachev has eight points - six in the last three games - and is expected to play his 10th game Tuesday, which would officially trigger the use of the first of a three-year entry level contract.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (3-2-1): Skinner is the only player with more than two goals, but Jordan Staal (two) and fellow veteran forward Justin Williams (one) each have five points. Carolina must get more from a trio of forwards off to slow starts - Sebastian Aho (no goals, three assists), Teuvo Teravainen (two goals) and Victor Rask (one, one) - while defenseman Justin Faulk has not scored after notching a career-high 17 goals last season and 48 in the last three campaigns. The Hurricanes have allowed 27 or fewer shots in five of six games with the only outlier being Cam Ward’s 48-save performance in a 5-3 victory at Edmonton last Tuesday.

OVERTIME

1. Carolina F Elias Lindholm is slated to play his 300th NHL game Tuesday and is one assist shy of 100 for his career.

2. Stamkos notched his 113th power-play goal in Saturday’s 7-1 victory over Pittsburgh, passing Vincent Lecavalier for the most in franchise history.

3. The Lightning have earned at least a point in six straight meetings (5-0-1), but lost 1-0 in overtime at Carolina last season.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 3, Lightning 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Tampa Bay at Carolina

W/L TRENDS

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 7-1 in their last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Lightning are 9-3 in their last 12 road games. Lightning are 19-7 in their last 26 overall. Lightning are 36-16 in their last 52 games playing on 2 days rest. Lightning are 4-9 in their last 13 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Carolina

Hurricanes are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Hurricanes are 3-7 in their last 10 Tuesday games. Hurricanes are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Hurricanes are 1-4 in their last 5 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Hurricanes are 1-4 in their last 5 home games.

OU TRENDS

Tampa Bay

Over is 4-0 in Lightning last 4 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 7-1 in Lightning last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Lightning last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 8-2 in Lightning last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 7-2 in Lightning last 9 games following a win. Over is 8-3 in Lightning last 11 overall. Over is 16-6-5 in Lightning last 27 Tuesday games. Under is 7-3 in Lightning last 10 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Carolina

Over is 2-0-2 in Hurricanes last 4 vs. Atlantic. Over is 6-1-1 in Hurricanes last 8 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Hurricanes last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 4-1-1 in Hurricanes last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 15-4-2 in Hurricanes last 21 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Over is 3-1-1 in Hurricanes last 5 Tuesday games. Under is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 13-6-1 in Hurricanes last 20 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Carolina. Lightning are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Carolina. Lightning are 20-7 in the last 27 meetings. Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

ANA	Edge in:	PHI
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Ducks at Flyers

Gracenote
Oct 23, 2017

The Anaheim Ducks are already a plus-1 prior to Tuesday's contest against the Philadelphia Flyers that kicks off a four-game road trip, but they'll play minus one of their top defenseman. Anaheim lost Cam Fowler for an unknown period of time with a knee injury he sustained in Friday's 6-2 victory over Montreal, but center Ryan Getzlaf (lower-body) returns to the lineup and defenseman Hampus Lindholm makes his season debut.

“You’re always getting tested throughout the course of the season,” Ducks defenseman Kevin Bieksa told the Orange County Register. “The good teams and the teams that make the playoffs are the ones that can survive these kinds of injuries.'' Defenseman Sami Vatanen (shoulder) could play his first game of the season sometime on the trip while Patrick Eaves (lower-body) stayed home. And with No. 2 center Ryan Kesler (hip) out until at least Christmas, it's a small miracle that Anaheim sits at .500. Philadelphia, which snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Ducks (0-5-3) with a 3-2 overtime victory Oct. 7 on Wayne Simmonds' overtime goal, is 3-1-0 on its five-game homestand after a 2-1 victory over Edmonton on Saturday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Prime Ticket (Anaheim), NBCSN Philadelphia

ABOUT THE DUCKS (3-3-1): Getzlaf practiced with the top power-play unit Monday while Lindholm appeared with the No. 2 group. Andrew Cogliano, who has played in all 793 games to start his career - the third-longest streak in NHL history - helped keep Anaheim afloat with two goals, a team-high six points and a plus-6 rating as has defenseman Josh Manson (team-high plus-7, four assists). Corey Perry recorded an assist Friday for his first point since recording two goals and an assist in the season opener.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (5-3-0): Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and Jakub Voracek lead the team with 10 assists apiece with Gostisbehere's goal the only one among them. Simmonds boasts a team-leading six goals while Claude Giroux has five goals and five assists, with four tallies and seven points in his last four games. Sean Couturier and Valtteri Filppula are also off to solid starts with four goals apiece with Couturier registering a team-best plus-9.

OVERTIME

1. Flyers F Jordan Weal (goal, three assists) missed the last two games with an upper-body injury, but practiced Monday.

2. Anaheim is an NHL-worst 1-for-25 on the power play, recording its goal Friday after going 0-for-21 to start the season.

3. Seven of Gostisbehere's assists have come on the power play, which is clicking at a 24.2 percent rate.

PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Flyers 2