Thursday 10-26-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:30 PM ET, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California

Matchup Edge

NO	Edge in:	SAC
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Pelicans at Kings

Gracenote
Oct 25, 2017

DeMarcus Cousins is returning to Sacramento to face his former team, but he could be without his star teammate. The New Orleans Pelicans got some good news on the injury front but could be missing Anthony Davis in the short term when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

Davis left Tuesday's 103-93 loss at Portland five minutes into the first quarter with a knee injury and underwent an MRI that came back clean, leaving his status as day-to-day. Davis averaged 31.7 points and 16.7 rebounds in the first three games, and Cousins tried to pick up the slack by going for 39 points and 13 boards on Tuesday. The Kings are returning home after a three-game road trip and handed the Phoenix Suns their first win of the season with a 117-115 decision on Monday. The biggest piece coming back to Sacramento in the deal that sent Cousins away last winter was shooting guard Buddy Hield, who is shooting 35.8 percent from the floor and was limited to 17 minutes despite starting on Monday.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE PELICANS (1-3): Cousins' attitude and inability to connect with coaches and teammates hastened his exit from Sacramento, but he doesn't seem to be having those issues in New Orleans. "DeMarcus really carried us and completely took over the game," point guard Jrue Holiday told reporters after Tuesday's loss. "His leadership on and off the court, the way he was talking to us, keeping up the energy, he did a great job. As a team, we fought for each other and that's all we can ask for." Cousins is averaging 31 points, 12 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.3 blocks in the early going.

ABOUT THE KINGS (1-3): Sacramento is trying to build around players like Hield and rookie guard De'Aaron Fox, who recorded season highs with 19 points and 30 minutes in Monday's loss. Fox is leading a second unit that now includes shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, who made his NBA debut on Monday and scored 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting in 25 minutes. "He gives us some playmaking, ability to make some shots," Kings coach Dave Joerger told the Sacramento Bee of Bogdanovic. "He's got poise, he's got high IQ and can pass and cut, play with the ball on the move, which a lot of our American guys can't do."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pelicans PG Jameer Nelson is averaging 7.5 points in 27.5 minutes off the bench in two games since signing with the team as a free agent.

2. Kings F Skal Labissiere is averaging 12.5 points on 52.5 percent shooting.

3. Cousins collected 37 points and 13 rebounds in his first game against Sacramento - a 117-89 New Orleans win on March 31.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 111, Kings 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New Orleans at Sacramento

ATS TRENDS

New Orleans

Pelicans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Pelicans are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Pelicans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific. Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games. Pelicans are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Pelicans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. Pelicans are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Pelicans are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Sacramento

Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southwest. Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Kings are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Kings are 15-37-1 ATS in their last 53 games playing on 2 days rest. Kings are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.

OU TRENDS

New Orleans

Under is 6-1 in Pelicans last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 11-4 in Pelicans last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 8-3 in Pelicans last 11 vs. NBA Pacific. Under is 23-9 in Pelicans last 32 Thursday games. Under is 60-29-3 in Pelicans last 92 road games.

Sacramento

Under is 6-0 in Kings last 6 Thursday games. Under is 5-1 in Kings last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 5-1 in Kings last 6 vs. NBA Southwest. Over is 8-2 in Kings last 10 games following a ATS loss. Under is 23-8 in Kings last 31 vs. Western Conference. Under is 19-7 in Kings last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 7-3 in Kings last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 16-7 in Kings last 23 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 11-5 in Kings last 16 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 17-8 in Kings last 25 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Sacramento. Pelicans are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings. Pelicans are 6-18-1 ATS in the last 25 meetings in Sacramento.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, October 26

Dallas @ Memphis

Game 701-702
October 26, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
111.710
Memphis
123.435
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 11 1/2
188
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 8
196 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(-8); Under

Boston @ Milwaukee

Game 703-704
October 26, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
114.124
Milwaukee
127.559
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 13 1/2
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 4
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-4); Under

Atlanta @ Chicago

Game 705-706
October 26, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
116.580
Chicago
113.691
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 3
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 2 1/2
200 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+2 1/2); Over

LA Clippers @ Portland

Game 707-708
October 26, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
128.489
Portland
127.445
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 1
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 2
211
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(+2 1/2); Over

New Orleans @ Sacramento

Game 701-702
October 26, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
116.751
Sacramento
117.118
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
Even
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 2
203
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Thursday, October 26

Not a lot to go on for the first 7-10 days, until these teams get some games under their belts. I’ll give you what relevant information I have:

Mavericks beat Grizzlies by 9 at home last night; they won six of last eight games with Memphis; over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Dallas is 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Tennessee. Mavs are 1-4 to start season (1-4 vs spread, over 3-2), losing by 16 at Houston in only road game. Memphis is 3-1 to start season (under 3-1), with home wins over Golden State/New Orleans.

Celtics won six of last nine games with Milwaukee; they lost by 8 at home to Bucks last week. Boston is 3-1 vs spread in last four visits here. Over is 7-2-1 in last ten series games. Celtics won their last two games after an 0-2 start (under 3-1)- they split pair of road games. Bucks won three of first four games (over 3-1); they’re 1-1-1 vs spread at home this month.

Hawks won seven of last eight games with Chicago (7-1 vs spread); over is 3-1 in last four series games. Atlanta is 4-2 vs spread in last six visits to Windy City. Hawks lost their last three games by 18-12-11 points (under 2-0-1); they still haven’t played at home. Chicago lost its first three games, 17-10-7 points (over 2-1). Bulls lost by 10 the Spurs in their only home game.

Clippers won last three games with Portland, covered three of last four; they’re 1-3 in last four visits here (2-2 vs spread). Over is 4-1 in last five series games. Clippers are 3-0 SU/ATS to start season (under 3-0); this is their first true road game (played Lakers in “road” game). Portland won three of first four games (under 3-1); they beat Pelicans by 10 in their home opener.

Pelicans won seven of last nine games with Sacramento; they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Last three series games stayed under. New Orleans lost three of first four games (over 2-2); favorites covered all three of their road games (1-2). Kings lost three of first four games (under 3-1); they lost by 5 to Houston in their only home game.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, October 26

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DALLAS (1 - 4) at MEMPHIS (3 - 1) - 10/26/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 380-313 ATS (+35.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 482-406 ATS (+35.4 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 157-122 ATS (+22.8 Units) in road games in the first half of the season since 1996.
DALLAS is 128-95 ATS (+23.5 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 265-217 ATS (+26.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-3 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (2 - 2) at MILWAUKEE (3 - 1) - 10/26/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 253-207 ATS (+25.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 426-512 ATS (-137.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=98 points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-4 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-3 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (1 - 3) at CHICAGO (0 - 3) - 10/26/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 152-117 ATS (+23.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
CHICAGO is 258-314 ATS (-87.4 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (3 - 0) at PORTLAND (3 - 1) - 10/26/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 88-119 ATS (-42.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 67-43 ATS (+19.7 Units) in road games after allowing 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 7-6 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 8-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (1 - 3) at SACRAMENTO (1 - 3) - 10/26/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=98 points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 5-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

Matchup Edge

SJ	Edge in:	BOS
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Sharks at Bruins

Gracenote
Oct 25, 2017

The Boston Bruins should be eager to get back on the ice, as they will have had four days off to dwell on Saturday's disappointing loss to Buffalo. Boston hopes to learn from its mistakes when it continues a four-game homestand Thursday against the San Jose Sharks.

The Bruins kicked off the string at TD Garden last Thursday with a convincing victory over Vancouver but squandered a three-goal lead against the Sabres two days later and dropped a 5-4 decision in overtime. Boston could have a key player back in the lineup versus San Jose as Tuukka Rask is considered by coach Bruce Cassidy as a "possibility" after missing the last two games with a concussion. The Sharks improved to 2-1-0 on their five-game road trip with Monday's 4-1 triumph over the New York Rangers. Logan Couture recorded a goal and an assist versus New York, giving him four tallies in his last two games and nine points (six goals) in the past four contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 360, NBCSN California (San Jose), NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE SHARKS (4-4-0): While Couture has been red-hot, San Jose has received little production from its other top players. Captain Joe Pavelski, who fell one tally shy of his fourth consecutive 30-goal season in 2016-17, has scored only twice while reigning Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns has yet to record a goal after registering a career-high 29 last campaign. Martin Jones has won each of his last four starts, allowing one goal over the last two contests and a total of five during the winning streak.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (3-3-1): Defenseman Kevan Miller (upper body) also could be back in uniform for Boston on Thursday, but David Krejci (upper body) has not practiced this week and is less likely to rejoin the lineup, although both are listed as day-to-day. Paul Postma and Rob O'Gara both made their season debut Saturday and were paired together for the majority of the contest, combining for a plus-1 rating and five shots. Brad Marchand scored twice versus Buffalo to give him at least one goal in five of the team's seven games and shares the team lead of six with David Pastrnak, who also recorded two tallies against the Sabres.

OVERTIME

1. Sharks C Joe Thornton has collected a goal and four assists during his four-game point streak.

2. Pastrnak is riding a four-game goal-scoring streak with five during that span.

3. San Jose is 13-for-13 on the penalty kill during the road trip and 30-for-31 overall since allowing three power-play goals in its season opener against Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Sharks 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - San Jose at Boston

W/L TRENDS

San Jose

Sharks are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Atlantic. Sharks are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Sharks are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference. Sharks are 25-12 in their last 37 games playing on 2 days rest. Sharks are 4-9 in their last 13 road games. Sharks are 2-5 in their last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 Thursday games. Sharks are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a win.

Boston

Bruins are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Bruins are 9-3 in their last 12 vs. Pacific. Bruins are 6-2 in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Bruins are 14-5 in their last 19 vs. Western Conference. Bruins are 2-7 in their last 9 home games. Bruins are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

OU TRENDS

San Jose

Over is 6-1-1 in Sharks last 8 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1-1 in Sharks last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 3-1-2 in Sharks last 6 Thursday games. Under is 3-1-1 in Sharks last 5 vs. Atlantic. Under is 11-5-5 in Sharks last 21 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Boston

Over is 3-0-1 in Bruins last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Bruins last 6 vs. Pacific. Over is 4-1-2 in Bruins last 7 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 overall. Over is 3-1-1 in Bruins last 5 home games. Over is 9-4 in Bruins last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Boston.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Hurricanes at Maple Leafs

Gracenote
Oct 26, 2017

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a statement with their fast start this season, but coach Mike Babcock's charges enter Thursday's home tilt against the Carolina Hurricanes with an unanswered question. James van Riemsdyk's availability is uncertain after the 28-year-old forward missed practice on Wednesday, two days removed from sustaining a lower-body injury.

"We expect him to play (Thursday). Won't know 100 percent until (Thursday), but we expect him to play," Babcock told reporters of van Riemsdyk, who is riding a point-per-game pace. Veteran Patrick Marleau ended a three-game drought with his 99th career game-winning goal in Monday's 3-2 triumph over Los Angeles, helping the Maple Leafs kick off their three-game homestand with their fourth victory in five contests. The Hurricanes are trending in the other direction with losses in two straight and four of their last six, scoring just 13 goals following their season-opening 5-4 win over Minnesota. "They need to get going. It's time," coach Bill Peters told reporters of his team's 28th-ranked offense. "They've got to make sure they're getting into the high-traffic areas on a consistent basis and on-and-off the stick. ... Let's get a shooter's mentality and get the puck to the net."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Carolinas, Sportsnet Ontario (Toronto)

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (3-3-1): Jeff Skinner hasn't been shy on the offensive end with five goals in his first six contests before being kept off the scoresheet in a 5-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Toronto-area native has fared well at Air Canada Centre, recording 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 21 career games. Defenseman Jaccob Slavin scored his team's lone goal versus the Lightning and had registered all three of his points this season over the last four contests.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (7-2-0): With van Riemsdyk's availability in question, Mitch Marner is a candidate to be elevated from the fourth line after putting forth his finest performance of the season with a pair of assists versus the Kings. "I just think, in general, I was throwing away the puck way too much, and that was the big thing," the 20-year-old Marner told reporters regarding his early troubles. "But last game was a step in the right direction for me, personally, and I just have to keep doing what I was doing last game, moving my feet and keeping the puck." Fellow forward Josh Leivo, who has been a nightly healthy scratch this season, could see time on the fourth line if van Riemsdyk is idle.

OVERTIME

1. Toronto C Auston Matthews has recorded multi-point performances in three of his last five games.

2. Hurricanes G Scott Darling has stopped 93-of-100 shots to win all three career contests versus the Maple Leafs.

3. Toronto G Frederik Andersen is expected to play in his 200th NHL game on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 6, Hurricanes 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Carolina at Toronto

W/L TRENDS

Carolina

Hurricanes are 5-1 in their last 6 Thursday games. Hurricanes are 17-36 in their last 53 road games. Hurricanes are 4-9 in their last 13 overall. Hurricanes are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Hurricanes are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Hurricanes are 16-41 in their last 57 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Hurricanes are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Hurricanes are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Hurricanes are 1-5 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Hurricanes are 1-6 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Hurricanes are 1-11 in their last 12 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Hurricanes are 0-6 in their last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Toronto

Maple Leafs are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 7-1 in their last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Maple Leafs are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Maple Leafs are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Maple Leafs are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Maple Leafs are 8-3 in their last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 7-15 in their last 22 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Carolina

Under is 4-0-1 in Hurricanes last 5 Thursday games. Over is 3-0-2 in Hurricanes last 5 vs. Atlantic. Over is 6-0 in Hurricanes last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1-1 in Hurricanes last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 35-13-4 in Hurricanes last 52 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2-1 in Hurricanes last 8 following a home loss of 3 or more goals.

Toronto

Over is 7-1 in Maple Leafs last 8 games following a win. Over is 6-1 in Maple Leafs last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 5-1 in Maple Leafs last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 8-2-1 in Maple Leafs last 11 Thursday games. Over is 4-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 home games. Over is 7-2 in Maple Leafs last 9 overall. Over is 10-3 in Maple Leafs last 13 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 7-3-1 in Maple Leafs last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Toronto. Under is 17-4 in the last 21 meetings. Hurricanes are 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Toronto. Road team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

Matchup Edge

ARI	Edge in:	NYR
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Coyotes at Rangers

Gracenote
Oct 26, 2017

The New York Rangers haven't had much go right this season, but they'll look to continue their recent dominance against another team that has seen it all go wrong in 2017-18. The Rangers aim to conclude their season-high six-game homestand on a positive note Thursday as they vie for their eighth straight victory over the winless Arizona Coyotes.

While the Rangers have outscored the Coyotes 30-14 during their seven-game winning streak in the series and have won eight consecutive encounters between the teams at Madison Square Garden, their record of six losses in the last seven overall contests (1-4-2) is what's pressing on the mind of coach Alain Vigneault. "Everybody here, from management to coaches to players, we're not happy with our record," Vigneault told the New York Post. "I could say we're playing a lot better than our record, but our record is 2-6-2, and that's not good enough." Derek Stepan likely can relate to his former team's troubles, especially considering his current club has dropped seven straight in regulation following a 2-1 overtime loss on Oct. 7 in the opener of a home-and-home series with expansion Vegas. Stepan is making his return to Madison Square Garden after playing seven seasons with the Rangers, although former New York goaltender Antti Raanta will receive the night off as he nurses a lower-body injury.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE COYOTES (0-8-1): Rookie Clayton Keller increased his point total to six (three goals, three assists) in his last three games after setting up a pair of tallies in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the New York Islanders. Keller leads the team in goals (six) and points (10) while Stepan and Max Domi - whose father Tie played for the Rangers - each have recorded seven points. Former Ranger Anthony Duclair netted a power-play tally on Tuesday for the Coyotes, who are scoring 2.3 goals per contest while yielding a league-worst 4.3 with a penalty kill that has thwarted just 72 percent of its opponents' opportunities.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (2-6-2): Chris Kreider has been slow out of the blocks this season with just four points (one goal, three assists), but a date with Arizona has been a cure for whatever ails him during his NHL career. The 26-year-old has erupted for six goals and seven points in six career encounters with the Coyotes. Mika Zibanejad, who scored his team-leading sixth goal in Monday's 4-1 loss to San Jose, recorded four points (one goal, three assists) in his first four career meetings with Arizona before being kept off the scoresheet in his lone encounter last season.

OVERTIME

1. New York F Rick Nash will play in his 1,000th NHL game on Thursday while D Marc Staal will skate in the 700th of his career.

2. Rangers RW Mats Zuccarello (minus-11) and Coyotes D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (minus-10) sit at the bottom of the NHL's list in plus/minus rating.

3. New York G Ondrej Pavelec, who is expected to start Thursday's tilt, needs to stop just two shots to join Dominik Hasek and Tomas Vokoun as the only Czech-born goaltenders in NHL history to reach 10,000 career saves.

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Coyotes 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Arizona at NY Rangers

W/L TRENDS

Arizona

Coyotes are 20-43 in their last 63 games playing on 1 days rest. Coyotes are 26-56 in their last 82 vs. Eastern Conference. Coyotes are 16-35 in their last 51 vs. Metropolitan. Coyotes are 22-49 in their last 71 overall. Coyotes are 18-42 in their last 60 Thursday games. Coyotes are 15-36 in their last 51 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Coyotes are 14-49 in their last 63 road games. Coyotes are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Coyotes are 1-6 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Coyotes are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

NY Rangers

Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Rangers are 16-5 in their last 21 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Rangers are 39-13 in their last 52 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Rangers are 11-4 in their last 15 vs. Pacific. Rangers are 55-27 in their last 82 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Rangers are 2-6 in their last 8 games playing on 2 days rest. Rangers are 1-5 in their last 6 home games. Rangers are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Rangers are 1-6 in their last 7 overall. Rangers are 0-6 in their last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Arizona

Over is 3-0-1 in Coyotes last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-0 in Coyotes last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-0 in Coyotes last 4 Thursday games. Over is 5-1-1 in Coyotes last 7 overall. Over is 4-1-1 in Coyotes last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Coyotes last 7 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 10-4-3 in Coyotes last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 7-3-1 in Coyotes last 11 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

NY Rangers

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

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 8-2-6 in the last 16 meetings. Over is 5-2-2 in the last 9 meetings in New York. Home team is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings. Coyotes are 3-15 in the last 18 meetings. Coyotes are 2-12 in the last 14 meetings in New York.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Where: PPG PAINTS Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Jets at Penguins

Gracenote
Oct 25, 2017

The Winnipeg Jets will be a well-rested team for a quick two-day, two-game road trip that starts with a matchup against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. The Jets have been off since Friday when they defeated Minnesota 4-3 for their fourth victory in five games, but will end the month with four games - two against Pittsburgh - in six days.

“That’s the biggest challenge for us - getting our game up to speed,” Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice told reporters of the break. “Really what (the Penguins are) good at is they defend really, really hard. Because of their talent, they can be a little patient in the game. … The confidence they have in their offensive game allows them to compete and play smart.” The Jets hope to buck a trend as Pittsburgh has won nine of the last 10 meetings, including a pair last season in which it scored 11 times. The Penguins came back after giving up seven goals in Tampa Bay on Saturday to lock it down Tuesday for a 2-1 overtime victory over Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. “When we got into our defensive zone, I thought we were competing on pucks,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan told reporters after Tuesday’s win. “We got our stick on the puck, we were hard to play against, we were stiff in the battle areas and that’s how we have to play.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN3 (Winnipeg), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE JETS (4-3-0): Nikolaj Ehlers has scored all of his team-high six goals in the last five games and is tied with Mark Scheifele (three assists, last two games) and Blake Wheeler (goal, three assists in last three) for the team lead with eight points. Patrik Laine scored his third and fourth goals of the season against Minnesota - both on a power play that was only 2-for-20 in the first six games. Matt Hendricks was activated and is expected to make his Winnipeg debut, skating with Brendan Lemieux and Joel Armia, while fellow forward Nic Petan was sent to Manitoba of the AHL.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (6-3-1): Defensemen Matt Hunwick and Justin Schultz are both expected to miss the game with concussions, and Zach Trotman is likely to make his first Pittsburgh appearance on the blue line. Center Riley Sheahan had an assist and a plus-1 rating in his Penguins debut against Edmonton after being acquired in trade with Detroit, while forward Carter Rowney (fractured hand) will miss about four weeks. Evgeni Malkin leads the team with 11 points and Phil Kessel is tied captain Sidney Crosby for second with 10 after his overtime game winner Tuesday.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh is the among the league leaders at 30 percent on the power play while scoring 12 man-advantage goals in 10 games.

2. Winnipeg G Connor Hellebuyck has been outstanding (4-0-0, .927 save percentage), but G Steve Mason is 9-5-1 career against the Penguins.

3. Pittsburgh Casey DeSmith was recalled to back up No. 1 G Matt Murray after Antti Niemi was lost on waivers, and the 26-year-old has yet to play an NHL contest.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Jets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Winnipeg at Pittsburgh

W/L TRENDS

Winnipeg

Jets are 8-1 in their last 9 games following a win. Jets are 6-1 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 road games. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 Thursday games. Jets are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. a team with a winning record. Jets are 6-2 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Penguins are 10-3 in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Penguins are 42-13 in their last 55 home games. Penguins are 44-16 in their last 60 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games. Penguins are 63-26 in their last 89 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU TRENDS

Winnipeg

Over is 5-1 in Jets last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Jets last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 17-5 in Jets last 22 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 21-7 in Jets last 28 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 18-6-3 in Jets last 27 road games. Over is 6-2-1 in Jets last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 20-7 in Jets last 27 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 19-7 in Jets last 26 games following a win. Over is 36-15-1 in Jets last 52 overall. Over is 12-5-3 in Jets last 20 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 43-21-4 in Jets last 68 Thursday games.

Pittsburgh

Over is 4-0-1 in Penguins last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 4-0 in Penguins last 4 games following a win. Over is 5-1 in Penguins last 6 overall. Under is 4-1-1 in Penguins last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 22-8-4 in Penguins last 34 Thursday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Pittsburgh. Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Jets are 14-45 in the last 59 meetings. Jets are 4-25 in the last 29 meetings in Pittsburgh.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

Matchup Edge

LA	Edge in:	MON
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Kings at Canadiens

Gracenote
Oct 25, 2017

The Montreal Canadiens breathed a collective sigh of relief after ending a seven-game losing streak last time out and look to string two wins together for the first time this season when the Los Angeles Kings pay a visit Thursday. Montreal fell behind by a goal Tuesday against Florida before rallying for a 5-1 victory after suffering through its longest losing streak since dropping nine in a row in 1939-40.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but we can’t step back,” Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber told reporters after scoring twice Tuesday. “We’ve got to keep our foot on the gas and we’ve got to keep getting better.” Montreal’s five goals were a season high after managing 12 in the first eight games and will have difficult time matching that figure against Los Angeles, which leads the league at 2.11 goals against per contest. The Kings rebounded from their first regulation loss Monday in Toronto by edging Ottawa 3-2 in a shootout as Adrian Kempe scored for the second straight game and also converted in the bonus format. “We weren’t happy with the result we had (Monday),” Kempe told the Los Angeles Times. “We just wanted to try and bounce back today, and I think we played a good game, and we got the result we wanted.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), RDS, TSN2 (Montreal)

ABOUT THE KINGS (7-1-1): Jonathan Quick (5-1-1, .934 save percentage, 2.15 goals-against average), who turned aside 36 of 37 shots on Oct. 18 in a win over Montreal, sat out Tuesday’s win in favor of backup Darcy Kuemper and is expected back in net for his 500th career game. Kempe’s goals the last two games tied him for second on the team with Dustin Brown at five while captain Anze Kopitar leads the way with six. Alec Martinez notched his first goal Tuesday to give Los Angeles six from its defensemen this season as Drew Doughty boasts three and Jake Muzzin two.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (2-6-1): Montreal’s power play, which was 2-for-26 in its first seven games, has begun to wake up after converting twice on four opportunities against Florida and three times the last two contests. Jonathan Drouin notched a pair of assists Tuesday to push his team-leading total to seven points and captain Max Pacioretty, who leads the team with 35 shots, scored his second of the campaign. Carey Price showed signs of pulling out of his early-season funk with 26 saves against Florida and is 6-1-0 in seven career games against the Kings.

OVERTIME

1. Los Angeles entered Wednesday second in the league on the penalty kill (91.2 percent), allowing only three power-play goals.

2. Montreal F Andrew Shaw, who had one of his two assists against the Kings last week, is slated to play his 400th NHL game Thursday.

3. The Kings have earned at least a point in seven of the last nine meetings with the Canadiens (6-2-1).

PREDICTION: Canadiens 4, Kings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Los Angeles at Montreal

W/L TRENDS

Los Angeles

Kings are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Kings are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Atlantic. Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 Thursday games. Kings are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Kings are 5-2 in their last 7 road games. Kings are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win. Kings are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Kings are 1-5 in their last 6 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.

Montreal

Canadiens are 2-5 in their last 7 home games. Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Pacific. Canadiens are 2-8 in their last 10 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-7 in their last 8 overall. Canadiens are 0-6 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Canadiens are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Canadiens are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Los Angeles

Under is 1-0-3 in Kings last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 3-0-2 in Kings last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 19-3-4 in Kings last 26 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 4-1-1 in Kings last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Kings last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 22-8-10 in Kings last 40 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Under is 16-6-5 in Kings last 27 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 7-3-4 in Kings last 14 vs. Atlantic. Under is 26-12-14 in Kings last 52 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 27-13-12 in Kings last 52 road games. Under is 58-28-22 in Kings last 108 Thursday games.

Montreal

Over is 5-0 in Canadiens last 5 overall. Over is 1-0-4 in Canadiens last 5 Thursday games. Over is 3-0-2 in Canadiens last 5 vs. Pacific. Under is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Canadiens last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 3-1-1 in Canadiens last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Canadiens last 5 home games. Under is 15-6-6 in Canadiens last 27 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 15-6-6 in Canadiens last 27 games following a win. Under is 13-6-6 in Canadiens last 25 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings. Home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Kings are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings in Montreal.