Saturday 10-28-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 28, 2017
Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida

Matchup Edge

DET	Edge in:	FLA
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Red Wings at Panthers

Gracenote
Oct 27, 2017

The Detroit Red Wings’ hot start to the season seems long ago as they try to snap a six-game losing streak Saturday night when they visit the Atlantic Division-rival Florida Panthers. The Red Wings won four of their first five games to open 2017-18 and are winless since (0-5-1) after doing just enough to suffer a 3-2 loss at red-hot Tampa Bay on Thursday - the fourth one-goal setback during the streak.

“We aren’t good enough to win games and that’s why we’ve lost six in a row,” Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg told reporters after his team coughed up two third-period goals Thursday. The Red Wings must be stout defensively to break out of their slump against the Panthers, who entered Friday fourth in the league in scoring (3.67 goals per game) after exploding for an 8-3 victory over Anaheim at home Thursday night. “We didn’t have too many shots on net (22), but the ones we had we made them count and had some lucky bounces, too,” Florida right wing Radim Vrbata told reporters after scoring his first three goals of the season. Center Aleksander Barkov, who Panthers coach Bob Boughner called “a beast” Thursday, is starting to warm up with three goals and four assists over the last four contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Florida

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (4-6-1): Detroit took seven penalties Thursday at Tampa Bay and three were for slashing, including one in the third period on Frans Nielsen that led to the Lightning’s go-ahead goal. “We are putting ourselves at risk for them making that call,” coach Jeff Blashill told the Detroit Free Press. “That is 100 percent on us. We can’t whine about the refs making the penalty calls. We have to make sure we keep our sticks on the ice.” Speedy forward Andreas Athanasiou made his season debut Thursday after a contract holdout and had three shots in 11:38 of ice time.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (4-5-0): Barkov and Vincent Trocheck had three points apiece Thursday to tie Jonathan Huberdeau for the team lead with 10 while 18-year-old rookie forward Owen Tippett scored his first NHL goal in his fourth game. “I was happy for him. He was smiling ear to ear,” Boughner told reporters. “He played really well besides the goal as well, so he’s making a case for himself and it’s nice to see him get rewarded.” Forward Connor Brickley (seven points, plus-6 rating) suffered an upper-body injury in the third period Thursday and Boughner said he is day-to-day.

OVERTIME

1. Florida has allowed 10 power-play goals in nine games, but was 3-for-3 on the penalty kill Thursday.

2. Detroit G Jimmy Howard has lost the last two games despite turning aside 66 of the 70 shots he faced.

3. The Panthers had at least a point in all four meetings last season (3-0-1), allowing seven goals combined.

PREDICTION: Panthers 5, Red Wings 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Detroit at Florida

W/L TRENDS

Detroit

Red Wings are 16-35 in their last 51 vs. Atlantic. Red Wings are 17-38 in their last 55 vs. Eastern Conference. Red Wings are 3-7 in their last 10 road games. Red Wings are 16-38 in their last 54 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Red Wings are 4-10 in their last 14 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Red Wings are 0-6 in their last 6 overall. Red Wings are 0-5 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

Florida

Panthers are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Panthers are 17-8 in their last 25 Saturday games. Panthers are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a win. Panthers are 5-13 in their last 18 games playing on 1 days rest. Panthers are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Panthers are 2-7 in their last 9 vs. Atlantic. Panthers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Panthers are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Detroit

Under is 6-1 in Red Wings last 7 vs. Atlantic. Over is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 6-2-1 in Red Wings last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.

Florida

Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 home games. Over is 8-1 in Panthers last 9 overall. Over is 6-1 in Panthers last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-1 in Panthers last 6 games following a win. Over is 4-1-1 in Panthers last 6 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Panthers last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 6-2-1 in Panthers last 9 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 5-2 in Panthers last 7 vs. Atlantic. Over is 7-3-1 in Panthers last 11 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-4-1 in Panthers last 14 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings in Florida. Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings. Red Wings are 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings in Florida. Road team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 28, 2017
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Coyotes at Devils

Gracenote
Oct 28, 2017

The Arizona Coyotes make their 11th attempt at becoming the last team in the NHL to gain a victory this season when they visit the surging New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. The Coyotes got another tally from prized rookie center Clayton Keller before dropping a 5-2 decision against the New York Rangers on Thursday, allowing at least four goals for the fourth straight time and eighth in 10 games.

First-year Arizona coach Rick Tocchet said he’s proud of the way his team is battling with the situation they’ve been put in, but it has been difficult with No. 1 goalie Antti Raanta out since Oct. 12 because of a lower-body injury. “You can’t give them freebies,” Tocchet told reporters after the Coyotes allowed the first goal for the seventh time in 10 games Thursday. “It’s hard because you’re chasing the game. Now we have to get away from our system and chase sticks because we’re down.” The Devils, who have missed the playoffs the last five seasons, edged Ottawa 5-4 in a shootout Friday after enjoying a week off for their seventh win in nine games to start the campaign. Left wing Taylor Hall and rookie defenseman Will Butcher each notched an assist in the victory and lead the way with 10 points apiece for New Jersey, which won Friday despite giving up two goals in the final 1:15 of regulation.

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

ABOUT THE COYOTES (0-9-1): Keller has had his issues like any rookie on a struggling team with a minus-11 rating, but the 19-year-old has four goals and three assists over the last four contests and Tocchet played him 21:45 against the Rangers. Max Domi recorded six assists over the last seven games and owns eight points - three behind Keller for the team lead - while veteran center Derek Stepan has seven. Forward Brendan Perlini returned to the lineup Thursday after missing six games with an upper-body injury and was a plus-1 with three shots in 14:36 of ice time.

ABOUT THE DEVILS (7-2-0): Backup Keith Kinkaid made his second straight start in net against Ottawa and could get a third, but No. 1 goalie Cory Schneider (lower-body) might be available Saturday after being with his wife for the birth of the couple’s second child Friday. Brian Gibbons, who spent the last two seasons in the minors, scored his team-leading fourth goal against Ottawa and owns a plus-7 rating while fellow forward Jimmy Hayes recorded his first tally since the season opener. Right wing Kyle Palmieri (lower-body) was scratched Friday and is questionable for the Arizona game.

OVERTIME

1. New Jersey’s rookie LW Jesper Bratt had an assist Friday for his first point since posting six in the first three games of the season.

2. The Devils have won five of the last six meetings, but dropped the last matchup at Arizona 5-4 in March.

3. The Coyotes are 4-for-32 on the power play since converting two of four opportunities in the season opener at Anaheim.

PREDICTION: Coyotes 4, Devils 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Arizona at New Jersey

W/L TRENDS

Arizona

Coyotes are 17-35 in their last 52 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Coyotes are 26-57 in their last 83 vs. Eastern Conference. Coyotes are 20-44 in their last 64 games playing on 1 days rest. Coyotes are 22-50 in their last 72 overall. Coyotes are 15-36 in their last 51 vs. Metropolitan. Coyotes are 17-41 in their last 58 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Coyotes are 17-41 in their last 58 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Coyotes are 15-37 in their last 52 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Coyotes are 17-45 in their last 62 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Coyotes are 27-82 in their last 109 vs. a team with a winning record. Coyotes are 14-50 in their last 64 road games. Coyotes are 0-6 in their last 6 Saturday games.

New Jersey

Devils are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Devils are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win. Devils are 189-89-12 in their last 290 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Devils are 17-38 in their last 55 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 9-21 in their last 30 home games. Devils are 3-7 in their last 10 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Devils are 4-10 in their last 14 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Devils are 2-6 in their last 8 Saturday games. Devils are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Devils are 1-7 in their last 8 games playing on 0 days rest. Devils are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Pacific.

OU TRENDS

Arizona

Over is 4-0-1 in Coyotes last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 3-0-1 in Coyotes last 4 overall. Over is 5-0 in Coyotes last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 6-1 in Coyotes last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Coyotes last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 4-1 in Coyotes last 5 road games. Over is 4-1 in Coyotes last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 4-1 in Coyotes last 5 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 3-1-1 in Coyotes last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 8-3-1 in Coyotes last 12 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 16-6-4 in Coyotes last 26 Saturday games. Under is 13-6-1 in Coyotes last 20 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

New Jersey

Over is 9-1-1 in Devils last 11 games following a win. Over is 5-1-1 in Devils last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1-1 in Devils last 7 home games. Over is 8-2-2 in Devils last 12 overall. Under is 3-1-1 in Devils last 5 Saturday games. Over is 6-2-2 in Devils last 10 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2-3 in Devils last 11 vs. Pacific. Under is 34-15-10 in Devils last 59 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 40-18-13 in Devils last 71 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 28-13-14 in Devils last 55 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings. Coyotes are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in New Jersey. Coyotes are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 28, 2017
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Matchup Edge

CLB	Edge in:	STL
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Blue Jackets at Blues

Gracenote
Oct 28, 2017

Two teams enjoying strong starts and playing the second of a back-to-back after a victory meet Saturday night when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the St. Louis Blues. The Blue Jackets are off to the best start in franchise history (7-3-0) after Josh Anderson’s overtime goal beat Winnipeg 2-1 on Friday and St. Louis has points in five straight games (4-0-1) after winning by the same score at Carolina.

Columbus allowed one goal each in a pair of wins since yielding six against Los Angeles last Saturday and Anderson told reporters the Blue Jackets played the right way in the third period Friday. “It’s not how you played the 40 or 50 minutes, it’s finding a way to win a game when it’s there, when you’re still involved in it,” Columbus coach John Tortorella told reporters. “I am thrilled we win this type of hockey game.” Brayden Schenn ended a six-game goal drought by scoring the winner Friday for the Blues, who are tied for the second-most points in the league despite losing Robby Fabbri for the season and being without injured veterans Jay Bouwmeester and Patrik Berglund. Forward Jaden Schwartz has played a big part in St. Louis’ early surge and takes a six-game point streak into Saturday (five goals, three assists).

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Columbus), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (7-3-0): The penalty killing unit came through Friday while going 6-for-6 and has been unscored on in its last 12 opportunities over a five-game span to move up to fifth in the league at 88 percent. Artemi Panarin was kept off the scoresheet against Winnipeg despite five shots, but leads the team with 10 points - two better than captain Nick Foligno and defenseman Seth Jones. Anderson, who missed the first three games because of a contract holdout, has scored in back-to-back games and owns points in five of the last six contests after failing to post one in his first two outings.

ABOUT THE BLUES (8-2-1): Backup Carter Hutton recorded his third win in his third start Friday and No. 1 goalie Jake Allen (5-2-1, 2.70 goals-against average, .912 save percentage) is expected back in net Saturday. Defenseman Carl Gunnarsson returned to the lineup Friday after missing the win against Calgary on Wednesday to be with his wife for the birth of his daughter and played with Colton Parayko after being paired with captain Alex Pietrangelo much of the season. Joel Edmundson (league-best 39 blocks) played with Pietrangelo, who is tied for second on the team with 12 points.

OVERTIME

1. St. Louis RW Vladimir Tarasenko has registered at least a point in nine of 11 games and has 12 overall - three behind Schwartz for the team lead.

2. The Blue Jackets have points in five of the last six meetings (4-1-1) with the Blues, including an 8-4 triumph in the latest matchup last November.

3. St. Louis F Dmitrij Jaskin, who was a healthy scratch the previous two contests, scored his first goal of the season Friday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Blues 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Columbus at St. Louis

W/L TRENDS

Columbus

Blue Jackets are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Blue Jackets are 6-2 in their last 8 overall. Blue Jackets are 5-2 in their last 7 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Blue Jackets are 4-9 in their last 13 road games. Blue Jackets are 3-7 in their last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 31-81 in their last 112 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Blue Jackets are 4-12 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.

St. Louis

Blues are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. Metropolitan. Blues are 5-0 in their last 5 home games. Blues are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 21-6 in their last 27 games playing on 0 days rest. Blues are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Blues are 20-7 in their last 27 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win. Blues are 80-36 in their last 116 Saturday games. Blues are 24-11 in their last 35 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Blues are 44-21 in their last 65 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 35-17 in their last 52 overall. Blues are 43-21 in their last 64 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

OU TRENDS

Columbus

Over is 4-0 in Blue Jackets last 4 Saturday games. Under is 6-0-2 in Blue Jackets last 8 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 vs. Western Conference. Over is 4-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 road games. Over is 4-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 vs. Central. Under is 10-3-1 in Blue Jackets last 14 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-3 in Blue Jackets last 12 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

St. Louis

Under is 6-1-2 in Blues last 9 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 5-1 in Blues last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Blues last 6 home games. Under is 4-1 in Blues last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 11-4 in Blues last 15 games following a win. Under is 13-5-2 in Blues last 20 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Blues last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 5-2 in Blues last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 19-9-3 in Blues last 31 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Blue Jackets are 10-30-1 in the last 41 meetings in St. Louis.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 28, 2017
Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

Matchup Edge

NYI	Edge in:	NAS
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Islanders at Predators

Gracenote
Oct 28, 2017

The New York Islanders better improve their special teams play in a hurry as they visit the Nashville Predators on Saturday. New York has allowed five short-handed goals in 33 attempts - including two in Thursday's 6-4 loss at Minnesota - and were 0-for-5 on the power-play, dropping the NHL's worst unit to 2-for-33.

Islanders coach Doug Weight was upset, telling reporters: "The power play, just lethargic, lax, soft. Zero battle, decisions, execution, little flip passes, half-speed breakout, just really unacceptable. It's just over-handle, soft plays, it's just embarrassing and it's going to change tomorrow. That's it." New York will be hard-pressed to fix its problems overnight as Nashville boasts the league's No. 6 power-play unit despite going 1-for-6 in Friday's 2-1 victory at Chicago while its No. 6 penalty kill went 6-for-6. The Predators snapped a two-game slide Friday and return home where they are 3-0-1. Nashville's Filip Forsberg, who scored in each of the previous two games prior to Friday, leads Nashville with seven goals and 12 points.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG Plus 2 (New York), FSN Tennessee (Nashville)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (5-4-1): John Tavares (six goals, 10 points) was held off the scoresheet Thursday after erupting for four goals and three assists in his previous two games. Anders Lee shares the club lead in goals with Tavares after scoring for the fourth time in four games Thursday while Josh Bailey (10 points) registered three assists versus Minnesota, giving him a team-most seven, and he owns a five-game point streak (two goals, six assists). Jaroslav Halak (3-2-0, 2.72 goals-against average, .913 save percentage) will likely get the start Saturday after Thomas Greiss (2-2-1, 3.69, .898) stopped 27-of-33 shots Thursday.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (5-3-2): Craig Smith scored his 100th career goal and second of the season to break a 1-1 tie Friday. Pekka Rinne made 43 saves versus Chicago, improving to 5-1-2 with a .940 save percentage. "It feels great," Rinne told reporters. "Big division game, big two points. We were able to hang in there, and from the second period on, I thought we played pretty well. ..."

OVERTIME

1. New York RW Jordan Eberle has six assists in 10 games and a team-worst minus-5 in his first season with the Islanders.

2. The Islanders are 2-4-0 on the road, getting outscored 21-14, while Nashville owns a 16-9 goals advantage at home.

3. The clubs split last season's two-game series with each winning on the road as New York won in Nashville for only the second time in its last nine tries.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Islanders 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at Nashville

W/L TRENDS

NY Islanders

Islanders are 11-1 in their last 12 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Islanders are 11-5 in their last 16 overall. Islanders are 16-36 in their last 52 Saturday games. Islanders are 3-13 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Islanders are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Central.

Nashville

Predators are 20-6 in their last 26 home games. Predators are 53-18 in their last 71 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Predators are 13-5 in their last 18 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Predators are 14-6 in their last 20 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 4-10 in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU TRENDS

NY Islanders

Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 overall. Under is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 vs. Central. Over is 6-2 in Islanders last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Islanders last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 7-3 in Islanders last 10 vs. Western Conference. Over is 11-5-2 in Islanders last 18 Saturday games.

Nashville

Under is 3-0-1 in Predators last 4 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Predators last 7 overall. Under is 4-1 in Predators last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 14-4-3 in Predators last 21 home games. Over is 3-1-1 in Predators last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 13-5-2 in Predators last 20 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Predators last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 5-2-1 in Predators last 8 Saturday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Islanders are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. Home team is 12-5 in the last 17 meetings. Islanders are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings in Nashville.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 28, 2017
Where: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Penguins at Wild

Gracenote
Oct 27, 2017

Pittsburgh's Phil Kessel summed up the play of Penguins goaltender Matt Murray in the simplest terms, telling reporters: “He’s played well for us. Whenever you have a goalie that lets in one goal a night, you know you should win most of them.” Pittsburgh begins a five-game road trip Saturday against the Minnesota Wild, and hopes its red-hot netminder can help improve the Penguins' 3-3-0 record away from home.

Murray (7-0-1) has won his last seven starts, posting a .936 save percentage during span, after allowing 11 goals in his first two games - an overtime loss and a relief appearance. “I’m just trying to improve every night and feel a little bit better every night,” Murray told reporters. “I think I’ve been doing that.” Kessel became the 18th American player to reach 300 goals in Thursday's 2-1 overtime victory over Winnipeg - the second consecutive 2-1 game he scored in the extra period. Minnesota improved to 1-1-0 on its six-game homestand with a 6-4 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday as a pair of players - Luke Kunin and Zack Mitchell - scored their first NHL goals.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FSN North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (7-3-1): Kessel's back-to-back overtime goals vaulted him into the team lead in points (11) with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Conor Sheary scored Thursday to match Crosby for the team lead in goals with five while Bryan Rust and Malkin pace the club with eight assists apiece. Defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (one assist, eight games) is the only Pittsburgh player with a plus rating (plus-1) as Crosby and Malkin are each minus-5, which is tied for the second-worst rating on the team to defenseman Kris Letang (minus-10).

ABOUT THE WILD (3-3-2): Eric Staal scored his 18th career short-handed goal Thursday, giving him four tallies and three assists in his last seven games. Kunin, a 19-year-old center who was the 15th overall pick in the 2016 draft, became the first Wild player in team history to score his first career goal short-handed. Jason Zucker scored Thursday and has three goals and four assists in his last seven games.

OVERTIME

1. Jonas Brodin on Thursday became the third Minnesota defenseman to score this season.

2. The Penguins are 1-for-11 on the power play in their last three games while the Wild have killed 13-of-14 penalties during that span.

3. Minnesota swept the two-game season series by a combined 10-4 in 2016-17 with Charlie Coyle and Nino Niederreiter scoring three goals apiece. Coyle is out with a broken leg and Niederreiter (high ankle sprain) isn't expected to return until Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Penguins 3, Wild 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Pittsburgh at Minnesota

W/L TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Penguins are 40-14 in their last 54 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 45-16 in their last 61 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Penguins are 64-26 in their last 90 games playing on 1 days rest. Penguins are 51-21 in their last 72 vs. a team with a losing record. Penguins are 40-19 in their last 59 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Minnesota

Wild are 4-9 in their last 13 overall. Wild are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Wild are 2-5 in their last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Wild are 3-8 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 2-6 in their last 8 Saturday games. Wild are 3-9 in their last 12 vs. Eastern Conference. Wild are 7-22 in their last 29 vs. Metropolitan. Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Wild are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 1-5 in their last 6 home games. Wild are 0-5 in their last 5 games following a win.

OU TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Over is 4-0 in Penguins last 4 road games. Under is 5-1-1 in Penguins last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 games following a win. Over is 6-2 in Penguins last 8 Saturday games. Over is 5-2 in Penguins last 7 overall. Under is 7-3-2 in Penguins last 12 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Minnesota

Over is 3-0-1 in Wild last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-0-1 in Wild last 4 Saturday games. Over is 7-0 in Wild last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 7-1-1 in Wild last 9 overall. Over is 5-1-1 in Wild last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 17-5-5 in Wild last 27 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 25-8-2 in Wild last 35 games following a win. Over is 17-6-4 in Wild last 27 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 8-3 in Wild last 11 home games. Over is 35-15-8 in Wild last 58 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 28, 2017
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

Matchup Edge

CHI	Edge in:	COL
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Blackhawks at Avalanche

Gracenote
Oct 28, 2017

After Colorado fell under the avalanche that is the Vegas Golden Knights in a 7-0 loss Friday, it won't have to wait long to hit the ice again when it hosts the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. The Avalanche yielded four goals in a 9:26 span of the second period in losing for the fourth time in five games after a promising start to the season saw them win four of five.

Colorado also lost forwards Gabriel Bourque and rookie Alexander Kerfoot (three goals this season) to upper-body injuries with Kerfoot potentially sustaining a concussion. “You have to have a short-term memory in this business, after the highs and after the lows, and that was certainly a low point for us (Friday), not only the loss but losing all those guys too,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told the Denver Post. Chicago will also be hungry after losing to Nashville 2-1 on Friday for its fourth loss in five games (1-3-1). The Blackhawks won the 2016-17 season series versus Colorado 3-2 with captain Jonathan Toews recording four goals and two assists, bringing his career totals against the Avalanche to 19 goals and 19 assists in 37 games.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCSN Chicago, Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (5-4-2): Chicago came out flying Friday by recording 21 shots in the first period - matching their most for a frame this season - with Artem Anisimov scoring short-handed for his second goal of the season after matching a career high with 22 in 2016-17. Patrick Kane (five goals), who leads the club with 12 points, had a six-game point streak snapped Friday, while Brandon Saad (team-high six goals) was denied on a short-handed breakaway on his 25th birthday. Coach Joel Quenneville - in an effort to spark his team - broke up his No. 1 defense pairing of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook on Friday, pairing Keith with rookie Jan Rutta and Seabrook with Gustav Forsling.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (5-5-0): Colorado is 20th in the NHL in scoring at 2.8 goals per game and doesn't have a player with more than three with Matt Duchene (team-high eight points along with defenseman Tyson Barrie) one of six players with three. Defenseman Patrik Nemeth returned to the lineup Friday after missing Tuesday's 5-3 victory over Dallas with a lower-body injury. Jonathan Bernier (1-2-0, 3.04 goals-against average, .894 save percentage) will likely get the start Saturday after Semyon Varlamov (4-3-0) allowed seven goals on 21 shots against Vegas, lowering his save percentage from .929 to .904.

OVERTIME

1. Quenneville also elevated rookie RW Alex DeBrincat (goal, three assists in 11 games) to the top line Friday for the first time this season, joining LW Saad and C Toews.

2. Barrie's point streak was stopped at six games as he remains at 199 career points.

3. The Blackhawks went 0-for-6 on the power play Friday and are 1-for-16 in their last four games.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 3, Avalanche 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chicago at Colorado

W/L TRENDS

Chicago

Blackhawks are 6-2 in their last 8 games playing on 0 days rest. Blackhawks are 24-11 in their last 35 Saturday games. Blackhawks are 3-11 in their last 14 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 2-8 in their last 10 road games. Blackhawks are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Blackhawks are 3-13 in their last 16 vs. Western Conference. Blackhawks are 1-6 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 1-8 in their last 9 vs. Central. Blackhawks are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Colorado

Avalanche are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Avalanche are 5-2 in their last 7 home games. Avalanche are 27-64 in their last 91 games playing on 0 days rest. Avalanche are 8-20 in their last 28 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Avalanche are 15-39 in their last 54 vs. a team with a losing record. Avalanche are 14-37 in their last 51 vs. Central. Avalanche are 14-38 in their last 52 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 13-38 in their last 51 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 13-38 in their last 51 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 18-56 in their last 74 overall. Avalanche are 3-10 in their last 13 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Avalanche are 6-20 in their last 26 Saturday games. Avalanche are 10-43 in their last 53 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Chicago

Over is 6-0-2 in Blackhawks last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 6-1-1 in Blackhawks last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 6-1-2 in Blackhawks last 9 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 20-6-8 in Blackhawks last 34 road games. Under is 3-1-2 in Blackhawks last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Blackhawks last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 15-6-6 in Blackhawks last 27 vs. Central. Over is 20-9-8 in Blackhawks last 37 vs. Western Conference. Over is 25-12-15 in Blackhawks last 52 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Colorado

Over is 5-1 in Avalanche last 6 home games. Under is 7-2-1 in Avalanche last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 7-2-2 in Avalanche last 11 Saturday games. Over is 7-2 in Avalanche last 9 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 6-2-2 in Avalanche last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 5-2 in Avalanche last 7 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 12-5 in Avalanche last 17 vs. Central. Under is 37-16-9 in Avalanche last 62 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 15-7-1 in Avalanche last 23 overall.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in Colorado. Blackhawks are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Blackhawks are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Colorado.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Saturday, October 28

San Jose @ Buffalo

Game 1-2
October 28, 2017 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Jose
11.414
Buffalo
9.898
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Jose
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Jose
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Jose
(-130); Under

Anaheim @ Tampa Bay

Game 3-4
October 28, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
10.255
Tampa Bay
13.238
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-165); Under

Los Angeles @ Boston

Game 5-6
October 28, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
12.472
Boston
10.856
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-115
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(-105); Over

Arizona @ New Jersey

Game 7-8
October 28, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
8.538
New Jersey
10.901
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Jersey
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Jersey
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
New Jersey
N/A

Detroit @ Florida

Game 9-10
October 28, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
10.463
Florida
12.761
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida
(-150); Under

Philadelphia @ Toronto

Game 11-12
October 28, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
10.155
Toronto
11.253
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-155
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-155); Under

NY Rangers @ Montreal

Game 13-14
October 28, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
10.505
Montreal
9.757
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Rangers
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montreal
-140
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Rangers
(+120); Under

Pittsburgh @ Minnesota

Game 15-16
October 28, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
12.520
Minnesota
10.663
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-110
6
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-110); Under

NY Islanders @ Nashville

Game 17-18
October 28, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Islanders
11.829
Nashville
10.755
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Islanders
by 1
3
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Islanders
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
NY Islanders
N/A

Columbus @ St. Louis

Game 19-20
October 28, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Columbus
10.684
St. Louis
12.035
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
N/A

Chicago @ Colorado

Game 21-22
October 28, 2017 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
10.862
Colorado
9.823
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
3
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
N/A

Washington @ Edmonton

Game 23-24
October 28, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
10.018
Edmonton
11.433
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
N/A

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Saturday, October 28

San Jose won its last two games with Buffalo, after going 1-7 in previous eight meetings; Sharks lost three of last four visits to western NY. Under is 3-1-1 in last five series games. San Jose is 4-3 in its last seven games (under 5-2); they split four road games. Sabres split their last six games, losing two of last three at home. Four of their last five games went over the total.

Lightning won seven of last nine games with Anaheim; Ducks lost their last five visits to Tampa Bay. Under is 7-2-1 in last ten series games. Anaheim split its last six games, with last three going over the total- they lost two of their three road games. Tampa Bay won four in row, eight of last nine games; they’re 5-0 at home (over 3-2).

Bruins are 6-4 in last ten games with Los Angeles, 4-1 in last five series games played here. Under is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Kings won eight of their first 10 games; their last three games stayed under the total- they’re 4-1 on the road. Bruins are 4-5 this month, 0-3 in the game coming off a win- they’re 3-2 at home. Over is 4-2 in Bruins’ last six games.

Devils won five of last six games with Arizona; last two series games went over. Coyotes lost four of last five games in this building. Arizona is 0-10 this month with one OT loss; they’re 0-5 on road. Over is 3-0-1 in their last four games. New Jersey won seven of last nine games; they are 3-2 at home. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Florida won three of last four games with Detroit; road team won four of last five series games. Red Wings split their last six games in this building. Over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Detroit was outscored 21-11 in losing their last six games; they lost their last three road games. Under is 3-0 in their last six games. Florida lost four of last six games; they’re 3-1 at home; over is 8-1 in their last nine games.

Toronto won five of its last seven games with Philly; over is 4-1 in his last five games. Flyers lost three of last four visits to Toronto. Philly lost three of their last four games; over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Flyers also lost three of last four on road. Maple Leafs are 7-3 in their first ten games, 4-2 at home. Over is 8-2 in their first ten games.

Rangers won their last four games with Montreal; four of last five series games stayed under the total. New York split its last four games in this building. Rangers lost six of their last eight games; they’re 0-2 on road- four of their last five games went over. Canadiens lost eight of their last nine games; five of their last six games went over. Montreal is 1-3 at home.

Penguins won six of last nine games with Minnesota, but lost last two; they’re 3-2 in their last five visits to the Twin Cities. Over is 4-1 in last five series games. Pittsburgh won seven of its last nine games; they split their six road games. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Wild is 3-5 this month, 0-3 in game following a win. Over is 6-1-1 in their games this season.

Islanders won five of last seven games with Nashville; over is 4-2 in last six series games. New York split its last four games in Music City. Islanders won three of their last four games; they’re 2-4 on the road- their last four games went over the total. Predators split their last six games; they’re 3-1 at home. Six of last seven Nashville games stayed under the total.

Home teams won eight of last ten Columbus-St Louis games; Blue Jackets lost four of their last five games in St Louis. Under is 3-1 in last four series games. Columbus won six of its last eight games, winning their last three road tilts. Four of their last six games went over the total. Blues won four of their last five games; they won three in row at home (over 3-0).

Blackhawks won six of their last eight games with Colorado; they won three of last four games in Denver. Last three series games went over the total. Chicago lost four of its last five games; they’re 2-3 on road (over 3-1-1). Avalanche lost four of its last five games, with last three going over the total. Colorado won three of its four home games.

Washington won three of its last four games with Edmonton; teams split last four series games played here. Under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Caps lost six of their last eight games; they split their six road games. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Oilers lost six of their last eight games; under is 3-1 in their last four. Edmonton lost three of last four home games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Saturday, October 28

Trend Report

SAN JOSE @ BUFFALO
San Jose is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Buffalo is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games

LOS ANGELES @ BOSTON
Los Angeles is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games

DETROIT @ FLORIDA
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games at home

NY RANGERS @ MONTREAL
NY Rangers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
NY Rangers is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers

ARIZONA @ NEW JERSEY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 8 games
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona

ANAHEIM @ TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Anaheim is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim

PHILADELPHIA @ TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Philadelphia is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

PITTSBURGH @ MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games

NY ISLANDERS @ NASHVILLE
NY Islanders is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
NY Islanders is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Nashville's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 6 games at home

COLUMBUS @ ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games on the road
Columbus is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Columbus

CHICAGO @ COLORADO
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Colorado
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games at home

WASHINGTON @ EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Edmonton's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington