Thursday 11-2-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at Washington

W/L TRENDS

NY Islanders

Islanders are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Islanders are 7-1 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Islanders are 9-3 in their last 12 Thursday games. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. Islanders are 2-6 in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Washington

Capitals are 63-26 in their last 89 home games. Capitals are 23-10 in their last 33 vs. a team with a winning record. Capitals are 9-4 in their last 13 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Capitals are 56-25 in their last 81 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Capitals are 68-31 in their last 99 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Capitals are 35-16 in their last 51 Thursday games. Capitals are 35-17 in their last 52 vs. Eastern Conference. Capitals are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Capitals are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Capitals are 2-9 in their last 11 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

OU TRENDS

NY Islanders

Over is 6-0 in Islanders last 6 overall. Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 games following a win. Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Islanders last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-2 in Islanders last 7 Thursday games.

Washington

Over is 5-1 in Capitals last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Capitals last 5 home games. Under is 9-3 in Capitals last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 5-2 in Capitals last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 12-5-3 in Capitals last 20 vs. Metropolitan.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Washington. Under is 7-3-1 in the last 11 meetings. Islanders are 27-55-3 in the last 85 meetings. Islanders are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in Washington.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, November 2, 2017
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Red Wings at Senators

Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

The Ottawa Senators look to rebound from an embarrassing effort last time out when they continue their three-game homestand Thursday against the improving Detroit Red Wings. The Senators had lost in regulation just once in 11 games to start the season before being trounced 8-3 by visiting Montreal on Monday and have won just twice in eight contests on home ice (2-2-4).

“These games happen,” Ottawa defenseman Dion Phaneuf told reporters. “You don’t like them to happen. It’s about how we respond to it. We got away from the way we’ve played for the whole year and the way we’ve had success. That’s the result.” The Red Wings, who defeated the Senators 2-1 in a shootout on Oct. 7 as they were sprinting to a 4-1-0 start, had been in a downward spiral before winning their last two games. Dylan Larkin notched an assist in a shootout triumph at Florida on Saturday that pulled Detroit out of a six-game winless streak (0-5-1) and recorded a goal while setting up another in Tuesday’s 5-3 victory over Arizona. Larkin leads the team in scoring with 12 points and Mike Green is next with 11, but the veteran defenseman has been kept off the scoresheet in four consecutive games.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, TSN5, RDS2 (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (6-6-1): The line of Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou and Anthony Mantha has combined for three goals and four assists over the last two games, giving Detroit an exciting young unit. “They’re good friends, they hang out a lot, so it’s no surprise that they have chemistry out there on the ice,” goaltender Jimmy Howard, who has posted a .930 save percentage while starting five straight games, told reporters. Detroit’s power play still is struggling as it has converted just two of its 27 opportunities over the last nine contests and entered Wednesday ranked 26th in the league at 13.6 percent.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (5-2-5): Forward Chris DiDomenico, a 2007 sixth-round pick of Toronto, has made a case to stick around for a while after recording a pair of goals and three assists in his last three contests. No. 1 center Kyle Turris (eight points in nine games) has been practicing and could return to the lineup Thursday after missing three games due to a viral infection. Mark Stone leads the team with seven goals and 12 points (199 in his career) while two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson has collected 10 assists in seven contests but was saddled with a minus-6 rating in the loss to Montreal.

OVERTIME

1. Ottawa G Craig Anderson has allowed at least three goals in five straight contests and 21 overall in that span but is expected to start on Thursday.

2. Detroit LW Tomas Tatar has recorded 199 career points but is mired in a five-game drought.

3. The Senators, who could be without D Mark Borowiecki (illness), have earned at least one point in five of their last six meetings with the Red Wings (2-1-3).

PREDICTION: Senators 3, Red Wings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Detroit at Ottawa

W/L TRENDS

Detroit

Red Wings are 11-4 in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Red Wings are 18-38 in their last 56 vs. Eastern Conference. Red Wings are 16-35 in their last 51 vs. Atlantic. Red Wings are 2-6 in their last 8 overall. Red Wings are 5-16 in their last 21 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Red Wings are 1-5 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.

Ottawa

Senators are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Senators are 13-6 in their last 19 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Senators are 15-7 in their last 22 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Senators are 22-47 in their last 69 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Senators are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Senators are 3-9 in their last 12 vs. a team with a losing record. Senators are 2-6 in their last 8 home games. Senators are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Senators are 1-4 in their last 5 Thursday games.

OU TRENDS

Detroit

Under is 4-0 in Red Wings last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 7-1 in Red Wings last 8 vs. Atlantic. Over is 6-1 in Red Wings last 7 Thursday games. Under is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 overall. Under is 7-2-1 in Red Wings last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 7-2 in Red Wings last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 15-5-1 in Red Wings last 21 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2-1 in Red Wings last 8 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Ottawa

Over is 5-0 in Senators last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-1 in Senators last 6 overall. Over is 4-1 in Senators last 5 home games. Over is 3-1-1 in Senators last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Senators last 5 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Under is 17-6-3 in Senators last 26 Thursday games. Over is 5-2 in Senators last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2-1 in Senators last 8 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 9-4-1 in Senators last 14 games playing on 2 days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Ottawa. Red Wings are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Red Wings are 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Ottawa. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, November 2, 2017
Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Rangers at Lightning

Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

The New York Rangers hope to build on an emotional comeback victory when they start a two-game trip to the Sunshine State on Thursday against the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning. The Rangers rallied from a two-goal deficit by scoring four straight in the third period on Tuesday to top Vegas 6-4 and end a tumultuous month of October on a promising note.

“It’s definitely going to be a big challenge for us, but I think the way we played in the third period - with that type of mindset, desperation and urgency - is definitely something that will help us if we can play it for 60 minutes,” New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist told reporters. “Being behind a little bit here, we need a good road trip to get back in the race.” It won’t be easy to get points on Thursday against the Lightning, who have lost just twice in regulation this season and possess the top two scorers in the league in captain Steven Stamkos (24 points) and Nikita Kucherov (13 goals). Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to vie for his 10th straight victory, which would break the franchise record he currently shares with John Grahame. “I’ve been impressed with how’s he’s managing the game and how he’s able to elevate his game in key moments, making that save for us," Lightning goalie coach Frantz Jean told the Tampa Bay Times.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE RANGERS (4-7-2): Embattled coach Alain Vigneault finally may have found a first line to lead the way as Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich stepped up to produce three goals and three assists against Vegas. “They were a force out there using their speed and skill,” Vigneault told reporters, “and it has to continue.” Lundqvist owns a 3-4-2 record and .898 save percentage this season but has been solid against the Lightning during his career, going 19-13-6 with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (10-2-1): One of the concerns before the season was secondary scoring behind Stamkos (599 career games) and Kucherov, but several players have stepped up and seven scored in Monday's 8-5 victory at Florida. “We have a lot of depth up front,” Stamkos told reporters. “That’s been one of our strong suits the last couple of years. We’ll continue to get scoring up and down the lineup. It’s huge in today’s game.” Brayden Point has been one of the key contributors, registering six goals and eight assists in 13 games while centering the second line.

OVERTIME

1. Tampa Bay D Anton Stralman, a former Ranger, has notched five points and entered Wednesday leading all NHL blue-liners with a plus-12 rating.

2. New York RW Michael Grabner has recorded three of his four goals in the last three contests and tops the team at plus-4.

3. The Rangers had won four straight meetings with the Lightning before losing the most recent contest.

PREDICTION: Lightning 4, Rangers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Rangers at Tampa Bay

W/L TRENDS

NY Rangers

Rangers are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Rangers are 11-5 in their last 16 Thursday games. Rangers are 4-11 in their last 15 overall. Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Rangers are 1-6 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Rangers are 1-9 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Rangers are 0-6 in their last 6 road games. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 games following a win. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Rangers are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 6-0 in their last 6 Thursday games. Lightning are 8-1 in their last 9 home games. Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Lightning are 6-2 in their last 8 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Lightning are 9-3 in their last 12 games following a win. Lightning are 22-8 in their last 30 overall. Lightning are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference. Lightning are 37-16 in their last 53 games playing on 2 days rest.

OU TRENDS

NY Rangers

Over is 3-0-1 in Rangers last 4 Thursday games. Over is 6-1 in Rangers last 7 overall. Over is 5-1-2 in Rangers last 8 vs. Atlantic. Over is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 road games. Over is 6-2-1 in Rangers last 9 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 3-1-1 in Rangers last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 7-3-2 in Rangers last 12 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 11-5-1 in Rangers last 17 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 13-6-1 in Rangers last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Tampa Bay

Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 4-0 in Lightning last 4 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 7-1 in Lightning last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 6-1 in Lightning last 7 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 5-1 in Lightning last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 10-3 in Lightning last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 3-1-1 in Lightning last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 10-4 in Lightning last 14 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Rangers are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay. Rangers are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Over is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings in Tampa Bay. Road team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, November 2, 2017
Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Blue Jackets at Panthers

Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

The Florida Panthers attempt to bounce back from a rough outing when they continue their five-game homestand Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Florida went 1-0-1 in the first two contests of the stretch at BB&T Center before suffering an 8-5 loss to Tampa Bay on Monday.

Aleksander Barkov continued his solid pace in the setback, registering a four-point performance to give him four goals and seven assists over his last six contests. Linemates Evgenii Dadonov and Jonathan Huberdeau each recorded a tally and two assists, leaving the trio tied for the scoring lead on the Panthers with 14 points apiece. Columbus is kicking off a three-game road trip after topping Boston 4-3 in a shootout on Monday. Artemi Panarin helped the Blue Jackets avoid an embarrassing loss, scoring the decisive goal in the bonus format after the club squandered a 3-0 lead.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Columbus), FSN Florida

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (8-4-0): Tyler Motte made his first game with Columbus a memorable one as he scored to give the club its 3-0 advantage. The 22-year-old center, who was acquired from Chicago in the offseason deal involving Panarin, recorded four tallies and three assists in 33 contests with the Blackhawks last season - his first in the NHL. Motte was in the lineup for Cam Atkinson, who missed the game due to a lower-body injury.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (4-6-1): Antti Niemi made his debut with Florida on Monday and suffered the loss in relief after giving up two goals on 18 shots. The 34-year-old Finn, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh on Oct. 24, has made each of his last three appearances versus the Lightning - losing all three while allowing 14 tallies. Dadonov leads the Panthers in goals with six, three of which have come on the power play.

OVERTIME

1. Blue Jackets LW Sonny Milano, who leads the team with five goals, was a healthy scratch on Monday.

2. Barkov has scored a team-leading two short-handed goals in 11 games this season after recording one in his first 252 NHL contests.

3. Columbus set the franchise record for points in October, eclipsing the mark of 15 that was accomplished in 2007-08 (7-3-1).

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 3, Panthers 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Columbus at Florida

W/L TRENDS

Columbus

Blue Jackets are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Blue Jackets are 16-5 in their last 21 games playing on 2 days rest. Blue Jackets are 7-3 in their last 10 overall. Blue Jackets are 16-7 in their last 23 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 35-16 in their last 51 vs. a team with a losing record. Blue Jackets are 4-10 in their last 14 road games. Blue Jackets are 0-5 in their last 5 Thursday games.

Florida

Panthers are 12-4 in their last 16 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Panthers are 4-9 in their last 13 Thursday games. Panthers are 20-47 in their last 67 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Panthers are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. Metropolitan. Panthers are 7-19 in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference. Panthers are 2-6 in their last 8 overall. Panthers are 2-7 in their last 9 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Panthers are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Panthers are 0-4 in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.

OU TRENDS

Columbus

Over is 2-0-2 in Blue Jackets last 4 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 4-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Blue Jackets last 8 Thursday games.

Florida

Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 Thursday games. Over is 6-1 in Panthers last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 5-1 in Panthers last 6 home games. Over is 9-2 in Panthers last 11 overall. Over is 7-2 in Panthers last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 18-6-3 in Panthers last 27 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 12-4-1 in Panthers last 17 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 20-7-5 in Panthers last 32 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 11-4-3 in Panthers last 18 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 13-5-3 in Panthers last 21 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Florida. Under is 12-4-1 in the last 17 meetings. Blue Jackets are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings. Blue Jackets are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Florida.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 2, 2017
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Flyers at Blues

Gracenote
Nov 2, 2017

The St. Louis Blues hope to take advantage of a struggling team and remain unbeaten at Scottrade Center when they continue their four-game homestand against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. St. Louis is 5-0-0 in its own arena, allowing fewer than three goals in each triumph - including victories over Columbus and Los Angeles to start the stretch at home.

After having his six-game point streak snapped in the 4-1 win over the Blue Jackets on Saturday, Jaden Schwartz was back on the scoresheet two nights later as he recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-2 triumph over the Kings. The 25-year-old tops the Blues in goals (eight) and points (17) while sharing the club lead in assists (nine) with defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. Philadelphia came up empty in Chicago on Wednesday, falling 3-0 to the Blackhawks for its fourth loss in five contests (1-3-1). It marked the second time this season the Flyers were shut out on the road, where they had scored at least four goals in each of their previous three games.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN Philadelphia, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE FLYERS (6-6-1): Philadelphia lost another defenseman Wednesday as Radko Gudas suffered an upper-body injury in the first period. The club already was without Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrew MacDonald, who were out with upper- and lower-body injuries, respectively. Wayne Simmonds is in the midst of a five-game goal-scoring drought and has tallied just once in his last eight contests after netting five goals in his first five games.

ABOUT THE BLUES (10-2-1): Schwartz's strong start to 2017-18 earned him the NHL's Third Star of the Month honors for October. The left wing landed on the scoresheet in 11 of his 13 games, registered five multi-point efforts - including his third career hat trick - and finished with the second-highest point total for October in franchise history - two fewer than the 19 Brett Hull produced in 1990. Former Flyer Brayden Schenn has notched points in four of his last five games after recording just two over his previous six contests.

OVERTIME

1. Flyers C Sean Couturier recorded five goals and three assists during a four-game point streak that ended on Wednesday.

2. Philadelphia D Will O'Neill was recalled from Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League on Tuesday but was a healthy scratch against Chicago.

3. St. Louis is riding a four-game winning streak and is 6-0-1 in its last seven contests.

PREDICTION: Blues 5, Flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Philadelphia at St. Louis

W/L TRENDS

Philadelphia

Flyers are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Flyers are 8-2 in their last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flyers are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Flyers are 13-5 in their last 18 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Flyers are 2-5 in their last 7 Thursday games. Flyers are 9-25 in their last 34 road games. Flyers are 2-8 in their last 10 vs. Central. Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Flyers are 1-5 in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Flyers are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.

St. Louis

Blues are 8-0 in their last 8 vs. Metropolitan. Blues are 7-0 in their last 7 home games. Blues are 7-1 in their last 8 Thursday games. Blues are 21-5 in their last 26 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Blues are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Blues are 25-10 in their last 35 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 70-30 in their last 100 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Blues are 36-16 in their last 52 vs. a team with a losing record. Blues are 40-18 in their last 58 games playing on 2 days rest. Blues are 37-17 in their last 54 overall.

OU TRENDS

Philadelphia

Over is 3-0-1 in Flyers last 4 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Under is 6-1 in Flyers last 7 vs. Central. Over is 5-1 in Flyers last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 4-1-1 in Flyers last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 3-1-1 in Flyers last 5 overall. Over is 6-2 in Flyers last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 12-5-1 in Flyers last 18 vs. Western Conference.

St. Louis

Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 10-2-2 in Blues last 14 Thursday games. Under is 5-1 in Blues last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1 in Blues last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Blues last 5 home games. Over is 6-2 in Blues last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 12-5 in Blues last 17 games following a win. Under is 14-6-2 in Blues last 22 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings. Flyers are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in St. Louis.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 2, 2017
Where: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Canadiens at Wild

Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

The Minnesota Wild have split their first four contests on their season-high six-game homestand, but a visit from the Montreal Canadiens has translated into success of late for the hosts. The Wild aim for their fifth straight home victory over the Canadiens and sixth overall in the series on Thursday when the clubs meet at Xcel Energy Center.

Eric Staal scored two goals and set up two others in last season's series against Montreal to increase his point total to 42 (21 goals, 21 assists) in 44 career encounters with the Canadiens. The 33-year-old Ontario native notched an assist in Minnesota's 2-1 setback to Winnipeg on Tuesday to move into a three-way tie for the team lead in points (eight) with fellow forward Chris Stewart and defenseman Jared Spurgeon. Montreal rebounded from getting booed off the ice at Bell Centre in a 4-0 setback to Los Angeles last week with a 5-4 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday and an 8-3 rout of Ottawa two nights later. "Offensively we've been a team that hasn't scored much, but five the last game and eight (on Monday) so I can see the confidence coming back with the players," coach Claude Julien told reporters. "You can't keep losing hockey games and feel good about yourself, but you start winning and confidence comes back."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN2, RDS (Montreal), FSN North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (4-7-1): Defenseman Shea Weber has been contributing on the offensive end with two goals and five assists in his last four games to tie forward Jonathan Drouin for the team lead in points with nine. The 32-year-old Weber set up three goals versus the Senators and has flustered the Wild to the tune of 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) in 42 career encounters. Max Pacioretty has done a fair amount of damage in short order with six goals and eight points in nine career matches with Minnesota.

ABOUT THE WILD (4-4-2): Devan Dubnyk has enjoyed seeing the Canadiens on the ice, as the 31-year-old goaltender posted a 2-0-0 mark with a 1.50 goals-against average and .945 save percentage in two meetings last season and owns a stellar 5-1-1 record in seven career encounters. Dubnyk has been anything but consistent this season, answering four-goal performances with strong follow-up outings over his last four starts. An egregious turnover by Matt Dumba put the defenseman in the doghouse on Tuesday, with coach Bruce Boudreau telling reporters, "You know, he just hasn't been playing that well. ... I just thought that was an inexcusable play and at some point you have to be accountable for your actions."

OVERTIME

1. Montreal's Al Montoya owns a 5-0-0 mark with a 1.18 goals-against average versus Minnesota while fellow G Carey Price is just 4-5-0 with a 3.01 GAA.

2. Stewart has been held off the scoresheet in the first four contests of the homestand.

3. Drouin has an assist in back-to-back contests and four in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Wild 3, Canadiens 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Montreal at Minnesota

W/L TRENDS

Montreal

Canadiens are 8-1 in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest. Canadiens are 4-11 in their last 15 overall. Canadiens are 7-20 in their last 27 vs. Central. Canadiens are 3-9 in their last 12 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-5 in their last 6 road games. Canadiens are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.

Minnesota

Wild are 10-3 in their last 13 vs. Atlantic. Wild are 16-5 in their last 21 Thursday games. Wild are 11-4 in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Wild are 37-14 in their last 51 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Wild are 10-4 in their last 14 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Wild are 7-15 in their last 22 games playing on 1 days rest. Wild are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Wild are 2-6 in their last 8 home games. Wild are 3-12 in their last 15 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 3-13 in their last 16 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Montreal

Over is 4-0 in Canadiens last 4 road games. Over is 7-1 in Canadiens last 8 overall. Over is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 vs. Central. Under is 3-1-1 in Canadiens last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 3-1-4 in Canadiens last 8 Thursday games. Under is 16-6-5 in Canadiens last 27 games following a win. Under is 5-2-1 in Canadiens last 8 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 18-8-6 in Canadiens last 32 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 11-5-4 in Canadiens last 20 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Minnesota

Over is 5-0 in Wild last 5 Thursday games. Over is 7-1 in Wild last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 6-1 in Wild last 7 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 3-1-1 in Wild last 5 overall. Over is 7-3 in Wild last 10 vs. Atlantic. Over is 29-13-9 in Wild last 51 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings. Over is 6-2-2 in the last 10 meetings. Canadiens are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Minnesota. Canadiens are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 2, 2017
Where: Bell MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Stars at Jets

Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice pushed his team during a stretch of five off days last month, urging his team to play at a higher tempo. That work is paying off as the Jets prepare to host the Dallas Stars on Thursday, having won two games in a row while earning at least a point in four straight since the break thanks to strong goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck and an overall faster pace of play that has resulted in nine goals in the past two contests.

“I think we’re playing faster,” Maurice told reporters after Tuesday’s 2-1 victory at Minnesota, two days after the Jets pounded defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh 7-1. “That’s the style of game we have to play.” The Stars also have won their past two games, beating Vancouver 2-1 in overtime Monday to give Dallas six victories in its past eight contests. Forward Alexander Radulov scored the game-winning tally in overtime and assisted on Dallas’ other score to give him three goals and three assists in his past three contests. “The thing I like most about Rads is he is not afraid of the moment,” Stars coach Ken Hitchcock told the media after the game. “This is four or five games now where he is not afraid of the moment, and that’s why we brought him here.”

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas), TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE STARS (7-5-0): Dallas survived Monday despite giving up 39 shots on goal, thanks to an outstanding performance from goaltender Ben Bishop (38 saves), who earned his sixth victory. Forward Jamie Benn leads the team with 14 points, and has four goals and three assists in his past five contests. The Stars lead the NHL in power-play percentage (30.8 percent), going 6-for-13 with the man advantage in the past three games.

ABOUT THE JETS (6-3-2): Hellebuyck continues earning playing time, ranking fifth in the NHL in save percentage (.940) and goals against average (1.91). Forward Nikolaj Ehlers scored his seventh goal in 11 games Tuesday, but the Jets’ high-powered offense ranks tied for 21st in the league in scoring (33) entering Wednesday. Forward Blake Wheeler went pointless Tuesday, two days after recording his second career hat trick in a four-point performance against the Penguins.

OVERTIME

1. Dallas recalled F Jason Dickinson from Texas of the AHL, where he had seven points (six goals) in nine games.

2. Winnipeg is 27-for-31 (87.1 percent) on its penalty kill in the past nine games, killing 15 of the last 16 opposing power plays.

3. The Jets dominated the season series in 2016-17, winning four of the five matchups while outscoring the Stars 23-11.

PREDICTION: Jets 4, Stars 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Dallas at Winnipeg

W/L TRENDS

Dallas

Stars are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Stars are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Stars are 6-2 in their last 8 overall. Stars are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Stars are 14-32 in their last 46 road games. Stars are 10-24 in their last 34 vs. a team with a winning record. Stars are 12-31 in their last 43 games following a win. Stars are 7-20 in their last 27 vs. Central. Stars are 5-21 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Stars are 1-5 in their last 6 Thursday games.

Winnipeg

Jets are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Western Conference. Jets are 11-1 in their last 12 games playing on 1 days rest. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 9-2 in their last 11 games following a win. Jets are 9-2 in their last 11 home games. Jets are 19-7 in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Jets are 8-3 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 21-8 in their last 29 vs. Central. Jets are 13-5 in their last 18 overall. Jets are 7-3 in their last 10 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 9-4 in their last 13 vs. a team with a winning record. Jets are 5-11 in their last 16 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Dallas

Under is 12-4 in Stars last 16 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 6-2 in Stars last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Stars last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 5-2 in Stars last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Stars last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 11-5 in Stars last 16 vs. Central.

Winnipeg

Over is 14-3 in Jets last 17 vs. Central. Under is 4-1 in Jets last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Jets last 5 home games. Over is 10-3 in Jets last 13 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 20-6-1 in Jets last 27 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 19-6-3 in Jets last 28 Thursday games. Over is 23-8-1 in Jets last 32 vs. Western Conference. Over is 19-7-2 in Jets last 28 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 21-9-2 in Jets last 32 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 18-8 in Jets last 26 games following a win. Over is 9-4 in Jets last 13 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 37-18-1 in Jets last 56 overall.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings in Winnipeg. Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings. Stars are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 2, 2017
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Hurricanes at Avalanche

Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

The Carolina Hurricanes have played well on the road this season and hope that trend continues when they start a quick two-game trip Thursday with a matchup against the improving Colorado Avalanche. The Hurricanes are 3-2-0 away from home, with a pair of one-goal losses and a victory at Toronto, as they attempt to snap out of a disappointing 1-3-1 funk.

Carolina, which ranked 24th in the league in scoring through Tuesday, dropped a 2-1 decision to St Louis on Friday before coughing up a late third-period lead and falling 4-3 to Anaheim in a shootout two days later. Colorado started the season fast, then lost three in a row and now appears to be getting back on track as it moved over .500 (6-5-0) by knocking off Chicago 6-3 on Saturday for its second win in three games. Mikko Rantanen took over the team lead at 10 points after posting two goals and an assist against the Blackhawks while playing with Nathan MacKinnon and captain Gabriel Landeskog on the top line. “Complete team effort, but our big guns led the charge,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told reporters after the win. “That line - Landeskog-MacKinnon-Rantanen - they were flying right out of the gates. They wanted to make sure we got off (on) the right foot and they led us to victory.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Carolinas, Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (4-4-2): Jeff Skinner (10 points) has scored in back-to-back games, pushing his team-high total to seven goals, and Justin Williams (eight points) has notched three assists in his last two contests. Coach Bill Peters has switched up his defensive pairings, with Noah Hanifin joining Trevor van Riemsdyk and Justin Faulk playing with Haydn Fleury, while Roland McKeown was recalled from Charlotte of the American Hockey League on Wednesday due to the uncertain availability of Brett Pesce (concussion). Carolina, which is just 2-for-18 on the power play over its last six games, needs more from Sebastian Aho (five assists) as he has not scored after recording 24 goals in 2016-17.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (6-5-0): Physical defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who signed a contract just as training camp began and has notched one goal and one assist in eight games, was a healthy scratch for the last two contests. “We’ve got a young group of D-men, and some guys are still trying to prove themselves and where exactly they shake out in our lineup and what they do for us consistently. Z falls into that category,” Bednar told reporters. “He’s got a lot of potential. He’s been scratched just based on performance.” Matt Duchene has gone five games without a goal and has registered only three points in his last seven contests.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado G Semyon Varlamov, who was rested Saturday after giving up seven goals in a loss to Vegas the previous night, is expected to start against Carolina.

2. The Hurricanes are the least-penalized team in the league (46 minutes) and have not been short-handed in their last two games.

3. Avalanche C Rocco Grimaldi registered a goal and an assist in his season debut on Saturday for his second career multi-point performance.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 4, Avalanche 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Carolina at Colorado

W/L TRENDS

Carolina

Hurricanes are 6-1 in their last 7 Thursday games. Hurricanes are 16-35 in their last 51 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Hurricanes are 3-7 in their last 10 vs. Western Conference. Hurricanes are 19-46 in their last 65 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Hurricanes are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Hurricanes are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Hurricanes are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Central.

Colorado

Avalanche are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Avalanche are 18-39 in their last 57 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Avalanche are 15-39 in their last 54 vs. a team with a losing record. Avalanche are 19-56 in their last 75 overall. Avalanche are 5-16 in their last 21 Thursday games. Avalanche are 5-17 in their last 22 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Avalanche are 6-21 in their last 27 games following a win. Avalanche are 3-13 in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

OU TRENDS

Carolina

Over is 4-0 in Hurricanes last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 7-1 in Hurricanes last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 overall. Under is 4-1-1 in Hurricanes last 6 Thursday games. Over is 7-2-1 in Hurricanes last 10 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 36-14-3 in Hurricanes last 53 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 road games.

Colorado

Over is 4-0 in Avalanche last 4 overall. Over is 4-0-1 in Avalanche last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 4-0-1 in Avalanche last 5 Thursday games. Over is 2-0-2 in Avalanche last 4 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 6-1 in Avalanche last 7 home games. Over is 4-1-1 in Avalanche last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. 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 games following a win. Over is 15-5-1 in Avalanche last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 9-3 in Avalanche last 12 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings. Home team is 17-5-1 in the last 23 meetings. Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Colorado. Hurricanes are 7-17-1 in the last 25 meetings. Hurricanes are 1-11 in the last 12 meetings in Colorado.