Thursday 11-9-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Thursday, November 9

Trend Report

LA LAKERS @ WASHINGTON
LA Lakers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 7 games on the road
Washington is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home

NEW ORLEANS @ TORONTO
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Toronto is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing New Orleans

CLEVELAND @ HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Houston is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Cleveland

PHILADELPHIA @ SACRAMENTO
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Sacramento is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

OKLAHOMA CITY @ DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Denver's last 9 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 9, 2017
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Oilers at Devils

Gracenote
Nov 8, 2017

The New Jersey Devils have been one of the league's early-season surprises, bursting out of the gate with nine victories in the first 11 games. However, the Devils have stumbled in the past week and will look to halt a three-game skid when they host reigning league MVP Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.

New Jersey's current slide (0-2-1) began with a 6-3 loss at Edmonton on Friday, which marked the highest goal output of the season for the Oilers' league-worst offense. "We have to get out of this and stop it before it gets too deep," Devils goaltender Cory Schneider said after Tuesday's 3-1 home loss to St. Louis. "It's three in a row. We haven't quite played well enough to win. We have to find a way to nip this in the bud right now." Edmonton has yet to post back-to-back wins as it plays the second of a four-game road trip against Metropolitan Division opponents. McDavid collected three assists in last week's win over New Jersey and notched the game-winning goal in overtime in Tuesday's 2-1 win at the New York Islanders.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Edmonton), MSG Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE OILERS (5-8-1): Center Leon Draisaitl has accumulated eight points in seven games since missing two weeks due to injury and scored his third goal in four games before setting up McDavid's decisive tally in Tuesday's win. "There's still things we need to clean up, but right now it's about getting points and getting our game back in the right direction," Draisaitl said. Draisaitl also praised the "great" 36-save effort of netminder Cam Talbot, who has a .937 save percentage on the road.

ABOUT THE DEVILS (9-4-1): There was a welcome sight at Wednesday's practice with top-line forward Kyle Palmieri joining the team for the first time since injuring his foot during a practice session on Oct. 22. Palmieri, who amassed 56 goals over the past two seasons with the Devils and notched three tallies and seven points in seven games before he was hurt, told The Record of New Jersey that he is ready to play. Ex-Oiler Taylor Hall was blanked Tuesday after netting 12 points in his previous seven games.

OVERTIME

1. Edmonton has lost all four games following a win this season and been outscored 14-5 in those setbacks.

2. Devils F Marcus Johansson (concussion), who has missed the last three games, is expected to be placed on injured reserve.

3. Oilers F Drake Caggiula sat out the third period Tuesday and was replaced by F Anton Slepyshev at Wednesday's practice.

PREDICTION: Oilers 4, Devils 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Edmonton at New Jersey

W/L TRENDS

Edmonton

Oilers are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Oilers are 19-7 in their last 26 Thursday games. Oilers are 19-8 in their last 27 games playing on 1 days rest. Oilers are 100-206 in their last 306 road games. Oilers are 4-9 in their last 13 overall. Oilers are 60-144 in their last 204 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Oilers are 2-7 in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Oilers are 2-8 in their last 10 vs. Metropolitan. Oilers are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 0-6 in their last 6 games following a win.

New Jersey

Devils are 19-40 in their last 59 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 12-26 in their last 38 overall. Devils are 20-44 in their last 64 games playing on 1 days rest. Devils are 10-22 in their last 32 home games. Devils are 2-5 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Devils are 4-11 in their last 15 vs. Western Conference. Devils are 5-15 in their last 20 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 5-16 in their last 21 Thursday games. Devils are 4-13 in their last 17 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 2-7 in their last 9 vs. Pacific.

OU TRENDS

Edmonton

Under is 6-0 in Oilers last 6 road games. Under is 5-0 in Oilers last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 6-1-1 in Oilers last 8 Thursday games. Under is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 11-4-1 in Oilers last 16 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 5-2 in Oilers last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Oilers last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 7-3 in Oilers last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 35-16-5 in Oilers last 56 games following a win.

New Jersey

Over is 4-0-1 in Devils last 5 Thursday games. Over is 4-1 in Devils last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 8-2-1 in Devils last 11 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 12-4-5 in Devils last 21 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 6-2-1 in Devils last 9 home games. Over is 3-1-1 in Devils last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 11-4-2 in Devils last 17 overall. Over is 5-2-1 in Devils last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2-1 in Devils last 8 vs. Pacific. Under is 27-13-11 in Devils last 51 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in New Jersey. Oilers are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 10-4-1 in the last 15 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 9, 2017
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Blackhawks at Flyers

Gracenote
Nov 8, 2017

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has gone to great lengths to keep former Hart Trophy winner Patrick Kane and captain Jonathan Toews on separate lines, preferring balance as opposed to pinning his hopes on one group. After seeing his team score more than three goals just once in its last 13 games, Quenneville is pairing the two superstars with Patrick Sharp on a potent line against the host Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday.

That line excelled during the 2009-10 season as well as a memorable 2013 second-round playoff series versus Detroit, and Quenneville is bidding that the trio can recreate the magic. "We still feel there's enough offense in our group here that they can recapture it," Quenneville told the Chicago Sun-Times. "If one line can score, maybe the next line gets ignited." While no one scored as Chicago was blanked by Montreal on Sunday for its fourth loss in six games, Philadelphia is hardly sitting pretty after suffering its fifth defeat in seven outings with a 5-4 shootout loss to Colorado on Saturday. The Flyers look to get back on track and extend their regular-season home winning streak over the Blackhawks to 14 games on Thursday, although Kane and the Blackhawks skated away with the Stanley Cup in Philadelphia during a Game 6 triumph in 2010.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TVAS, NBCSN Chicago, NBCSN Philadelphia

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (7-6-2): Toews scored in the second period, Kane had an assist and Corey Crawford turned aside all 35 shots he faced in Chicago's 3-0 win over Philadelphia on Nov. 1. The 28-year-old Kane has flustered the Flyers throughout his career, recording 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 12 career regular-season encounters. Crawford hasn't been as fortunate with a 2-3-0 mark versus Philadelphia, the same record he has in his last five games overall despite yielding just five goals in that span.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (7-6-2): Physical defenseman Radko Gudas (team-leading 40 penalty minutes) is expected to return to action for the first time in a week after receiving an elbow to the head from Chicago's Brandon Saad. "He wins battles in front of the net ... and he's a shutdown (defenseman)," said goaltender Michal Neuvirth, who - for full disclosure - is engaged to Gudas' sister. "He's a unique player and we need him. He's strong, he has a good shot, and he's our most experienced." Neuvirth, who has sandwiched tough outings around his lone shutout of the season, is expected to get the start versus a Chicago team against which he owns a 2-2-0 mark with one shutout in five career encounters.

OVERTIME

1. Philadelphia has permitted the first goal in five of its last six games.

2. Chicago D Gustav Forsling (head) is expected to end a three-game absence on Thursday.

3. Flyers F Nolan Patrick, who was the second overall pick of the 2017 draft, will sit out his seventh consecutive contest with a suspected concussion.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 3, Flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chicago at Philadelphia

W/L TRENDS

Chicago

Blackhawks are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. Metropolitan. Blackhawks are 57-28 in their last 85 vs. a team with a losing record. Blackhawks are 7-16 in their last 23 overall. Blackhawks are 2-6 in their last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 3-9 in their last 12 road games. Blackhawks are 3-13 in their last 16 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 1-5 in their last 6 Thursday games.

Philadelphia

Flyers are 7-1 in their last 8 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Flyers are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Central. Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Flyers are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Flyers are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.

OU TRENDS

Chicago

Over is 4-0-1 in Blackhawks last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 5-0-1 in Blackhawks last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 7-1-2 in Blackhawks last 10 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Blackhawks last 5 overall. Over is 7-2-2 in Blackhawks last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 17-5-5 in Blackhawks last 27 road games. Under is 6-2-1 in Blackhawks last 9 Thursday games. Under is 32-12-12 in Blackhawks last 56 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 9-4-1 in Blackhawks last 14 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 25-12-15 in Blackhawks last 52 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Philadelphia

Over is 4-0-1 in Flyers last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Flyers last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 5-1 in Flyers last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 5-1-1 in Flyers last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 7-2 in Flyers last 9 home games. Under is 7-2 in Flyers last 9 vs. Central. Under is 10-3-2 in Flyers last 15 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Flyers last 10 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 13-6-1 in Flyers last 20 vs. Western Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings in Philadelphia. Under is 5-1-2 in the last 8 meetings. Home team is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings. Blackhawks are 10-22 in the last 32 meetings. Blackhawks are 1-15 in the last 16 meetings in Philadelphia.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, November 9, 2017
Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Wild at Canadiens

Gracenote
Nov 9, 2017

The Montreal Canadiens will have revenge on their minds when they continue a six-game homestand Thursday against the Minnesota Wild. Montreal, which is seeking its fourth straight victory, hopes to return the favor after dropping a 6-3 decision in Minnesota last Thursday.

The Canadiens kicked off their string at Bell Centre on Tuesday with a 3-2 triumph over Vegas in which defenseman Jordie Benn recorded a goal and an assist for his first two-point performance since Dec. 13 while with Dallas. Montreal captain Max Pacioretty has been hot of late, collecting four goals and four assists during the six-game point streak he carries into Thursday's contest. Minnesota is looking to halt a losing streak that reached three games with Wednesday's 4-2 setback at Toronto. The Wild are just 2-4-1 away from home this season after dropping the first two contests of their four-game road trip, allowing nine goals in the process.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), TSN2, RDS (Montreal)

ABOUT THE WILD (5-7-2): Despite the team's struggles, the duo of Eric Staal and Jason Zucker have begun to heat up offensively during the road trip. Staal has recorded a goal and two assists over the first two games of the trek to take over the team scoring lead with 11 points while Zucker scored twice against the Maple Leafs after notching an assist at Boston on Monday. Chris Stewart leads the team with six goals but is mired in an eight-game drought.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (7-8-1): Charlie Lindgren made 29 saves against the Golden Knights to continue the strong start to his NHL career. The 23-year-old native of Minnesota has won each of his two starts this season in place of the injured Carey Price (lower body) and is 5-0-0 with one shutout, a 1.39 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage in five career contests. Montreal could face the Wild without Jonathan Drouin, who left the win over Vegas with an upper-body injury and was absent from Wednesday's practice.

OVERTIME

1. Canadiens D Karl Alzner has played in 556 consecutive games, which is the 15th-longest streak in NHL history.

2. Minnesota recalled G Niklas Svedberg from Iowa of the American Hockey League to serve as Devan Dubnyk's backup on Wednesday as Alex Stalock returned home for the birth of his daughter.

3. Montreal recalled C Byron Froese from Laval and assigned RW Michael McCarron to the American Hockey League club.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 5, Wild 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at Montreal

W/L TRENDS

Minnesota

Wild are 4-0 in their last 4 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Wild are 17-5 in their last 22 Thursday games. Wild are 14-6 in their last 20 vs. Atlantic. Wild are 5-11 in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference. Wild are 4-10 in their last 14 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 2-5 in their last 7 road games. Wild are 4-13 in their last 17 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.

Montreal

Canadiens are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Canadiens are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Canadiens are 5-2 in their last 7 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Canadiens are 38-17 in their last 55 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Canadiens are 9-21 in their last 30 vs. Central. Canadiens are 2-5 in their last 7 Thursday games. Canadiens are 3-8 in their last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Minnesota

Over is 5-0 in Wild last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Over is 5-0-2 in Wild last 7 road games. Over is 6-0 in Wild last 6 Thursday games. Under is 4-0-1 in Wild last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0-1 in Wild last 5 vs. Atlantic. Over is 9-1-1 in Wild last 11 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-1 in Wild last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Wild last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1-1 in Wild last 6 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 12-4-5 in Wild last 21 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 9-4-2 in Wild last 15 overall.

Montreal

Over is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 9-3 in Canadiens last 12 overall. Under is 17-6-6 in Canadiens last 29 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 18-7-5 in Canadiens last 30 games following a win. Under is 28-11-16 in Canadiens last 55 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 3-0-2 in the last 5 meetings in Montreal. Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings. Wild are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings. Home team is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 9, 2017
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Coyotes at Blues

Gracenote
Nov 8, 2017

The residents of the Western Conference's penthouse and outhouse collide in the Gateway City on Thursday as the red-hot St. Louis Blues host the spiraling Arizona Coyotes. The Blues have won two straight and are 8-1-1 in their last 10 while the Coyotes answered winning just their second game of the season by dropping the first two contests of their three-game road trip.

Brayden Schenn, who will play in his 450th career game on Thursday, followed up a four-assist performance in St. Louis' 6-4 win over Toronto on Saturday by joining Vladimir Tarasenko with a three-point effort in a 3-1 triumph at New Jersey three nights later. "It's been fun, two guys with tons of skill," Schenn said of Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz, a line that has accounted for 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in the last two games. Fun is not the operative word in Arizona, which was limited to just Tobias Rieder's third goal of the season and first since Oct. 10 in a 3-1 setback to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The 34-year-old German has failed to dent the scoresheet in all eight career encounters with the Blues while registering a minus-6 rating.

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

ABOUT THE COYOTES (2-13-2): Antti Raanta stumbled out of the blocks in his 100th career game on Tuesday, yielding two goals in the first 3:07 of the contest before settling in for the night against the Penguins. "The first 10 minutes are usually crucial, and the first one was that kind of goal you don't want to let it," the 28-year-old Finn said. "It was tough for the team after those two goals." The margin for error is excruciatingly slim in the desert, with Arizona's 2.4 goals per game ranking 29th in the league while its 28th-ranked penalty kill (75.0 percent) isn't doing the team any favors, either.

ABOUT THE BLUES (12-3-1): Jake Allen has stepped up his game with a 5-1-0 mark, 1.84 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in his last six starts. Impressive numbers to be certain, but the 27-year-old New Brunswick native has been even more dominant versus the Coyotes - turning aside a staggering 174 of 181 shots to record two shutouts and win all seven career encounters. Allen isn't the only Blue to fluster Arizona, as Schwartz has collected 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 15 career meetings while Tarasenko has 13 (five goals, eight assists) in 13 contests.

OVERTIME

1. St. Louis has won 12 of its first 16 games of a season for the first time in franchise history while its 25 points after that stretch ties a club record.

2. Arizona D Oliver Ekman-Larsson appears to have flipped the page from a lackluster October, notching an assist for the second straight game to increase his point total to three (one goal, two assists) in four November outings.

3. The Blues outscored the Coyotes 10-2 en route to winning all three meetings last season, highlighted by LW Alexander Steen notching four assists in a 4-1 triumph on March 27.

PREDICTION: Blues 5, Coyotes 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Arizona at St. Louis

W/L TRENDS

Arizona

Coyotes are 20-41 in their last 61 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Coyotes are 43-94 in their last 137 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Coyotes are 17-38 in their last 55 games playing on 1 days rest. Coyotes are 18-41 in their last 59 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Coyotes are 24-55 in their last 79 overall. Coyotes are 18-44 in their last 62 Thursday games. Coyotes are 17-44 in their last 61 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Coyotes are 17-45 in their last 62 vs. Western Conference. Coyotes are 27-83 in their last 110 vs. a team with a winning record. Coyotes are 15-54 in their last 69 road games. Coyotes are 17-62 in their last 79 vs. Central. Coyotes are 0-4 in their last 4 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.

St. Louis

Blues are 8-1 in their last 9 home games. Blues are 6-1 in their last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Blues are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Pacific. Blues are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Blues are 65-18 in their last 83 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Blues are 21-6 in their last 27 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 7-2 in their last 9 Thursday games. Blues are 41-12 in their last 53 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Blues are 39-18 in their last 57 overall.

OU TRENDS

Arizona

Over is 3-0-1 in Coyotes last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 8-1-1 in Coyotes last 10 vs. Central. Under is 40-11-6 in Coyotes last 57 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 7-2-1 in Coyotes last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 15-5-1 in Coyotes last 21 Thursday games. Over is 10-4-1 in Coyotes last 15 overall. Over is 5-2 in Coyotes last 7 road games. Under is 10-4-2 in Coyotes last 16 vs. Western Conference. Over is 7-3 in Coyotes last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

St. Louis

Over is 5-1 in Blues last 6 vs. Western Conference. Under is 19-5-3 in Blues last 27 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 7-2-2 in Blues last 11 vs. Pacific. Under is 20-6-4 in Blues last 30 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 10-3-2 in Blues last 15 Thursday games. Under is 20-8-1 in Blues last 29 games following a win. Over is 5-2 in Blues last 7 home games. Under is 15-7-2 in Blues last 24 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 7-1-2 in the last 10 meetings in St. Louis. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. Coyotes are 7-24 in the last 31 meetings. Coyotes are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in St. Louis.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 9, 2017
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Red Wings at Flames

Gracenote
Nov 8, 2017

The Detroit Red Wings look to continue their success in Western Canada on Thursday as they conclude a four-game road trip against the Calgary Flames. Petr Mrazek, who will get the nod in goal against the Flames, helped Detroit rebound from a 3-1 setback in the opener of the trek by turning aside all 36 shots he faced for his 11th career shutout in a 4-0 win over Edmonton on Sunday.

Tomas Tatar scored with go-ahead goal late in the third period as the Red Wings registered their fourth win in five outings with a 3-2 win versus Vancouver on Monday. "We are playing with really good structure," Tatar told the Detroit Free Press. "Everybody is on the same page and we are trusting one another. I just feel like we are playing right now good hockey and we should stick with that." While Detroit is looking to complete a winning road trip, Calgary has enjoyed success at home with victories in three straight before dropping a 5-3 decision to the Canucks on Tuesday. "We've got to be better. We've got to learn from these mistakes," Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau said. "Good thing it's only game 15, not game 75, or we're fighting for a playoff spot."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, SNF (Calgary)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (8-7-1): Dylan Larkin (team-leading 14 points), Tatar and Justin Abdeklader form a potent line to be certain and captain Henrik Zetterberg's grouping with Anthony Mantha (club-best seven goals) and Gustav Nyquist are strong in their own right, but coach Jeff Blashill has always cherished balance over a top-heavy offense. "The one thing I'd like to get to is not have an offensive line that's labeled one, two, three or four," Blashill told the Detroit Free Press. Martin Frk has scored in back-to-back contests, giving him four points (two goals, two assists) in his last four games.

ABOUT THE FLAMES (8-7-0): Gaudreau scored versus Vancouver to extend his point streak to five games (two goals, five assists) while fellow forward Sean Monahan also is enjoying a five-game point run (three goals, three assists). Calgary's continued quest for secondary scoring has been primarily unsuccessful, and former fourth overall pick Sam Bennett is feeling the heat with zero points in 15 games this season. "We've got to get more shots on net, and the more shots you get the more chances you get," Bennett said. "It creates chaos when you're throwing pucks on net and you get rebounds and get pucks down low and start working the cycle. It's going to be a big focus of mine and of our team (Thursday) night."

OVERTIME

1. Calgary G Mike Smith has permitted nine goals in his last two starts after allowing six in his previous four.

2. Detroit has scored a power-play goal in three straight contests after going 2-for-27 in its previous nine games.

3. The Flames have recorded 3-2 wins over the Red Wings in three of their last four encounters.

PREDICTION: Flames 4, Red Wings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Detroit at Calgary

W/L TRENDS

Detroit

Red Wings are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. Pacific. Red Wings are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Red Wings are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Red Wings are 5-2 in their last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Red Wings are 2-6 in their last 8 games playing on 2 days rest. Red Wings are 5-17 in their last 22 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Calgary

Flames are 12-4 in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference. Flames are 14-5 in their last 19 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Flames are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Flames are 5-2 in their last 7 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU TRENDS

Detroit

Under is 4-0 in Red Wings last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 6-0 in Red Wings last 6 road games. Under is 7-1 in Red Wings last 8 overall. Under is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 6-2 in Red Wings last 8 Thursday games. Under is 34-16-7 in Red Wings last 57 games playing on 2 days rest.

Calgary

Under is 7-1-3 in Flames last 11 Thursday games. Over is 20-5-3 in Flames last 28 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 25-10-3 in Flames last 38 vs. Atlantic. Under is 40-17-2 in Flames last 59 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 18-7-5 in the last 30 meetings in Calgary. Red Wings are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:00 PM ET, Thursday, November 9, 2017
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Canucks at Ducks

Gracenote
Nov 8, 2017

The losses are piling up for the five-time reigning Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks -- both in the standings and in the injury column. With their lineup further depleted by three key injuries, the Ducks will attempt to snap a four-game losing streak when they resume a five-game homestand against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.

One day after learning that captain Ryan Getzlaf would be sidelined for two months after undergoing surgery for a facial fracture, the hits kept coming for Anaheim as starting goaltender John Gibson and forward Ondrej Kase were knocked out of Tuesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings. "There’s Plan A and B and C and sometimes D and E," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle told the Orange County Register in reference to the rising injury count. "We’ve been at H and I with what’s gone on in our hockey club this year." The Canucks opened their four-game road trip with a 5-3 victory in Calgary and will carry a 5-1-0 record away from home to California for three in a row against division rivals. Vancouver produced the second-fewest goals in the NHL last season but has scored at least four times in five of its last nine games (6-2-1).

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver), Prime Ticket (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (8-5-2): Longtime captain Henrik Sedin, a career 1,000-plus point scorer, finally notched his first tally in Tuesday's win, halting a goal drought dating to March 23. "I feel better than the last couple years," Sedin said. "We've created enough chances for me to put the puck in the net. Early in the season you need bounces to get goals early and I haven't gotten that." Bo Horvat netted the game-winning goal against the Flames, giving him six points in his last three games.

ABOUT THE DUCKS (6-6-3): Gibson and Kase, Anaheim's second-leading goal scorer with five, each passed their concussion protocol Wednesday but neither will be available for Thursday's game. Veteran Ryan Miller, who will make his third start in place of Gibson, stopped nine of 10 shots in Tuesday's loss after playing superbly by making 44 saves in a 2-1 shootout loss at San Jose on Saturday night. Kevin Roy, who leads San Diego with 11 points in 10 games, was called up from the American Hockey League affiliate.

OVERTIME

1. Anaheim's power play is 1-for-14 during the 0-2-2 slide and ranks 30th in the league, converting on 5 of 47 chances.

2. Canucks F Daniel Sedin has three points in the past two games, leaving him six shy of 1,000.

3. Ducks C Derek Grant is riding a career-best five-game point streak and has nine points in his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Canucks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Vancouver at Anaheim

W/L TRENDS

Vancouver

Canucks are 5-0 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Canucks are 4-0 in their last 4 road games. Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Canucks are 18-38 in their last 56 overall. Canucks are 16-36 in their last 52 games playing on 1 days rest. Canucks are 5-12 in their last 17 games following a win. Canucks are 8-21 in their last 29 vs. Western Conference. Canucks are 16-43 in their last 59 Thursday games. Canucks are 3-9 in their last 12 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Canucks are 6-25 in their last 31 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Canucks are 2-9 in their last 11 vs. Pacific.

Anaheim

Ducks are 19-7 in their last 26 Thursday games. Ducks are 40-19 in their last 59 vs. Pacific. Ducks are 41-20 in their last 61 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Ducks are 2-8 in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Ducks are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Ducks are 0-4 in their last 4 overall. Ducks are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Vancouver

Over is 4-0 in Canucks last 4 Thursday games. Under is 4-1 in Canucks last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 3-1-1 in Canucks last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Over is 3-1-1 in Canucks last 5 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Under is 3-1-1 in Canucks last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 17-6-3 in Canucks last 26 games following a win. Over is 5-2 in Canucks last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 15-6-8 in Canucks last 29 vs. Pacific.

Anaheim

Over is 2-0-2 in Ducks last 4 Thursday games. Under is 13-3-1 in Ducks last 17 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Ducks last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 5-2 in Ducks last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 38-18-5 in Ducks last 61 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings. Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Anaheim. Road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:30 PM ET, Thursday, November 9, 2017
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Lightning at Kings

Gracenote
Nov 9, 2017

The Los Angeles Kings are scoring almost a goal per game more than last season and the improved offensive production, paired with the league’s best defense, has put them back on top of the Pacific Division. The Kings look to continue their early-season success on both ends of the ice when they host the Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.

Los Angeles is 5-1-1 in its last seven contests after scoring the final three goals of the game to beat rival Anaheim 4-3 in overtime Tuesday. “There’s really no quit in here,” Kings captain Anze Kopitar told reporters. “. … We get down two goals early, but seemed like there was a sense of calmness on the bench. Nobody panicked. Nobody was running around like a maniac. We kept cool, kept our composure and started plugging away.” The Lightning opened a three-game west coast trip with a dominant 5-1 victory at San Jose on Wednesday as the top line of Vladislav Namestnikov, captain Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov continued their strong play by combining for nine points. Stamkos leads the NHL with 28 points and Kucherov has posted an NHL-most 15 goals in 16 games as the Lightning recorded a point for the 13th time in the last 14 contests.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN West (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (12-2-2): Namestnikov has fit in well with his high-scoring linemates while registering two of his seven goals and adding an assist Wednesday to push his season total to 17 points after finishing with 28 in 74 games in 2016-17. The Tampa Bay defense moved into double figures in goals (11) Wednesday after Jake Dotchin notched his first in the NHL and Slater Koekkoek added his third. Backup goalie Peter Budaj, who went 27-20-3 with a 2.12 goals-against average with the Kings last season before being traded, could get his third start of the campaign Thursday.

ABOUT THE KINGS (11-2-2): Kopitar has rebounded from a rough 2016-17 season to roar out of the gate with team highs of eight goals and 19 points while Dustin Brown regained his scoring touch with 15 points after notching two Tuesday. Young forwards Adrian Kempe (seven goals, 11 points) and undrafted Alex Iafallo (six points, three in the last two games) have added a spark to the offense as well. The Kings are also getting production from their back end as Jake Muzzin boasts 11 points and former Norris Trophy winner Drew Doughty has 10.

OVERTIME

1. Tampa Bay C Brayden Point boasts nine points (four goals) in his last eight contests and owns at least one point in five straight.

2. Los Angeles G Jonathan Quick owns nine wins this season and is 6-1-1 with a .949 save percentage lifetime versus the Lightning.

3. The Lightning have won three of the past four meetings, including both last season by a combined score of 7-1.

PREDICTION: Kings 3, Lightning 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Tampa Bay at Los Angeles

W/L TRENDS

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 road games. Lightning are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Lightning are 6-1 in their last 7 Thursday games. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Lightning are 7-2 in their last 9 games playing on 0 days rest. Lightning are 20-6 in their last 26 overall. Lightning are 16-5 in their last 21 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 10-4 in their last 14 games following a win. Lightning are 27-63 in their last 90 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Los Angeles

Kings are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Atlantic. Kings are 6-1 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Kings are 12-2 in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference. Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Kings are 9-3 in their last 12 overall. Kings are 27-11 in their last 38 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Kings are 19-9 in their last 28 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Kings are 23-11 in their last 34 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Kings are 37-18 in their last 55 Thursday games.

OU TRENDS

Tampa Bay

Over is 4-0 in Lightning last 4 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 4-0 in Lightning last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 road games. Under is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 Thursday games. Over is 9-3 in Lightning last 12 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 8-3-1 in Lightning last 12 vs. Pacific. Under is 5-2 in Lightning last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Los Angeles

Over is 4-0 in Kings last 4 overall. Over is 5-1 in Kings last 6 home games. Under is 4-1-2 in Kings last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Kings last 5 vs. Atlantic. Under is 3-1-1 in Kings last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 8-3-3 in Kings last 14 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 18-7-5 in Kings last 30 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 7-3-1 in Kings last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 59-29-22 in Kings last 110 Thursday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings in Los Angeles. Under is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings. Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Lightning are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.