Tuesday 12-5-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 5

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

PHOENIX (9 - 16) at TORONTO (14 - 7) - 12/5/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 3-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (13 - 11) at OKLAHOMA CITY (10 - 12) - 12/5/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WASHINGTON (12 - 11) at PORTLAND (13 - 10) - 12/5/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 3-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, December 5

Phoenix @ Toronto

Game 701-702
December 5, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
109.617
Toronto
126.784
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 17
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 13
224
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-13); Over

Utah @ Oklahoma City

Game 703-704
December 5, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
116.412
Oklahoma City
125.913
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
N/A

Washington @ Portland

Game 705-706
December 5, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
119.804
Portland
122.467
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 2 1/2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 6
204
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+6); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Devils vs. Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/04/2017

The top two teams in the Metropolitan Division will square off in a home-and-home set this week, beginning Tuesday night when the Columbus Blue Jackets host the New Jersey Devils. The Blue Jackets, who had won eight of nine prior to Saturday's 4-3 loss in Washington, hold a one-point lead over surprising New Jersey atop the Metropolitan.

The top six teams in the division are separated by five points, including two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh and Washington, the Presidents' Trophy winners the past two seasons. "First place to wild card is only separated by three or four points," Columbus forward Cam Atkinson said Saturday. "That's how strong our division is. It's always exciting playing those games." New Jersey owned the NHL's best road record before it was shellacked by Arizona 5-0 on Saturday after winning at Colorado 2-1 the previous night. The Devils have dropped their last three matchups against the Blue Jackets -- all in two-week span last March -- and were outscored 9-1 in that span.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG-Plus (New Jersey), FSN Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE DEVILS (15-7-4): In the second game since trading Adam Henrique to Anaheim in exchange for defenseman Sami Vatanen, coach John Hynes juggled his lines Saturday, elevating Marcus Johansson to the top line to take Taylor Hall's place on left wing. Hynes hinted at changes for Tuesday's game and addressed the role of forward Pavel Zacha, a healthy scratch Saturday. "We kind of have the same discussion every day about Pav," Hynes said. "It doesn't change. There needs to be consistent compete and (a) tougher player to play against."

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (17-9-1): Rookie center Pierre-Luc Dubois collected two assists Saturday and continues to thrive on the team's No. 1 line with Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson, which accounted for half the team's 24 scoring chances at Washington, according to coach John Tortorella. "It's working right now. They just feel it, and we're hoping some of that rubs off on some of our other guys," Tortorella said of his "French Bread" unit. Columbus sits atop the division despite a wretched power play that ranks last in the NHL (7 of 75).

OVERTIME

1. Columbus has won five in a row at home.

2. Devils G Cory Schneider is 10-8-2 with a 2.26 goals-against average versus the Blue Jackets.

3. Columbus Ds Ryan Murray and Markus Nutivaara were not at practice Monday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 3, Devils 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New Jersey at Columbus

W/L TRENDS

New Jersey

Devils are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Devils are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Devils are 22-48 in their last 70 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Devils are 16-38 in their last 54 vs. a team with a winning record. Devils are 4-13 in their last 17 vs. Metropolitan. Devils are 2-7 in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest.

Columbus

Blue Jackets are 21-5 in their last 26 games playing on 2 days rest. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 8-2 in their last 10 overall. Blue Jackets are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Blue Jackets are 19-7 in their last 26 Tuesday games. Blue Jackets are 8-3 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 39-16 in their last 55 home games. Blue Jackets are 6-14 in their last 20 vs. a team with a winning record.

OU TRENDS

New Jersey

Under is 5-1 in Devils last 6 overall. Under is 4-1 in Devils last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1-1 in Devils last 6 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Under is 28-13-13 in Devils last 54 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 29-14-13 in Devils last 56 Tuesday games.

Columbus

Under is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 7-2 in Blue Jackets last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 9-3 in Blue Jackets last 12 overall. Under is 6-2 in Blue Jackets last 8 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 20-8 in Blue Jackets last 28 Tuesday games. Under is 5-2 in Blue Jackets last 7 home games. Over is 5-2-2 in Blue Jackets last 9 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Columbus. Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings. Devils are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Columbus. Devils are 2-9 in the last 11 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jets vs. Red Wings Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/04/2017

The red-hot Winnipeg Jets have climbed to the top of the Western Conference with at least a point in four straight and look to enhance their position when they visit the plummeting Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. The Jets have a one-point lead atop the West after going 9-2-1 in their last 12 outings and scoring 21 goals while going 3-0-1 in the last four after Sunday's dominant 5-0 triumph against Ottawa.

"It's incredible the way we're clicking right now and the confidence in this room. It's fun to watch," Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck told reporters after improving to 15-2-3 with 21 saves Sunday. ". ... When one guy is feeling it, you can see it go through the locker room. That's what we have in here now." Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele have combined for 19 points (five goals) in the last four games and could pad those statistics against the Red Wings, who have allowed 24 goals in their past four contests. Detroit has dropped seven straight games (0-4-3) after an embarrassing 10-1 loss at Montreal on Saturday. "Character comes shining through when moments are at their toughest, so we have to decide through our character that we are going to be way better than this," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill told the Detroit Free Press. "As I said to the guys in-between periods, we have the group to do it. We have the group to be good enough."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN3 (Winnipeg), FSN Detroit

ABOUT THE JETS (17-6-4): Wheeler boasts two goals and eight assists while Scheifele has scored three times and set up six others in the last four games to give the duo 35 and 34 points, respectively, overall. Winnipeg's power play stepped up the last two games, converting six of their 10 opportunities and entered Monday second in the NHL behind Tampa Bay at 27.4 percent overall. "The power play is definitely something that's been awesome for us," Scheifele told reporters. "We just got to keep it going and continue to learn. There's still things we can fix. ... I think we need to keep that mentality to not be complacent."

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (10-12-5): Detroit allowed only five of the 24 goals in the last four games on the power play and have not given much chance to their goalies as starter Jimmy Howard let 15 get past him in his last three outings. The Red Wings are averaging only two goals during their losing streak and started the week 27th in the league in scoring (2.67) despite being sixth with the man advantage (22.9). Dylan Larkin tops the team with 23 points, but has not scored a goal in seven games, while Anthony Mantha is next with 22 to go along with a team-high 12 goals and defenseman Mike Green is third with 18 points.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit F Tomas Tatar is second on the team with eight goals and needs one assist to reach 100 in his career.

2. Winnipeg F Bryan Little is slated to play his 700th NHL game Tuesday and will take a four-game point streak into that contest.

3. The Red Wings dealt F Scott Wilson to Buffalo on Monday for a fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft.

PREDICTION: Jets 5, Red Wings 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Winnipeg at Detroit

W/L TRENDS

Winnipeg

Jets are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 Tuesday games. Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Jets are 20-6 in their last 26 games playing on 1 days rest. Jets are 9-3 in their last 12 overall. Jets are 20-7 in their last 27 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Jets are 15-7 in their last 22 games following a win. Jets are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Detroit

Red Wings are 17-36 in their last 53 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Red Wings are 8-21 in their last 29 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Red Wings are 7-19 in their last 26 games playing on 2 days rest. Red Wings are 8-23 in their last 31 Tuesday games. Red Wings are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Red Wings are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Red Wings are 0-4 in their last 4 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Red Wings are 0-7 in their last 7 overall. Red Wings are 0-5 in their last 5 home games.

OU TRENDS

Winnipeg

Under is 5-0 in Jets last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-0 in Jets last 4 road games. Under is 4-0 in Jets last 4 games following a win. Over is 8-2 in Jets last 10 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Jets last 5 vs. Atlantic. Over is 10-3 in Jets last 13 Tuesday games. Under is 6-2 in Jets last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Jets last 7 overall. Under is 5-2 in Jets last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2-2 in Jets last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Detroit

Over is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 home games. Over is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 vs. Central. Over is 4-1 in Red Wings last 5 vs. Western Conference. Under is 7-2-2 in Red Wings last 11 Tuesday games. Over is 5-2 in Red Wings last 7 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Red Wings last 7 overall. Over is 5-2 in Red Wings last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 5-2 in Red Wings last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Red Wings last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-4-1 in Red Wings last 14 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 19-9-4 in Red Wings last 32 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 13-4 in the last 17 meetings. Road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Blues vs. Canadiens Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/04/2017

It's no surprise that the return of star netminder Carey Price helped to reverse the sagging fortunes of the Montreal Canadiens, who have yet to lose since the former Vezina Trophy winner rejoined the lineup. The surging Canadiens go for their sixth consecutive victory when they host the slumping St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.

Not only did Price end his team's five-game skid in his first appearance since sitting out three weeks due to a lower-body injury, he is having an effect at the other end of the ice. Montreal scored eight goals during the five-game losing streak but erupted for 16 in a home-and-home sweep of Detroit, including a 10-1 demolition on Saturday. The Blues sported the best record in the Western Conference for much of the early season but dropped their third in a row with Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss at Minnesota. St. Louis has produced only four goals during the three-game skid, but it has won three in a row and eight of its last 11 against the Canadiens.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), RDS, TSN2 (Montreal)

ABOUT THE BLUES (17-8-2): One glimmer of optimism for St. Louis is that half of the four goals during the current slide have come from Patrik Berglund, who also registered seven shots on net in Saturday's loss -- his third game since returning from offseason surgery. "It's not easy to miss 20 games, step in and play well," defenseman Alex Pietrangelo said of Berglund. "He's had an impact." Star forward Vladimir Tarasenko has not scored in his last five games and has one tally in eight games versus the Canadiens.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (13-12-3): Price has won all five starts since his return and on Monday was named the NHL's Second Star of the Week after posting a 4-0-0 mark with a 1.50 goals-against average and .950 save percentage. "You're not going to score 10 every night," forward Paul Byron said after recording a hat trick in Saturday's romp, "but if we focus on not giving up goals, with Carey in net, I think we have a chance to win every time we play." Price last faced St. Louis on Oct. 20, 2015 -- a 38-save shutout at home.

OVERTIME

1. Montreal C Jonathan Drouin (lower body) skated on his own Monday and is expected to miss his third straight game.

2. St. Louis has split its last eight games despite outshooting the opposition in each -- by an aggregate of 87 shots.

3. Canadiens F Jacob De La Rose has four points in his last two games after failing to hit the scoresheet in his first 17 games.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 3, Blues 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - St. Louis at Montreal

W/L TRENDS

St. Louis

Blues are 9-2 in their last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 8-3 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 5-2 in their last 7 Tuesday games. Blues are 15-6 in their last 21 vs. Eastern Conference. Blues are 37-17 in their last 54 games playing on 2 days rest. Blues are 111-54 in their last 165 vs. a team with a losing record. Blues are 3-7 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Blues are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Blues are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Blues are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Montreal

Canadiens are 4-0 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win. Canadiens are 5-0 in their last 5 overall. Canadiens are 4-0 in their last 4 home games. Canadiens are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Canadiens are 2-5 in their last 7 Tuesday games. Canadiens are 9-24 in their last 33 vs. Central. Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Canadiens are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Canadiens are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

St. Louis

Under is 5-1 in Blues last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Blues last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Blues last 5 overall. Over is 4-1 in Blues last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 8-2 in Blues last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 5-2 in Blues last 7 road games. Over is 10-4-4 in Blues last 18 vs. Atlantic. Under is 5-2 in Blues last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 32-15-5 in Blues last 52 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Montreal

Under is 5-0-1 in Canadiens last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Canadiens last 4 vs. Central. Under is 5-1 in Canadiens last 6 vs. Western Conference. Under is 11-3 in Canadiens last 14 Tuesday games. Under is 7-2-1 in Canadiens last 10 home games. Under is 10-3-1 in Canadiens last 14 overall. Under is 6-2-1 in Canadiens last 9 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 22-8-6 in Canadiens last 36 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 18-7-4 in Canadiens last 29 games following a win. Under is 5-2-1 in Canadiens last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 15-6-6 in Canadiens last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-1-3 in the last 8 meetings. Over is 6-2-2 in the last 10 meetings in Montreal. Blues are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings. Blues are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Montreal. Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Islanders vs. Lightning Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/04/2017

Some reshuffled forward lines and the comfort of home added a spark for the Tampa Bay Lightning last time out, and they hope to build off that when hosting the New York Islanders on Tuesday. The Lightning snapped out of a 2-4-0 mini-slump Saturday as they registered 43 shots during a 5-2 victory over San Jose in which each of their top three lines contributed at least one goal.

Nikita Kucherov moved onto the line with center Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat and tallied twice while Tyler Johnson was switched from third-line center to right wing with captain Steven Stamkos and Vladislav Namestnikov and scored a pair of goals. "You can always go back to the Stammer-Kuch-Vladdy line, but right now, I think it's good we switch lines, and we got a little life," Palat told reporters after notching two assists on Saturday. The Islanders will present a good test as they have earned at least one point in five of their last six games (4-1-1) after grinding out a 5-4 shootout victory at Florida on Monday. Anders Lee extended his goal-scoring streak to four games with his fifth tally in that span and captain John Tavares netted his team-leading 17th as New York won for the fifth time in its last six on the road.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TVA, MSG Plus2 (New York), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (16-8-2): Josh Bailey notched an assist in Monday's victory and leads the team with 31 points, including 13 in his last nine games, and Tavares is just one behind his linemate. Lee's goal against Florida was his 100th in the NHL and defenseman Nick Leddy notched an assist to give him 12 points in his last 10 contests while Josh Ho-Sang helped set up a pair of tallies to give him six points in as many games. Thomas Greiss sat out Monday's win and will likely get the start after making 36 saves against Tampa Bay in mid-November to improve to 4-2-0 lifetime versus the Lightning.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (18-6-2): Johnson's two tallies snapped a 15-game goal-scoring drought during which he posted a minus-5 rating and registered 24 shots. "That's how hockey goes," Johnson told reporters. "Sometimes you get the chances and the bounces don't go your way, and other times you kind of get those garbage goals that find a way to go in. Lucky for me, I was able to find a way to break through." Yanni Gourde - who previously had played right wing on a line with Point and Palat - moved to center on Saturday between Alex Killorn and Cory Conacher, who scored off assists from his two linemates in the third period.

OVERTIME

1. The Islanders posted a 5-3 road victory on Nov. 18 to snap a seven-game losing streak - including playoffs - against the Lightning.

2. Tampa Bay C Cedric Paquette is eligible to return Tuesday after serving a one-game suspension for an illegal hit.

3. New York failed to record a power-play goal Monday for just the second time in its last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Lightning 4, Islanders 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at Tampa Bay

W/L TRENDS

NY Islanders

Islanders are 11-1 in their last 12 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Islanders are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 road games. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Islanders are 25-8 in their last 33 Tuesday games. Islanders are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Islanders are 6-14 in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Lightning are 12-3 in their last 15 home games. Lightning are 17-6 in their last 23 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Lightning are 37-15 in their last 52 games playing on 2 days rest. Lightning are 35-16 in their last 51 overall. Lightning are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Lightning are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU TRENDS

NY Islanders

Over is 3-0-1 in Islanders last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 6-1 in Islanders last 7 vs. Atlantic. Over is 10-2-1 in Islanders last 13 games following a win. Over is 16-4-1 in Islanders last 21 overall. Over is 8-2-1 in Islanders last 11 road games. Over is 8-2-1 in Islanders last 11 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 12-3-1 in Islanders last 16 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 8-3 in Islanders last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 5-2 in Islanders last 7 Tuesday games. Over is 33-16-3 in Islanders last 52 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Tampa Bay

Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 home games. Over is 9-3 in Lightning last 12 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 14-5-5 in Lightning last 24 Tuesday games. Under is 7-3 in Lightning last 10 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. Islanders are 1-7 in the last 8 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rangers vs. Penguins Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/05/2017

Sidney Crosby has freed himself from the shackles of a rare offensive slump in a big way, answering one goal in 15 contests with six tallies spread over five consecutive multi-point performances. The two-time Hart Trophy winner recipient carries an overall six-game point streak into Tuesday's contest as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena.

"When he plays that way, I think his energy, his compete level, trickles down the bench. That's the influence he has on our team," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "As a result, I think we're getting a more complete game, a more competitive game throughout our lineup when Sid's on his game the way he is right now." Crosby scored and set up a goal as Pittsburgh posted its season-high fourth straight win in a 5-1 rout of Buffalo, and also tallied with 56 seconds remaining in regulation of a 5-4 overtime victory versus the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17. New York, which skated to a 5-1 rout of Carolina on Friday, has outscored the opposition 24-11 en route to winning five of its last six games. Michael Grabner, who will play in his 500th career game on Tuesday, collected his fifth career hat trick in that encounter and also tallied in the first meeting versus Pittsburgh.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, Sportsnet, MSG (New York), AT&TSportsnet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE RANGERS (14-10-2): J.T. Miller grew up as a Penguins fan while living in East Palestine, Ohio, but the 24-year-old readily took it out in his childhood favorite team with a goal and two assists in the first encounter. Miller has answered a five-game point drought by scoring a goal and setting up three others in his last five. David Desharnais has erupted for four goals and an assist in his last three outings versus Pittsburgh and has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in his last 13 encounters with the club.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (15-10-3): Evgeni Malkin set up three goals before scoring 58 seconds into overtime in the first encounter versus New York. Malkin joined Phil Kessel, Patric Hornqvist and former Ranger Carl Hagelin in scoring both versus New York as well as the last contest against Buffalo. The offense has been welcomed by Tristan Jarry, who has stepped in for the injured Matt Murray and stopped 107 of 112 shots during his four-game win streak.

OVERTIME

1. New York G Henrik Lundqvist has started each of his last 14 games, winning an NHL-best 11 to go along with a .927 save percentage in that stretch.

2. Kessel scored a goal and set up two others in the first meeting with the Rangers and has 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 40 career meetings.

3. New York RW Mats Zuccarello has recorded 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in his last 14 contests.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Penguins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Rangers at Pittsburgh

W/L TRENDS

NY Rangers

Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Rangers are 8-2 in their last 10 games following a win. Rangers are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Rangers are 5-12 in their last 17 vs. Metropolitan. Rangers are 3-8 in their last 11 road games. Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 Tuesday games. Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Rangers are 3-13 in their last 16 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 4-0 in their last 4 overall. Penguins are 8-1 in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Penguins are 43-13 in their last 56 home games. Penguins are 70-23 in their last 93 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Penguins are 27-11 in their last 38 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 49-20 in their last 69 vs. Metropolitan. Penguins are 40-17 in their last 57 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 82-38 in their last 120 vs. Eastern Conference. Penguins are 78-38 in their last 116 Tuesday games. Penguins are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 2-7 in their last 9 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

NY Rangers

Over is 8-1 in Rangers last 9 games following a win. Over is 4-1-1 in Rangers last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 4-1-1 in Rangers last 6 Tuesday games. Over is 4-1-1 in Rangers last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Rangers last 5 overall. Over is 6-2 in Rangers last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Rangers last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 7-3 in Rangers last 10 road games. Over is 28-13-10 in Rangers last 51 vs. Metropolitan.

Pittsburgh

Over is 3-0-1 in Penguins last 4 home games. Under is 7-1-1 in Penguins last 9 games following a win. Over is 5-1 in Penguins last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 4-1-1 in Penguins last 6 overall. Under is 7-2 in Penguins last 9 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 9-3 in Penguins last 12 Tuesday games. Over is 9-3-1 in Penguins last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 9-4-1 in Penguins last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh. Over is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings. Road team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings. Rangers are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Predators vs. Stars Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/05/2017

The Dallas Stars attempt to extend their season-high winning streak to six games Tuesday as they host the Central Division-rival Nashville Predators. Dallas, which will be playing for the fifth time in eight days, is coming off a dominant 7-2 victory at Colorado on Sunday.

Tyler Seguin and Brett Ritchie each scored twice as the Stars avenged their most recent loss - a 3-0 setback on Nov. 22, also in Colorado. Seguin leads Dallas with 14 goals and 27 points - 10 of which have come in his last eight contests. Nashville scored the first four goals Monday before withstanding a comeback attempt and posting a 5-3 triumph over Boston to conclude a 3-1-0 homestand and improve to 12-2-1 in its last 15 overall contests. Craig Smith netted a pair of tallies to climb within one of his 2016-17 total of 12 and join team leader Filip Forsberg (14) as the only players to reach double digits in goals thus far for the Predators, who had their streak of 13 straight home games with a power-play tally to start the season come to an end.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), FSN Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (17-7-3): Forsberg also tops the club with 28 points and has notched at least one in 11 of his last 12 games. Nashville defeated the Bruins without Ryan Johansen, who exited Saturday's win over Anaheim with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Defenseman Yannick Weber (lower body) returned to the lineup Monday after missing 10 contests and saw 10 minutes, 47 seconds of ice time on 20 shifts.

ABOUT THE STARS (16-10-1): Radek Faksa is riding a four-game point streak during which he has collected five goals and two assists while posting a plus-7 rating. The 23-year-old Czech was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week for his efforts, which included his first career hat trick in last Tuesday's 3-0 triumph at Vegas. Captain Jamie Benn is second on the team with 11 goals but is mired in a seven-game drought.

OVERTIME

1. The Stars have won three straight against division rivals to improve to 4-6-0 versus the Central.

2. Nashville LW Kevin Fiala has scored in back-to-back games to match his total from the first 24 contests this season.

3. Dallas assigned C Jason Dickinson to Texas of the American Hockey League on Monday.

PREDICTION: Stars 3, Predators 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Nashville at Dallas

W/L TRENDS

Nashville

Predators are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Predators are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Predators are 6-0 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Predators are 7-1 in their last 8 Tuesday games. Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 12-3 in their last 15 overall. Predators are 22-8 in their last 30 vs. Central. Predators are 8-3 in their last 11 games following a win. Predators are 37-16 in their last 53 vs. Western Conference. Predators are 1-4 in their last 5 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.

Dallas

Stars are 5-0 in their last 5 overall. Stars are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Stars are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Stars are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Stars are 4-1 in their last 5 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Stars are 40-16 in their last 56 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Stars are 5-2 in their last 7 Tuesday games. Stars are 20-8 in their last 28 home games. Stars are 17-35 in their last 52 games following a win. Stars are 8-20 in their last 28 vs. Central. Stars are 3-8 in their last 11 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Stars are 4-11 in their last 15 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Nashville

Over is 5-0 in Predators last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1-1 in Predators last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 4-1-1 in Predators last 6 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Under is 8-2 in Predators last 10 Tuesday games. Under is 4-1 in Predators last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 7-2 in Predators last 9 games following a win. Under is 10-3-1 in Predators last 14 vs. Central. Under is 3-1-1 in Predators last 5 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Under is 8-3 in Predators last 11 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Dallas

Over is 4-1 in Stars last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-1 in Stars last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Under is 4-1-1 in Stars last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 21-7-3 in Stars last 31 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Stars last 10 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 28-13 in Stars last 41 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Dallas. Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Predators are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Home team is 49-22-1 in the last 72 meetings. Predators are 9-26 in the last 35 meetings in Dallas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sabres vs. Avalanche Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/05/2017

The Colorado Avalanche were as far removed from the playoffs as a team could be last season, but give forward Mikko Rantanen credit for keeping his eyes on the prize this time around. With his team struggling, Rantanen raised the bar with his comments as the Avalanche conclude their five-game homestand against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.

"I think you have to look at it like a must-win; it's like a playoff game for us," Rantanen said. "It's a five-game homestand, we are 1-3 right now. We have to win the last game. Everybody needs to get ready and make sure we are out battling the opponent on (Tuesday)." The 21-year-old Finn has come to play at Pepsi Center, scoring a goal in Sunday's 7-2 loss to Dallas to give him 17 of his 21 points at home. Buffalo hasn't been picking up many points of late, losing for the fourth consecutive time and 11th in 12 outings with a 5-1 setback to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Jason Pominville scored the Sabres' first goal since Nov. 24 and his first since Oct. 28 in the loss to the Penguins.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, MSG-B (Buffalo), Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE SABRES (6-17-4): Buffalo placed Matt Moulson on waivers Monday, with the struggling forward to be assigned to Rochester of the American Hockey League should he go unclaimed. "We talked quite a bit throughout the last two weeks," coach Phil Housley told The Buffalo News on Monday. "Just the direction that our team's going, we have to make roster spots and try to push some other buttons and try to get some internal competition within our team." The Sabres didn't stand pat on just that one move as they reached out to the Americans and recalled forward Evan Rodrigues, who has five goals and as many assists in eight games.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (12-11-2): Colin Wilson is expected to return to the lineup following a three-game absence with a lower-body injury, coach Jared Bednar said after Monday's practice. "I like to get him in the lineup more so we can keep building and getting a little more offense out of him," Bednar said. "It's hard to count on him to do that when he is in and out with these nagging injuries all the time. I think the best has yet to come for Wilson, but I really like what he's been doing for our team." Patrik Nemeth, who was also a full-time participant in Monday's practice, is expected to return from a lengthy absence due to an unspecified lower-body injury during the team's upcoming four-game road trip.

OVERTIME

1. Buffalo C Sam Reinhart scored in both encounters versus Colorado last season, but has been held off the scoresheet in each of his last five games overall.

2. Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will serve the final contest of his four-game suspension on Tuesday.

3. The Sabres rank last in the league in goals scored (2.1) and goals against (3.4) while their power-play efficiency (11.6) is 30th in the NHL.

PREDICTION: Sabres 2, Avalanche 1