Thursday 12-7-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:25 PM ET, Thursday, December 7, 2017
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Preview: Saints at Falcons

Gracenote
Dec 5, 2017

The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons will get to know each other quite well over the next 2 1/2 weeks as the NFC South rivals play the first of their two meetings in that stretch on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. First-place New Orleans posted its ninth win in 10 outings with a 31-21 victory over Carolina last week, although the Falcons control their own destiny with four games remaining versus division foes.

"I like where we're at, but I feel like we can continue to get better," said New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who has thrown for an NFL third-best 3,298 yards. "There's still things I feel like we're leaving out there, opportunities that we're leaving out there, that if we want to accomplish and go where we want to go, then we've got to continue to improve upon and get better at those things." Running backs Mark Ingram (NFL-best nine rushing TDs) and rookie Alvin Kamara haven't been wasting many opportunities, as the duo has combined for at least 200 scrimmage yards in five consecutive games - totaling 1,243 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns. Impressive statistics to be certain, but Matt Ryan and the Falcons had the Saints' number last year as the reigning NFL MVP completed 47 of 66 passes for 571 yards with six touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 127.8 in the season sweep last season. "Everything we want is still in front of us," Ryan said of the Falcons, who reside on the outside looking in of the NFC playoff picture.

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NBC, NFL Network. LINE: Saints -1.5. O/U: 53

ABOUT THE SAINTS (9-3): While New Orleans' high-octane offense has produced consistent headlines over the years, the team's defense has made vast improvements in 2017 - permitting only 17.9 points in the last 10 games. NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November Cam Jordan has registered 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss this season and has eight sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery in his last nine encounters with Atlanta. Rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has made progress from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the past two games, could be in line to guard wideout Julio Jones on Thursday.
ABOUT THE FALCONS (7-5): Atlanta boasts a potent pair of running backs in its own right in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, with the former faring well with 12 carries for 74 yards in his return from a concussion in a 14-9 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. Coleman has recorded five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) in his past five games overall and four (three rushing, one receiving) in his past two against New Orleans. Jones (NFC-best 1,063 receiving yards) was limited to two catches for 24 yards versus the Vikings, but has 361 receiving yards and a touchdown in his past three homes games versus the Saints.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Atlanta Pro Bowl CB Desmond Trufant was a full participant in practice on Tuesday as he bids to return to game action after sustaining a concussion.

2. New Orleans WR Michael Thomas has at least five catches and eight targets in each of his last seven games, but has topped 100 yards receiving in just one of those contests.

3. Atlanta's Ben Garland will get the start as fellow LG Andy Levitre has been ruled out with a triceps injury.

PREDICTION: Saints 27, Falcons 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New Orleans at Atlanta

ATS TRENDS

New Orleans

Saints are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Saints are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 vs. NFC South. Saints are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Saints are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. Saints are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 road games. Saints are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win. Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Saints are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Saints are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games following a ATS win. Saints are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 vs. NFC. Saints are 41-18-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

Atlanta

Falcons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games. Falcons are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 14. Falcons are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 vs. NFC. Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in December. Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC South. Falcons are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. Falcons are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.

OU TRENDS

New Orleans

Under is 4-0-1 in Saints last 5 Thursday games. Over is 6-0 in Saints last 6 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Saints last 5 vs. NFC South. Under is 6-2 in Saints last 8 games in Week 14. Over is 6-2 in Saints last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 5-2 in Saints last 7 games in December. Under is 5-2 in Saints last 7 games on grass. Over is 7-3 in Saints last 10 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.

Atlanta

Over is 6-1-1 in Falcons last 8 vs. NFC South. Under is 6-1 in Falcons last 7 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Falcons last 6 games on grass. Under is 5-1 in Falcons last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 home games. Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games following a ATS loss. Over is 16-5-1 in Falcons last 22 vs. NFC. Over is 3-1-1 in Falcons last 5 games in December. Over is 5-2-1 in Falcons last 8 Thursday games. Over is 21-9-1 in Falcons last 31 games overall. Under is 9-4 in Falcons last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

HEAD TO HEAD

Underdog is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 meetings. Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Atlanta.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL opening line report: Focus is on the NFC in Week 14 with several key matchups
Patrick Everson

"We anticipate Saints money from the public, and this line could head south sooner than later."

Without question, the best Week 14 NFL games are in the NFC, as the playoff picture continues to evolve. Patrick Everson checks in on the opening lines for a handful of matchups, with insights from Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (-2)

New Orleans had a one-game hiccup, then got right back to its winning ways and now stands atop the NFC South. The Saints (9-3 SU, 8-4 ATS) saw their eight-game win streak end in Week 12 at the Los Angeles Rams, but came home Sunday and beat Carolina 31-21 as a 5.5-point chalk.

Defending NFC champion Atlanta is making things tough for itself to even get back to the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl. The Falcons (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS) had a nice little three-game SU and ATS win streak, then had a dismal offensive showing and lost at home to Minnesota 14-9 as a 2-point favorite in Week 13.

“Our team was anywhere from a pick ‘em to -3 for this matchup,” Cooley said. “The deuce felt like a fair number. We can see where the bettors are leaning early and adjust from there. We anticipate Saints money from the public, and this line could head south sooner than later.”

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 14

Thursday, December 7

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

NEW ORLEANS (9 - 3) at ATLANTA (7 - 5) - 12/7/2017, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing on a Thursday since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Week 14

Trend Report

Thursday, December 7

NEW ORLEANS @ ATLANTA
New Orleans is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Atlanta's last 17 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Week 14

Thursday's game
Saints (9-3) @ Falcons (7-5)— New Orleans took over top spot in NFC South with win over Carolina LW; Saints won nine of last 10 games, are 3-2 in true road games, losing to Vikings, Rams. In its last five games, NO has run ball for 176 yds/game, taking heat off of Brees. Atlanta had 3-game win streak snapped by Vikings LW; Falcons are 7-0 when they score 23+ points, 0-5 when they score 17 or less. These rivals split last eight meetings; they meet again in two weeks in Superdome. Saints are 5-3 in last eight visits to Atlanta. Home teams are 4-2 vs spread in NFC South divisional games this season. Three of last four Saint games went over total; under is 7-2 in Atlanta’s last nine games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL
Dunkel

Week 14

Thursday, December 7

New Orleans @ Atlanta

Game 101-102
December 7, 2017 @ 8:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
142.767
Atlanta
138.311
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 4 1/2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 2
53 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Thursday, December 7

Thursday Night Football Betting Preview and Odds: Saints at Falcons

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (+1, 51.5)

The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons will get to know each other quite well over the next 2 1/2 weeks as the NFC South rivals play the first of their two meetings in that stretch on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. First-place New Orleans posted its ninth win in 10 outings with a 31-21 victory over Carolina last week, although the Falcons control their own destiny with four games remaining versus division foes.

"I like where we're at, but I feel like we can continue to get better," said New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who has thrown for an NFL third-best 3,298 yards. "There's still things I feel like we're leaving out there, opportunities that we're leaving out there, that if we want to accomplish and go where we want to go, then we've got to continue to improve upon and get better at those things." Running backs Mark Ingram (NFL-best nine rushing TDs) and rookie Alvin Kamara haven't been wasting many opportunities, as the duo has combined for at least 200 scrimmage yards in five consecutive games - totaling 1,243 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns. Impressive statistics to be certain, but Matt Ryan and the Falcons had the Saints' number last year as the reigning NFL MVP completed 47 of 66 passes for 571 yards with six touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 127.8 in the season sweep last season. "Everything we want is still in front of us," Ryan said of the Falcons, who reside on the outside looking in of the NFC playoff picture.

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NBC, NFL Network.

POWER RANKINGS: Saints (-4) - Falcons (-1.5) + home field (-3) = Falcons -0.5.

LINE HISTORY: The Falcons opened as two-point home favorites but heavy action on the Saints has caused that number to jump the fence, with New Orleans now giving one point. The total hit betting boards at 55 and has dropped significantly down to 51.5

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Huge NFC South division battle Thursday night in Atlanta finds the floundering Falcons taking on the sizzling Saints in what should be a playoff atmosphere. With New Orleans 0-5 UNDER on Thursdays and 1-4 UNDER after facing the Panthers, and Atlanta 0-3 UNDER after facing the Vikings and 1-4 UNDER after scoring less than 10 points in its last game, look for a snoozer tonight." - Marc Lawrence.

WEATHER REPORT: Dome.

INJURY REPORT:

Saints - LB A.J. Klein (Probable, Groin), RB Mark Ingram (Probable, Toe), T Terron Armstead (Probable, Thigh), CB Marshon Lattimore (Questionable, Ankle), S Marcus Williams (Questionable, Groin), DE Trey Hendrickson (Questionable, Knee), CB P.J. Williams (Questionable, Shoulder), CB Ken Crawley (Questionable, Abdominal), T Andrus Peat (Out, Groin), NT David Parry (I-R, Ankle), DL Mitchell Loewen (I-R, Ankle), TE Coby Fleener (I-R, Concussion), T Zach Strief (I-R, Knee), DE Alex Okafor (I-R, Achilles), RB Daniel Lasco (I-R, Spine), CB Delvin Breaux (I-R, Leg), LB Alex Anzalone (I-R, Shoulder), LB Nathan Stupar (I-R, Knee), FB John Kuhn (I-R, Bicep), LS Jon Dorenbos (I-R, Heart), TE Clay Harbor (I-R, Undisclosed), DT Devaroe Lawrence (I-R, Knee), WR Dan Arnold (I-R, Undisclosed), DT Nick Fairley (I-R, Heart).

Falcons - CB Brian Poole (Probable, Back), CB Desmond Trufant (Probable, Concussion), LB Sean Weatherspoon (Questionable, Illness), TE Eric Saubert (Out, Back), G Andy Levitre (Out, Tricep), S Quincy Mauger (Out, Knee), LB Jordan Tripp (Out, Concussion), DE Jack Crawford (I-R, Bicep).

ABOUT THE SAINTS (9-3 SU, 8-4 ATS, 7-5 O/U): While New Orleans' high-octane offense has produced consistent headlines over the years, the team's defense has made vast improvements in 2017 - permitting only 17.9 points in the last 10 games. NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November Cam Jordan has registered 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss this season and has eight sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery in his last nine encounters with Atlanta. Rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has made progress from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the past two games, could be in line to guard wideout Julio Jones on Thursday.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Atlanta boasts a potent pair of running backs in its own right in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, with the former faring well with 12 carries for 74 yards in his return from a concussion in a 14-9 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. Coleman has recorded five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) in his past five games overall and four (three rushing, one receiving) in his past two against New Orleans. Jones (NFC-best 1,063 receiving yards) was limited to two catches for 24 yards versus the Vikings, but has 361 receiving yards and a touchdown in his past three homes games versus the Saints.

TRENDS:

* Saints are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 road games.
* Falcons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.
* Over is 6-0 in Saints' last 6 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
* Over is 6-1-1 in Falcons' last 8 vs. NFC South.
* Underdog is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the Saints on the road at a rate of 61 percent and the Over is getting 66 percent of the totals action

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Coyotes at Bruins

Gracenote
Dec 6, 2017

The Arizona Coyotes sport the worst record in the Western Conference while receiving little help from the schedule makers, having played 30 games overall and 18 away from home -- both league highs. The road doesn't get any easier for Arizona, which continues a four-game trek against a huge nemesis with a visit to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.

The Coyotes didn't post a regulation victory until their 21st game but are showing improvement, earning points in seven of their last 10 games (5-3-2) after kicking off the road trip with a 3-2 overtime loss at Vegas. One of the early-season losses for Arizona was a 6-2 drubbing by Boston -- the 11th consecutive defeat in the series for the Coyotes, who haven't beaten the Bruins since October 2010. Boston has been on a roll, winning six of seven games before dropping a 5-3 decision at red-hot Nashville on Monday. Its domination against Arizona aside, Boston has a chance to make a move up the Atlantic Division standings, playing eight of its next 10 games at home.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE COYOTES (7-18-5): Coach Rick Tocchet credited goaltender Scott Wedgewood with earning a point in the loss at Vegas after he turned aside a career-high 42 shots in making his sixth consecutive start. Wedgewood has been forced to carry the load since an injury to starter netminder Antti Raanta, who was medically cleared to return and will accompany the team to Boston. Tocchet said Raanta would be evaluated to determine his availability for Thursday, but defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson will miss his fourth game in a row.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (12-9-4): While forward Ryan Spooner (lower body) missed practice Wednesday, rookie Jake DeBrusk was on the ice and appears poised to return to the lineup after sitting out the past three games due to an upper-body injury. DeBrusk collected two goals and five points in four games prior to the injury and also tallied in Boston's rout of Arizona in October. “You never want to get injured, and especially not when pucks are going in and you’re producing," DeBrusk said. "When I get back I just want to try and do the same thing."

OVERTIME

1. Bruins F David Pastrnak has four goals in the past five games and is riding a six-game point streak.

2. Arizona has allowed only two power-play goals in the past 11 games.

3. Bruins captain Zdeno Chara had a three-point performance versus Arizona in October but has four points in 21 games since.

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Coyotes 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Arizona at Boston

W/L TRENDS

Arizona

Coyotes are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Coyotes are 17-37 in their last 54 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Coyotes are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Atlantic. Coyotes are 15-36 in their last 51 overall. Coyotes are 19-46 in their last 65 Thursday games. Coyotes are 15-39 in their last 54 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Coyotes are 13-39 in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Coyotes are 18-59 in their last 77 road games. Coyotes are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Coyotes are 3-12 in their last 15 vs. a team with a losing record.

Boston

Bruins are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest. Bruins are 5-0 in their last 5 Thursday games. Bruins are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Bruins are 8-2 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Bruins are 6-2 in their last 8 overall. Bruins are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Bruins are 13-6 in their last 19 vs. Pacific. Bruins are 43-20 in their last 63 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Bruins are 19-9 in their last 28 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Arizona

Under is 5-0 in Coyotes last 5 road games. Under is 4-0 in Coyotes last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Coyotes last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 14-2 in Coyotes last 16 overall. Under is 7-1 in Coyotes last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 6-1 in Coyotes last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 4-1 in Coyotes last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 7-2 in Coyotes last 9 Thursday games. Over is 3-1-1 in Coyotes last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 5-2 in Coyotes last 7 vs. Atlantic.

Boston

Over is 4-0 in Bruins last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 3-1-1 in Bruins last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 5-2 in Bruins last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 5-2 in Bruins last 7 Thursday games. Under is 5-2 in Bruins last 7 vs. Pacific.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings. Road team is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings. Coyotes are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Boston. Coyotes are 0-11 in the last 11 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Islanders at Penguins

Gracenote
Dec 6, 2017

The New York Islanders are attempting to measure themselves against the elite of the Eastern Conference. After hanging tough with Tampa Bay before the bottom fell out, the Islanders look to rebound on Thursday when they play the third contest of their four-game road trip against the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

"It's going to be a good test. It'll be a character check coming off a tough loss in Tampa (on Tuesday)," said Mathew Barzal, who scored and set up a goal in the 6-2 setback to the Lightning. The 20-year-old British Columbia native leads all NHL rookies with 26 points, and 12 of them (four goals, eight assists) have come in the last 10 games. The Islanders have emerged victorious in eight of 11 to reside a point ahead of Pittsburgh, which saw its four-game winning streak end with a 4-3 setback to the New York Rangers on Tuesday. Patric Hornqvist scored and set up a goal in the loss to extend his point streak to six games, during which he has four goals and as many assists.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG-Plus (New York), Sportsnet, TVAS, AT&TSN-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (16-9-2): Jordan Eberle continued his offensive surge with his 11th goal of the season on Tuesday, giving him six points (four goals, two assists) in his last six games. The 27-year-old Saskatchewan native has flustered the Penguins in his career, highlighted by his two-goal, one-assist performance in a 4-3 setback at Pittsburgh on Oct. 8, 2016, while he was a member of the Edmonton Oilers. Barzal's goal on Tuesday was New York's ninth on the power play in the last 10 games, however the penalty kill has been gouged for multiple goals in each of the last three contests.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (15-11-3): Coach Mike Sullivan wasn't overly optimistic when discussing the availability of Justin Schultz against the Islanders after the offensive-minded defenseman sustained a lower-body injury versus the Rangers and was absent from Wednesday's practice. "I'm not going to rule him out," Sullivan said, "but it's not probable at this point." Should Schultz be unable to play, Chad Ruhwedel would slide into the lineup and be paired with Ian Cole on defense.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh's line of Jake Guentzel, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel has combined for three goals and six assists in the last three games.

2. The Islanders have won all 10 contests in which they've scored first this season.

3. The Penguins waived C Greg McKegg, who has been out of the lineup since Nov. 27 and recorded two goals and as many assists in 26 games this season.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Penguins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at Pittsburgh

W/L TRENDS

NY Islanders

Islanders are 10-1 in their last 11 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Islanders are 20-7 in their last 27 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Islanders are 8-3 in their last 11 overall. Islanders are 13-5 in their last 18 vs. Eastern Conference. Islanders are 5-2 in their last 7 road games. Islanders are 10-4 in their last 14 Thursday games. Islanders are 7-3 in their last 10 vs. Metropolitan. Islanders are 3-7 in their last 10 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Islanders are 6-15 in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 43-14 in their last 57 home games. Penguins are 7-3 in their last 10 Thursday games. Penguins are 49-21 in their last 70 vs. Metropolitan. Penguins are 66-30 in their last 96 games playing on 1 days rest. Penguins are 82-39 in their last 121 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU TRENDS

NY Islanders

Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 Thursday games. Over is 5-0-1 in Islanders last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 4-0-1 in Islanders last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 6-1 in Islanders last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 5-1-1 in Islanders last 7 road games. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 15-5-1 in Islanders last 21 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 18-7-1 in Islanders last 26 overall. Under is 5-2-1 in Islanders last 8 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.

Pittsburgh

Over is 4-0-1 in Penguins last 5 home games. Over is 5-1-1 in Penguins last 7 overall. Over is 4-1-1 in Penguins last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 3-1-1 in Penguins last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Penguins last 7 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Islanders are 17-36 in the last 53 meetings. Islanders are 7-22 in the last 29 meetings in Pittsburgh.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Flames at Canadiens

Gracenote
Dec 7, 2017

The Montreal Canadiens look to return to their winning ways Thursday as they continue their five-game homestand against the Calgary Flames. Montreal had won four straight at Bell Centre and five in a row overall before dropping a 4-3 decision to St. Louis on Tuesday.

Defenseman Shea Weber has recorded points in four of his last five games and both contests since returning from injury after scoring twice in the loss for the Canadiens, who are 1-1-0 on their homestand. Calgary remains in search of its first win of the month after falling to 0-2-1 with Wednesday's 2-1 shootout loss at Toronto. Captain Mark Giordano scored the lone goal in the setback for the Flames, who have earned at least one point in five of their last six road contests (3-1-2). Future Hall-of-Famer Jaromir Jagr, who has registered a goal and six assists in 17 games this season, missed Wednesday's defeat with a lower-body injury and is day-to-day.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Calgary), TSN2, RDS (Montreal)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (14-12-2): Micheal Ferland, who is third on the team with 11 goals, reached a milestone on Wednesday by appearing in his 200th NHL game. Curtis Lazar will hit the same plateau with his next contest while goaltender Mike Smith, who likely will be rested Thursday after making 28 saves versus the Maple Leafs, will reach 500 career games with his next appearance. Jagr needs to skate in four contests to pass Ron Francis (1,731) for third place, 29 to overtake Mark Messier (1,756) for second and 40 to surpass Gordie Howe (1,767) and become the NHL's all-time games played leader.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (13-13-3): With his first goal against the Blues on Tuesday in what was his 100th game with Montreal, Weber became the fourth active defenseman in the NHL to reach the 500-point plateau, joining Boston's Zdeno Chara, Chicago's Duncan Keith and Brent Burns of San Jose. The 32-year-old Weber is 11 tallies shy of 200 for his career and needs four to reach double digits for the fifth consecutive season - and 10th time overall. Daniel Carr has registered five points in three games since being recalled from Laval of the American Hockey League after notching an assist versus St. Louis.

OVERTIME

1. Canadiens D Jordie Benn has scored in back-to-back games for the first time in his career to match his personal best of four goals, which he set in 71 contests last season.

2. Calgary C Sean Monahan has recorded five game-winning goals while the rest of the team has totaled seven.

3. Montreal D Jeff Petry needs two assists to reach 100 in the NHL.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 4, Flames 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Calgary at Montreal

W/L TRENDS

Calgary

Flames are 4-0 in their last 4 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Flames are 6-2 in their last 8 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Flames are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 7-3 in their last 10 Thursday games. Flames are 35-16 in their last 51 vs. a team with a losing record. Flames are 7-15 in their last 22 games playing on 0 days rest. Flames are 5-12 in their last 17 games following OT on the previous day. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Flames are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Atlantic. Flames are 0-4 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.

Montreal

Canadiens are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Canadiens are 8-3 in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest. Canadiens are 4-9 in their last 13 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 Thursday games. Canadiens are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Pacific. Canadiens are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Canadiens are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Calgary

Under is 6-1-3 in Flames last 10 Thursday games. Over is 4-1 in Flames last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Flames last 5 road games. Under is 4-1 in Flames last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 18-7-3 in Flames last 28 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Over is 5-2 in Flames last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 15-6-1 in Flames last 22 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation. Over is 33-15-3 in Flames last 51 vs. Atlantic.

Montreal

Under is 5-1-1 in Canadiens last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Canadiens last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Canadiens last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 5-2-1 in Canadiens last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 10-4-1 in Canadiens last 15 overall. Under is 5-2 in Canadiens last 7 vs. Western Conference. Under is 7-3-1 in Canadiens last 11 home games. Over is 9-4-2 in Canadiens last 15 vs. Pacific.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings. Home team is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Avalanche at Lightning

Gracenote
Dec 6, 2017

Yanni Gourde, who was playing in the East Coast Hockey League in 2014, has battled his way to a prominent role in the NHL, and the gritty forward looks to continue his breakout season when the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. Gourde scored twice on rebounds in Tampa Bay’s 6-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday and boasts eight goals to go along with 10 assists.

“It takes a lot of will and skill to be around the net like that, and (Gourde is) definitely willing to do that,” Lightning left wing Chris Kunitz told reporters. “He’s scored some big goals for us.” Gourde has provided a boost of energy and owns three points in two games since moving to center on the third line while Tampa Bay hopes it can continue to get solid secondary scoring when they take on the struggling Avalanche. Colorado has lost all three games in December and went 1-4-0 on its just-completed homestand after suffering a 4-2 defeat Tuesday against the NHL-worst Buffalo Sabres. “It was unfortunate because we were good at home all year, and we had four games here where we couldn’t get the job done,” Avalanche rookie center Alex Kerfoot told reporters. “We’re going on the road now. We have to find a way to turn it around.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (12-12-2): Nathan MacKinnon scored both goals on the power play Tuesday and has six points (three goals) in the past five games to increase his team-leading total to 31 while linemate Mikko Rantanen is next with 22. Kerfoot notched a pair of assists to tie defenseman Tyson Barrie for third on the team with 20 points and Colorado will get captain Gabriel Landeskog (17) back Thursday after he served a four-game suspension. The Avalanche have scored six of their 10 goals in the last five games on the power play and are at 20 percent for the season.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (19-6-2): Nikita Kucherov (team-high 19 goals) leads the NHL with 40 points and has recorded at least one in four consecutive contests (six total) after posting two assists in Tuesday’s victory. Captain Steven Stamkos has cooled off a bit with three of his 38 points in the last eight games and linemate Vladislav Namestnikov caught him for second on the team in goals with his 11th on Tuesday. Jake Dotchin (undisclosed) is close to returning to the lineup and fellow defenseman Braydon Coburn (lower-body) is questionable after missing the last two games.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado F Colin Wilson (five points, 17 contests) returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing three games with a lower-body injury.

2. Tampa Bay RW Cory Conacher has registered at least a point in all three games he has played in the NHL this season.

3. The Avalanche has gained at least a point in their last three games (2-0-1) in Tampa Bay, including a 4-0 victory last season.

PREDICTION: Lightning 5, Avalanche 2