Saturday 12-16-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Montreal at Ottawa

W/L Trends
Montreal

Canadiens are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
Canadiens are 16-5 in their last 21 vs. Atlantic.
Canadiens are 5-2 in their last 7 Saturday games.

Ottawa

Senators are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Senators are 5-16 in their last 21 vs. a team with a losing record.
Senators are 2-7 in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
Senators are 1-4 in their last 5 Saturday games.
Senators are 1-6 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Senators are 1-6 in their last 7 games following a win.
Senators are 2-12 in their last 14 overall.
Senators are 1-6 in their last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.

OU Trends
Montreal

Under is 7-1-1 in Canadiens last 9 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 6-2-1 in Canadiens last 9 Saturday games.
Under is 6-2-1 in Canadiens last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 9-3-3 in Canadiens last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Under is 8-3 in Canadiens last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 12-5-1 in Canadiens last 18 overall.
Over is 7-3 in Canadiens last 10 road games.
Under is 7-3 in Canadiens last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 18-8-4 in Canadiens last 30 games following a win.

Ottawa

Under is 4-0 in Senators last 4 home games.
Under is 7-1 in Senators last 8 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 5-1 in Senators last 6 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Senators last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 16-5-1 in Senators last 22 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 5-2 in Senators last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 5-2 in Senators last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 5-2-2 in Senators last 9 vs. Atlantic.

Head to Head

Canadiens are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Matchup Edge
LA Edge in: NYI
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Kings at Islanders
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

The Los Angeles Kings take another shot at recording a victory on their four-game road trip when they visit the New York Islanders on Saturday. Los Angeles was on an eight-game winning streak before kicking off the trek with a 5-1 setback in New Jersey on Tuesday, and it suffered a second straight loss three nights later as it dropped a 4-2 decision to the New York Rangers.

The Kings overcame a pair of one-goal deficits before falling behind for good with 3:27 remaining in the third period, but Marian Gaborik netted one tally and set up the other as he played in his 1,000th NHL game. The Islanders hope to avoid a third consecutive defeat as they open a five-game homestand. The club began a stretch during which it plays seven of eight at Barclays Center on Monday with a 3-1 triumph over Washington but followed with a home loss to Dallas and a setback in Columbus on back-to-back nights. Anders Lee is riding a four-game point streak during which he has collected three goals to take the team lead (19) and two assists.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), MSG Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE KINGS (20-10-3): Jussi Jokinen recorded his first two-point performance for Los Angeles on Friday with a pair of assists. The 34-year-old Finn set up a goal in each of his first two contests after being acquired from Edmonton on Nov. 14 but recorded just one point - a goal - in his next 11 games. Tyler Toffoli is closing in on some milestones as he is one assist shy of 100 for his career, two goals away from the century mark and needs three points for 200.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (17-12-3): Right wing Josh Ho-Sang was loaned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League on Friday after registering two goals and 10 assists in 22 games this season. "He's got to go play some hockey and get his game going," coach Doug Weight told the team's website about the 21-year-old. Josh Bailey leads the team with 38 points and needs one assist to break a tie with Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen (230) for 16th place on the franchise list.

OVERTIME

1. Islanders RW Cal Clutterbuck is two points away from 200 for his career.

2. Los Angeles C Torrey Mitchell has recorded a goal in two straight games after being kept off the scoresheet in each of his first 15 contests this season.

3. Islanders RW Steve Bernier was recalled from Bridgeport and hopes to appear in his first NHL game since 2015-16.

PREDICTION: Kings 4, Islanders 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Los Angeles at NY Islanders

W/L Trends
Los Angeles

Kings are 8-2 in their last 10 overall.
Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Kings are 17-6 in their last 23 vs. Eastern Conference.
Kings are 19-7 in their last 26 Saturday games.
Kings are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Metropolitan.
Kings are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
Kings are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

NY Islanders

Islanders are 8-1 in their last 9 Saturday games.
Islanders are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Islanders are 14-3 in their last 17 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Pacific.
Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Islanders are 11-4 in their last 15 home games.
Islanders are 2-6 in their last 8 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.
Islanders are 1-4 in their last 5 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.
Islanders are 1-5 in their last 6 overall.

OU Trends
Los Angeles

Over is 4-1 in Kings last 5 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Kings last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1 in Kings last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Kings last 5 vs. Metropolitan.
Over is 4-1 in Kings last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 19-7-8 in Kings last 34 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 31-12-13 in Kings last 56 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-2-2 in Kings last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 28-13-10 in Kings last 51 road games.

NY Islanders

Over is 6-0 in Islanders last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 6-1-1 in Islanders last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 5-1 in Islanders last 6 home games.
Over is 9-2 in Islanders last 11 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 20-5-1 in Islanders last 26 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 vs. Pacific.
Over is 15-5-1 in Islanders last 21 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 8-3 in Islanders last 11 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 8-3 in Islanders last 11 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in New York.
Under is 12-5-4 in the last 21 meetings.
Kings are 12-5 in the last 17 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Matchup Edge
DAL Edge in: PHI
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Stars at Flyers
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

The Philadelphia Flyers have put a horrid stretch behind them and seek their sixth consecutive victory when they host the Dallas Stars on Saturday. Philadelphia endured a 10-game slide (0-5-5) before beginning its winning streak, which it has extended by capturing the first two contests of its five-game homestand.

The Flyers have allowed fewer than three goals in each game during their run, including Thursday's 2-1 triumph over Buffalo. Dallas is wrapping up a six-day, four-game road trip on which it is 2-1-0 after suffering a 5-2 loss at New Jersey on Friday. Martin Hanzal and Alexander Radulov each scored for the Stars, who had won five of their previous six away from home. Tyler Seguin notched an assist for just his second point in six contests and is tied with captain Jamie Benn for the team lead with 29.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest Plus (Dallas), NBCSN Philadelphia

ABOUT THE STARS (18-14-1): Radulov dodged a bullet as he remained in the lineup after suffering a lower-body injury in Wednesday's victory over the New York Islanders. Dallas also got back Antoine Roussel, who had missed two contests with an elbow injury after landing on the scoresheet in three of his previous four games. Hanzal's goal on Friday was just his second of the season and first since Oct. 10.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (13-11-7): Travis Sanheim had a memorable game on Thursday as the 21-year-old defenseman scored his first goal in the NHL to end an eight-game point drought. Michael Raffl notched an assist against Buffalo, giving him three goals and three assists during his five-game point streak. Wayne Simmonds failed to land on the scoresheet, however, ending his point run at four contests.

OVERTIME

1. The Flyers have posted five straight regulation wins for the first time since a six-game streak from Oct. 26-Nov. 11, 2010.

2. Dallas' Ken Hitchcock needs one victory to join Scotty Bowman (1,244) and Joel Quenneville (867) as the only coaches in NHL history with 800 wins.

3. Philadelphia C Claude Giroux's streak of three straight two-point performances ended Thursday as he was shut down by Buffalo.

PREDICTION: Stars 3, Flyers 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Dallas at Philadelphia

W/L Trends
Dallas

Stars are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Stars are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Stars are 10-2 in their last 12 Saturday games.
Stars are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. Metropolitan.
Stars are 9-4 in their last 13 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Stars are 35-17 in their last 52 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.
Stars are 19-39 in their last 58 road games.
Stars are 10-21 in their last 31 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.
Stars are 22-53 in their last 75 games playing on 0 days rest.
Stars are 3-10 in their last 13 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.

Philadelphia

Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win.
Flyers are 5-0 in their last 5 overall.
Flyers are 3-7 in their last 10 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Flyers are 3-7 in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.
Flyers are 3-9 in their last 12 home games.
Flyers are 2-7 in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Central.
Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Flyers are 1-6 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Flyers are 0-4 in their last 4 Saturday games.

OU Trends
Dallas

Over is 4-0 in Stars last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Stars last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Stars last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation.
Over is 4-1 in Stars last 5 following a loss of 3 or more goals.
Over is 4-1 in Stars last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Over is 3-1-1 in Stars last 5 Saturday games.
Over is 6-2 in Stars last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 8-3-1 in Stars last 12 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-2 in Stars last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 5-2 in Stars last 7 overall.
Over is 37-18 in Stars last 55 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.

Philadelphia

Under is 3-0-1 in Flyers last 4 home games.
Over is 6-1-1 in Flyers last 8 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Under is 13-3 in Flyers last 16 vs. Central.
Over is 4-1 in Flyers last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Flyers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 3-1-1 in Flyers last 5 games following a win.
Under is 12-5-3 in Flyers last 20 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Stars are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 18-7-1 in the last 26 meetings.
Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Philadelphia.
Stars are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in Philadelphia.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
Matchup Edge
CLB Edge in: CAR
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Blue Jackets at Hurricanes
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

The Columbus Blue Jackets rebounded from an embarrassing loss with a satisfying victory last time out and hope to build off that when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday to begin a stretch during which they play five of seven on the road. The Blue Jackets were routed 7-2 by Edmonton on Tuesday before scoring the first three goals en route to a 6-4 triumph over the New York Islanders two nights later.

“I thought we handled ourselves well,” Columbus coach John Tortorella told reporters after having nothing to say following the loss to Edmonton. “That’s a good win coming off a nightmare the game before.” The Blue Jackets are battling for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division as they take on the last-place Hurricanes, who have won two straight and earned at least one point in five of their last seven games (3-2-2). Defenseman Jaccob Slavin scored 2:15 into overtime at Buffalo on Friday after Carolina coughed up a two-goal lead in the third period as Cam Ward earned his 301st career victory. “It’s a big building block coming off a long road trip,” Slavin told FSN Carolinas after the Hurricanes finished their trek with a 2-2-2 record after beginning with four straight losses.

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

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (20-11-1): Boone Jenner moved from the wing to center on Thursday to take the spot of the injured Brandon Dubinsky (facial fracture) and logged 20 minutes, 53 seconds of ice time - his highest total since Nov. 4. Artemi Panarin continues to fill the scoresheet, notching eight assists in his last four games to push his team-leading total to 28 points - seven more than Oliver Bjorkstrand, who has registered five in his last two contests. Seth Jones snapped a 17-game goal-scoring drought on Thursday while defense partner Zach Werenski tallied for the 10th time.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (13-11-7): Sebastian Aho notched a pair of assists in Friday’s victory to move within one point of team leader Teuvo Teravainen (24) while veteran Justin Williams (22) added two points. Jordan Staal recorded a goal and an assist in the win over Buffalo after managing just one point in his previous nine games while Slavin recorded his first multi-point performance since Oct. 17 at Edmonton. Scott Darling, who has lost five straight starts, is likely to be in net Saturday after Ward received the nod in each of the last two games.

OVERTIME

1. The Blue Jackets have won two of the previous three meetings this season - both after regulation.

2. Columbus RW Cam Atkinson, who scored 35 goals last season, ended a seven-game point drought with an assist against the Islanders.

3. Carolina D Justin Faulk has gone 10 contests without a point as he remains one shy of 200 for his career.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Hurricanes 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Columbus at Carolina

W/L Trends
Columbus

Blue Jackets are 11-4 in their last 15 overall.
Blue Jackets are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Blue Jackets are 5-2 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Blue Jackets are 7-3 in their last 10 games following a win.
Blue Jackets are 11-5 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Blue Jackets are 17-8 in their last 25 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Blue Jackets are 35-17 in their last 52 vs. a team with a losing record.

Carolina

Hurricanes are 9-4 in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Hurricanes are 2-5 in their last 7 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.
Hurricanes are 2-5 in their last 7 games following a win.
Hurricanes are 2-5 in their last 7 Saturday games.
Hurricanes are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan.
Hurricanes are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Hurricanes are 1-5 in their last 6 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.

OU Trends
Columbus

Over is 5-0 in Blue Jackets last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 5-2 in Blue Jackets last 7 overall.

Carolina

Over is 5-1-1 in Hurricanes last 7 home games.
Under is 5-1-1 in Hurricanes last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 Saturday games.
Over is 10-3-2 in Hurricanes last 15 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 6-2-1 in Hurricanes last 9 overall.
Under is 15-5-2 in Hurricanes last 22 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Under is 7-3-2 in Hurricanes last 12 vs. Metropolitan.

Head to Head

Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Captial One Arena, Washington, District of Columbia
Matchup Edge
ANA Edge in: WAS
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Ducks at Capitals
Gracenote
Dec 15, 2017

The two-time reigning Presidents' Trophy winners appear to have shaken off their early-season malaise and are making a move toward reclaiming their customary spot at the top of the Metropolitan Division. The surging Washington Capitals will go for their 10th victory in the last 12 games when they host the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night.

Washington continued its hot stretch with a 5-3 win at Boston on Thursday night, improving to 6-1-0 in December and scoring at least four goals in each of the victories. The Capitals had dropped four of its previous five on the road and goaltender Braden Holtby said winning on the road was "good for the confidence." That could also be the mantra for Anaheim, which opened a six-game road trip with an impressive 3-1 victory at St. Louis that dropped the Blues out of the top spot in the Western Conference. The Ducks, who have won five consecutive Pacific Division titles, are riding a six-game point streak (3-0-3).

TV: 8 p.m. ET, KCOP-13 (Anaheim), NBC Sports-Washington

ABOUT THE DUCKS (14-11-7): Anaheim gave forward Kevin Roy something to chew on when he was demoted to its minor league affiliate in San Diego on Monday, but the rookie didn't even make it through dinner when he was summoned back following an injury to Corey Perry. Roy made the most of his opportunity, scoring twice against St. Louis to give him six goals in 16 games. "He's got a nice touch at the net," teammate Andrew Cogliano said about Roy. "He's a heady player, he's scoring and we need that."

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (20-12-1): Forward Alex Chiasson, who plays on the fourth line, also picked an opportune time to make an impression, scoring twice at Boston after collecting only one point (a goal) in his previous nine games. With top-line forward T.J. Oshie moving closer to returning from an injury that has sidelined him for the past five games, Chiasson could be one of the players squeezed out of playing time. "Chaser is a veteran guy," coach Barry Trotz said. "He can count, and he knows what’s going on."

OVERTIME

1. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 16th goal at even strength Thursday, matching his total from last season.

2. Anaheim has killed off all 16 penalties over its past five games.

3. Oshie was back at practice Friday wearing a non-contact jersey.

PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Ducks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Anaheim at Washington

W/L Trends
Anaheim

Ducks are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan.
Ducks are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Ducks are 5-12 in their last 17 games following a win.
Ducks are 2-5 in their last 7 road games.
Ducks are 2-8 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.
Ducks are 1-5 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Ducks are 1-5 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Ducks are 1-5 in their last 6 Saturday games.

Washington

Capitals are 5-0 in their last 5 Saturday games.
Capitals are 6-1 in their last 7 overall.
Capitals are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
Capitals are 48-15 in their last 63 games playing on 1 days rest.
Capitals are 40-14 in their last 54 home games.
Capitals are 59-23 in their last 82 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Capitals are 7-3 in their last 10 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.
Capitals are 79-36 in their last 115 vs. a team with a losing record.
Capitals are 19-9 in their last 28 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Capitals are 61-30 in their last 91 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU Trends
Anaheim

Under is 4-0 in Ducks last 4 overall.
Under is 6-1-1 in Ducks last 8 games following a win.
Under is 19-6-1 in Ducks last 26 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Under is 9-3-1 in Ducks last 13 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 10-4-1 in Ducks last 15 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Ducks last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 9-4-2 in Ducks last 15 vs. Metropolitan.
Under is 27-13-11 in Ducks last 51 Saturday games.

Washington

Over is 4-0 in Capitals last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Capitals last 6 home games.
Under is 5-1 in Capitals last 6 vs. Pacific.
Over is 4-1 in Capitals last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Capitals last 5 overall.
Over is 8-3 in Capitals last 11 Saturday games.
Over is 5-2 in Capitals last 7 games following a win.
Over is 21-9-1 in Capitals last 31 vs. Western Conference.

Head to Head

Road team is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings.
Ducks are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona
Matchup Edge
PIT Edge in: ARI
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Penguins at Coyotes
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

Mike Sullivan isn't shy about showing some fire behind the bench, but the Pittsburgh Penguins coach remained remarkably cool with the reigning Stanley Cup champions having dropped three in a row and four of five. Sullivan hopes that a calmer approach will steady the waters for the Penguins as they visit the struggling Arizona Coyotes on Saturday.

"I think every team in the league goes through ups and downs, and we're no different. We just have to make sure that we do everything we can to minimize the skid we're in right now," Sullivan said. "We need a good effort, a resilient attitude in (Saturday's) game and control what we can to get the result that we're looking for." Pittsburgh dropped its second straight 2-1 decision on Thursday as it was foiled by former Penguin Marc-Andre Fleury and expansion Vegas to open a three-game road trip. Pittsburgh will encounter another familiar face in coach Rick Tocchet, who served as Sullivan's right-hand man during the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. Not a lot of winning is going on in the desert, however, as the Coyotes mustered a total of five goals during their five-game losing skid (0-4-1).

TV: 8 p.m. ET, AT&TSN-Pittsburgh, FSN Arizona-Plus

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (16-14-3): Pittsburgh may not be getting results during its 1-4-0 stretch, but captain Sidney Crosby told reporters that the team isn't hanging its head after playing in five consecutive outings that were decided by one goal. "Nobody likes to lose, but I don't think we're rattled," the two-time Hart Trophy winner said. "It's a tough point when you're generating chances and in close games and you're finding ways to let them slip. That's the way it goes sometimes. Sometimes it goes the other way." Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel saw their respective six- and five-game point streaks come to a halt on Thursday, but both scored a goal and set up two others in a 3-1 win versus Arizona on Nov. 7.

ABOUT THE COYOTES (7-22-5): Tocchet took issue with what he saw in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay, as the Lightning lowered the boom on his overwhelmed team to the tune of 46 shots on goaltender Antti Raanta. "I hate soft plays, I hate soft players and we were soft," Tocchet said. Rookie Clayton Keller scored his team-leading 12th goal on Thursday, marking his first in 18 games.

OVERTIME

1. Arizona C Tobias Rieder scored in the first meeting versus Pittsburgh, but has been held off the scoresheet in eight of his last nine games.

2. Penguins G Matt Murray, who made 24 saves in the first encounter against the Coyotes, matched that total Thursday in his return from a five-game absence due to a lower-body injury.

3. Arizona called up 2015 first-round pick F Nick Merkley, who will make his NHL debut versus Pittsburgh.

PREDICTION: Penguins 5, Coyotes 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Pittsburgh at Arizona

W/L Trends
Pittsburgh

Penguins are 28-12 in their last 40 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Penguins are 67-32 in their last 99 games playing on 1 days rest.
Penguins are 56-27 in their last 83 vs. a team with a losing record.
Penguins are 47-23 in their last 70 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Penguins are 3-9 in their last 12 road games.
Penguins are 2-6 in their last 8 Saturday games.
Penguins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Pacific.
Penguins are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
Penguins are 2-9 in their last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Penguins are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.

Arizona

Coyotes are 32-65 in their last 97 vs. Eastern Conference.
Coyotes are 47-100 in their last 147 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Coyotes are 10-23 in their last 33 games playing on 1 days rest.
Coyotes are 19-44 in their last 63 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.
Coyotes are 15-36 in their last 51 vs. Metropolitan.
Coyotes are 14-38 in their last 52 overall.
Coyotes are 13-38 in their last 51 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Coyotes are 4-12 in their last 16 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Coyotes are 3-10 in their last 13 Saturday games.
Coyotes are 3-11 in their last 14 home games.
Coyotes are 3-13 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing record.
Coyotes are 1-6 in their last 7 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals.
Coyotes are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

OU Trends
Pittsburgh

Over is 5-1-1 in Penguins last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 5-1 in Penguins last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-1-1 in Penguins last 6 Saturday games.
Over is 3-1-1 in Penguins last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Penguins last 11 vs. Pacific.
Over is 5-2-1 in Penguins last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 10-4 in Penguins last 14 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 7-3-1 in Penguins last 11 overall.

Arizona

Under is 5-0 in Coyotes last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Coyotes last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 5-0-1 in Coyotes last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 4-0-1 in Coyotes last 5 following a home loss of 3 or more goals.
Under is 5-0 in Coyotes last 5 vs. Metropolitan.
Under is 11-1 in Coyotes last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 6-1 in Coyotes last 7 home games.
Under is 12-2 in Coyotes last 14 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 40-8-6 in Coyotes last 54 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Coyotes last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 17-4 in Coyotes last 21 overall.
Under is 21-8-4 in Coyotes last 33 Saturday games.
Under is 7-3 in Coyotes last 10 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

Head to Head

Home team is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
Penguins are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Penguins are 4-9 in the last 13 meetings in Arizona.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Matchup Edge
TB Edge in: COL
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Lightning at Avalanche
Gracenote
Dec 15, 2017

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a strong response to their first bit of adversity of the season with six straight wins and hope to extend that streak when they visit the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night. Tampa Bay went 1-3-0 on its previous road trip before sweeping a four-game homestand, including a win over Colorado, and has won two in a row to start the current trek.

The Lightning registered a season-high 48 shots in Thursday’s 4-1 victory at Arizona and matched the third-longest winning streak in franchise history as captain Steven Stamkos told reporters, “We’re feeling good about ourselves right now.” Tampa Bay won in its last two trips to Colorado and defeated the Avalanche 5-2 on Dec. 7 at home with one goal from 21-year-old center Brayden Point, who has scored in five consecutive games and is slated to play his 100th in the NHL on Saturday. Colorado has won three of four contests since that setback, including a one-goal win at two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh and a 2-1 triumph against Florida on Thursday to open a three-game homestand. Center Nathan MacKinnon scored both goals last time out and leads the Avalanche with 35 points, logging at least 21 minutes of ice time for six straight contests.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (23-6-2): Point has recorded two points in three consecutive games to become the third player on the team to reach 30, and the 166-pounder had his first career fight in Thursday’s victory. “Going into the game if someone was getting the Gordie Howe hat trick I wasn’t going to pick Brayden Point as the guy,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper told reporters. “But you can’t take the fight out of competitors and that’s what he is.” Right wing Nikita Kucherov has scored in three straight games and leads the league with 44 points while sharing the top spot in goals (22).

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (15-14-2): Coach Jared Bednar has been going with 11 forwards and seven defensemen a lot lately, giving MacKinnon more shifts as the former No. 1 overall pick boasts five goals in the last six contests. “He doubled up almost the whole game and made the most of his ice time, for sure,” Bednar told reporters after MacKinnon played 22:03 on Thursday - his fourth most of the season. Colorado has struggled with the man advantage while going 0-for-17 over the last five contests, but killed off all 10 power plays in the last four games - 21-of-22 in the past seven.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado captain LW Gabriel Landeskog has been held off the scoresheet in three straight games and remains two points from 300 in his career.

2. Tampa Bay RW Ryan Callahan (six points, 29 games) suffered an upper-body injury Thursday and is out indefinitely.

3. Avalanche D Samuel Girard had two points in his first three games after being acquired, but none in his last 14 outings.

PREDICTION: Lightning 5, Avalanche 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Tampa Bay at Colorado

W/L Trends
Tampa Bay

Lightning are 5-0 in their last 5 games following a win.
Lightning are 11-1 in their last 12 vs. Central.
Lightning are 13-3 in their last 16 games playing on 1 days rest.
Lightning are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Lightning are 21-6 in their last 27 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Lightning are 21-6 in their last 27 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Lightning are 20-6 in their last 26 vs. Western Conference.
Lightning are 9-3 in their last 12 road games.
Lightning are 38-15 in their last 53 overall.
Lightning are 11-5 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing record.
Lightning are 35-17 in their last 52 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Colorado

Avalanche are 17-35 in their last 52 games following a win.
Avalanche are 17-36 in their last 53 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Avalanche are 17-37 in their last 54 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Avalanche are 16-35 in their last 51 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Avalanche are 28-67 in their last 95 overall.
Avalanche are 9-23 in their last 32 Saturday games.
Avalanche are 15-41 in their last 56 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Avalanche are 15-44 in their last 59 games playing on 1 days rest.
Avalanche are 1-4 in their last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.
Avalanche are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

OU Trends
Tampa Bay

Under is 4-0 in Lightning last 4 road games.
Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 8-1 in Lightning last 9 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Lightning last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 15-7 in Lightning last 22 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Colorado

Over is 7-1 in Avalanche last 8 vs. Atlantic.
Over is 5-1 in Avalanche last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 12-3-2 in Avalanche last 17 Saturday games.
Over is 4-1 in Avalanche last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 4-1 in Avalanche last 5 games following a win.
Over is 7-2 in Avalanche last 9 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 16-5-2 in Avalanche last 23 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 15-5-1 in Avalanche last 21 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 19-7-4 in Avalanche last 30 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation.
Over is 5-2 in Avalanche last 7 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Avalanche last 7 home games.

Head to Head

Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 7-3-2 in the last 12 meetings in Colorado.
Lightning are 3-9-1 in the last 13 meetings in Colorado.
Road team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
Matchup Edge
NAS Edge in: CAL
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Predators at Flames
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

The Nashville Predators limped out of the gate with seven losses in 12 games to make many wonder if a Stanley Cup Finals hangover was weighing heavily on their minds. The Music City residents changed their tune in short order, winning 15 of their subsequent 19 contests heading into the finale of a three-game trek through Western Canada and a date with the Calgary Flames on Saturday.

In-season acquisition Kyle Turris collected a goal and an assist in Thursday's 4-0 win against Edmonton to give him nine points (two goals, seven assists) during his six-game point streak. "Sometimes you make a trade like that (and) they never find their footing. He's come in, and that line has just been terrific every night," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said of Turris fitting right in with linemates Kevin Fiala and Craig Smith following a three-way trade on Nov. 5. While Nashville owns a 5-0-1 mark in December, Calgary has lost some of its steam with losses in six of nine outings (3-5-1) this month to fall on the wrong side of the early playoff picture. Johnny Gaudreau scored in a 3-2 loss to San Jose on Thursday and had an assist in the Flames' 3-2 shootout win in Nashville on Oct. 24.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), CBC, Sportsnet (Calgary)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (20-7-4): Filip Forsberg, who notched an assist on Thursday to extend his point streak to three games, scored a power-play goal in the first encounter versus Calgary. Defenseman Roman Josi also tallied with the man-advantage in that contest as well as on Thursday to record his second point of the road trip. Fiala netted a power-play goal versus the Oilers to increase his point streak to six games (five goals, three assists) while fellow forward Calle Jarnkrok owns a four-game run with three goals and two assists.

ABOUT THE FLAMES (16-13-3): Calgary's power play is mired in a 2-for-28 funk since Nov. 28, with the only spark it provided coming from coach Glen Gulutzan. "I thought the power plays in the second (period) took some momentum out of our sails," Gulutzan said. "Couldn't win a draw on the (38-second) 5-on-3. And the other full power play I don't think we even got in (the offensive zone). So it took a little zip out of us." For the record, the Flames failed on all four of their opportunities with the man advantage in the previous encounter versus Nashville.

OVERTIME

1. Calgary C Sam Bennett has eight points (three goals, five assists) in his past nine games after mustering three points in his previous 23 contests.

2. Nashville G Pekka Rinne has stopped 131 of 140 shots to post a 3-0-1 mark this month.

3. Flames G Mike Smith has permitted seven goals in his last four outings, but owns a 1-1-2 mark to show for it.

PREDICTION: Predators 4, Flames 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Nashville at Calgary

W/L Trends
Nashville

Predators are 4-0 in their last 4 Saturday games.
Predators are 7-1 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 road games.
Predators are 7-2 in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
Predators are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Pacific.
Predators are 10-4 in their last 14 games following a win.
Predators are 40-17 in their last 57 vs. Western Conference.

Calgary

Flames are 5-2 in their last 7 Saturday games.
Flames are 18-8 in their last 26 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Flames are 31-15 in their last 46 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Flames are 27-58 in their last 85 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Flames are 2-5 in their last 7 overall.
Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU Trends
Nashville

Over is 5-1 in Predators last 6 Saturday games.
Over is 5-1 in Predators last 6 games following a win.
Over is 4-1 in Predators last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Predators last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Predators last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 8-3-1 in Predators last 12 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.
Over is 5-2 in Predators last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Predators last 7 vs. Pacific.
Over is 9-4 in Predators last 13 vs. Western Conference.

Calgary

Under is 4-0 in Flames last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Flames last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1-2 in Flames last 8 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1 in Flames last 5 overall.
Over is 7-3 in Flames last 10 home games.
Over is 31-15-5 in Flames last 51 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Head to Head

Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Calgary.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Predators are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings.
Road team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.