Friday 12-29-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Nashville at Minnesota

W/L Trends
Nashville

Predators are 6-1 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 road games.
Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 Friday games.
Predators are 6-2 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Predators are 20-8 in their last 28 vs. Central.
Predators are 17-7 in their last 24 overall.
Predators are 7-3 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.
Predators are 42-19 in their last 61 vs. Western Conference.
Predators are 11-5 in their last 16 games following a win.

Minnesota

Wild are 6-1 in their last 7 home games.
Wild are 5-1 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU Trends
Nashville

Over is 4-0 in Predators last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Predators last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 8-2 in Predators last 10 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 6-2-2 in Predators last 10 Friday games.
Over is 6-2 in Predators last 8 games following a win.
Over is 8-3 in Predators last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Minnesota

Under is 4-1 in Wild last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 4-1 in Wild last 5 home games.
Under is 12-5 in Wild last 17 games following a win.
Over is 38-17-8 in Wild last 63 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 11-5-1 in Wild last 17 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Over is 17-7-4 in the last 28 meetings in Minnesota.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: Bell MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Matchup Edge
NYI Edge in: WIN
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Islanders at Jets
Gracenote
Dec 28, 2017

The Winnipeg Jets have soared toward the top of the Western Conference standings thanks in part to the play of its four lines, but those combinations will be reshuffled entering Friday’s home contest against the New York Islanders. The Jets lost top-line center Mark Scheifele, second on the team with 38 points, to an upper-body injury in Wednesday’s 4-3 victory over Edmonton that will sideline him for six-to-eight weeks.

“We want to keep this thing afloat so that when Mark comes back, we’ll be even stronger for it,” Jets captain Blake Wheeler told reporters Thursday, as he slides to the middle of the top line. The Islanders knocked off Buffalo 3-2 in overtime Wednesday as center Mathew Barzal scored the game winner, his third consecutive game with a goal. Barzal has five goals in those three contests, including his first career hat trick in a 5-2 victory against the Jets last Saturday in Brooklyn. “We need to keep getting points, keep climbing the ladder,” Islanders goaltender Jaroslav Halak told the media after New York moved within three points of second place in the Metropolitan Division entering Thursday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG Plus 2 (New York), TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (20-13-4): Forward Josh Bailey extended his point streak to nine games with a game-tying goal upheld by video review with 1:09 left in regulation. Center John Tavares comes in on an eight-game point streak with three goals and eight assists in his past five contests. Halak made 38 saves in Saturday’s victory over the Jets and has won his last two starts.

ABOUT THE JETS (21-11-6): Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice moved forward Patrik Laine from the second line to the first line in Thursday’s practice, and shifted fourth-line forward Mathieu Perreault to the second line. Forward Joel Armia scored twice in Wednesday’s victory, while forward Nikolaj Ehlers extended his point streak to four games. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves in improving to 19-4-5 on the season.

OVERTIME

1. Tavares and Bailey started Thursday tied for second in the league in points (48), while Bailey led the NHL in assists (37) and Tavares sat fourth in goals (21).

2. Wheeler, who played center at times earlier in his career, ranked third in the NHL in assists (33) entering Thursday.

3. New York started Thursday tied with Tampa Bay for the most goals in the NHL (131), seven ahead of the third-place Jets.

PREDICTION: Jets 5, Islanders 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at Winnipeg

W/L Trends
NY Islanders

Islanders are 6-17 in their last 23 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Islanders are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
Islanders are 0-4 in their last 4 road games.

Winnipeg

Jets are 21-6 in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Jets are 21-7 in their last 28 home games.
Jets are 9-4 in their last 13 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Jets are 20-42 in their last 62 vs. Eastern Conference.
Jets are 2-5 in their last 7 games following a win.
Jets are 2-6 in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU Trends
NY Islanders

Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 5-0 in Islanders last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 6-1 in Islanders last 7 vs. Central.
Over is 12-2 in Islanders last 14 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 13-3-1 in Islanders last 17 games following a win.
Over is 24-6-1 in Islanders last 31 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 road games.

Winnipeg

Over is 4-1 in Jets last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 6-2 in Jets last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 6-2-1 in Jets last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 5-2-1 in Jets last 8 games following a win.
Over is 5-2-1 in Jets last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 10-4-1 in Jets last 15 home games.
Over is 7-3-1 in Jets last 11 overall.

Head to Head

Islanders are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Winnipeg.
Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Winnipeg.
Islanders are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Road team is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:30 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Matchup Edge
STL Edge in: DAL
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Blues at Stars
Gracenote
Dec 28, 2017

The St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars stumbled out of the break with losses to Central rivals and face another big division game when they clash in the Lone Star State on Friday. St. Louis is tied with Winnipeg for second in the Central, one point behind Nashville after its 2-1 loss to the Predators on Wednesday while Dallas sits five points behind the Blues and is seventh in the Western Conference after Wednesday's 4-2 setback at Minnesota.

"We had a lot of momentum when we took the (three-day Christmas) break," Stars coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters. "Obviously with the show tonight, we've lost the momentum. So it's on us to get it back. … We were playing very good hockey. Whether this is a one-off or not, we'll see. But this was exactly the way we played earlier where you're just hoping to win." Dallas entered the break with two straight wins after going 2-4-2 on the heels of a season-best five-game winning streak. St. Louis has won five straight meetings, including 3-0 on Dec. 7 and 4-2 on Oct. 7 with Vladimir Tarasenko scoring in each game. Tarasenko, though, has only three of his 15 goals in his last 17 contests and hasn't scored in the last five games.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Southwest Plus (Dallas)

ABOUT THE BLUES (23-14-2): Brayden Schenn (team highs of 17 goals and 40 points) has only one goal and two assists in his last eight games. Schenn is struggling without linemate Jaden Schwartz (14 goals, 35 points) as are the Blues, who are 3-6-0 since Schwartz went down with an ankle injury. Paul Stastny (seven goals, 25 points) has only two assists in his last eight games and is minus-5 during that span, dropping his team-worst rating to minus-8.

ABOUT THE STARS (20-15-3): Tyler Seguin increased his team-high goal and point totals to 18 and 34 after scoring in each of the last three contests, recording four goals and an assist during that span. Jamie Benn (15 goals, 33 points) has continued his consistent play with four goals and five assists in his last nine games. Defenseman Marc Methot, who needs one assist for 100 in his career, was to return to practice Thursday and is expected to play Sunday against San Jose after missing 23 contests with a knee injury.

OVERTIME

1. St. Louis is 14-for-14 on the penalty kill over its last four games, 25-for-26 in its past eight and 41-for-43 in 14 December games.

2. Dallas kicks off a six-game homestand and plays 14 of its next 20 at American Airlines Center.

3. The Blues, who are 6-3-1 versus the Central, do not play in the division again until Jan. 25 versus Colorado.

PREDICTION: Stars 3, Blues 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - St. Louis at Dallas

W/L Trends
St. Louis

Blues are 36-17 in their last 53 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Blues are 3-7 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Blues are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
Blues are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Blues are 0-4 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Dallas

Stars are 7-0 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Stars are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Stars are 9-3 in their last 12 Friday games.
Stars are 12-4 in their last 16 home games.
Stars are 7-19 in their last 26 vs. Central.
Stars are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU Trends
St. Louis

Under is 5-0 in Blues last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 road games.
Under is 5-0 in Blues last 5 vs. Central.
Under is 6-0 in Blues last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 9-1-3 in Blues last 13 Friday games.
Under is 14-3 in Blues last 17 overall.
Under is 12-3-1 in Blues last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 23-9-3 in Blues last 35 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 35-14-4 in Blues last 53 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 31-15-5 in Blues last 51 games playing on 1 days rest.

Dallas

Over is 6-1 in Stars last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Stars last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-1 in Stars last 5 home games.
Over is 7-2 in Stars last 9 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 24-8-1 in Stars last 33 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 5-2 in Stars last 7 overall.
Over is 5-2 in Stars last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 12-5-1 in Stars last 18 games playing on 1 days rest.

Head to Head

Blues are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Blues are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Dallas.
Over is 7-2-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Dallas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Matchup Edge
TOR Edge in: COL
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Maple Leafs at Avalanche
Gracenote
Dec 29, 2017

The Toronto Maple Leafs attempt to make it three straight road victories when they continue their five-game trip Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. Toronto lost the opener of its trek in Columbus before edging the New York Rangers 3-2 on Saturday and trouncing Arizona 7-4 on Thursday.

Patrick Marleau scored two goals and set up another while William Nylander recorded a tally and an assist, giving him three of each during his four-game point streak. Colorado is continuing a season-high six-game homestand - and string of nine of 10 contests at Pepsi Center - after beginning it Wednesday with a 3-1 loss to the Coyotes. Mikko Rantanen scored the lone goal for the Avalanche and enters the matchup against Toronto with a seven-game point streak during which he has collected two tallies and six assists. Colorado has lost two of its last three at home and is 2-5-0 in its own building this month.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Ontario (Toronto), Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (23-14-1): Marleau's two-goal performance against Arizona was his first since the season opener at Winnipeg and matched the total from his previous 10 games. Mitch Marner recorded a goal and two assists on Thursday, giving him three tallies and six assists during his four-game point streak. Auston Matthews, who is two points shy of 100 in the NHL, scored his first goal in his second career game in his home state of Arizona and has tallied in each of his two contests since missing six with a concussion.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (17-16-3): With Tyson Barrie sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to a fractured hand, Colorado recalled fellow defenseman Andrei Mironov from San Antonio of the American Hockey League. The 23-year-old Mironov made his NHL debut earlier this season, recording a goal and two assists in nine contests. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 40 points but was kept off the scoresheet in back-to-back games against Arizona.

OVERTIME

1. The Avalanche have successfully killed 27 straight penalties over their last nine games.

2. Nylander's assist on Thursday was his 100th point in the NHL.

3. Colorado C Colin Wilson is two goals shy of 100 for his career.

PREDICTION: Avalanche 3, Maple Leafs 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Toronto at Colorado

W/L Trends
Toronto

Maple Leafs are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Maple Leafs are 26-56 in their last 82 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Maple Leafs are 16-36 in their last 52 games playing on 0 days rest.
Maple Leafs are 0-5 in their last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Colorado

Avalanche are 17-39 in their last 56 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Avalanche are 30-70 in their last 100 overall.
Avalanche are 2-5 in their last 7 home games.
Avalanche are 16-42 in their last 58 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Avalanche are 17-45 in their last 62 games playing on 1 days rest.
Avalanche are 4-17 in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Avalanche are 3-13 in their last 16 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Avalanche are 0-4 in their last 4 Friday games.

OU Trends
Toronto

Under is 4-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 3-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 games following a win.
Over is 3-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 vs. Central.
Over is 5-2 in Maple Leafs last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Under is 9-4 in Maple Leafs last 13 Friday games.

Colorado

Over is 8-1 in Avalanche last 9 vs. Atlantic.
Under is 10-2 in Avalanche last 12 Friday games.
Over is 16-5 in Avalanche last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 16-5 in Avalanche last 21 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 6-2-1 in Avalanche last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 17-6-3 in Avalanche last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 14-5-1 in Avalanche last 20 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 5-2 in Avalanche last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Over is 19-9-1 in Avalanche last 29 overall.

Head to Head

Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Colorado.
Maple Leafs are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Colorado.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Maple Leafs are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Road team is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
Matchup Edge
CHI Edge in: EDM
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Blackhawks at Oilers
Gracenote
Dec 29, 2017

The Chicago Blackhawks continue their quest for a victory on their six-game road trip when they visit the Edmonton Oilers on Friday. Chicago has been outscored 13-3 while losing each of the first three contests on the trek, including Thursday's 5-2 setback in Vancouver.

The loss continued a roller-coaster stretch for the Blackhawks, who lost five straight from Nov. 28-Dec. 6 but followed with a five-game winning streak before their current slide. Edmonton is looking to extend its home winning streak to four contests as it begins a four-game stretch at Rogers Place. The Oilers had their string of four overall victories halted last time out as they dropped a 4-3 decision at Winnipeg on Wednesday. Leon Draisaitl ended his eight-game goal-scoring drought and added an assist in the defeat, giving him nine points during his five-game streak.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCSN Chicago, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Pacific (Edmonton)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (17-14-5): Chicago could be without Artem Anisimov, who exited Thursday's setback in the first period with an undisclosed injury. The 29-year-old Russian has recorded just one point over his last five games and is three shy of 300 for his career. Anton Forsberg could make his second start in two nights as the Blackhawks are without Corey Crawford for at least a week due to an upper-body injury.

ABOUT THE OILERS (17-18-2): Connor McDavid posted his second straight two-point performance Wednesday with a pair of assists and has collected five of his team-leading 45 points over his last three contests. The 20-year-old captain is tied with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for first on the club with 14 goals and needs seven points to reach 200 for his career. Defenseman Oscar Klefbom is expected to return on Friday after missing three games with a shoulder injury.

OVERTIME

1. Oilers LW Patrick Maroon is one goal away from reaching double digits for the third straight season and the fourth time in his career.

2. Chicago F David Kampf made his NHL debut on Thursday, registering one shot and a minus-1 rating while winning 6-of-11 faceoffs in 13 minutes, 45 seconds of ice time.

3. Edmonton signed 20-year-old F Cameron Hebig, who has recorded 28 goals and 51 points in 34 games with Saskatoon of the Western Hockey League this season.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Oilers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chicago at Edmonton

W/L Trends
Chicago

Blackhawks are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Blackhawks are 5-2 in their last 7 Friday games.
Blackhawks are 62-30 in their last 92 vs. a team with a losing record.
Blackhawks are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Blackhawks are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. Pacific.
Blackhawks are 7-19 in their last 26 vs. Western Conference.
Blackhawks are 6-20 in their last 26 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Blackhawks are 1-6 in their last 7 road games.
Blackhawks are 0-6 in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.

Edmonton

Oilers are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Oilers are 5-1 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
Oilers are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Oilers are 14-6 in their last 20 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Oilers are 29-62 in their last 91 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Oilers are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. a team with a losing record.
Oilers are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Central.
Oilers are 3-10 in their last 13 Friday games.

OU Trends
Chicago

Under is 6-1-1 in Blackhawks last 8 overall.
Over is 6-1-1 in Blackhawks last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 10-2-1 in Blackhawks last 13 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 5-1-1 in Blackhawks last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 5-1 in Blackhawks last 6 following a loss of 3 or more goals.
Under is 7-2-1 in Blackhawks last 10 road games.
Under is 12-4-6 in Blackhawks last 22 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Under is 15-5-8 in Blackhawks last 28 Friday games.
Under is 5-2 in Blackhawks last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.

Edmonton

Under is 10-2-2 in Oilers last 14 Friday games.
Over is 6-2 in Oilers last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 15-7-2 in Oilers last 24 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Edmonton.
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Blackhawks are 11-4 in the last 15 meetings in Edmonton.
Blackhawks are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:00 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2017
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Matchup Edge
CAL Edge in: ANA
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Flames at Ducks
Gracenote
Dec 29, 2017

The Anaheim Ducks hope to rebound from a disappointing effort last time out when they attempt to start another long home winning streak against the Calgary Flames on Friday. The Ducks, who lost for the first time in 26 home games against Calgary on Oct. 9, managed just 13 shots over the final two periods of Wednesday’s 4-1 loss to visiting Vegas.

“We got away from the things that have made us successful,” Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle told reporters after the setback. “We started to turn the puck over and we got spread out. … They frustrated us. We couldn’t really execute and found ways to self-destruct.” The Ducks have moved much closer to full health after Ryan Kesler made his return on Wednesday, and the former Selke Trophy winner will be important against the Flames, who possess a dangerous offense that is due to wake up. Calgary earned a point for the third time in four games Thursday in a 3-2 shootout loss at San Jose. Flames leading scorer Johnny Gaudreau has cooled off of late but has posted 14 points in 15 career contests against Anaheim.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Calgary), FSN West (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (18-15-4): Gaudreau has recorded just two points in his last five games but leads the team with 41, while Sean Monahan is next with 32 despite going eight contests without a goal and notching just two assists in that span. Mikael Backlund scored his eighth goal on Thursday and is tied with Matthew Tkachuk for third on the team with 22 points. Calgary has scored a power-play goal in three of its last four games but is just 5-for-48 with the man advantage over its last 14 contests.

ABOUT THE DUCKS (16-14-8): Kesler recorded three shots and a minus-3 rating in 16 minutes, 27 seconds of ice time in Wednesday’s loss after missing the team's first 37 contests with a hip injury. Second-leading scorer Corey Perry (22 points), who has been out since Dec. 11 with a knee injury, is the only key player unavailable for Anaheim after it was hampered by various ailments to its top players. Rickard Rakell has scored in three consecutive games to lead the team with 11 goals and 25 points while captain Ryan Getzlaf has collected nine points in eight contests after missing 19 due to injury.

OVERTIME

1. Calgary RW Jaromir Jagr tied Ron Francis for third place on the all-time list by playing in his 1,731st game on Thursday.

2. Anaheim D Brandon Montour has notched an assist in three straight games and is third on the team with 19 points.

3. The Flames also snapped a seven-game overall losing streak against the Ducks with their win in October.

PREDICTION: Ducks 2, Flames 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Calgary at Anaheim

W/L Trends
Calgary

Flames are 8-1 in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Flames are 5-1 in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
Flames are 38-15 in their last 53 vs. a team with a losing record.
Flames are 2-5 in their last 7 overall.
Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Flames are 0-4 in their last 4 Friday games.

Anaheim

Ducks are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Ducks are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals.
Ducks are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Ducks are 20-6 in their last 26 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.
Ducks are 6-15 in their last 21 games playing on 1 days rest.
Ducks are 2-7 in their last 9 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Ducks are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Ducks are 2-8 in their last 10 vs. Western Conference.
Ducks are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Pacific.
Ducks are 0-4 in their last 4 Friday games.

OU Trends
Calgary

Under is 7-1 in Flames last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Flames last 7 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Flames last 6 road games.
Under is 5-1 in Flames last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-2 in Flames last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Flames last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 20-8-1 in Flames last 29 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Anaheim

Under is 5-0 in Ducks last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Ducks last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 6-0-1 in Ducks last 7 home games.
Under is 5-1 in Ducks last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-1 in Ducks last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-2 in Ducks last 10 overall.
Under is 4-1-1 in Ducks last 6 vs. Pacific.
Under is 7-3-2 in Ducks last 12 following a home loss of 3 or more goals.

Head to Head

Under is 3-0-2 in the last 5 meetings in Anaheim.
Under is 3-1-2 in the last 6 meetings.
Home team is 52-18 in the last 70 meetings.
Flames are 13-39 in the last 52 meetings.
Flames are 1-29 in the last 30 meetings in Anaheim.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, December 29

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BUFFALO (9-20-0-8, 26 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (22-9-0-5, 49 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 6-1 (+4.9 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 6-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (19-16-0-3, 41 pts.) at CAROLINA (17-12-0-7, 41 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 9-1 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 34-16 ATS (+12.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-2 (+4.3 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-2-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.1 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (15-14-0-8, 38 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (27-7-0-2, 56 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-3 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 3-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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NY RANGERS (20-13-0-4, 44 pts.) at DETROIT (13-16-0-7, 33 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 31-15 ATS (+15.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-11 ATS (+16.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
DETROIT is 13-25 ATS (-20.0 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 99-113 ATS (-85.3 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 5-2 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 5-2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.2 Units)

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COLUMBUS (22-13-0-3, 47 pts.) at OTTAWA (11-16-0-8, 30 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 26-19 ATS (+46.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 39-34 ATS (+4.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 20-7 ATS (+11.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 48-25 ATS (+21.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 18-4 ATS (+13.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 26-12 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 11-24 ATS (-23.2 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 3-9 ATS (-6.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 11-24 ATS (+41.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 3-11 ATS (+15.2 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
OTTAWA is 1-9 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
OTTAWA is 5-14 ATS (+19.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-3 (+1.7 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 4-3-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)

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NASHVILLE (22-9-0-5, 49 pts.) at MINNESOTA (19-15-0-3, 41 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 19-7 ATS (+7.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-16 ATS (+13.0 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 24-9 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 33-19 ATS (+9.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 251-202 ATS (+31.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 47-28 ATS (+17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 10-4 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-5-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (20-13-0-4, 44 pts.) at WINNIPEG (21-11-0-6, 48 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 13-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 4-1 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 4-1-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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ST LOUIS (23-14-0-2, 48 pts.) at DALLAS (20-15-0-3, 43 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
DALLAS is 17-3 ATS (+12.3 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 174-166 ATS (+357.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 34-26 ATS (+64.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 15-29 ATS (-26.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 13-5 (+6.6 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 13-5-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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CHICAGO (17-14-0-5, 39 pts.) at EDMONTON (17-18-0-2, 36 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 4-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-3-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.0 Units)

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TORONTO (23-14-0-1, 47 pts.) at COLORADO (17-16-0-3, 37 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-1-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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CALGARY (18-15-0-4, 40 pts.) at ANAHEIM (16-14-0-8, 40 pts.) - 12/29/2017, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 13-2 (+11.3 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 13-2-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Friday, December 29

Trend Report

BUFFALO @ NEW JERSEY
Buffalo is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

PITTSBURGH @ CAROLINA
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

NY RANGERS @ DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Rangers's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Rangers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

COLUMBUS @ OTTAWA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Columbus is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games at home

PHILADELPHIA @ TAMPA BAY
Philadelphia is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games

NASHVILLE @ MINNESOTA
Nashville is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Nashville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home

NY ISLANDERS @ WINNIPEG
NY Islanders is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Islanders's last 7 games when playing Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Winnipeg's last 7 games when playing NY Islanders

ST. LOUIS @ DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games at home
Dallas is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home

TORONTO @ COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Colorado is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

CHICAGO @ EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Edmonton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

CALGARY @ ANAHEIM
Calgary is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games at home
Anaheim is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Calgary

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Friday, December 29

Devils won nine of last ten games with Buffalo, winning four of last five played here. Six of last nine series games stayed under the total. Sabres lost five of their last six games overall, five in row on road. Under is 10-4-1 in their last fifteen games. New Jersey won its last five games, allowing 10 goals; they won their last six home games. Six of their last nine games went over total.

Penguins won their last seven games with Carolina- they won last three visits to Raleigh. Three of last four series games stayed under the total. Penguins are 3-5 in last eight games overall, 3-7 in last ten road games. Under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Carolina won six of its last seven games overall, they won their last five home games. Under is 8-4 in their last dozen games.

Lightning is 6-4 in its last ten games with Philly; Flyers lost four of last five games in this arena. Over is 3-2 in last five games in this arena. Flyers lost four of their last five games; they lost last three road games, scoring total of five goals. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Tampa Bay won 10 of its last 11 games overall; they’ve won eight in a row at home. Over is 7-4 in their last eleven games. Both teams are 2-4 if they played night before.

Rangers won four of last five games with Detroit; they won 1-0ot/4-1 in last two visits to the Motor City. Under is 7-0-2 in last nine series games. Rangers won four of their last six games overall; they lost three of last four road games. Six of their last eight games stayed under total. Detroit lost 13 of last 16 games overall, three of last four at home. Five of their last seven games stayed under.

Ottawa is 6-4 in last ten games with Columbus; under is 4-1 in last five series games played here. Blue Jackets lost three of last five visits to Ottawa. Blue Jackets lost four of their last six games overall; they’re 1-6 in their last seven road games. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Senators lost four in row, 16 of last 19 games; they’re 2-4 in last six home games. Three of their last four games went over total.

Minnesota won four of last six games with Nashville; Predators lost three of last four visits to the Twin Cities. Over is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Nashville lost three of its last four games; they’re 6-2 in last eight road games. Four of their last six games stayed under the total. Minnesota lost four of its last six games overall, but they’re 6-1 in last seven home games. Three of their last four games went over total.

Islanders won five of their last six games with Winnipeg- they won their last five games in this arena. Six of last seven games went over the total. Islanders split their last eight games; they lost their last four road games. Over is 16-4-1 in their last 21 games. Winnipeg is 4-7 in its last 11 games overall, but they won nine of last 10 home games. Three of Jets’ last four games went over total.

Blues won their last five games with Dallas; they won three of last four visits to Texas. Five of last seven series games went over the total. St Louis lost six of its last eight games overall; they lost three of last four road games. Last nine Blues games stayed under total. Dallas Stars lost four of their last six games; they won seven of last ten home games. Five of their last seven games went over.

Oilers won three of last four games with Chicago; Blackhawks are 2-3 in their last five visits to Edmonton. Four of last five series games stayed under total. Chicago lost its last three games, outscored 13-3, all on road; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games. Edmonton won four of its last five games overall- they won their last three home games. Four of Oilers’ last six games stayed under the total. Chicago is 1-6 if it played the night before.

Maple Leafs won five of last seven games with Colorado; they won four of last five visits to Denver. Four of last five series games went over total. Toronto won three of its last four games, scoring 20 goals; they’re 3-5 in last eight road contests. Three of Leafs’ last four games went over the total. Colorado split its last ten games; they’re 2-5 in their last seven home games. Over is 4-2-1 in their last seven home games.

Ducks won seven of last eight games with Calgary; under is 3-1-2 in last six series games. Flames lost four of last five games in the Pond. Calgary lost five of their last seven games, six of which stayed under total. Flames won three of their last five road games. Anaheim lost four of its last six games; they’re 2-4 in last six home games. Eight of their last ten games stayed under the total. Calgary is 4-1 if it played the night before.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL Betting Cheat Sheet and Odds: Maple Leafs headed to Las Vegas for NYE

The Senators are trying desperately to figure out what has gone wrong this season, a Saturday showdown for the top of the Metropolitan division, and the Maple Leafs get set to take on the Knights on New Year's Eve in Sin City.

Senators Seeking a Solution

The Ottawa Senators have all but played their way out of playoff contention - at least in oddsmakers' eyes - as they prepare for a pair of home games before the calendar flips to 2018. Ottawa's 5-1 thumping at the hands of the Boston Bruins on Wednesday has the team sitting second-last in the Eastern Conference, just four points clear of the Buffalo Sabres. They're a whopping +7,500 on Bet365 to win the division, and have seen their Stanley Cup odds slip to a miraculous +10,000. They'll host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday before closing out 2017 against the Bruins the following night.

Metropolitan Showdown

The Metropolitan Division remains the most competitive in the league - which makes Saturday's showdown between the New Jersey Devils and the host Washington Capitals the top game on the schedule. The Devils own a two-point lead over the Capitals atop the division by virtue of a five-game winning streak entering Thursday. The Capitals previously held the division lead but have dropped three in a row heading into Thursday's play. Washington has a significant upper hand in the recent head-to-head series, having won the last four meetings while outscoring the Devils by a 17-6 margin over that stretch.

Happy New Year!

Imagine being the opposing team that has to deal with playing a New Year's Eve game in Las Vegas. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the lucky winners this season as they'll face the red-hot Golden Knights in a Sunday matinee at T-Mobile Arena. In addition to having to navigate through the crowds of people on Las Vegas Boulevard, the Maple Leafs will also be up against a Golden Knights team that has just two regulation losses through its first 18 home games. Vegas suddenly finds itself with the seventh-best championship odds (+1,500) - though the Maple Leafs are one of the six teams presently ahead of them (+1,000).

Injury Updates

* The Chicago Blackhawks head through Western Canada without starting netminder Corey Crawford, who has been placed on IR with an upper-body injury. It's a major blow for the Blackhawks, who are 16-9-2 SU and 10-15-3 O/U in his 28 starts.

* The Columbus Blue Jackets have had to do without the services of defenseman Zach Werenski, who has missed the last four games with an undisclosed ailment. But Columbus hasn't suffered in his absence, going 2-0-2 in that stretch.

* Jay Bouwmeester is back skating, but there is no timetable for the St. Louis Blues defenseman's return. The Blues are 2-6-0 since Bouwmeester went down - though that has more to do with having scored a paltry 10 goals over that span.

Player News

* Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin is heating up with four goals in his last five games, and had three points in Wednesday's 5-4 shootout win over Columbus. The Penguins are 6-0-1 SU and 5-1-1 O/U when Malkin records a multi-point game.

* The Islanders forward tandem of John Tavares and Josh Bailey continues to take the league by storm, sharing the December scoring lead with 20 points each. it's no surprise, then, that New York has been one of the month's best over plays at 10-3 O/U.

* Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg will likely go into the new year as the top-scoring blue-liner in the league; he currently has a four-point edge over three others. His offense has helped the Stars build a 21-16-1 O/U record entering Thursday's play.

Stanley Cup Futures

* The Bruins have undergone an incredible turnaround, and find themselves among the Stanley Cup favorites heading into 2018. Boston enters Thursday at +1,300 on Sports Interaction to win the NHL championship, the fourth-best odds in the league.

* The Islanders have seen their odds of claiming their first NHL championship since 1983 climb to +1,600 as of Thursday. The Isles boast the NHL's No. 2 offense at 3.5 goals per game, but are allowing 3.5 goals per contest to rank last in the league.

Over/Under Trends

* The Blues are the hottest under play in the league at the moment, going below the total in nine consecutive games heading into a Friday night encounter with the Dallas Stars. St. Louis is now 15-24-0 O/U for the season.

* The Tampa Bay Lightning have emerged as a strong over option thanks to a league-best 4.20 goals per game this month. The Lightning have exceeded the total in seven of their 10 December contests going into Thursday's showdown with Montreal.