Monday 4-16-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sam Houston
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Claiming - 870y on the Dirt. Purse: $6800 Class Rating: 68

QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 THE FIELD CRICKET 9/5

# 2 GOD I AM HANDSOME 5/2

# 5 JACK KETEL 5/1

THE FIELD CRICKET has a decent shot to take this race. Is a contender - given the 64 speed fig from his most recent race. Is tough not to consider given the company run in lately. Shows signs of the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 67 speed figure which is one of the most competitive in this group. GOD I AM HANDSOME - Ought to be given consideration here if only for the very good Equibase Speed Figure posted in the last affair. The average Equibase class rating alone makes this entrant a key contender. JACK KETEL - Has ran strongly in longer quarter horse races.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #5 - Post: 2:36pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,800 Class Rating: 61

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 OBVIOUS TWO (ML=7/2)


OBVIOUS TWO - Sprinters that come back to the races quickly are generally good plays. Gonzalez rode this mount for the initial time last time around the track and comes right back in this race. Is ranked at the top in EPS (earnings per start). A strong try right here will boost the lifetime total. Have to give this filly a chance. Ran a nice effort last out within the last 30 days.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 NAVAL COMMISSION (ML=5/2), #3 OUR DREAM (ML=3/1), #5 PRETTY PENNY PADDY (ML=6/1),

NAVAL COMMISSION - This favorite may be out of shape without any recent morning drills. Had to show me more than that last time around the track. Never made much of an impact. OUR DREAM - Don't believe this steed will make a winning move in today's event. That last speed fig was quite unimpressive when compared with today's class figure. PRETTY PENNY PADDY - Difficult to put your money on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as often as this horse does. Should have at least finished in the money in the last two months in a short distance clash to be any kind of value at low odds in a sprint.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 OBVIOUS TWO on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - SA - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 103

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN 2017 - 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. OHIO REGISTERED FOALS


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 DETERMINATOR 3/1

# 4 DONTBOTHERMENOW 5/2

# 2 ANECHOIC 2/1

I lean toward DETERMINATOR here. Have to consider solely on class, with some of the top class numbers of this group of horses in this race. Has posted formidable Equibase Speed Figures in dirt route races in the past. Hard to pass on this gelding with Paucar in the saddle. DONTBOTHERMENOW - Have to think this equine will run well again this time out. Conditioner boasts very solid win figs at this distance and surface. ANECHOIC - With Rivera on top him, this gelding will almost certainly be able to break out quickly in this competition. Could best this group of horses based on the speed figure - 103 - of his last outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #3 - Post: 1:49pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 55

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 WITH WINGS (ML=9/2)


WITH WINGS - Ran last time around the track against tougher competition at Parx Racing. The move down in class should suit her well.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 WATEREE (ML=2/1), #3 YOU'RE DREAMIN (ML=3/1), #7 A PRINCESS SHE IS (ML=6/1),

WATEREE - This horse just hasn't looked sharp recently. A PRINCESS SHE IS - If you keep playing these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be let down most of the time. Not probable that this horse will finish better than she did last time when finishing seventh.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 WITH WINGS to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turf Paradise
Turf Paradise - Race 8

$1 Exacta / $1 Quinella / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta


Claiming $6,250 • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 95 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 4:41P
(PLUS UP TO 10% PLUS 10%) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MARCH 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $5,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). RAIL SET AT 28 FEET.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * SOCRATICAL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. WILLING TO TRAVEL: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. GINS AND GIGGLES: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power R ating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
SOCRATICAL
9/2

4/1
9
WILLING TO TRAVEL
5/2

6/1
2
GINS AND GIGGLES
4/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
CABLE JETT
1

8/1
Front-runner
87

84

100.8

83.8

70.8
5
AIKMAN JACK
5

8/1
Front-runner
89

90

92.7

74.5

60.5
10
ALPINE LUCK
10

6/1
Front-runner
93

92

89.0

89.0

78.0
8
DEL RIO HARBOR
8

12/1
Front-runner
92

85

84.6

81.7

63.7
7
THE GREAT CAPER
7

10/1
Front-runner
94

86

68.3

77.7

61.7
2
GINS AND GIGGLES
2

4/1
Stalker
90

89

98.2

93.4

84.4
11
SIR MATADOR
11

10/1
Stalker
88

85

97.6

85.0

74.5
6
SOCRATICAL
6

9/2
Stalker
92

93

94.1

95.7

93.7
3
PRINCE OF PARIS
3

10/1
Stalker
92

86

88.8

88.6

72.6
9
WILLING TO TRAVEL
9

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
95

97

82.4

86.7

81.7
4
ALPINE GATHERING
4

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
86

83

85.4

81.2

67.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Will Rogers Downs
Will Rogers Downs - Race 7

Exacta / Quinella / Trifecta (.50) / Superfecta (.10) / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9)


Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 74 • Purse: $8,250 • Post: 3:49P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 16, 2017 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. MY BROTHER DON is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * MY BROTHER DON: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. DEEP IN A DREAM: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. DUKE OF KENT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. T oday is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. WICKED WINK: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
7
MY BROTHER DON
5/2

7/2
2
DEEP IN A DREAM
7/2

7/1
1
DUKE OF KENT
3/1

7/1
8
WICKED WINK
6/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
MY BROTHER DON
7

5/2
Alternator/Front-runner
88

78

69.6

73.4

67.9
1
DUKE OF KENT
1

3/1
Alternator/Stalker
91

85

64.4

63.9

57.4
8
WICKED WINK
8

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
92

75

51.8

72.4

65.9
5
MEDIA KID
5

8/1
Trailer
83

71

52.0

60.2

51.7
2
DEEP IN A DREAM
2

7/2
Alternator/Trailer
91

86

45.2

69.4

62.4
3
HE GOTTA GO
3

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
80

73

81.5

54.6

42.1
4
SQUARE BALE
4

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
78

77

54.8

57.7

47.2
6
UPFORWHATEVER
6

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
74

59

42.8

59.6

48.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia 76ers' phenomenal 17-game winning streak now includes one playoff victory, the franchise's first in six years. The Sixers will try to make it two straight over the Miami Heat in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series when the teams meet in Game 2 on Monday in Philadelphia.

After a slow start in Saturday's opener, Philadelphia outscored the Heat by a whopping 74-43 margin in the second half en route to a convincing 130-103 Game 1 victory. "I feel this group has something special in it," coach Brett Brown told reporters after his team made 18-of-28 3-pointers and recorded 34 assists against just 10 turnovers in a dominant effort. The last nine of the Sixers' 17 straight wins have come without All-Star center Joel Embiid (orbital fracture), who could return as soon as Game 2 or 3. The Heat will need to get more out of their own big man, as Hassan Whiteside provided just two points on 1-of-4 shooting in 12 lackluster minutes.
Video: Dwyane Wade -- Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers Game 1 -- 04/14/2018


TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, FS Sun (Miami), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE HEAT: Whiteside has expressed displeasure at times with head coach Erik Spoelstra and the center seemed to display frustration over his limited minutes in Game 1. "It's not about him," Spoelstra told the media. "This series and this game, it's going to move quickly. It's not necessarily an indictment to his (play)." The play of another 7-footer, Kelly Olynyk, was perhaps another reason for Whiteside's limited contributions, as Olynyk scored a team-high 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting - including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc - off the bench.

ABOUT THE 76ERS: With Embiid sidelined, Philadelphia has been thriving on its many quality outside shooters, and the quartet of JJ Redick, Dario Saric, Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova combined to hit 15-of-23 long-range attempts in Game 1. "Whether Ersan comes in or Marco comes in, that's who we are," Brown told reporters. "That's what we're trying to coach here. And the guys have bought in. We play fast, we look for each other. The 3-point shot, without Joel, has become a real big part of our identity. We'll continue to do that. You have to do that or you won't win games when it matters." Rookie Ben Simmons was the one finding most of those shooters and he finished his playoff debut with 17 points and 14 assists.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Redick scored a game-high 28 points in Game 1, the third time in his last four games going back to the regular season that he finished with that total.

2. Miami's starters combined to shoot 13-of-40 from the field in Game 1.

3. Including Game 1, Philadelphia won 24 of its last 25 games at Wells Fargo Center.

PREDICTION: 76ers 117, Heat 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the golden state warriors came into the postseason injured and slumping but quickly proved they can flip the switch to playoff mode with a dominating game 1 win over the san antonio spurs on saturday. the warriors will try to keep the pressure on and get off to another hot start to make it a 2-0 cushion when they host the spurs in game 2 on monday.

golden state dropped 10 of its last 17 games in the regular season and struggled on defense but tightened things up that end and held the spurs to 17 first-quarter points to establish a lead it wouldn't relinquish in game 1. "just wanted to put our best defensive lineup on the floor from the beginning," warriors coach steve kerr, who inserted small forward andre iguodala into the starting lineup, told reporters. "i think the whole point of these games here early in this series is to re-establish our defense. i think you guys know, over the last month or so, our defense has been subpar. can't win in this league in the playoffs unless you defend, and they defended tonight, and we went with our best defensive group." san antonio's starting unit wasn't up to the task and only lamarcus aldridge (14 points) scored in double figures among the starting five. "i thought we were very prepared physically and mentally," spurs coach gregg popovich told reporters. "but i was mistaken. as i said, we looked like deer in the headlights. the defense was really poor as far as following game plan of the first quarter, and it's a bad combination to play defense like that and not shoot at the other end."

tv: 10:30 p.m. et, tnt, fs southwest (san antonio), nbcs bay area (golden state)
about the spurs: san antonio shot 40 percent from the floor in game 1 and managed only three offensive rebounds in the 113-92 setback. "we've got to regroup, feel hurt, upset, kind of desperate," guard manu ginobili told reporters. "we don't want to go home (down) 0-2. but at the same time, we've got to be smarter. offensively, we're going to have to move the ball better, sharper, be more aggressive and see what happens. we are underdogs. we've talked about it. to get a win here, we've got to overachieve." popovich started rudy gay in the second half over kyle anderson to generate more offense and could insert gay into the starting lineup for game 2.

about the warriors: starting iguodala over quinn cook left golden state without a true point guard, leading to all-star forward kevin durant running the offense. "it's not just one guy who has the ball all the time and making all the plays," durant, who finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, told reporters. "i think that's the beauty of our team, that all of us can go off and score 30 or get eight, nine assists or grab 11 rebounds. that's just the beauty of our team, and all of us chip in when it comes to facilitating and orchestrating." the warriors recorded 32 assists on 44 made field goals in the win, led by forward draymond green's 11.
buzzer beaters

1. warriors sg klay thompson scored a game-high 27 points on 11-of-13 shooting in game 1.

2. spurs pg tony parker - a career 46.1 percent shooter in 222 postseason games - went 1-of-8 from the floor on saturday.

3. golden state won its last 10 postseason games at home.

prediction: warriors 110, spurs 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the toronto maple leafs are making back-to-back appearances in the postseason for the first time in 14 years but they appear headed for a second straight first-round exit barring a stunning turnaround. toronto has been manhandled in its eastern conference first-round series against the boston bruins and hopes a return home to air canada centre will get it back on track in monday night's game 3.

the maple leafs set franchise records for wins (49) and points (105) in a season but they have been completely overmatched by original six rival boston, which breezed to a 5-1 win in the series opener before scoring four times in the opening period in a 7-3 demolition in game 2. "obviously, they're dominating us," toronto coach mike babcock said. "it obviously hasn't gone the way we want it, we've given up 12 goals in two games, so we've got to go get some home cooking tomorrow, and come back and pull like we can, because we're a way better team than what we showed." boston's no. 1 line was expected to be a difficult test for the maple leafs and the least heralded member of the unit has turned it into a complete mismatch. david pastrnak eclipsed a record held by wayne gretzky by becoming the youngest player to register a six-point game in the postseason after a three-goal, three-assist masterpiece in game 2.
tv: 7 p.m. et, nbc sports network, nesn (boston), cbc, tvas (toronto)
about the bruins: center patrice bergeron and brad marchand form the other two-thirds of boston's top line and each collected four assists in saturday's romp, but pastrnak has been the driving force in helping the unit amass a staggering 20 points in the first two games. "a lot of people in boston already know how good he is," bergeron said of pastrnak, who scored 35 goals in the regular season. "i think people on the outside are getting to know." defenseman torey krug collected all three of his assists in the first-period outburst saturday to give him five for the series.
about the maple leafs: toronto has concerns from one end of the ice to the other, but the biggest are the lack of productivity of its own no. 1 line and the suddenly shaky play of netminder frederik andersen, who was yanked in game 2 after surrendering three goals on five shots. "you've got to give your goalie a chance to be good and we haven't done that," babcock said sunday. "freddy's our guy and he'll be back tomorrow." with nazem kadri serving a three-game suspension, the pressure is even greater on auston matthews and the top line, which has yet to score a point.
overtime

1. pastrnak tied former bruin phil esposito (1969) for the most points in the first two games of a postseason with nine.

2. maple leafs f leo komarov (lower body) was hurt in game 2 and his status is unclear for monday.

3. boston has converted on 5 of 10 power-play chances in the first two games.

prediction: bruins 4, maple leafs 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the tampa bay lightning look to continue their offensive production and take a stranglehold of the eastern conference first-round series when they visit the new jersey devils for game 3 on monday night. the lightning scored 10 times while winning the first two games of the series, going 3-for-4 on the power-play and getting multiple goals from three players.

"we've got to play a desperate game," tampa bay defenseman victor hedman said of the next challenge after saturday's 5-3 victory. "we know they are going to come out flying in front of their fans. we've just got to stay calm and stay within our structure and play our game. that's the bottom line." the devils made a big push in the second period of game 1 and finished with a 44-25 advantage in shots after posting 19 in the final 20 minutes of game 2, but gave up three goals in a span of 2:47 in the middle session of that contest. "that's the playoffs, right?" new jersey captain andy greene told reporters. "that's what good teams do. they take opportunities and take advantage of them. that's what we got to realize, that every little play, every big thing, every detail matters." hart trophy candidate taylor hall had a goal and an assist in the first game of the series for the devils, but was shut out saturday despite six shots on net while logging 20:43 of ice time.
tv: 7:30 p.m. et, cnbc, sportsnet, tva2, fs florida (tampa bay), msg plus (new jersey)
about the lightning: alex killorn has often saved his best hockey for the postseason and he is off to another strong start with three goals in the first two games of the series after scoring twice saturday. "you play all season for this," killorn, who has 18 goals and 36 points in 49 career playoff games, told reporters. "playoff hockey is great. there are a few more cameras around, a couple more people watching, but i think we like that pressure." forwards nikita kucherov and tyler johnson have also scored twice in the first two games while defenseman ryan mcdonagh and left wing ondrej palat each boast three assists.
about the devils: cory schneider, who has not won a game since dec. 27 while struggling with injuries and an .863 save percentage since, stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief of keith kinkaid on saturday and could get the start monday. "it was good to give him an opportunity to get in there," coach john hynes told reporters, "and i thought he came in and made huge saves, looked solid, so that's a positive for us moving forward." hynes went with 11 forwards and seven defensemen saturday while inserting blue liner damon severson (three shots, 16:41 of ice time) into the lineup and hinted there could be more changes for game 3.

overtime

1. new jersey c nico hischier became the youngest player to score a playoff goal in franchise history saturday at 19 years, 100 days.

2. tampa bay rw ryan callahan (upper-body) and d dan girardi (undisclosed) left saturday's game and will be evaluated monday.

3. devils rw kyle palmieri and lw patrick maroon have totaled seven shots apiece in the first two games, but have yet to be included on the scoresheet.

prediction: lightning 4, devils 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the colorado avalanche are banking that the rocky mountain air will breathe new life into their western conference first-round series with the nashville predators. the avalanche, who matched franchise records for consecutive home wins (10) and total victories on the season (28), have dropped 12 straight to the predators -- including the first two heading into monday's game 3.

"we have been good there all season, we used our energy to our advantage," hart trophy candidate nathan mackinnon said. "we have won some big games at home. everyone feels good coming to the pepsi center, and hopefully we can get some offense there." the 22-year-old mackinnon recorded his fourth multi-point performance of his postseason career with a goal and an assist in a 5-4 win in saturday's game 2, giving him six points (three goals, three assists) in six contests versus nashville since the start of the 2017-18 season. the presidents' trophy-winning predators may lead the series but they have plenty of areas in which to improve, including sluggish starts that have seen the team outscored 2-0 in the first period. "we're going to be desperate too," nashville captain roman josi said. "it's a huge game for both teams. game 3 is always a big game. i think (coach peter laviolette) is right; desperation trumps momentum, and we have to make sure we match their desperation."
tv: 10 p.m. et, nbcsn, sportsnet, tvas, fs tennessee (nashville), altitude (colorado)
about the predators: nashville has spread its offense around in the first two games of the series, with eight players responsible for the team's 10 goals. filip forsberg and austin watson have each scored twice, with the former netting five goals in his last three contests while latter has tallied in three straight. ryan johansen scored in game 2 to extend his point streak to four contests while defenseman p.k. subban set up two goals on saturday to boost his point total to seven (one goal, six assists) in his last eight outings.
about the avalanche: while mackinnon has eight points (two goals, six assists) in his last seven games, captain gabriel landeskog has seven (two goals, five assists) in that stretch after scoring and setting up a goal in game 2. while the statistics are piling up, the wins are not -- but landeskog told reporters that a victory in game 3 would eliminate any lingering doubts on his club and generate some for the opponent. "i think it's win game 3 and all of a sudden you are feeling good and they start second-guessing themselves," the 25-year-old swede said. "we just got to make sure we take care of these two at home, that's the bottom line. especially game 3, we can't look too much further ahead than that, but make sure we win game 3 and then after that get rolling."

overtime

1. nashville posted an nhl-best 25-9-7 mark on the road during the regular season.

2. colorado d tyson barrie, who had two assists in game 2, has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past seven contests.

3. the predators are 6-for-14 on the power play in their last four games.

prediction: avalanche 3, predators 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the anaheim ducks are in a familiar -- albeit uncomfortable -- position, having lost the opening two games at home for the third time in their last five postseason appearances. the ducks will have to find a way to claw back into their western conference first-round series on the road against a pacific division rival when they head north to face the san jose sharks on monday night.

anaheim closed the season with five consecutive wins to overtake the sharks by one point for second place in the division, but san jose quickly stole home-ice advantage with a 3-0 win in the series opener before putting the ducks on the ropes with a 3-2 victory in saturday's game 2. "we've been down (0-2) before. they have to win four. the series isn't over," anaheim defenseman brandon montour said. "it's tough to lose two at home, but we'll come back and play hard in the next game." the sharks are 5-0-1 against the ducks this season and have limited them to two regulation goals or fewer in eight consecutive meetings, but they are not taking anything for granted. "we've all been around this league a long time and know that team over there has been in this position before and they have been able to claw their way back into a series," san jose forward logan couture said. "we know how important the next game is."
tv: 10:30 p.m. et, cnbc, sportsnet1, tvas2, prime ticket (anaheim), nbcs california (san jose)
about the ducks: anaheim, which entered the postseason with the fewest goals of any of the 16 teams, now must attempt to duplicate last season's series against edmonton, when it dropped the first two at home before rally to prevail in seven games. "sure, we can draw on that," said ducks defenseman hampus lindholm, who scored one goal and set up another saturday. "people have not been believing in us all year but we know what we're capable of." rickard rakell, the team's leading goal (34) and overall scorer, has been limited to two shots on goal through the first two games.
about the sharks: goaltender martin jones won only once in his final five starts of the regulation season but he has turned away 53 of 55 shots in the series and has surrendered only seven goals in five matchups against the ducks this season. captain joe pavelski, who has collected three assists in the first two games, said a key factor for san jose was to not get rattled by the relentless physical play of anaheim. "nothing we haven't taken before," pavelski said. "maybe they are coming a little bit harder. be poised. make some plays. stick to what we are trying to do."

overtime

1. ducks g john gibson has lost six consecutive starts to the sharks.

2. couture had a goal and an assist in game 2 after collecting four points in four games in the regular-season series.

3. injured ducks d cam fowler will not accompany the team to san jose, coach randy carlyle said.

prediction: sharks 3, ducks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
derek jeter won't be around, but there will still be plenty of familiarity when the new york yankees welcome the miami marlins on monday for the opener of a two-game interleague series. jeter, the former yankees great now running baseball operations for the marlins, will travel with the team but is not expected to attend either game.

"i went to a spring training game when we played new york, but it would be an awkward situation for me to actually go to yankee stadium," jeter, who spent 20 years as the yankees shortstop and is a likely future hall of famer, told reporters. the marlins have enough to worry about without concerning themselves over the presence of their ceo and roll into the bronx in last place in the national league east and last in the majors in team slugging percentage at .309. miami had a much better team slugging percentage last season with giancarlo stanton and his 59 home runs, but he is having some trouble finding that power stroke in his first season with new york after being traded away by jeter and company over the winter. new york was washed out saturday and sunday in detroit and will send well-rested ace luis severino to the mound on monday against left-hander caleb smith.

tv: 6:35 p.m. et, fs florida (miami), yes (new york)
pitching matchup: marlins lh caleb smith (0-1, 4.73 era) vs. yankees rh luis severino (2-1, 3.50)
smith surrendered three or fewer earned runs in each of his first three starts but has yet to complete six innings. the 26-year-old texan walked six in three innings at philadelphia on april 5 but cut that number down to one while striking out seven in five frames against the new york mets on tuesday. smith was drafted in the 14th round by the yankees in 2013 and pitched in nine games - two starts - for new york last season, posting a 0-1 record with a 7.71 era.
severino was not at his best at boston on tuesday, when he was knocked around for five runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings as new york went on to lose 14-1. the dominican republic native was much better in his first two outings, holding the toronto blue jays and tampa bay rays to a combined two runs and six hits in 13 innings. severino has never faced the marlins but is 4-0 with a 0.91 era in interleague play.

walk-offs

1. stanton is batting .220 with three home runs and 25 strikeouts in 59 at-bats.

2. marlins 2b starlin castro, who was acquired from the yankees in the stanton deal, is leading the team with a .295 batting average.

3. new york rf aaron judge hit safely in the last 11 games.

prediction: yankees 8, marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018

15th April 2018 by Gracenote
mother nature made for an interesting - and incomplete - weekend of baseball at wrigley field for the chicago cubs, who hope to get some baseball in when they welcome the rival st. louis cardinals to town for the first of three games monday night. after dropping the opener of a set with the atlanta braves, the cubs stormed back with a nine-run eighth to steal saturday's contest 14-10 in horrible weather conditions.

sunday's contest was one of several across baseball that was postponed, leaving chicago to wait and hope that monday - which is predicted to be wet and cold again - allows for some baseball. "driving out again, it was remarkably bad," cubs manager joe maddon told reporters on sunday after the postponement. "it's just the right thing to do. it's not about just getting games in. you want to be able to play the game on a major league-caliber, championship-caliber level." the cardinals were forced to endure a rain delay sunday in cincinnati before finishing off a four-game sweep of the reds with a 3-2 win. catcher yadier molina had three two-hit games in the series, smacking two homers and driving in six.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, espn, fs midwest (st. louis), wgn (chicago)
pitching matchup: cardinals rh adam wainwright (0-2, 5.06 era) vs. cubs lh jon lester (1-0, 4.40)

after lasting just 3 2/3 innings in his season debut, wainwright gave up three runs in seven frames against milwaukee on wednesday but still took the loss. the three-time all-star is 10-2 with a 3.79 era in his career at wrigley field, including 7 2/3 innings of two-run ball in his most recent chicago outing last july. addison russell is 6-for-15 with three doubles against wainwright, who is 14-9 with a 4.03 era overall against the cubs.
lester will be making his 100th start as a member of the cubs and looking to bounce back from an uneven outing against pittsburgh in which he gave up four runs in five innings. he was 2-1 with a 2.93 era in five starts against the cardinals in 2017, recording 34 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings. molina is 12-for-35 with a home run against the 34-year-old lester, who is 25-14 in his career at wrigley field.

walk-offs

1. the cubs won 14 of 19 meetings last season.

2. cardinals 2b matt carpenter is 1-for-14 over his past four contests and is hitting .160 on the season.

3. chicago is averaging 13.5 runs in its last two wins and 0.5 runs in its last two losses.

prediction: cubs 6, cardinals 4