Wednesday 4-18-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 05:38 AM

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #8 - AQUEDUCT - 4:41 PM EASTERN POST
6.0 FURLONGS OUTER TURF THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ALLOWANCE $75,000.00 PURSE

#4 POLAR JET
#2 YUMMY BEAR
#1 CONQUEST BANDIT
#3 AMERICAN GURU

#4 POLAR JET is the only entry in this allowance field this afternoon not taking a "step-up" in class this afternoon, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four of his last five outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 5th race back. #2 YUMMY BEAR qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," is the overall pace profile leader, and has also hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four of his respective last five "adventures," including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 3rd race back.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 05:39 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #6 - Post: 9:18pm - Allowance - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,500 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 GALLANT CALLING (ML=5/1)

GALLANT CALLING - Not much early speed in this race other than this pony. In her last race, this filly showed good speed then fell back before finishing nicely.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 B'S WILD CORK (ML=7/5), #6 ANNIES ALLIANCE (ML=3/1), #2 SEE YA MANANA (ML=9/2),

B'S WILD CORK - This youngster isn't going to beat the older ones today, maybe another time. ANNIES ALLIANCE - Would have to improve off that fourth place finish last time out to make an impact here. In any contest of 7 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been looking good in short distance races lately. SEE YA MANANA - Be particularly concerned about this 3 year old versus the older ones. Will do better with more experience.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - GALLANT CALLING - On a tight track, my calculations and statistics say the advantage goes to the horse with early speed in posts 1 thru 4. That's the situation we have here, so take a good look at this filly.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #4 GALLANT CALLING to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
4 with [1,6] with [1,2,3,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
4 with [1,2,6] with [1,2,3,6,7] with [1,2,3,6,7] Total Cost: $36

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 05:40 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Evangeline Downs
Evangeline Downs - Race 4

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6)

Claiming $4,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 72 • Purse: $8,000 • Post: 7:14P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE JULY 18, 2017. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Trailer. JOVE JOVE DIVE is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * ELLIE GIRL: Today's race is a route, horse is a Front-runner and is in post position one. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. ZARBA'S CHARM: Horse is dropping in class, has an inside post position and isn't a Trailer. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. TIMEBOBANNA: Hors e ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. THEGOODWITCH: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
1
ELLIE GIRL
9/5

9/2
3
ZARBA'S CHARM
12/1

6/1
5
TIMEBOBANNA
8/1

7/1
7
THEGOODWITCH
3/1

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
THEGOODWITCH
7

3/1
Front-runner
72

66

64.2

57.6

51.1
1
ELLIE GIRL
1

9/5
Alternator/Front-runner
70

71

65.8

60.0

58.0
5
TIMEBOBANNA
5

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
80

69

66.4

59.4

52.4
3
ZARBA'S CHARM
3

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
78

68

62.5

57.0

52.0
4
JOVE JOVE DIVE
4

4/1
Trailer
69

63

40.6

60.2

49.2
6
MISS MORONETTE
6

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
74

72

65.0

49.8

40.3
2
SPICY AFLEET
2

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

56

47.0

49.0

36.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 05:40 AM

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

Race 6 - Maiden Special Weight - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $34000 Class Rating: 61

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS SIRED BY REGISTERED INDIANA STALLIONS MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 10 BOILER BABE 6/5

# 5 FACEY'S SISTER 3/1

# 8 CITY SIDEWALKS 12/1

I've got to go with BOILER BABE. Overall the Equibase speed figs of this horse look respectable in this outing. She looks very good in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the halfway point. Ran a sharp last race. FACEY'S SISTER - West has her trained soundly to break speedily out of the starting gate.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 05:41 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Keeneland
Keeneland - Race 4

Daily Double-Exacta ($1 min)-Trifecta-Pick 3-Pick 5 ($.50 min)-Superfecta ($.10 min)-Super High Five ($1 min)

Claiming $20,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 88 • Purse: $24,000 • Post: 2:45P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR THREE YEAR OLDS. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 18 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $16,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * SPEEDMEISTER: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest aver age Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. STAPLETON: 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. DIVINE DESIRE: Horse had a bullet workou t within the last seven days. Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff.
2
SPEEDMEISTER
5/2

3/1
3
STAPLETON
5/2

3/1
1
DIVINE DESIRE
2/1

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
STAPLETON
3

5/2
Front-runner
96

99

89.3

74.5

69.5
5
MIKEANDCHICKDIDIT
5

10/1
Front-runner
79

71

67.6

71.0

61.5
2
SPEEDMEISTER
2

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
93

98

65.3

83.6

80.6
1
DIVINE DESIRE
1

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
94

90

60.0

77.5

70.0
7
DAHOG
7

20/1
Alternator/Stalker
83

71

46.0

73.4

63.4
6
RED ALERT
6

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
73

73

59.8

59.8

47.8
4
CATAROUX
4

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
85

71

53.8

66.2

56.2
8
THUNDERCLOUD
8

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
79

65

52.0

63.6

50.6

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 05:41 AM

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

Race 5 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11600 Class Rating: 74

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 18. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 PUT IT BACK JACK 5/1

# 5 OVER SAVER 6/1

# 6 NICAMORE 12/1

PUT IT BACK JACK looks competitive to best this field. Overall the speed figures of this racer look competitive in this race. Has been racing admirably in races of this distance, going 6 out of 21 under similar conditions. Gonzalez will probably be able to get this gelding to break out sharply in this competition. OVER SAVER - He has a good opportunity in this race as handler, Poole, has very solid win rate with horses going this distance. Could best this field based on the speed rating - 69 - of his last contest. NICAMORE - Has very good early lick and should fare admirably versus this field.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 05:42 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Tampa Bay Downs - Race #6 - Post: 3:24pm - Optional Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $23,500 Class Rating: 96

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 HALFBACK (ML=4/1)
#2 EPIC DRAMA (ML=3/1)

HALFBACK - This jock and handler have a great winning percent when they join forces. This event sets up for this gelding. I call this the 'Lone Stalker' scenario. When the real running starts, he'll be in perfect position. Always beware the longer priced animal when a trainer has an 'uncoupled' entry in a race. A thoroughbred coming back this quickly after a solid race is a good omen. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races since the vacation and should be fit. EPIC DRAMA - The recent bullet 36.2 work should put this gelding on track for today's outing.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 EL GRANDE ROJO (ML=2/1), #3 DUBULL (ML=7/2), #5 RED CRESCENT (ML=5/1),

EL GRANDE ROJO - The favorite is suspect here with the lack of morning activity. DUBULL - No success for this vulnerable equine in a sprint race over the last two months tells me that this gelding is in a difficult situation Any mount coming out of a route affair should show some early speed to tangle with the sprinters. RED CRESCENT - A pattern of declining speed figs 92/84/78 for this vulnerable equine.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 HALFBACK to win if you can get at least 8/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 09:14 AM

Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 04-18-2018

17th April 2018 by Gracenote
lebron james and the cleveland cavaliers had two full days off to consider a rare terrible performance and a loss in a first-round game, and more aggression from the superstar at the start seems to be the answer. the fourth-seeded cavaliers will try to even the eastern conference series at one win apiece when they host the fifth-seeded indiana pacers in game 2 on wednesday.

cleveland was down 25-8 in the first quarter on sunday before james attempted his first field goal, and coach tyronn lue suggested that he needs to force the issue, no matter what the defense is giving him. "he has to be aggressive and set the tone early," lue told reporters after monday's practice. "we talked about that today ... being aggressive early, setting the tone, especially for these new guys, bringing these guys along. he understood that, but once again, he's always a guy trying to get his teammates off early, get them guys going, then try to feel the game out. but be ready to set a tone." the pacers dominated on both ends of the floor in the 98-80 game 1 triumph but they are not satisfied. "we've got to be better," indiana point guard darren collison told the team's website. "there's some things that we can improve on that i was looking at in the film. we can do better in a lot of different areas. we can't just take game 1 and say we don't have to (make) any improvements. we can be better."
tv: 7 p.m. et, tnt, fs indiana, fs ohio (cleveland)
about the pacers: all-star guard victor oladipo scored a game-high 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting on sunday and keyed the defensive effort with four steals. "no surprise at all," veteran forward thaddeus young told reporters of oladipo's performance. "we all know what vic can do and we know what type of player he is. he's a very dynamic player and when he steps out on the court, you're either going to have to double him or you're going to have to stop him." the pacers also got a big boost from reserve swingman lance stephenson, who embraced the challenge of guarding james and added 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench.

about the cavaliers: all-star forward kevin love grabbed 17 rebounds on sunday but finished with just nine points on 3-of-8 shooting. "i think part of it is on me just to be more aggressive, to get post touches," love told reporters. "sometimes, i fall into my own trap of just spacing everybody. that allows other guys to get downhill, 'bron to play his game. but i think just mixing it up even when he's not in the game, getting in the post a little bit more, getting offensive rebounds, getting more touches in there. ... that's partially on me too with just coming out and attacking first and being more aggressive." cleveland shot 38.5 percent from the floor in game 1, including 8-of-34 from 3-point range.
buzzer beaters

1. cavaliers pg george hill took a hard screen from pacers f trevor booker in game 1 and was dealing with a stiff back but participated in practice on tuesday.

2. james recorded his 20th career postseason triple-double on sunday, second all-time behind magic johnson (30).

3. indiana sf bojan bogdanovic is 2-of-13 from 3-point range in his last three games, going back to the regular season.

prediction: cavaliers 106, pacers 101

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 09:14 AM

Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 04-18-2018

17th April 2018 by Gracenote
oklahoma city star forward paul george is expected to be on the court when the thunder host the utah jazz on wednesday in game 2 of the western conference first-round series. george sat out the final 62 seconds of his stellar game 1 outing due to hip pain and his status is slated to be officially firmed up after the mid-day shootaround.

george scored 36 points and made an oklahoma city franchise playoff-record eight 3-pointers as the thunder posted a 116-108 victory on sunday. "when he's aggressive, man, it changes the game for us," thunder point guard russell westbrook told reporters. "you saw that. he had it going. our job is to make sure we find him, make it easy for him. as long as he stays aggressive, we'll be a better team." utah's top player is also dealing with an injury as rookie sensation donovan mitchell had an mri exam on his left foot with the results showing nothing more than a bruise. mitchell, who had 27 points and 10 rebounds in his first career postseason game, asserts that he is fine and will play on wednesday.

tv: 8 p.m. et, nbatv, at&t sportsnet rocky mountain (utah), fs oklahoma
about the jazz: mitchell had to exit the game twice in the fourth quarter due to his foot soreness, which was prompted by getting it stepped on by oklahoma city's corey brewer earlier in the contest. mitchell was confident that having two days off between games would provide ample time for rest and healing and the team took a collective sigh of relief when the mri results came back negative. the 21-year-old completed the regular season by topping 20 points in 12 of 14 games and his strong playoff opener is a sure sign the jazz will ride him as far as possible in this series.

about the thunder: george revealed after game 1 that he goes by "playoff p" and the nickname appears to fit since he is averaging 22.7 points in 50 playoff games dating to the beginning of the 2013 postseason. westbrook contributed 29 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in game 1 but he looked like the complementary player and not the star in the opener. "we knew all along that we got multiple guys that can make plays, create and be explosive offensively," george told reporters. "we're not going to put that pressure on just one guy. obviously, my job is to help russ, and with that, it's helping the team. it's my job to bring it and to bring it at a high level."

buzzer beaters

1. the jazz averaged 89.5 points while losing three of four regular-season meetings against the thunder but topped that by nearly 20 points in game 1.

2. oklahoma city pf carmelo anthony was just 5-of-13 in the opener while recording 15 points and seven rebounds.

3. utah backup sg alec burks will be in line for more playing time if mitchell is ailing after scoring 10 points in just two minutes at the end of game 1.

prediction: thunder 115, jazz 111

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 09:14 AM

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 04-18-2018

17th April 2018 by Gracenote
the nba-best houston rockets got the win in game 1 of their first-round western conference series over the minnesota timberwolves, but it wasn't easy. mvp candidate james harden put the team on his back and will try to follow up a tremendous performance when the rockets host the eighth-seeded timberwolves in game 2 on wednesday.

harden scored 44 points on 15-of-26 shooting, including seven straight points during a decisive run in the fourth quarter, and added eight assists in the win. "if you have that aggressive mindset, good things will happen," harden told reporters. "if they gave me space, where i could get my shot off, i shot it. i was feeling it. if they pressure me enough, i would try to get by them and create for myself or for someone else. whether it's (game 1) or 82 regular season games, that's how i need to play." the timberwolves watched their all-star, center karl-anthony towns, slump to nine points on 3-of-9 shooting on sunday and will look to get him more involved in game 2. "i think we gave them a steady diet of the same thing," point guard jeff teague told reporters. "next game, we got to give them some different looks where (towns) actually posts up a couple times and still be able to get our spacing with guys driving and trying to kick the ball, but we definitely have to get him a couple more touches."
tv: 9:30 p.m. et, tnt, fs north (minnesota), at&t sportsnet southwest (houston)
about the timberwolves: minnesota elected to leave towns on the perimeter for most of game 1 to space the floor, and the all-star was not in disagreement with the plan. "you follow the game plan," towns told reporters. "gotta follow the game plan. whatever the game plan is that's set before the game, you've got to follow it. especially in the playoffs because it's so much about discipline. it's about being disciplined throughout the game. as long as we stay disciplined we always have a great chance of winning every game." fellow all-star jimmy butler was held to 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting while battling foul trouble.

about the rockets: harden got some offensive help in game 1 from center clint capela, who collected 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting and 12 rebounds. "in the beginning of the game, you just saw a different clint," harden told reporters. "he was running so fast, i had no choice but to give him the ball. or figure out a way to get him the ball. defensively, the way he's been active, blocking shots, rebounding the basketball. ... he was just like a deer out there." capela's performance helped houston overcome a 10-of-37 effort from 3-point range in the opener.
buzzer beaters

1. rockets pf ryan anderson (ankle) missed game 1 but returned to practice and could play in game 2.

2. timberwolves sf andrew wiggins led the team with 18 points in game 1.

3. minnesota pg derrick rose scored 16 points off the bench - his highest total since nov. 3, when he was with the cleveland cavaliers.

prediction: rockets 121, timberwolves 112

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 09:16 AM

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview and Predictions 04-18-2018

17th April 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia flyers were still licking their wounds after sustaining two pronounced beatings at the hands of the pittsburgh penguins before the team suffered another potential key loss during tuesday's practice. first-line center sean couturier collided with teammate radko gudas and will be re-evaluated on wednesday prior to game 4 of the eastern conference first-round series versus the visiting penguins.

"i didn't see him. he didn't see me," gudas told the courier-post of couturier (lower body), who recorded career highs in goals (31) and points (76) in 82 games this season while his 24:35 of ice time in the playoffs trails only defenseman ivan provorov. versatile captain claude giroux could return to his center position should the 25-year-old couturier be sidelined as the flyers bid to even their best-of-seven series with the penguins at two victories apiece. subduing pittsburgh's superstar captain sidney crosby would aid greatly in their bid, as the two-time hart trophy recipient has seven points (four goals, three assists) in the series to move within one of mario lemieux's franchise postseason record of 172 (76 goals, 96 assists). "when you're in that company, it's great," the 30-year-old crosby said. "it's not why you play but when it comes up, it's cool to be involved in that."
tv: 7 p.m. et, nbcsn, cbc, tvas, at&t sportsnet-pittsburgh, nbcs philadelphia
about the penguins: patric hornqvist has provided both a physical presence as well as an important one on the scoresheet during his 10-game point streak (seven goals, five assists), but coach mike sullivan noted that pittsburgh will be without the gritty 31-year-old swede for game 4 due to an upper-body injury. "(hornqvist's) not an easy guy to replace, he's a unique player for us and he brings a lot," sullivan said. "i think we're just going to have to, by committee, pick up the pieces and make sure that the opportunities that are given to others that (he) normally fills, they're going to get a great opportunity to help this team win a game." forward dominik simon, who had 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 33 games this season, replaced hornqvist at right wing on a line with crosby and jake guentzel during tuesday's practice.
about the flyers: prior to couturier's injury, coach dave hakstol was bidding to light a spark under a team that has mustered just six goals in three contests - with five coming in game 2. while rookie nolan patrick was summoned to replace couturier on line with giroux and jakub voracek in tuesday's practice, hakstol also inserted jordan weal on the third line with the 26-year-old set to make his series debut. weal, who will replace oskar lindblom, recorded a team-high four points (two goals, two assists) in the season series versus pittsburgh.
overtime

1. pittsburgh's top-ranked power play scored three times in sunday's 5-1 romp to improve to 4-for-15 in the series, while its penalty kill is 11-for-13 versus philadelphia.

2. flyers g brian elliott has stopped just 69 of 80 shots in the series to see his career postseason record dip to 16-24 with a 2.71 goals-against average.

3. pittsburgh has outshot philadelphia in eight of nine periods in the series.

prediction: penguins 4, flyers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 09:16 AM

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 04-18-2018

17th April 2018 by Gracenote
the new jersey devils climbed back into the eastern conference first-round series with a comeback win and can even the slate when they host the tampa bay lightning for game 4 on wednesday night. taylor hall registered a goal and two assists as the devils rallied from one-goal deficits twice and scored four times in the third period for a 5-2 victory monday.

"this was huge for our confidence," new jersey goalie cory schneider told reporters after earning his first win since dec. 27 with 34 saves. "you can see at the end it was getting a little nasty. we're on each other's nerves a bit. they're going to regroup and come back in game 4. ... we need to be ready for their push and fight harder." nikita kucherov had a pair of assists to increase his team-leading total to six points in the series for tampa bay, which led 1-0 in the second period and then 2-1 after captain steven stamkos' goal 38 seconds into the third. however, the lightning gave the devils seven power plays - four in the third period - and new jersey tied it on a 5-on-3 advantage to spark the four-goal uprising. "any momentum they gained in that game was because of our penalties, and every penalty we took it seemed was 200 feet from our net," tampa bay coach jon cooper told reporters. "it was too bad because i thought for two periods, and then after getting the go-ahead goal, we had control of that game. ... we did it to ourselves."
tv: 7:30 p.m. et, sportsnet, golf channel, tva2, fs sun (tampa bay), msg plus (new jersey)
about the lightning: left wing alex killorn became the second tampa bay player to score in each of the first three games of a playoff series with one tally monday to join vincent lecavalier, who did it in four straight against new jersey in 2007. the lightning have scored five of their 12 goals in the series with the power play on nine chances and their much-maligned penalty kill is 10-for-12 - giving up one of those while down two men. right wing ryan callahan (upper-body), a key on the penalty-killing unit, sat out game 3 but participated in the morning skate monday and could return to the lineup soon.
about the devils: schneider replaced keith kinkaid in net for game 3 and was outstanding when he needed to be, especially in the third period when he gloved a tyler johnson point-blank chance while laying on the ice. "(schneider) was just unreal," hall told reporters. "i'm so happy for him after the last couple months, where he's been and him sitting out. he's such a great teammate, nothing's changed about his personality, then he comes in a steals the game for us. it's just awesome." forward blake coleman had an empty-netter monday for his second goal in two games and boasts a series-high, plus-3 rating.
overtime

1. tampa bay g andrei vasilevskiy owns a .930 save percentage in the series and a .922 sp in 15 career playoff games.

2. new jersey f marcus johansson (concussion) had two shots while logging 14:30 of ice time monday in his first game since jan. 23.

3. kucherov has moved past brad richards (47) for third on the franchise's all-time list for playoff points with 48 in 48 games.

prediction: lightning 3, devils 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 09:16 AM

Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 04-18-2018

17th April 2018 by Gracenote
the nashville predators are skating a fine line after surrendering the first goal in each of their first three playoff contests. while the predators overcame early deficits in the first two, they were unable to do the same in the third and are in jeopardy of seeing their western conference first-round series knotted at two wins apiece should game 4 at the pepsi center follow a similar path.

"we got what we deserved. we didn't really show up the first period," said nashville captain roman josi, who joined fellow defenseman ryan ellis and forwards kevin fiala and viktor arvidsson in being saddled with a minus-3 rating in monday's 5-3 setback. the predators permitted three first-period goals and have been outscored 5-0 over the course of the opening 20 minutes of each game in the series. potential hart trophy finalist nathan mackinnon scored twice to help colorado snap a 12-game winless skid to nashville while continuing his torrid play in denver, as he has recorded 69 of his 102 points at pepsi center in the 2017-18 regular season and playoffs. "i think he thrives on the energy at the building. he gets up for it," avalanche coach jared bednar said of the 22-year-old mackinnon, who has scored four goals and set up three others during his five-game point streak.
tv: 10 p.m. et, nbcsn, sportsnet, tvas, fs tennessee (nashville), altitude (colorado)
about the predators: p.k. subban caused a stir by unleashing an open-ice shot to the back of the head of mackinnon during game 3, but the defenseman didn't pull any punches when asked about it. "yeah, i'd do it again next game," the 28-year-old subban told the tennessean. austin watson has scored in four straight games dating back to the regular-season finale to join fellow forwards ryan johansen and colton sissons with a club-best four points in the series, with the latter two each having two goals and two assists.
about the avalanche: while mackinnon collected his fifth multi-point performance in nine career playoff contests, captain gabriel landeskog recorded a personal postseason best with three points (one goal, two assists) in game 3 while linemate mikko rantanen notched his first multi-point playoff outing with a pair of assists. "i thought that whole line was great," bednar said. "i thought (mackinnon) was skating really well at the start of the game, dangerous, landy was hard on pucks making all the right plays." rantanen has three assists in the series after notching three points (one goal, two assists) in four regular-season tilts versus nashville.
overtime

1. colorado lw gabriel bourque has scored in back-to-back games after netting just five in 58 regular-season contests.

2. predators d samuel girard (upper body), who is a former member of the avalanche, could be in line to return from a two-game absence on wednesday.

3. nashville has scored on the power play in all three games while limiting colorado to just one tally in 13 opportunities with the man advantage.

prediction: avalanche 3, predators 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2018, 09:16 AM

Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Preview and Predictions 04-18-2018

17th April 2018 by Gracenote
the san jose sharks are one of only four teams in nhl history to lose a best-of-seven series after winning the first three games but, barring a stunning repeat of four years ago, they are heading to the second round of the western conference playoffs. san jose can complete a four-game sweep and close out the series on home ice when it hosts the anaheim ducks on wednesday night.

the sharks have shown no residual effects from the late wobble down the stretch that enabled the ducks to snag the no. 2 seed and home ice in the series, winning twice in anaheim before returning home to destroy their pacific division rivals in an 8-1 drubbing monday to set up an elimination game. "it's a different team in here, different makeup," san jose forward logan couture said in dismissing comparisons to the 2014 squad. "our goal right now is to try to win one at home, win the fourth game, which is a tough one." although the ducks had their streak of five consecutive division titles snapped, they finished the season on a 10-1-1 run and appeared poised to make a deep playoff run but now are just trying to get the series back to anaheim. "one win," said ducks captain ryan getzlaf, who embodied the team meltdown when he received a game misconduct monday. "we got to win a game now. our focus got to be to win that game 4 and that's all we can do."
tv: 10:30 p.m. et, golf, sportsnet1, tvas2, prime ticket (anaheim), nbcs california (san jose)
about the ducks: rickard rakell, who paced anaheim in goals (34) and points (69), finally got on the scoreboard with a first-period tally but the ducks were shut down the rest of the way and have managed only three goals in the series while piling up penalty minutes at an alarming rate. "you're not going to give yourself any kind of an opportunity when you take the number of penalties we took," ducks coach randy carlyle said. "and i call them selfish penalties." getzlaf has been limited to two assists while ondrej kase, adam henrique, jakob silfverberg and corey perry have one goal and one point between them after combining for 74 goals during the season.
about the sharks: couture and joonas donskoi each had a goal and two assists and trade-deadline acquisition evander kane added one of each, but coach peter deboer was thrilled with the performance of fourth-line members eric fehr, melker karlsson and marcus sorensen. "i thought particularly fehr, sorensen and karlsson were outstanding tonight," deboer said. "you come into these games, and when you go on any kind of playoff runs you have to win all kinds of different ways. different guys have to step up at different moments." almost loss in the offensive showcase was the play of goaltender martin jones, who registered a playoff career-high 45 saves.
overtime
1. san jose is 6-for-17 on the power play in the series after converting on half its eight chances in game 3.

2. the ducks called up g reto berra from san diego of the american hockey league on tuesday.

3. sharks d brent burns sat out the final 10 minutes of game 3 but is good to go for wednesday.

prediction: sharks 3, ducks 2

Wednesday 4-18-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Wednesday 4-18-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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