Thursday 10-4-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park
RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 5:13 PM EASTERN POST
6.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $62,500.00 OPTIONAL CLAIMING $80,000.00 PURSE

#4 KATHRYN THE WISE
#5 PLAY UNIFIED
#3 SPECIAL RELATIVITY
#2 PACIFIC GALE

#4 KATHRYN THE WISE takes a class drop (-6), is both the overall speed and pace profile leader, and has excellent early speed abilities to compliment for this 6. furlong sprint. She's undefeated in a three race career, winning each in "POWER RUN FASHION," and gets a return ride from Jockey Irad Ortiz. Ortiz was in her irons for each of those "Circle Trips," and guns for a "Grand Slam Win" this afternoon. The only thing that I don't like about this entry is the fact that she has not raced in some 492 days, which makes this event today a prime candidate for a boxed exotic ticket. The 6-1 shot, #6 PLAY UNIFIED, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," also drops in class (-6), has produced "POWER RUNS" in four of her last five starts, hitting the board in three, winning twice.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #2 - Post: 7:29pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 56

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 THOMAS EDWARD (ML=4/1)
#8 LIL LULU (ML=10/1)


THOMAS EDWARD - My handicapping 'sense' tells me to be ready for this thoroughbred in this clash LIL LULU - Forgive the out of the top three finish on the off track in the last race. Without the slop, has a good shot in today's race. This gelding gets a weight break of -7 pounds from last race. Its possible this could make the difference in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 HONOR FOUND (ML=5/2), #6 RETIREMENT PLAN C (ML=3/1), #5 DALES SHADOW (ML=8/1),

HONOR FOUND - Hasn't been on the Charles Town oval in the last three weeks. Cause for some concern. You always think this horse has a shot to win, but he comes up short frequently. RETIREMENT PLAN C - This mount showed very liitle last out finishing fourth. Don't see any hint of any betterment today. Don't believe this entrant will make a winning move in today's race. That last speed fig was pedestrian when compared with today's class figure. DALES SHADOW - I cannot play this continual non-winner. Gets the task finished from time to time. Finished first in his most recent performance with a disappointing speed figure. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #4 THOMAS EDWARD to win. Have to have odds of at least 8/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes - Race 1

EXACTA * TRIFECTA * SUPERFECTA (10 Cent Minimum) * PICK 3 (50 CENT MINIMUM: RACES 1-2-3) * PICK 4 (50 CENT MINIMUM: RACES 1-2-3-4) * DAILY DOUBLE (Races 1-2)


Claiming $7,500 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 65 • Purse: $12,100 • Post: 1:10P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 4 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE AUGUST 4 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.
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 * IMPERFECT UNION: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. TENACIOUS ROSE: Today i s a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. DOYLE THE WARRIOR: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. PRINCESS GIAVANNA: Horse has run a Good Race within the l ast 30 days. SCATBACK: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
3
IMPERFECT UNION
6/5

4/1
5
TENACIOUS ROSE
5/1

7/1
6
DOYLE THE WARRIOR
8/1

7/1
2
PRINCESS GIAVANNA
7/2

9/1
1
SCATBACK
9/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
DOYLE THE WARRIOR
7

8/1
Front-runner
52

54

70.2

51.2

44.2
3
IMPERFECT UNION
2

6/5
Front-runner
59

66

68.5

61.7

59.7
1
SCATBACK
4

9/2
Front-runner
57

53

54.2

49.2

40.7
2
PRINCESS GIAVANNA
1

7/2
Stalker
60

57

40.0

52.0

46.0
5
TENACIOUS ROSE
6

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
67

58

58.6

53.0

46.0
1A
CHENAIS' POSSE
5

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
57

52

66.1

47.9

36.4
4
APPEALING MUSIC
3

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
56

48

34.6

36.2

24.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park West
Gulfstream Park West - Race 5

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $.50 Bet 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $.50 Pick 4 (Races 5-6-7-8) / $1 Super Hi 5


SO $35,000 • 5 Furlongs • Turf • Age 2 • CR: 83 • Purse: $36,000 • Post: 3:25P
(RAIL AT 15 FEET). FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $35,000 OR LESS OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $35,000. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 4 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $35,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $25,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT FIVE FURLONGS)
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 * SUSIKIN: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Today is a horse's first or second race on turf, and turf starters from this sire have a win percentage of at least 15 (minimum of 50 starts). CORN OFF THE COB: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning dist ance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). TOWA: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figur e at the distance/surface. VALKYRIE GOLD: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
3
SUSIKIN
5/2

9/2
8
CORN OFF THE COB
4/1

7/1
4
TOWA
7/2

7/1
5
VALKYRIE GOLD
8/1

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
TOWA
4

7/2
Front-runner
69

70

100.4

66.8

56.3
5
VALKYRIE GOLD
5

8/1
Front-runner
79

66

84.1

62.3

56.8
1
NONCENTS
1

5/1
Front-runner
67

62

83.4

58.8

50.8
7
ARTS AND CRAFTS
7

6/1
Front-runner
66

69

57.7

61.5

53.5
8
CORN OFF THE COB
8

4/1
Stalker
67

72

59.6

68.7

63.2
3
SUSIKIN
3

5/2
Trailer
71

69

73.0

65.4

61.4
2
SHE'S UNBRIDLED
2

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
66

57

62.6

44.4

32.9
6
MARY LEE AND ME
6

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
57

44

49.6

39.0

23.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - SO - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $28000 Class Rating: 87

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $25,000 OR LESS AND WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING $25,000 AND WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 4 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 BENEVOLENT PRINCE 4/1

# 9 MARYLAND PRIDE 7/2

# 12 HYPERLAPSE (IRE) 20/1

BENEVOLENT PRINCE looks to be a formidable contender. Should compete solidly in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group of horses. With a very good 87 speed figure last time out, will definitely be a factor in this competition. With a reliable 87 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's race. MARYLAND PRIDE - Has been running soundly and has among the most respectable speed in the race for today's distance. Looks very good to be on the front end at the first call. HYPERLAPSE (IRE) - The Lasix change (on Lasix) may spark a turnaround for this gelding. The average class figure of 80 makes this horse difficult to beat.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #6 - Post: 8:17pm - Starter Allowance - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,200 Class Rating: 88

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 JERSEY RICH (ML=8/1)
#5 PLUS PERFECT (ML=6/1)
#4 ASK ME I MIGHT (ML=3/1)


JERSEY RICH - I like when a thoroughbred has dropped in class at least 5 class ratings pts like this one did last out and then runs against a similar field right back. Popovich must've found the right class level. It looks like Panaijo had to know this filly on September 22nd when riding her for the first time. Back on board again today. Look for this filly to show much better right here. Last race at Meadowlands finishing sixth on the soft turf is no sign of her true talent. PLUS PERFECT - You always have to be on the watch for money making jock/trainer duos; we have it right here. Ran a lackluster race at Penn National in the last race. Racing on a fast track puts this mare at the top of my contenders list. ASK ME I MIGHT - A mare like this one, almost always in the money, usually makes an excellent trifecta key horse. This thoroughbred coming off a good effort in the last month is a strong challenger in my opinion.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 PINK PRINCESS (ML=3/2), #3 DANCIN DEBBIE (ML=5/1), #6 WOLFIE (ML=8/1),

PINK PRINCESS - Has tasted defeat as the chalk the last two times. A repeat is probably in store. DANCIN DEBBIE - Really don't think the most recent speed figure was obtained legitimately. The off conditions may have lead to such a high rating.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 JERSEY RICH is the play if we get odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,5,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [4,5,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $27000 Class Rating: 65

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 11 TROPHY DOLL (IRE) 5/2

# 10 LIP SYNC 8/1

# 8 MUSIC MAKER 4/1

TROPHY DOLL (IRE) is my choice. The class rating of today's race is much lower than her last race. She has respectable class ratings, averaging 89, and has to be considered here. With a strong jockey who has won at a very good 25 percent rate over the last 30 days. This has to be one of the top selections. LIP SYNC - Trainers don't bring racers back this soon just for exercise. Stabile and Dominguez have won 16 percent of their races giving this racer a strong chance. MUSIC MAKER - Formidable average Equibase speed figs in dirt sprint races make this equine a solid contender. Will most likely be one of the front-runners of the group going into the halfway point of the competition.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Santa Anita Park

10/04/18, SA, Race 8, 4.37 PT
7F [Dirt] 1.19.04 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $18,000.
Claiming Price $20,000. FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Exacta /$0.50 Trifecta / $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.) - $1 Rolling Super High 5
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 71.43, $1 ROI 1.81, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 4 Gotnoquit 10-1 Figueroa H Puype Mike JTS
097.3998 11 For the Hustle 8-1 Maldonado E A Headley Bruce L
096.6578 8 Bartlett Hall 7/2 Pereira T J Shirreffs John A. F
096.0449 6 Thefourfortyfourth 5-1 Espinoza A Headley Karen W
095.5739 12 Vegas Itch 6-1 Ceballos F Papaprodromou George
095.5453 2 Powerful Thirst 10-1 Fuentes R Lerner Andrew E
094.4741 13 Pulpit's Dirty Red 10-1 Roman E A Eurton Peter
094.0004 9 Boogie 20-1 Desormeaux K J Higgins Jacqueline R.
093.7159 3 Victor's Show 8-1 Conner T Harty Eoin G.
092.9201 5 Achieved 20-1 Donoe M V Herrick Joe
092.6476 7 Supreme Giant 10-1 Fuentes L A Gonzalez Sal
092.3298 1 Smokin B 12-1 Baze T Carava Jack
091.6371 10 Skagit River 30-1 Payeras E Harrington Patricia C

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots Preview and Predictions 10-04-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 2nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Colts vs. Patriots Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/02/2018

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will see a familiar face re-enter the huddle as trusted wideout Julian Edelman returns from a four-game suspension for Thursday's game against the visiting Indianapolis Colts. Edelman, who was banned for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, rolled up a career-best 1,106 receiving yards in 2016 before a preseason knee injury caused him to miss the 2017 campaign.

"I know he was itching to go and he wants to get down there and show everyone that he's ready to go," said Brady, who struggled to find chemistry with his wide receivers in the first three contests before former Colt Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson each reeled in a touchdown reception in a 38-7 romp over Miami on Sunday. A three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, Brady ranks outside the top 20 in completion percentage (64.4 percent; 21st among QBs), passing yards per game (230; 24th) and yards per attempt (6.8; tied for 27th). Colts quarterback Andrew Luck rebounded from a pair of subpar performances to complete 40 of 62 passes for 464 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's 37-34 overtime setback to Houston. Luck, however, owns an 0-5 career mark versus New England and has completed just 48 percent of his pass attempts and thrown nine interceptions in three games at Foxborough, Mass.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX, NFL Network. LINE: Patriots -10. O/U: 51.5

ABOUT THE COLTS (1-3): Luck likely is to be without star wideout T.Y. Hilton (chest, hamstring) on Thursday and will look to distribute the ball to a wide receiver corps considering of Ryan Grant, Chester Rogers and Zach Pascal. The former top overall pick has found a convenient outlet in running back Nyhiem Hines (team-leading 22 catches), who led the club with nine receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns last week. Eric Ebron has made the most of fellow tight end Jack Doyle's absence due to injury by reeling in a team-leading three touchdown receptions in his last four games. Indianapolis has gotten next-to-nil from its 29th-ranked ground game, however, with Jordan Wilkins leading the club with just 136 rushing yards.



ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (2-2): While Edelman is guaranteed to be in the huddle, Rob Gronkowski isn't a slam dunk to be by his side as the mammoth tight end deals with an ankle injury. The 29-year-old Gronkowski, who reportedly was absent from Tuesday's walk-through, leads the Patriots with 233 receiving yards in four games and his 17 catches are second on the team to versatile running back James White. Speaking of running backs, Sony Michel answered a pair of lackluster performances with a stellar one on Sunday, as he rushed 25 times for 112 yards and a touchdown. Michel became the second Patriots running back to eclipse 100 yards rushing in a game since 2016 -- joining Dion Lewis, who did it twice in 2017.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indianapolis K Adam Vinatieri, a former Patriots legend, is nursing a sore groin and did not practice on Tuesday.

2. New England CB Stephon Gilmore shares the team lead with four passes defensed, although he doesn't have one in ether of his last two games.

3. Colts rookie LB Darius Leonard has an NFL-best 54 tackles while LB Kyle Van Noy leads the Patriots with just 20.

PREDICTION: Patriots 34, Colts 14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 10-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/03/2018

The well-traveled Colorado Rockies play in their fourth city in five days when they open the best-of-five National League Division Series against the host Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. The Rockies reached the NLDS by outlasting the Chicago Cubs in 13 innings in Tuesday's classic wild-card game while the red-hot Brewers are the NL Central champions.

Colorado finished the regular season at home Sunday and lost at the Los Angeles Dodgers in a division tiebreaker Monday before posting the epic 2-1 victory in Chicago on Tuesday and arriving in Milwaukee via bus at 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning. "I thought that we could do it," Rockies manager Bud Black said of reaching the postseason during his Wednesday press conference. "We could contend and match these teams. And sure enough, we have. It's a current expectation for sure. That's where we want to be." Milwaukee won its division championship in a tiebreaker Monday in Chicago and has won eight straight games and 23 of its last 30 games as it overcame a five-game September deficit. "We've been battling all year long," Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain said at Wednesday's press conference. "Think we were out it, back a few games in September and we found a way to win the division, so that just speaks for itself."

TV: 5:07 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (6-6, 4.38 ERA) vs. Brewers TBA

Senzatela finished strong by going 2-0 with a 1.62 ERA during his final three starts. The 23-year-old made 13 starts and 10 relief appearances this season and limited opposing hitters to a .220 average on the road compared to .316 at home. Sentazela's lone appearance against the Brewers came in his major league debut April 6, 2017 when he gave up two hits in five scoreless innings while receiving a no-decision.



Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell indicated at Wednesday's press conference that he will go with an "opener" and make Game 1 a bullpen game. Counsell declined to say who will start the game or would be used, saying the focus is on how "to share the 27 outs," before indicating he will use a traditional approach in Game 2. "We're going to use guys that haven't kind of been our starters this last couple weeks," said Counsell of the Game 1 plan, "so we're going to use a bunch of different guys and still deciding on exactly the order of that scenario."

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers went 5-2 against the Rockies in the regular season.

2. Colorado SS Trevor Story batted .333 with seven homers and 18 RBIs - including four four-RBI outings - against the Brewers this season.

3. Milwaukee star OF Christian Yelich batted .370 with 10 homers and 34 RBIs since the first of September to finish the regular season with a NL-best .326 average along with 36 homers and 110 RBIs.

PREDICTION: Brewers 7, Rockies 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 10-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/03/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers were one victory away from winning the World Series last autumn and after putting in an extra day's work to secure another National League West title, they begin the NL Division Series at home Thursday against the surprising Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers overcame a 16-26 start, then beat Colorado in Monday's play-in game behind homers from Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy to secure a sixth consecutive West crown and take aim at a second straight pennant.

In a curious move, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is pushing Clayton Kershaw back to Friday's Game 2 and will start Hyun-Jin Ryu in the opener, and the Dodgers have a distinct advantage given a lineup featuring Manny Machado, Justin Turner and breakout player Max Muncy. But the Braves are confident their return to the playoffs will turn out differently from their last postseason appearance, a four-game loss to Los Angeles in the 2013 NLDS. Rookie of the year favorite Ronald Acuna, and veterans Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis sparked the NL East champions to a 90-win season, an 18-victory improvement over 2017, and the Braves matched the Dodgers for best road record in the NL at 47-34. Los Angeles won the season series 5-2, outscoring the Braves 35-18 in winning twice at home and three times in Atlanta.

TV: 8:37 p.m. ET, MLB Network

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (13-10, 2.85 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97)

Foltynewicz's emergence from promising prospect to NL All-Star is one big reason why Atlanta is in the playoffs, and across his final 11 starts he gave up more than two runs only twice while going 6-3 in that span and holding opponents to a .529 OPS. The 26-year-old, who makes his postseason debut, is 1-1 in two career starts against the Dodgers with a victory last season and a loss in 2018. Foltynewicz finished fifth in the NL in hits per nine innings (6.39), sixth in strikeouts (202) and tied for sixth in ERA.



Ryu has been outstanding since returning from a groin injury that cost him more than three months, posting a 1.88 ERA with five walks and 53 strikeouts in nine games since Aug. 15. The 31-year-old ended the regular season with a flourish, giving up only one run on 12 hits across 19 innings in winning his final three starts. Ryu, who did not face Atlanta this season, has pitched in three postseason games but none since 2014, giving up four runs to the Braves in a start in the 2013 NLDS.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta SS Dansby Swanson (partially torn ligament in left hand) likely will miss the series, forcing former Dodgers INF Charlie Culberson into the starting lineup.

2. Los Angeles RHP Kenley Jansen gave up two solo homers in the ninth inning Monday, but since Aug. 31 is 1-0 with six saves, a 2.70 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings.

3. The Dodgers finished the regular season with a franchise-record 235 homers, led by Muncy's 35.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Braves 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 10-04-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 3rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Capitals vs. Penguins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/03/2018

The Washington Capitals made a statement in their season opener that they are not the reigning Stanley Cup champions by accident. They'll attempt to prove that their six-game victory in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs also was no fluke when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins for a rematch on Thursday.

The Capitals, who had a history of being underachievers in the postseason, shed that tag in 2017-18 as they ousted Columbus, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay before defeating expansion Vegas in five games to claim the first championship in franchise history. Washington got off to a strong start in its defense of that title on Wednesday, extending its winning streak against visiting Boston to 13 games with a dominant 7-0 triumph as Evgeny Kuznetsov scored twice while Braden Holtby made 25 saves. Pittsburgh finished five points behind Metropolitan Division-winning Washington last season but was a force at home, registering a conference-high 30 victories at PPG Paints Arena while finishing below .500 on the road (17-20-4). The Penguins placed three players in the top 10 in league scoring, with Evgeni Malkin leading the club with 98 points (fourth overall) and 42 goals (tied for fourth).

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet 360, TVA, NBCS Washington, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (1-0-0): Kuznetsov, who scored a career-high 27 goals last season, wasn't the only one contributing offensively in the season opener as 12 of the team's 18 skaters landed on the scoresheet. Captain Alex Ovechkin began his quest for his sixth Maurice Richard Trophy in seven seasons and eighth overall as he was one of three Capitals to record a goal and an assist versus Boston. Nicklas Backstrom notched three assists on Wednesday, the first being his 800th career point, to pull within seven of 600 in the NHL.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (2017-18: 47-29-6, 2ND IN METROPOLITAN): Malkin, who came up just short of a fourth career 100-point season, figures to hit some milestones in 2018-19 as he is 30 goals shy of 400, 40 assists away from 600 and needs 70 points for 1,000. Pittsburgh is hoping its inability to win a third straight Stanley Cup coincided with the absence of Matt Cullen as the 41-year-old forward returns to the team after spending last season with Minnesota. The Penguins figure to be stronger defensively with the additions of veteran Jack Johnson, who was signed to a five-year contract, and Juuso Riikola - a 24-year-old Finn who was inked to a one-year deal and opened eyes during training camp.

OVERTIME

1. Penguins captain C Sidney Crosby is entering his 14th season with the team, putting him behind only owner Mario Lemieux (17) in length of tenure in franchise history.

2. Washington will be without F Tom Wilson until late November as the 24-year-old received a 20-game suspension on Wednesday for an illegal check to the head of St. Louis' Oskar Sundqvist in a preseason contest three days earlier.

3. Pittsburgh D Brian Dumoulin (upper body), who was injured in the team's final preseason game, participated in Wednesday's practice and will be a game-time decision.

PREDICTION: Penguins 5, Capitals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview and Predictions 10-04-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 3rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Bruins vs. Sabres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/03/2018

The Buffalo Sabres hope to snap their long playoff drought that has reached seven years after an offseason of bold moves, along with the addition of two talented teenagers, and the quest begins Thursday against the visiting Boston Bruins. The Sabres added goaltender Carter Hutton along with forwards Jeff Skinner, Patrik Berglund and Conor Sheary - among others - while 2018 first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin makes his debut and 2017 No. 8 selection Casey Mittelstadt starts his first full season.

Still, the leader of Buffalo's potential revival is center Jack Eichel, who has accumulated 177 points (73 goals) in 209 games over his first three seasons and was officially named captain on Wednesday. "It's an incredible honor," Eichel told reporters. "And I don't think I would have been given this opportunity if it wasn't for the other leaders in this room that have pushed me to be better and taught me a lot about myself. It's an unbelievable feeling and I'm just excited about the season." The Bruins will come to Buffalo angry after being blitzed by defending Stanley Cup-champion Washington 7-0 on Wednesday, allowing four power-play goals in the first 35 minutes, 45 seconds of the contest. Boston leans on its impressive top line of David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, but all three posted a minus-2 rating and combined for seven shots in the season-opening defeat.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), MSG Buffalo

ABOUT THE BRUINS (0-1-0): Tuukka Rask endured a season debut to forget as he surrendered five goals on 19 shots before being pulled while backup Jaroslav Halak stopped 16 of the 18 shots he faced. Coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters the "lack of competitive spirit" was a concern during the opener while second-line center David Krejci and talented young defenseman Charlie McAvoy were held without a shot as Boston registered 25 while allowing 37. Offseason free-agent acquisition John Moore led the Bruins with four shots and fellow blue-liner Kevan Miller recorded a team-high six hits against Washington, but the defense corps will have to be better.

ABOUT THE SABRES (2017-18: 25-45-12, 8TH IN ATLANTIC): Eichel is expected to center Skinner and Sam Reinhart on the top line and Berglund will skate with Sheary and newcomer Tage Thompson while Mittelstadt teams with Vladimir Sobotka and Kyle Okposo. Rasmus Ristolainen and Marco Scandella form the top pair on defense, but all eyes will be on Dahlin after he impressed in the preseason with three points in four games, as he teams up Jake McCabe. "It's going to take some time to learn all the players," the Swedish Dahlin told the Buffalo News. "(On Thursday), I just want to go out there, play my game and do the best I can. I'm focused on the team, on what we can do."

OVERTIME

1. Boston Fs Chris Wagner (three hits) and Joakim Nordstrom (three shots) each made their debuts for the team on Wednesday.

2. Buffalo claimed F Remi Elie, who recorded 14 points and a plus-5 rating in 72 games with Dallas last season, off waivers on Tuesday.

3. The Sabres won three of the four meetings last season after the Bruins swept the four-game series in 2016-17.

PREDICTION: Sabres 4, Bruins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 10-04-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 3rd October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/03/2018

The New York Islanders are pinning their future on their new arena planned for Long Island in 2021, but first the club must deal with the remnants of the past and filling a cavernous on-ice void. The Islanders open the season at the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night minus longtime captain John Tavares, who left for Toronto via free agency in the offseason.

"John's a great player; it's tough to replace him," reigning Calder Trophy winner Mathew Barzal said. "But now that's over with. You've got to look ahead. I'm excited for the challenge. We've got a lot of other guys here that I'm assuming are excited to fill a bigger role." Barzal will be the primary player counted upon to take over for Tavares on a team that cleaned house in the offseason and brought in Lou Lamoriello as president of hockey operatons and Barry Trotz as head coach after guiding Washington to the Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes overhauled their roster and also have a change behind the bench, hiring Rod Brind'Amour to replace Bill Peters and hoping it will help end a playoff drought of nine seasons -- the longest run in the league. "I want to play a style that's fun to watch, No. 1, and that means we're going to skate," Brind'Amour said. "I'm not too concerned how we win. If we win 10-9, I'm good. If we win 2-1, that's even better. But we need to be able to play both."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Carolina, MSG-Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (2017-18: 36-35-11, 6TH in METROPOLITAN): Former Calder Trophy winner Jeff Skinner and fellow forwards Elias Lindholm and Derek Ryan were among a slew of departures while forward Micheal Ferland and defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Calvin deHaan were roster additions. Goaltender Petr Mrazek will shoulder an early load after Scott Darling was hurt in the final preseason game and is expected to miss two weeks. "It's a setback, no doubt. But that's why we got Petr in here, too," Brind'Amour said. "It makes my decision a lot easier on who we're going to throw out there to start on opening night." Sebastian Aho led the team with 29 goals last season.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (2017-18: 35-37-10, 7TH in METROPOLITAN): Coming off a season in which he had 22 goals and a team-leading 85 points, Barzal was elevated to the No. 1 center slot previously held by Tavares, who scored 278 goals in his nine seasons. Barzal will center Jordan Eberle and Anthony Beauvillier while Brock Nelson is on the No. 2 line along with 40-goal scorer Anders Lee and 71-point scorer Josh Bailey. Depth is an issue with the bottom-six fowards, hence the signings of veterans Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov. New York surrendered a league-worst 296 goals in 2017-18 and needs either Robin Lehner or Thomas Greiss to bolster the goaltending.

OVERTIME

1. Carolina claimed G Curtis McElhinney on waivers from Toronto on Tuesday.

2. Lee has four goals and five assists in nine games versus the Hurricanes over the past two seasons.

3. The Hurricanes were 5-0-1 in the preseason.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 4, Islanders 3