Tuesday 10-16-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:20 AM

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

The Boston Red Sox got an MVP-like performance from one of their stars in Game 2 and managed to even the best-of-seven American League Championship Series at one win apiece. Mookie Betts and company now must win one of the next three games at the Houston Astros, beginning with Tuesday's Game 3.

Betts scored a pair of runs and drove in another in Sunday's 7-5 triumph as Boston's offense, which led the majors in batting average and runs scored during the regular season, woke up after a quiet Game 1. "I just go out and do what I can to help the team win, try and be consistent in having some good at-bats and getting some timely hits and whatnot," Betts told reporters. "But it's not just me. We've got 25 guys out here to win." The Astros made it as interesting as they could, with Alex Bregman representing the tying run and flying out to the warning track to end the game, and said they feel confident heading home. "We didn't play our best game today," Bregman told reporters after the loss. "We had a lot of traffic on the bases all night. We're going to keep putting pressure on them, keep competing, and if we do that, I like our chances."

TV: 5:09 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (1-0,1.29 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (0-0, 3.60)

Eovaldi owns the only quality start among Boston pitchers in the postseason after dominating the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the AL Division Series. The 28-year-old scattered one run and five hits over seven innings while striking out five and not walking a batter. Eovaldi started at Houston as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays on June 20 and was knocked around for four runs on seven hits - four solo homers - in six innings to suffer the loss.

Keuchel surrendered two runs and four hits in five innings at Cleveland in Game 3 of the ALDS but did not factor in the decision in a game the Astros went onto win 11-3. The former Cy Young Award winner won his lone start against Boston in the 2017 ALDS but was not sharp against the Red Sox on Sept. 9, when he was knocked around for five runs and nine hits in six frames. Keuchel posted a 4-6 record with a 3.90 ERA in 16 home starts during the regular season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have homered in a postseason-record 14 consecutive games.

2. Boston LHP Chris Sale was hospitalized Sunday because of a stomach ailment and did not travel with the team but is expected to make his Game 5 start.

3. Houston OF George Springer went 2-for-5 in Game 2 to extend his postseason hitting streak to a franchise-record 11 straight games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Astros 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:20 AM

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th October 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/16/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers attempt to take a 3-1 lead when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. Orlando Arcia hit a two-run homer and five pitchers combined on a five-hitter as the Brewers recorded a 4-0 victory on Monday.

Arcia has gone deep in back-to-back games, and manager Craig Counsell isn't surprised to see his shortstop coming through on the big stage. "Orlando has always been a guy that you want to put a moment on him, put pressure on him," Counsell said during his postgame press conference. "Put a big moment on him. Put the spotlight on him. He loves it. And I'm not surprised that he's thriving in the playoff atmosphere. He has this love and he's wired the right way for this kind of baseball." The Dodgers went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position in Game 3, a fact that distressed manager Dave Roberts. "I thought we had the right guys in those moments and we just didn't execute," Roberts told reporters after Game 3. "So in games like this, things like that get exploited. I definitely don't think it's the personnel. It's a matter of when we get in those spots, we have to find a way to be productive."

TV: 9:09 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Gio Gonzalez (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (0-0, 4.15)

Gonzalez started Game 1 and was pulled after allowing one run and one hit - a homer by Manny Machado - in two innings. Counsell didn't announce Gonzalez as the starter until after Monday's victory but said starting the 33-year-old always was the preferred plan. "We laid out some scenarios, kind of going into (Monday's) game, what the possibilities were for (Tuesday)," Counsell said in his postgame press conference. "And if we got a good start and we're in good shape, Gio was always going to be the guy."

Hill went 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 12 innings in two regular-season starts against the Brewers, but he doesn't see the success as a factor in mid-October. "It is probably something you look a little bit deeper into scouting reports as opposed to what they hit and what they don't hit," Hill said Monday during his press conference. "It's really about the makeup and the fight that they have, too, as well, knowing that no lead is ever safe." The 38-year-old Hill is 1-2 with a 3.55 ERA in nine career postseason starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Machado, who is 5-for-11 in the series, has recorded three homers and nine RBIs in seven games this postseason.

2. Milwaukee became the third team to toss three shutouts in the first six games of a postseason, joining the 1905 New York Giants and 1966 Baltimore Orioles.

3. Roberts said that C Austin Barnes will start in Game 4 in place of the struggling Yasmani Grandal, who went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in Game 3 and has committed three passed balls and two errors in the series.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Brewers 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:20 AM

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
76ers vs. Celtics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

The Boston Celtics are considered the Eastern Conference favorites and they will open the season at home on Tuesday against another contender in the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. LeBron James' departure from Cleveland has elevated Boston into the team to beat after it lost to the Cavaliers in last season's conference finals.

Philadelphia is an emerging force after a stellar campaign last season and the opener is a rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals that Boston won in five games. "We won, so they're probably a little more fired up or angry than we are, but we're excited to play," Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum told reporters. "We had a lot of good matchups with them last year, a lot of great battles, especially in the playoffs. Everybody is going to be watching." Boston reached the East finals without point guard Kyrie Irving (knee) and small forward Gordon Hayward (ankle), while the 76ers' improvement has increased expectations. "It's hard to have pressure (to excel) this year," Philadelphia power forward Dario Saric told reporters. "But I think this team is ready to handle things. The coaches will help us, because they know the team has quality to do that. I think we will be really amazing on the court."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE 76ERS (2017-18: 52-30): Center Joel Embiid reached superstar status by averaging 22.9 points and 11 rebounds last season and has expressed numerous times that he wants to be league MVP this season. Philadelphia coach Brett Brown tried to temper those expectations by saying he is only interested in Embiid being "Most Valuable Person" as the franchise looks to reach the 50-win mark in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 76ers rolled off seven straight such campaigns (1979-86) during the Julius Erving era. Point guard Ben Simmons looks to build off his Rookie of the Year campaign in which he averaged 15.8 points, 8.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (2017-18: 55-27): Hayward badly broke his lower left leg in last year's season opener and he'll be paced early in the campaign but the hope is he'll eventually find his former All-Star form from the 2016-17 season with the Utah Jazz. "He's a guy that can play a lot of different roles," Boston coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "He'll have games this year where he scores the ball at a high level, and he'll have games that he doesn't but does other things to add value to winning." Hayward and Irving will be complemented by impressive young players Tatum (13.9 points) and shooting guard Jaylen Brown (14.5) as well as veteran big man Al Horford (12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds).

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics won 14 of the past 16 regular-season meetings.

2. 76ers SG JJ Redick made 193 3-pointers last season to narrowly miss making 200 for a fourth straight campaign.

3. Boston PG Terry Rozier, who returns to a backup role with Irving healthy, averaged 19 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists in the playoff series against Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: Celtics 108, 76ers 105

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:22 AM

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Thunder vs. Warriors Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

The Golden State Warriors could look like a very different team at the start of the 2019-2020 season, so they're going to going to go for broke in 2018-19. The Warriors will begin the defense of their latest title when they open the season by hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

Superstars Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson can become free agents after the season along with newcomer DeMarcus Cousins, and the team is planning a move across the Bay Area to San Francisco next season, so 2018-19 could mark the end of an era for the Golden State dynasty. "I think if we do what we did last year and the year before, it will be a beautiful year again," Thompson told reporters. "I think we just got to stay focused and enjoy every night. Do those two things -- play with joy and focus -- and we'll be great." The Thunder secured their future by convincing Paul George to stay in town on a long-term contract and are hoping to improve upon a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference and a first-round playoff exit. "We've got the chemistry," George told ESPN during the preseason. "Me being around these guys going on about to be two years now, there's an expectation and a level we know we need to play at. I think the consistency part you'll see with us now being able to play well against the sub-.500 teams. But I definitely think this team has a chance. The reason why I signed back here is because I believed in it."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE THUNDER (2017-18: 48-34): Oklahoma City is going into the season with a bit of uncertainty on the injury front, with former MVP Russell Westbrook questionable for the opener after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last month. "There's certain things he'll have to go through to get himself fully cleared to play, but he's certainly moving in the right direction and he's worked really hard at his rehab to get himself back," Thunder coach Billy Donovan told reporters. Oklahoma City backed up Westbrook in the offseason by trading for point guard Dennis Schroder, who averaged 19.4 points and 6.2 assists with the Atlanta Hawks last season.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (2017-18: 58-24): Golden State took home the NBA title in three of the last four seasons and goes into 2018-19 as the favorites again despite the uncertain status of Cousins, who is making his way back from an Achilles tear. The Warriors will remain the team to beat as long as they can find their way on defense, and coach Steve Kerr was not pleased with the effort on that end at the conclusion of the preseason. "The last week was kind of a mess," Kerr told reporters. "Our defense was atrocious the last couple of games: basic stuff, not boxing out on free throws, back cuts, transition defense. I attribute some of that to preseason and guys losing interest. I'll tell you after Tuesday night if it's just our bad habits right now. If it is bad habits, we've got to get out of that."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Thunder SG Andre Roberson (knee) had a setback in his recovery from surgery and is expected to be out at least two more months.

2. Warriors PG Stephen Curry (2,129) needs to make 15 3-pointer to move past Paul Pierce and into sixth place on the all-time list.

3. The teams split the four-game season series in 2017-18, with Golden State taking the final two meetings.

PREDICTION: Warriors 126, Thunder 111

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:22 AM

Vancouver Canucks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Canucks vs. Penguins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

Two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Matt Murray is expected to return to the ice as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday before embarking on a four-game trek through Canada. Murray has been sidelined with a concussion that he sustained during a practice on Oct. 8.

"It's hard to know with injuries like that," the 24-year-old Murray told reporters of his fourth career concussion. "It's no fun to have those injuries. I was happy with how quickly it resolved." Casey DeSmith has drawn solid reviews from coach Mike Sullivan after turning aside 72 shots over his last two games for Pittsburgh, which fell to Montreal for the second time this season with a 4-3 shootout loss on Saturday. Vancouver answered two setbacks with back-to-back wins over the Sunshine State representatives (Tampa Bay and Florida) to even its six-game road trip with a 2-2-0 mark. Bo Horvat, who had a goal and three assists in two meetings with Pittsburgh last season, scored a goal for the third time in four outings on Saturday when he snapped a tie in the third period of a 3-2 victory over the Panthers.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Vancouver), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (3-2-0): The injury bug visited Vancouver as promising rookie Elias Pettersson and fellow forward Jay Beagle are expected to miss time with their respective ailments. The 19-year-old Petterson, who leads NHL rookies in goals (five) and points (eight), is out 7-10 days with a concussion after he was on the receiving end of a hit from Florida defenseman Mike Matheson on Saturday while Beagle will be sidelined six weeks with a fractured forearm. Adam Gaudette was recalled from Utica of the American Hockey League on Monday and could be slotted on the second line while fellow forward Markus Granlund may see duty on the fourth.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (2-1-1): Pittsburgh likely won't feel sorry for the Canucks' injury woes after learning defenseman Justin Schultz will be sidelined four months following his surgery this past weekend to repair a fracture of his lower left leg. "(Schultz) is not an easy guy to replace," coach Mike Sullivan said of the 28-year-old offensive-minded defenseman who is averaging 17 minutes of ice time before being injured Saturday. "He's a very good player and has been very good for us for a long time. So it's a tough loss from our standpoint, but certainly we've got to be prepared with the guys that we have." Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin will remain the top pair, with Schultz's partner Jack Johnson likely to join Olli Maatta on the ice.

OVERTIME

1. Vancouver D Alex Edler has recorded all of his team-leading five assists in the last four games.

2. Penguins RW Phil Kessel, who has scored four goals and set up another in his last two contests, notched three assists in two encounters with the Canucks last season.

3. Vancouver LW Sven Baertschi has two goals and three assists in his last three outings.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Canucks 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:22 AM

Florida Panthers vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Panthers vs. Flyers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

The Philadelphia Flyers arguably played their best game of the season in the last outing, but their near-complete effort resulted in a hard-luck 1-0 loss to three-time Stanley Cup champion Marc-Andre Fleury and Vegas. The Flyers will bid for their first win of the season at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday when they host a team that has yet to taste victory regardless of venue in the Florida Panthers.

"I think their group of forwards is tremendous. Their D play an aggressive, up-ice style. So flat out, they're just a good hockey team," Philadelphia coach Dave Hakstol told reporters of the Panthers, who have dropped consecutive games in regulation after venturing to a shootout at Tampa Bay in the season opener. Vincent Trocheck scored and set up a goal in Saturday's 3-2 setback against Vancouver, a game that saw defenseman Mike Matheson register a hit on Vancouver rookie Elias Pettersson that landed the Florida defenseman a hearing with the NHL on Monday. While the Panthers have yet to win, the Flyers aren't hanging their hats on a good effort put forth during Saturday's setback. "No matter how good you play, if you don't find a way to win, it's useless," forward Jakub Voracek told the media. "We all know we had a good game against Vegas. Did we win? No. I'd rather get outshot 40 to 15 and win 2-1, but like I said, I think defensively that was our best game."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Florida, NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (0-2-1): While Florida has yet to celebrate after the final horn, it has held the lead in all three of its games before dropping one-goal decisions. "Every time we take the lead, it's tough when the momentum changes and the other team ties it up right after," coach Bob Boughner told reporters. "It's a pattern so far in the first three games. It's something that's got to change." Jonathan Huberdeau, who scored his first goal of the season versus Vancouver, tallied twice against Philadelphia last season - with Florida winning two of the three games.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (2-3-0): Philadelphia has been battered by injury already with James van Riemsdyk sidelined with a serious knee injury and Nolan Patrick nursing an upper-body ailment, however Oskar Lindblom was fortunate to avoid adding his name to the growing list. Lindblom, who was slammed face-first into the boards during Saturday's game versus Vegas, returned to practice on Monday and is expected to be in the lineup against Florida. "After the hard hit, I felt a little shaky, but I got a good day off and I felt like I came back to normal pretty quick," Lindblom told Philly.com after Monday's practice in Voorhees, N.J.

OVERTIME

1. Florida F Nick Bjugstad (upper body) is uncertain to play versus Philadelphia despite receiving extra work after practice on Monday.

2. Flyers F Travis Konecny scored a goal and set up two others in three meetings with the Panthers last season.

3. Florida hasn't done itself any favors on the power play, going 0-for-12 in 2018-19.

PREDICTION: Panthers 4, Flyers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:22 AM

Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Rangers Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Avalanche vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

Growing pains usually hurt - especially for veterans who might be impatient to win - and the New York Rangers are enduring them as they host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. The Rangers, who started the rebuilding process by unloading big names such as Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller at the trade deadline last season, lost 2-1 to Edmonton on Saturday for their fourth setback in five games to start a campaign which could be a long one in the Big Apple.

"You don't want to start a season 1-4. Rather be 5-0,'' New York's Kevin Hayes told the New York Post. "But we have to stick together. We can't start pointing fingers. I think last year, when things went bad, it was every man for himself. Now, we have to stick together." Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist's 1-3-0 record is a reflection of the Rangers' slow start but his 2.03 goals-against average and .938 save percentage are indications that the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer has plenty left to help his team return to respectability. Colorado is coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to Calgary in its only home contest during a seven-game stretch as it begins a four-game road trip. Nathan MacKinnon, the Hart Trophy runner-up in 2018, has scored in every contest - the five-game streak is the longest of his career - and owns six of the Avalanche's 19 goals this season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (3-1-1): Mikko Rantanen, MacKinnon's linemate, has at least one point in each game and leads the club with eight (seven assists). J.T. Compher is off to a fast start with three goals after scoring 13 in 2017-18 - his first full season - while Colin Wilson also has three, including a team-most two on the power play. Semyon Varlamov (3-0-1, 1.75, .946) is expected to start in goal and is 6-3-0, 3.07, .901 in nine games versus New York.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (1-4-0): Brett Howden, the 27th overall pick in the 2016 draft by Tampa Bay who was acquired in the McDonagh trade, has two goals and an assist in his first five NHL games while centering a line that includes Pavel Buchnevich (two goals, three points) and Mats Zuccarello (three assists). "He's got a quick mind, a quick set of hands and quick feet, and they all work together," first-year coach David Quinn told the New York Post about Howden. "It's a pretty good recipe for success." Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, New York's highest-paid skater, returned to the lineup Saturday after he was a healthy scratch in Thursday's 3-2 overtime victory over San Jose and is minus-4 for the season.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado has scored at least one power-play goal in four of five games and is 5-for-18 overall, while its penalty killers are off to a 22-for-23 start.

2. MacKinnon, who has scored on 23.1 percent of his shots, tied the franchise record set in 1992-93 by Quebec's Mats Sundin for most consecutive games with a goal to start a season.

3. The Avalanche have won three of their last four games at Madison Square Garden, including 4-2 last season behind 37 saves by Varlamov.

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Avalanche 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:22 AM

Dallas Stars vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Stars vs. Devils Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

Kyle Palmieri hopes to continue his torrid early-season scoring pace when the unbeaten New Jersey Devils host the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. Palmieri set a Devils record for the most goals by a player through the first three games of a season with six to help his team to a 3-0-0 start after scoring twice for the third consecutive contest in Sunday's 3-2 home victory over San Jose.

"At the end of the day, if you want to score goals, you have to go to the net and have a shot-first mentality," New Jersey coach John Hynes told reporters of Palmieri. "He's a guy that goes to the net and has a shot-first mentality. Some of our other guys can learn from him." The Devils have outscored opponents 14-4 in the early going and are 10-for-11 on the penalty kill as they prepare to face a Dallas team that is a gaudy 7-for-12 on the power play through its first five contests. Defenseman John Klingberg scored the only goal with the man advantage for the Stars on Monday as they wasted a 38-24 advantage of shots in a 4-1 loss at Ottawa. Alexander Radulov saw his season-opening four-game goal-scoring streak come to an end Monday but notched an assist to tie Tyler Seguin for the team lead with 10 points.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), MSG Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE STARS (3-2-0): Klingberg's goal - his second on the power play this season - tied him with Radulov and captain Jamie Benn for the team lead with four while Seguin is next with three. Miro Heiskanen, a 19-year-old defenseman who was selected third overall in the 2017 draft, has recorded one assist and 12 shots in his first five NHL games while averaging more than 20 minutes of ice time. Ben Bishop surrendered three goals on 23 shots in the setback at Ottawa and could give way to backup Anton Khudobin, who won his debut with Dallas on Saturday by making 22 saves in the 5-3 triumph over Anaheim.

ABOUT THE DEVILS (3-0-0): Cory Schneider has been through a few full practices and is close to returning from hip surgery, but Keith Kinkaid has been solid in net while starting the first three games, posting a .949 save percentage. "Keith's been great," Palmieri told reporters. "He's made some big saves, timely saves for us to keep us in games or give us momentum when things were getting a little sloppy. He's done more than what you can ask of a starting goalie." Travis Zajac has scored two goals and leads the NHL in faceoff percentage (67.9) among players who have taken at least 50 draws.

OVERTIME

1. Dallas C Jason Spezza, who notched his fourth assist in as many contests on Monday, is six games away from 1,000 in his career.

2. New Jersey LW Taylor Hall, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, has registered three assists and a plus-3 rating in his last two games.

3. The teams split a pair of meetings last season, with the home team winning each contest after the visiting club captured both in 2016-17.

PREDICTION: Stars 4, Devils 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:22 AM

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Hurricanes vs. Lightning Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

The Carolina Hurricanes hope to continue creating abundant opportunities in the offensive end and start another winning streak when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night to end a three-game trip. The Hurricanes lead the league in shots per game (42.3) and recorded 43 on Sunday despite suffering a 3-1 setback at Winnipeg, after scoring 21 times while winning four in a row.

"It was a hard-fought game," Carolina center Jordan Staal told reporters after the loss. ". ... We did a lot of great things, worked really hard. Sometimes they don't go your way. I thought we could have had a better result, but that's hockey sometimes. We'll move forward from this one." The Lightning have earned at least a point in nine straight meetings (7-0-2) with the Hurricanes and broke out of a scoring slump Saturday with an 8-2 rout of Columbus at home. "Overall, I liked the way we put ourselves in a lot of positions to score (Saturday)," Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said. "We were fortunate the pucks had eyes for us." Forward Brayden Point (three goals) leads the Lightning with four points while goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy owns a .950 save percentage during the first three games of 2018-19 and is 5-0-0 in his career against Carolina.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Carolinas, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (4-1-1): Center Sebastian Aho is the sixth player in franchise history to record at least a point in the first six games of a season, totaling 11 with four goals, after assisting on Micheal Ferland's tally Sunday. Veteran forward Justin Williams (six assists) is second on the team with seven points while forwards Teuvo Teravainen, Ferland and Staal are each averaging one per contest. The Hurricanes are off to a strong start without getting much help from special teams as their power play is 2-for-21 and the penalty-killing until has allowed seven goals in 21 opportunities.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (2-1-0): Tampa Bay's power-play unit was an ugly 0-for-8 in the first two games of the season before converting four of its seven chances in Saturday's victory. "I think our power play was much better," forward Yanni Gourde, who had one of the four goals with the man advantage, said Saturday. "We directed pucks at the net and we created rebounds and that's how we scored goals. That's what we have to do more of." Right wing Nikita Kucherov, who had a career-high 100 points last season, notched a goal and an assist Saturday after being blanked in the first two games.

OVERTIME

1. The Lightning, who finished 28th in the league in penalty-killing percentage in 2017-18, are 14-for-14 in three games.

2. Carolina D Brett Pesce owns two goals and an assist along with a plus-6 rating in the first six contests.

3. Tampa Bay D Mikhail Sergachev rejoined the second power-play unit Saturday and registered a pair of assists.

PREDICTION: Lightning 4, Hurricanes 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:23 AM

Arizona Coyotes vs. Minnesota Wild Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Coyotes vs. Wild Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

The Arizona Coyotes have yet to find their offensive groove this season, as they have been shut out in three of their first four contests. They attempt to make a rare appearance on the scoreboard Tuesday as they visit the Minnesota Wild for the opener of their four-game road trip.

Arizona has produced a total of two goals over its last five contests as it also was blanked in the 2017-18 season finale. Dylan Strome and Brad Richardson tallied in the Coyotes' 3-2 shootout victory at Anaheim last Wednesday before the club suffered a 3-0 home loss to Buffalo three days later. Minnesota is coming off its second straight setback, a 4-2 defeat at Nashville on Monday. Captain Mikko Koivu scored one goal and set up the other for the Wild, who have gone beyond regulation in each of their three home games this season (1-1 in overtime, 0-1 in shootouts).

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network

ABOUT THE COYOTES (1-3-0): Arizona's run of futility has not occurred due to a lack of effort, as the team has registered at least 30 shots in each of its four games. "I'd like to see somebody score a goal," coach Rick Tocchet told reporters. "We've had point-blank shots in the slot. You just got to keep shooting, I guess. You got to work at your game. I don't have a recipe other than that." Eight players have reached double digits in shots, with Derek Stepan leading the way with 19.

ABOUT THE WILD (1-2-2): Zach Parise, who leads the team with seven points, enters Tuesday having registered a pair of assists in each of his last three contests. The 34-year-old native of Minneapolis is two power-play goals shy of 100 for his career and eight points away from 700. Koivu needs six tallies to reach 200 in the NHL while Mikael Granlund got within eight of the 200-assist plateau by setting up a goal on Monday.

OVERTIME

1. Wild D Matt Dumba scored his second goal of the season on Monday, joining LW Jason Zucker (three) as the only members of the team with more than one tally.

2. Coyotes RW Mario Kempe leads the team with an even plus/minus rating, as the other 19 skaters who have appeared in a game all have minus ratings.

3. Minnesota G Devan Dubnyk (1-1-2, .934 save percentage) will start against Arizona as Alex Stalock made his season debut on Monday.

PREDICTION: Wild 3, Coyotes 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:23 AM

Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
Oilers vs. Jets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

Connor McDavid led the NHL in points each of the past two seasons and is off to a hot start again, but needs help from his fellow Edmonton Oilers entering Tuesday's road contest at the Winnipeg Jets. McDavid has scored twice with three assists in three games, but the Oilers have scored five goals in a disjointed start to the season that opened with a loss to New Jersey in Sweden and an ugly setback in Boston before Edmonton beat the Rangers in New York 2-1 on Saturday.

"We took a step forward," Edmonton coach Todd McLellan told reporters after Cam Talbot recorded 23 saves against the Rangers, after the Oilers surrendered nine goals in the two defeats. "We're obviously happy with the win. We needed one." The Jets also come into the matchup off a much-needed victory, a hard-fought 3-1 home triumph Sunday over Carolina that followed a 3-0 loss in Nashville in which Winnipeg was short-handed nine times. Backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit made the most of his Jets debut, recording 42 saves and keeping the game scoreless until Winnipeg netted three third-period goals. "Fortunately for us, our guy (was) fantastic," Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice told the media in assessing Brossoit's performance. "It was a continuation of his training camp, a very strong camp."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Oilers (Edmonton), TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE OILERS (1-2-0): Edmonton killed off both Rangers power plays Saturday after its penalty kill gave up three goals in six chances in the opening two games. Center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins finished with a goal and an assist Saturday and has combined with McDavid to register seven points while the rest of the Oilers roster has combined for eight. Defenseman Darnell Nurse, who played in his 200th NHL game Saturday, has an assist in each of his past two games.

ABOUT THE JETS (3-2-0): Forward Kyle Connor scored an empty-net goal at the buzzer Sunday, his fourth goal in five games, and leads the Jets with five points. Defenseman Josh Morrissey picked up two assists Sunday and has four assists after recording 19 in 81 games a season ago, helping ease Dustin Byfuglien's absence with an upper-body injury (he may return Tuesday). Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who finished 3-0-0 and stopped 94 of 99 shots last season against Edmonton, will start Tuesday.

OVERTIME

1. Following Tuesday's game, the Oilers return home for six of their next eight contests -- starting with Thursday's home opener against Boston -- while Tuesday marks the opener of a six-game homestand for Winnipeg.

2. McDavid has yet to score a goal against two teams in his career -- New Jersey and Winnipeg, although he has eight assists in eight games against the Jets.

3. Jets F Patrik Laine has two goals in five games -- both on the power play -- after leading the NHL with 20 power-play goals last season.

PREDICTION: Jets 4, Oilers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:23 AM

Buffalo Sabres vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 10-16-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 15th October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/15/2018

The Buffalo Sabres upended Vegas last week while the latter was playing the second contest of a five-game road trip. The Golden Knights will have a chance for revenge and to even their season series on Tuesday when the roles are reversed with the Sabres making the trek to T-Mobile Arena.

Conor Sheary netted his career-high third power-play goal of the season in Saturday's 3-0 triumph over Arizona to tie captain Jack Eichel for the team lead in tallies. Eichel, however, scored twice in Buffalo's 4-2 win versus Vegas on Oct. 8 and had two assists against the then-expansion franchise in his lone encounter last season. While the Sabres are off to their best start since the 2011-12 campaign, the Golden Knights took a step toward getting back on track as Marc-Andre Fleury ended his team's season-high five-game road trip in style with his 49th career shutout in a 1-0 win over Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon. The three-time Stanley Cup champion wasn't as fortunate as he stopped just 13 shots in the first encounter versus Buffalo, against which he owns a 21-6-3 mark with a 2.12 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in 32 career appearances.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, MSG Buffalo, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Vegas)

ABOUT THE SABRES (3-2-0): Top overall pick Rasmus Dahlin was all smiles after he scored his first career NHL goal against the Coyotes, becoming the youngest defenseman in 23 years to find the net. Dahlin cleaned up a loose puck in front after Antti Raanta was drawn out from his crease by Jeff Skinner, who also scored his first goal with his new team. Linus Ullmark notched his first NHL shutout after making 36 saves Saturday, although Carter Hutton turned aside 35 shots in the first meeting with the Golden Knights to improve to 2-0-0 against the league's newest club.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (2-4-0): Offseason acquisition Paul Stastny could be sidelined up to two months with a lower-body injury, coach Gerard Gallant said on Monday. "He's going to be out longer than we thought," Gallant told reporters of the 32-year-old Stastny, who has been sidelined three games since sustaining the injury against Buffalo earlier this month. Defenseman Deryk Engelland (undisclosed) and forward Alex Tuch (lower body) will miss Tuesday's tilt with their injuries, with Brad Hunt expected to draw in along the blue line.

OVERTIME

1. Vegas F Jonathan Marchessault has recorded two-point performances in two of his last four games, including scoring and setting up a goal in the first meeting with Buffalo.

2. Sabres F Sam Reinhart has three assists in his last four outings.

3. Golden Knights C William Karlsson boasts four assists in his last three contests against Buffalo.

PREDICTION: Sabres 3, Golden Knights 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:25 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes - Race 5

EXACTA * TRIFECTA * SUPERFECTA (10 Cent Minimum) * PICK 3 (50 CENT MINIMUM: RACES 5-6-7) * PICK 4 (50 Cent Minimum: Races 5-6-7-8) * DAILY DOUBLE (Races 5-6)

Claiming $5,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 70 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 2:58P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE AUGUST 16 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
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 * ZENATO: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. SWEEPING VISTA: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. MONMOUTH BEACH: Hors e has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating.
5
ZENATO
4/1

4/1
3
SWEEPING VISTA
2/1

9/2
2B
MONMOUTH BEACH
5/2

5/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2B
MONMOUTH BEACH
9

5/2
Front-runner
69

73

57.6

71.6

65.1
7
TAKE CHARGE JAKE
8

12/1
Front-runner
67

59

57.2

44.2

32.7
2
HACKENSACK HILL
4

5/2
Front-runner
70

61

45.8

55.0

42.0
5
ZENATO
6

4/1
Alternator/Front-runner
85

69

83.0

67.6

59.6
3
SWEEPING VISTA
2

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
79

76

54.0

72.0

69.0
1
TIMES THE ESSENTS
1

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
67

57

54.0

52.4

40.4
1A
THREETWENTYSIX
5

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
58

56

50.0

48.8

34.8
6
I'M NOT FUNNY
7

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

57

49.8

52.0

42.5
4
MASTA ACE
3

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
65

50

38.4

52.8

41.3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-16-2018, 08:25 AM

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

Race 6 - Allowance - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $30000 Class Rating: 93

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $16,000 OR LESS IN 2017-2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER ON THE TURF SINCE SEPTEMBER 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. IF THIS RACE IS TAKEN OFF THE TURF, IT WILL BE RUN AT 1 MILE AND 70 YARDS ON THE MAIN TRACK.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 KOOL KATE 5/2

# 11 QUINN MURPHY 9/2

# 9 LADY TEMPLE 12/1

My selection for this event is KOOL KATE. She has been running strongly and the Speed Figures are among the most favorable in this group of horses in this race. Granitz has one of the strongest winning percentages in this group with entries running at this distance and surface. Must be used in the exotic offerings. QUINN MURPHY - Has garnered sound Equibase speed figs in turf route races in the past. Is a contender - given the 93 speed figure from her most recent race.

Tuesday 10-16-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 10-16-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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