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

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 05:19 AM

Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 16th October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/16/2018

The Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos went shopping in the offseason to fix their respective quarterback issues and came away with a pair of players who spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Neither move has panned out for the Cardinals and Broncos, a pair of teams who have a collective three wins entering Thursday's matchup at Arizona.

Denver has dropped four in a row since opening the season with a pair of narrow victories at home, but Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller all but guaranteed a win over the Cardinals. "I wouldn't say it's a must-win, we're going to kick their (butt), though," Miller told reporters Tuesday. "Make sure you put that up there. We're going to kick their (butt)." Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen, who supplanted Sam Bradford as the starter in Week 3, said their was no "sense of desperation" to win after his team's 1-5 start, but first-year coach Steve Wilks disagreed. "I would say all our jobs are in jeopardy, including mine, if we don't win," Wilks said.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX, NFL Network. LINE: Cardinals -1.5. O/U: 41.5

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (2-4): Denver has to tighten up against the run, ranking last in the league with an average of 161.3 yards permitted on the ground after allowing a 200-yard rusher for the second straight week in a 23-20 loss to the unbeaten Los Angeles Rams. The Broncos' pass rush did generate five sacks in the latest setback, including 3.0 by rookie linebacker Bradley Chubb. Case Keenum threw scoring passes to wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas on Sunday but still has more interceptions (8) than TDs (7) through the first six games. Rookie running backs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman were held to a combined 40 yards on 13 carries last week.

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (1-5): Arizona ranks last in the league in total yards (220.5) and rushing (64.0) under offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, who was fired by the Broncos during the 2017 season following a six-game slide. Rosen did throw for a career-high 240 yards but failed to throw a touchdown pass in last week's 27-17 loss at Minnesota. Rosen connected with fellow rookie Christian Kirk six times for 77 yards against the Vikings, but running back David Johnson has surpassed 55 yards rushing just once in six games despite scoring six touchdowns. The offensive woes are magnified by a defense that ranks 31st against the run by surrendering an average of 151.2 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Denver has won eight of the past nine meetings against the Cardinals.

2. Johnson has had at least 100 yards from scrimmage in nine of his last 11 at home, scoring 13 TDs in that span.

3. Miller has 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his last six games versus NFC opponents.

PREDICTION: Broncos 23, Cardinals 20

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 05:19 AM

Stanford Cardinal vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 16th October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/16/2018

An open date came at a good time for No. 24 Stanford, which expects to have running back Bryce Love in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup at Arizona State. Love missed Stanford's loss to Utah two weeks ago with a left ankle injury but is healthy and rested heading into the contest against the Sun Devils, who are also coming off a break in their schedule.

Love's return provides an immediate boost for the Cardinal, who opened the season with four straight wins before allowing an average of 39 points in back-to-back losses to No. 4 Notre Dame and Utah. Quarterback K.J. Costello threw for 381 yards against Utah, but coach David Shaw doesn't want anyone thinking Stanford's offense has abandoned its run-first mentality. "Some people will write that we should change what we do, that we should just throw the ball all over the yard," Shaw told reporters. "Those people don't understand what it's taken to get where we are and how many games we've won in the philosophy that we have." Stanford has won five of its last six meetings against Arizona State, which needs an improved defensive effort after allowing an average of 227.3 rushing yards over the past four games.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Stanford -2.5

ABOUT STANFORD (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12): Love rushed for 301 yards and three touchdowns in last season's 34-24 victory over the Sun Devils and was sorely missed in the 40-21 loss to Utah, when Stanford was held to 42 rushing yards. Kaden Smith, JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Trenton Irwin all topped 100 receiving yards in the loss, but Costello committed three turnovers and has a 12-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio through six games. Linebackers Bobby Okereke (team-high 43 tackles) and Joey Alfieri (3.5 sacks) lead the defense, which has allowed only seven passing touchdowns.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (3-3, 1-2): Eno Benjamin set a single-game school rushing record with 312 yards against Oregon State before finishing with 120 yards and two touchdowns against Colorado. The Sun Devils' explosive offense includes dynamic wide receiver N'Keal Harry (six touchdowns) and quarterback Manny Wilkins, who has thrown 11 touchdowns against one interception and appears fully healthy following an apparent injury late in the Colorado game. The Sun Devils have recorded only three interceptions - including one by cornerback Chase Lucas, who has 19 solo tackles but struggled in the loss to Colorado.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Arizona State has had four of its six games decided by seven points or fewer.

2. Stanford is 18-5 under Shaw when coming off a loss.

3. The Sun Devils have committed only two turnovers this season.

PREDICTION: Arizona State 27, Stanford 24

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 05:19 AM

Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 17th October 2018 by Gracenote
Heat vs. Wizards Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/17/2018

Five-time All-Star point guard John Wall is glad the new season has arrived as he leads the Washington Wizards into battle against the visiting Miami Heat on Thursday. Wall played in only 41 games while twice being sidelined with knee injuries in 2017-18, which was a highly frustrating campaign for both himself and the Wizards.

Wall's scoring average dropped nearly four points to 19.6 and he failed to average 10 assists for the first time since 2013-14, but he made it clear earlier this week that he doesn't care about the statistics. "I'm the type of guy that wants to have a statue out front," Wall told reporters. "I want to bring a championship here. Those are all the things that I care about. If you're not winning as a group and doing things as a team, then you don't get individual success." Miami was given a back-to-back set on the road to open the campaign, and the first half didn't go well as it dropped a 104-101 decision to Orlando on Wednesday. "You have to deal with extreme circumstances," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "I think we have the kind of group that likes those kind of challenges. Regardless, home or away, at the beginning of the season where everybody is so amped up, you couldn't care less where we play."

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

ABOUT THE HEAT (0-1): It will be interesting to see how many minutes veteran guard Dwyane Wade receives against the Wizards after playing 26 minutes off the bench in the season opener. Wade scored just nine points on 3-of-13 shooting against Orlando but was active on the boards with 11 rebounds - second behind center Hassan Whiteside's 18. "I'm not going to play him playoff minutes or anything near that right now," Spoelstra said. "We can build as the season goes. He knows how to approach an 82-game season even better than I do. But I plan to work with him on that to make sure that we're hitting in our strides when we need to."

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (2017-18: 43-39): The availability of offseason acquisition Dwight Howard (back) will be determined in the hours leading up to Thursday's game as the big man currently is listed as questionable. "We'll see how he feels (Thursday) and make the decision then," coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "He missed a lot of time. He's had three good practices. He's just day-to-day. We're in no rush." Howard is one of three additions expected to provide a boost, with the others being forward Jeff Green and guard Austin Rivers.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split four meetings last season while Miami has prevailed in seven of the last nine matchups.

2. Miami SG Wayne Ellington (ankle) and SF Justise Winslow (hamstring) both are expected to miss their second straight game.

3. Washington hired current WNBA All-Star player Kristi Toliver as an assistant coach earlier this week.

PREDICTION: Wizards 112, Heat 103

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 05:19 AM

Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 17th October 2018 by Gracenote
Bulls vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/17/2018

The Philadelphia 76ers attempt to bounce back from a poor season debut when they host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Philadelphia suffered a 105-87 loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday and hopes for a better showing against a Chicago team that missed the playoffs last season.

The 76ers fancy themselves as a top-flight contender in the Eastern Conference but didn't look the part while giving a subpar effort on both ends of the court in their opener. "We have 81 more (games) to play," forward Robert Covington told reporters after the loss. "We can't get hell bent on what happened in this one. We understand that we are going to see them again and they are going to be one the teams we have to go through." The Bulls are without forward Lauri Markkanen due to an elbow injury and offseason acquisition Jabari Parker will begin the season as a reserve. "He knows how important his role is in that second unit, to be a facilitator on offense," Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters of Parker. "I thought he made some really good reads with the ball in his hands. That's an important role. And he understands that."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE BULLS (2017-18: 27-55): Parker initially seemed miffed that he wasn't going to be the starting small forward as he feels healthy after recovering from the second ACL tear in his left knee in four NBA campaigns. First-round pick Wendell Carter Jr. is in the starting lineup, along with Bobby Portis, and the latter will be a restricted free agent after the season. "No distraction at all," Portis told reporters of his status. "I play this game because I love it. Obviously, you want to make as much money as possible to help your family. But I started playing basketball because it's fun to me and I loved it. I still have that same passion, that same heart every night I go out there."

ABOUT THE 76ERS (0-1): Second-year guard Markelle Fultz made his first NBA start against Boston and struggled to five points on 2-of-7 shooting in 24 minutes. Fultz played in only 14 games last season due to physical and mental issues after being the No. 1 overall pick and Philadelphia plans to push his development early in the campaign. "He played half a game. I tried to get him a large majority of those as a point guard," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters. "As I said to everybody, and I'll say it again, Markelle is going to have steady minutes ... sometimes he is going to be just incredible, and sometimes he is going to be part of the NBA at a very young age on a pretty good team."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers won two of last season's three meetings.

2. Chicago G Denzel Valentine (ankle) and F Cristiano Felicio (ankle) are questionable for the opener.

3. Philadelphia F Wilson Chandler (hamstring), G Jerryd Bayless (knee) and C Mike Muscala (ankle) are all expected to miss their second straight game.

PREDICTION: 76ers 101, Bulls 91

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 05:20 AM

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 17th October 2018 by Gracenote
Lakers vs. Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/17/2018

LeBron James makes his highly anticipated team debut when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday in the season opener for both teams. James signed a four-year, $153.3 million contract as a free agent last July and will look to help boost the fortunes of the once-proud franchise.

James has played in the NBA Finals in each of the past eight seasons but it seems highly improbable that the Lakers - with five straight losing seasons - can fashion a turnaround that includes getting past the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. "We can only focus on what we can do to get better every day as the Lakers franchise," James told reporters, "and hopefully someday we can put ourselves in a position where we can compete for a championship as Golden State has done for the last few years." The first task facing Los Angeles is figuring out how to beat the Trail Blazers, who have won the past 15 meetings and figure to be a playoff team again this season. "It's going to be a challenging season because of the nature of the Western Conference," Portland coach Terry Stotts told reporters. "But I like our team, I like our players. We've done a lot of good things in the past."

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

ABOUT THE LAKERS (2017-18: 35-47): Los Angeles signed veteran point guard Rajon Rondo and center JaVale McGee to add some veteran presence into the starting lineup and perhaps shorten the time period it takes to win. One young building block expected to take a step forward this season is Brandon Ingram, the small forward who was the No. 2 pick in 2016 and averaged 16.1 points last season. "This is the year for him," James recently said in a television interview. "I believe in him. I know what his abilities are just being around him for these first few weeks. Every big shot we needed, every play we needed, he made down the stretch, and I love seeing his growth."

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (2017-18: 49-33): Portland is looking to make the postseason for the sixth straight season but there still is a sense of regret over last season's poor showing, when the New Orleans Pelicans recorded a four-game sweep of the Trail Blazers in the first round. "I don't see how we could be complacent about anything," star point guard Damian Lillard told reporters. "I think it's a level of comfort with each other. We've been teammates for a few years now we know each other pretty well so I think there is comfort. But I don't think we're in a position to be complacent." Lillard has averaged more than 25 points per game in three straight seasons while sidekick CJ McCollum has topped 20 in three consecutive campaigns.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Trail Blazers won last season's three meetings by an average of 3.7 points.

2. Los Angeles PG Lonzo Ball begins his second season as a backup to Rondo.

3. Portland SF Maurice Harkless (knee) is questionable for the opener.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 119, Lakers 111

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 05:21 AM

Marc Lawrence College Football Free Play - Thursday
Play - Arizona State (Game 306).
Edges - Sun Devils: 14-5 ATS as home dogs, including 10-1 ATS when coming off a loss; and host in this series is 5-2 ATS … Cardinal: 0-4 ATS away with rest … With that we recommend a 1* play on Arizona State.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 07:35 AM

Arthur Ralph Sports

FREE play THURS: Portland -3 NBA

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 09:18 AM

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 18th October 2018 by Gracenote
Flyers vs. Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/18/2018

Sergei Bobrovsky endured arguably the worst game of his career in his last outing, but the two-time Vezina Trophy winner always seems to bring his best when he faces the team with which he entered the NHL. Bobrovsky carries a 10-3-1 mark with two shutouts, a 1.91 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in 14 career encounters versus Philadelphia into Thursday's tilt as the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Flyers.

"He's unreal. He plays amazing against us every time," Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostibehere said, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I think he's the hardest goalie to score on. He's athletic. He makes saves and your jaw drops (because) you wouldn't expect him to make them." Bobrovsky wasn't as stingy on Saturday, as he yielded all eight goals in an 8-2 setback to Tampa Bay. The Flyers haven't been faring well in the goaltending department since, arguably, current general manager Ron Hextall was between the pipes. Brian Elliott, who will get the nod on Thursday, struggled as the Flyers squandered a three-goal lead before Calvin Pickard sealed a 6-5 shootout win versus Florida on Tuesday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE FLYERS (3-3-0): Wayne Simmonds scored twice on Tuesday to raise his goal total to a team-high five, but the burly forward essentially took himself out of the contest by jumping into a scrum during the second period and inadvertently hitting a linesman. "I didn't want to get the 10 (minute misconduct penalty), the 30-year-old told Philly.com. "I asked the ref and he said, 'You just kept going and my linesman got hit.' The linesmen get hit, they're gonna do that, so ..." Captain Claude Giroux, who also tallied twice to raise his team-leading point total to eight, collected two goals and two assists in four encounters with Columbus last season.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (3-2-0): Columbus' top line of Artemi Panarin, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Cam Atkinson have accounted for six goals and 14 points this season, but coach John Tortorella isn't rushing to alter his lines in a bid to generate more offense elsewhere. "It's a constant monitoring, I guess, of where we're at," Tortorella said, per The Columbus Dispatch. "I know people always go, 'He's changing his lines.' It happens to all coaches. But then, when you're not changing your lines to try to get some offense, (people say) 'Why didn't he change his lines?'" Josh Anderson has tallied three times in five games this season, but did not dent the scoresheet in three meetings with the Flyers in 2017-18.

OVERTIME

1. Columbus captain Nick Foligno was held off the scoresheet in three encounters with Philadelphia last season.

2. Flyers C Nolan Patrick (upper body) wore a non-contact jersey in practice Wednesday and is eyeing a Saturday return versus New Jersey.

3. Both teams have struggled mightily on the penalty kill, with Philadelphia thwarting just 72.0 percent of opponents' power plays while Columbus has stopped 64.7 percent.

PREDICTION: Flyers 5, Blue Jackets 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 09:18 AM

Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 17th October 2018 by Gracenote
Avalanche vs. Devils Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/17/2018

Off to their best start in 23 years, the New Jersey Devils look to remain the NHL's lone undefeated team when they host the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. Kyle Palmieri is largely responsible for New Jersey's fast start, becoming the first player in NHL history to score the opening goal in each of the first four games of a season.

Palmieri registered his seventh goal -- and fourth on the power play -- to spark a 3-0 win over Dallas on Tuesday as the Devils improved to 4-0-0 for the first time since 1995. "It's nice to get rewarded for putting pucks on net but I think it's fun to come to the rink right now," Palmieri said. "The team is in a good mood and we're happy with the way we're playing and beating some really good teams so hopefully we keep that going." Nathan MacKinnon is in the midst of a torrid stretch on his own for the Avalanche, who opened a four-game road trip with a 3-2 shootout loss at the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Colorado was swept in the season series in 2017-2018, scoring once in each loss, and has failed to produce more than three goals in the last 11 meetings against New Jersey.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), MSG-Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (3-1-2): MacKinnon, who set career highs with 39 goals, 58 assists and 97 points in 2017-18, already has seven goals after setting a franchise record by becoming the first player to score in the first six games of a season. Linemate Mikko Rantanen set up the record tally by MacKinnon to boost his point total to nine while also notching an assist in each of the first six games, matching the second-longest streak in club history. "They've been good," coach Jared Bednar said of his No. 1 line. "Offensively, when they have the puck, they're dangerous."

ABOUT THE DEVILS (4-0-0): Netminder Keith Kinkaid entered the season with four career shutouts to his credit, but he already has notched a pair while allowing a combined four goals in winning all four of his starts. Kinkaid was a career backup before getting his chance to assume the No. 1 role during the second half of last season due to injuries to starter Cory Schneider. "I have a shot to play a few games in a row and I think I play my best that well because then you don't have to dwell on a week or two weeks so that's huge in a goalie's play," Kinkaid said.

OVERTIME

1. The Devils had no update on D Will Butcher, who exited Tuesday's game with a shoulder issue.

2. Colorado F Marko Dano, acquired on waivers, has yet to join the club due to immigration issues.

3. New Jersey has killed off its last 13 penalties.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Avalanche 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 09:18 AM

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 18th October 2018 by Gracenote
Penguins vs. Maple Leafs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/18/2018

Auston Matthews experienced a rarity with his first goalless game of this season while Sidney Crosby continues to long for his first tally of 2018-19. Matthews, however, has recorded multi-point performances in all seven of the Toronto Maple Leafs' contests heading into Thursday's home game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"He's a real player, he's just growing, he's just a kid and he's going to get better," Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said of Matthews, who notched a pair of assists on Monday as Toronto skated to its fifth straight win with a 4-1 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings. Mitch Marner scored on Monday to increase his point total to nine (three goals, six assists) in his last four contests. Crosby has tormented Toronto with 26 goals and 31 assists in 40 career games in seasons past, but he has just four assists out of the blocks in 2018-19. "He had some grade-A chances," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. "He had a couple of real high-quality chances. He seemed to have a few in the last couple of games. The puck just won't seem to go in the net for him right now. He's too good of a player to keep off the scoresheet."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, TVAS, TSN4 (Toronto)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (2-1-2): Matt Murray will make his first appearance since sustaining a concussion in practice on Oct. 8. The two-time Stanley Cup champion admitted that he could have a bit of rust heading in against the "dynamic" Maple Leafs and that "it's going to be a difficult game for us," although he has posted a .945 save percentage in four career encounters. Pittsburgh has ventured past regulation three times in five games this season, although it has dropped its last two: a 4-3 shootout loss at Montreal on Saturday and a 3-2 overtime decision versus Vancouver.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (6-1-0): Frederik Andersen is expected to return from a one-game absence due to a knee injury and get the nod on Thursday, although the 29-year-old Dane isn't all that sure. "I felt it but it didn't flare up too much," Andersen said. "And then (Sunday), it was swelling just a little bit more. So that's where we are. Nothing too serious but preventing me to be in some positions." Garret Sparks comes in with momentum after his 33-save performance on Monday and would get the nod if Andersen isn't ready.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh C Evgeni Malkin is riding a six-game point streak versus Toronto.

2. Maple Leafs F Kasperi Kapanen tallied twice on Monday for his first career multi-goal performance to give him three goals and one assist in his last two outings.

3. Pittsburgh's fourth-ranked penalty kill (92.3 percent) will be put to the test against Toronto's top-rated power play (47.4).

PREDICTION: Penguins 5, Maple Leafs 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 09:19 AM

Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 17th October 2018 by Gracenote
Red Wings vs. Lightning Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/17/2018

Tyler Johnson is back centering a trio that was dominant in previous seasons and looks to follow up his fourth career regular-season hat trick with another big effort when the Tampa Bay Lightning host the winless Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Johnson was moved from wing to center "the Triplets" line with Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat two games ago and Tampa Bay has scored 12 times since.

The line was a key element as the Lightning made the Stanley Cup finals in 2014-15 and reached the Eastern Conference final in 2015-16, but were split up for much of last season as Kucherov put up 100 points in 2017-18 while playing primarily with captain Steven Stamkos. "When (Johnson is) really skating, it's game-changing, and he was definitely skating (Tuesday)," Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper told reporters after a 4-2 victory over Carolina. "Bursting through holes and creating chances for himself. I know he had three. He probably could have had more with all the chances he created." Detroit, which has dropped 11 straight regular-season games to the Lightning, gave up 20 goals combined while losing the last three after earning a point in the 3-2 shootout loss at Anaheim on Oct. 8. "We have to show some pride in here. Enough is enough," Red Wings veteran defenseman Niklas Kronwall told the Detroit Free Press. "Bottom line is we just have to go to work - we don't even give ourselves a chance right how. We hang our goalies out to dry. There's only one way to do it and that starts with hard work."

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

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (0-4-2): Defenseman Danny DeKeyser (hand) sat out Monday's 7-3 loss at Montreal and is expected to miss up to two weeks, but fellow defenseman Trevor Daley (upper body) could return to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 7. Center Dylan Larkin leads the team with three goals and shares the top spot in points with Tyler Bertuzzi (two goals) and Gustav Nyquist (five assists) at five. Both goalies have not been able to stem the tide as Jimmy Howard owns a 3.99 goals-against average in four games and Jonathan Bernier is at 5.07 in three appearances.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (3-1-0): Stamkos posted one assist with eight shots in the first four contests and his goal-scoring drought in the regular season has reached 16 games, dating back to a five-point night (two goals) against Philadelphia on March 3. Stamkos' linemates - Brayden Points (three goals) and Yanni Gourde (two) - are tied with forward J.T. Miller for second on the team in points with four, trailing only Johnson (five). Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (.950 save percentage) is expected back in net after being rested Tuesday and is 6-0-0 lifetime versus Detroit.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit F Thomas Vanek scored his first goal and point of the season Monday and is four assists from 400 in his career.

2. The Lightning, who were 28th in the league in penalty killing last season, are 18-for-18 in the first four games.

3. The Red Wings last won in Tampa Bay on April 25, 2015 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.

PREDICTION: Lightning 5, Red Wings 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 09:19 AM

Vancouver Canucks vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 17th October 2018 by Gracenote
Canucks vs. Jets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/17/2018

After losing the first two of a six-game road trip, the Vancouver Canucks extended their winning streak to three on Brock Boeser's overtime goal Tuesday, and head to Winnipeg on Thursday to face the Jets. Boeser, who scored 29 goals last season and finished as runner-up for the Calder Trophy, scored his second game-winning goal during the win streak as the Canucks improved to 3-2-0 away from home with a 3-2 win at Pittsburgh.

"What a road game that was against a hockey team that's obviously pretty deep," Vancouver coach Travis Green told reporters in describing his team, which won just 15 games on the road last season. "I think we're starting to figure out how we need to play as a group." The Jets raced to a 4-1 lead after two periods Tuesday at home against Edmonton, only to see the Oilers rally for three third-period goals before falling 5-4 in overtime. It was a difficult loss to swallow for the Jets, who got two early goals from Adam Lowry and arguably played two of their best periods of the season before the Oilers dominated the final 20 minutes. "Yeah, 4-1 should be game over," Jets captain Blake Wheeler told the media afterward. "Our line went out and gave up one early on and gave them momentum."

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

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (4-2-0): Vancouver prevailed Tuesday despite now having rookie forward Elias Pettersson, the team's leader in goals (five) and points (eight) who is in NHL concussion protocol. Forward Tim Schaller finished with two assists and led the Canucks with seven hits, while goaltender Anders Nilsson turned aside 26 shots - including 22 of the final 23 he faced after the first period. Defenseman Ben Hutton scored his first goal in 77 games and played a team high-tying 33 shifts.

ABOUT THE JETS (3-2-1): One early-season positive for Winnipeg is the play of Lowry, who netted his second and third goals of the season in a 2:56 span of the opening period. Defenseman Josh Morrissey collected his fifth assist of the season, and third in two games, but the defense as a whole let down goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (30 saves) as Edmonton scored twice in the opening 2:28 of the third. Winnipeg gave up multiple power-play goals for the second time in six games.

OVERTIME

1. Jets rookie F Kristian Vesalainen was a healthy scratch for the first time this season Tuesday, after managing one shot on goal through the first five games.

2. Nilsson has posted a .943 save percentage and allowed just five goals while starting all three games of Vancouver's win streak.

3. Winnipeg outscored the Canucks 10-3 in winning all three matchups last season.

PREDICTION: Jets 3, Canucks 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 09:19 AM

Arizona Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 17th October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/17/2018

The Chicago Blackhawks have yet to lose in regulation but that's not the streak they want to stop when they host the struggling Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. Chicago set an NHL record in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues, becoming the first team in league history to open the season with five consecutive overtime games.

"I don't know. I think we just love playing 3-on-3 or something," Blackhawks forward Nick Schmaltz said. "But five in a row is crazy to start a year." Chicago has been a sieve on defense but could see the return of No. 1 goaltender Corey Crawford, who has been sidelined for nearly 10 months. The punchless Coyotes arrive in the Windy City with the league's most feeble offense, scoring a mere three goals and getting shut out three times in five games. Arizona, which has dropped its last four in Chicago, snapped a nine-game losing streak in the series with a 6-1 victory over the Blackhawks on Feb. 12.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE COYOTES (1-4-0): Arizona opened its four-game road trip with a 2-1 loss at Minnesota, managing just a power-play goal from Brendan Perlini, but it remains in search of its first even-strength tally. The Coyotes are not lacking for scoring opportunities -- they had 32 shots against the Wild and have recorded at least 30 shots in each of the first five games. "I thought we had our chances," Arizona coach Rick Tocchet said after the latest loss. "When you don't score, everything is magnified. That's the problem."

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (3-0-2): Chicago has already allowed 21 goals in its five games and could use Crawford, a two-time Stanley Cup winner who has not played since Dec. 23 due to concussion issues. Crawford has been practicing since the end of September and "looks good," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Practices have been great," Crawford said. "I've been getting the timing a little bit more, getting up to speed and reading shots and all of that. We're still going to wait until tomorrow morning (to decide), but right now I'm feeling good."

OVERTIME

1. Blackhawks F Alex DeBrincat scored twice against St. Louis to give him a team-leading six goals.

2. The Coyotes rank fifth in the league, killing off 11 of 12 penalties.

3. Chicago has been awful on special teams, converting 2 of 11 on the power play and thwarting 11 of 17 penalties.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Coyotes 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-18-2018, 09:19 AM

Boston Bruins vs. Edmonton Oilers Preview and Predictions 10-18-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 18th October 2018 by Gracenote
Bruins vs. Oilers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/18/2018

After breaking even on their season-opening four-game road trip, the Edmonton Oilers finally get to enjoy the comforts of home Thursday as they face off against the Boston Bruins in their opener at Rogers Place. Edmonton began the campaign with a loss to New Jersey in Sweden and fell in Boston before posting back-to-back one-goal victories.

The most recent triumph came in overtime at Winnipeg on Tuesday, when defenseman Darnell Nurse scored 1:25 into the extra session to complete a comeback from a 4-1 deficit. Captain Connor McDavid, who is the reigning two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, etched his name in the NHL record book by notching a point in each of the Oilers' first nine goals of the season after registering two tallies and two assists in the win. Boston continues its four-game trek through Canada after having its four-game winning streak snapped in the opener at Calgary 5-2 on Wednesday. Patrice Bergeron has been red-hot for the Bruins, registering five consecutive multi-point performances after notching a goal and an assist versus the Flames.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sportsnet One (Edmonton)

ABOUT THE BRUINS (4-2-0): Bergeron tops the team with 13 points and is one goal behind leader David Pastrnak with six, putting him five away from 300 for his career. The 33-year-old is not the only member of the club riding a five-game point streak, as Brad Marchand tallied Wednesday to give him two goals and nine assists during his run while Pastrnak has collected seven goals and three assists after setting up a score versus Calgary. David Krejci has notched four assists over his last three games and five overall this season but remains in search of his first goal.

ABOUT THE OILERS (2-2-0): McDavid, who is the lone member of the team with more than one goal (four), seemed to be embarrassed about his recent accomplishment. "I'm not overly proud of it," the 21-year-old, who broke the previous record set in 1986-87 by Adam Oates (seven with Detroit), told reporters. "I don't think it's a stat we should be proud of either. It is what it is, but we found a way to get a goal there at the end (without me), so we don't ever have to talk about it again." Ryan Nugent-Hopkins collected four assists against the Jets, leaving him one shy of 200 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. McDavid scored in last Thursday's 4-1 setback in Boston.

2. Bergeron registered a game-high seven shots against Calgary after recording a total of 14 over his first five games.

3. Edmonton LW Drake Caggiula (undisclosed) did not participate in Wednesday's practice and will be re-evaluated Thursday.

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Oilers 2

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

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

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