Tuesday 10-23-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:55 AM

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers are back in the World Series for the second straight season and the Boston Red Sox won a franchise-record 108 games this year. The powerful teams begin pursuit of a championship when the Red Sox host the Dodgers on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Fall Classic at Fenway Park.

Boston is searching for its fourth World Series crown in 14 years while the Dodgers are attempting to end a title drought that dates to 1988. Left-handers Chris Sale (Red Sox) and Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles) square off in the opener of the best-of-7 series in which Boston is viewed as favorites. "I like the underdog role," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at Monday's press conference. "I do know that everyone in our clubhouse doesn't see it as icing on the cake. It's been our goal since last year to win a World Series. So it's a good club over there but we still like our guys, and it's going to be a good one." The Red Sox rolled through the defending World Series champion Houston Astros in five games in the American League Championship Series while Los Angeles prevailed in seven games over the Milwaukee Brewers on the National League side.

TV: 8:09 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (2-1, 2.37 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (1-0, 3.48)

Kershaw will be pitching at Fenway Park for the first time during a stellar career that includes three NL Cy Young Awards. "I don't really think about that stuff," Kershaw said during a press conference. "I appreciate the history and everything that goes along with Fenway Park. ... Check this one off as far as pitching (Tuesday), but I don't really think about the history part of it too much, honestly." The 30-year-old Kershaw has experienced mixed results in the postseason and stands 9-8 with a 4.09 ERA in 28 career appearances (22 starts).

Sale will be pitching for the first time in 10 days and said he is fully healthy now after his mysterious stomach ailment that led to him being hospitalized and missing a start in the ALCS. "There's no holding back now, I think," Sale said during a press conference while sidestepping questions about the stomach. "My job's been the same since the first day I got here. You hand me the ball when you want me to throw it, and take it out of my hand when you want me to stop." The 29-year-old Sale is 1-2 with a 5.85 ERA in five career postseason appearances (three starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Two left-handers will again match up in Wednesday's Game 2 as Roberts tabbed Hyun-Jin Ryu to start and Red Sox manager Alex Cora chose David Price.

2. RF Mookie Betts continues to work out at second base as Boston looks to get DH J.D. Martinez into the lineup in an outfield spot when the series moves to Dodger Stadium for Games 3-5.

3. Matt Kemp will serve as Los Angeles DH with the opener being in an AL ballpark.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Dodgers 5

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:55 AM

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
76ers vs. Pistons Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Detroit Pistons look to open the campaign with their third straight victory when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Forward Blake Griffin averaged 29.5 points and 10 rebounds as Detroit beat the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls.

Griffin is in the early stages of his full first season with the Pistons and he said that the club is already playing with an urgency under new coach Dwane Casey. "These are must-win games," Griffin told reporters. "The goal is to get to the playoffs, but it's small steps along the way. We've got to be locked in." Philadelphia has won two straight after losing its opener but could be without point guard Ben Simmons (back), who is questionable after playing just eight minutes before departing Saturday's win over the Orlando Magic. "Nobody said he's definitely not playing," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters after Monday's practice. "He's progressing. He did not go through practice ... but he's progressing."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBATV, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Detroit

ABOUT THE 76ERS (2-1): Veteran shooting guard JJ Redick is being utilized as a sixth man and he played the role well with a 31-point effort in the 116-115 victory over Orlando. The 34-year-old Redick knocked down eight 3-point baskets - including the decisive one with 17 seconds left - while falling one shy of his personal best for long-range makes. "I love playing with him," center Joel Embiid told reporters. "When it comes to sharing the ball, whether I'm going to set a screen for him or just hand the ball off, I know I'm going to be happy with the outcome. The only thing is I wish he was 24 years old so we could play 10 years together, but he's old."

ABOUT THE PISTONS (2-0): Casey is learning his new players after spending seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors and has been surprisingly impressed with Griffin's intelligence. "Blake's an All-Star. He's an All-Pro," Casey told reporters. "He's finally healthy. When teams try to double team, he makes the right decisions. I didn't know his basketball IQ was as high as it is. Unbelievable. He sees things before it happens." Center Andre Drummond, who is averaging 17 points and 16.5 rebounds, missed Monday's practice with the flu and will be a game-time decision, according to Casey.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers went 4-0 against the Pistons last season after Detroit prevailed in six of the previous seven meetings.

2. Embiid has reached at least 30 points in two straight games and is averaging 28.3 points and 10.7 rebounds.

3. Detroit backup PG Ish Smith is averaging 13 points and scored in double digits in both games.

PREDICTION: 76ers 105, Pistons 103

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:55 AM

LA Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The New Orleans Pelicans averaged 140 points while winning their first two games and look for another scoring splurge when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. The Pelicans scored 131 points in their season-opening pounding of the Houston Rockets and followed up with a franchise-record 149 in a rout of the Sacramento Kings.

Forward Nikola Mirotic is averaging 33 points and 9.5 rebounds while big man Anthony Davis is contributing 28.5 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists as New Orleans won its first two games by an average of 19.5 points. "We've been just playing fast, sharing the ball, playing very unselfish," Mirotic told reporters. "I think we're going to be big trouble for the rest of the teams." The Clippers went 2-1 on a season-opening three-game homestand and are starting a stretch in which six of eight games are on the road. Los Angeles established a franchise record by making all 26 free throws during Sunday's 115-112 win over the Houston Rockets.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS New Orleans

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (2-1): Rookie guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is displaying that he will be an immediate contributor as he reached double digits twice while averaging 8.3 points during the homestand. The 20-year-old had a solid all-around game in the win over the Rockets with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists and also is an asset on the defensive end. "We're all composed and not fazed by the moment," Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters. "I'm always really confident in myself. I know how hard I work and it pays off."

ABOUT THE PELICANS (2-0): Mirotic is a scorching 11-of-17 from 3-point range and has tallied 30 or more points in both games, including a career-high 36 in the triumph over the Kings. "I had all of preseason to understand where I need to be, where are my best spots," Mirotic told reporters, referencing his February arrival last season in a trade from the Chicago Bulls. "I think this is going to be a great year, but I want to be solid on both sides of the court. I know defensively I can step up, be better and rebound the ball. Those are my goals." Davis registered double-doubles in both games and has made 21-of-33 shots from the field.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Davis averaged 29.8 points and 11.5 rebounds as the Pelicans went 3-1 against the Clippers last season.

2. Los Angeles F Danilo Gallinari has scored at least 20 points in consecutive games for the second time since joining the team last season.

3. New Orleans PF Julius Randle is averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds in his first two games since being signed as a free agent in the offseason.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 113, Clippers 105

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:55 AM

Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Kings vs. Nuggets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Denver Nuggets are off to their best start in nine years and look to post a fourth straight win when they host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. The Nuggets defeated the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors in their last outing to record their best opening stretch since winning their first five in the 2009-10 campaign.

Denver held each of its first three opponents under 100 points and is allowing 95.7, a figure that highly pleases coach Michael Malone. "The thing that stands out to me is keeping three straight opponents under 100 points - means our guys care about it, they are committed to it, and the multiple effort is there," Malone told reporters. "... If we continue to defend at the level we're defending at and we get our offensive rhythm going, I think we could be a really good team." Sacramento has averaged 130 points while splitting the first two contests of a three-game road trip, and is coming off a 131-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Guard Iman Shumpert scored 26 points as one of seven Kings to score in double digits.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE KINGS (1-2): Shumpert's high-scoring effort was a welcome sign as the former Cleveland Cavaliers' starter is now healthy from the foot injury that limited him to 14 games with the Cavs before the February trade to the Kings. "Being able to play that preseason game, that was a different type of happiness for me after sitting out a year," Shumpert told reporters. "I joke around about it a lot, but I'm serious as a heart attack when I say it: I don't wish that on anybody, not being able to play." Point guard De'Aaron Fox is playing well with averages of 20.3 points and 7.7 assists after contributing 22 points and 10 assists against Oklahoma City.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (3-0): Denver was dealt a blow when it learned Monday that explosive small forward Will Barton will require hip surgery and miss approximately five to six weeks. Barton was injured on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns when he felt a pop while driving to the basket and was eventually carted off before undergoing an MRI exam on Sunday. Barton, who averaged 15.7 points last season, had won a starting position in training camp and the expectation was that he might become a 20-point scorer with the increase in minutes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets went 3-1 against the Kings last season.

2. Sacramento rookie F Marvin Bagley III is averaging 16 points and 7.5 rebounds over the past two games.

3. Denver PG Jamal Murray (leg) suffered through a 0-of-9 shooting night against Golden State but is expected to play Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 105, Kings 98

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:58 AM

Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Panthers vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Florida Panthers begin life on the road Tuesday when they play the first of five games away from home against the New York Rangers. The Panthers will remain in the Metropolitan area with stops versus the New York Islanders (Wednesday) and New Jersey (Saturday) before heading to Finland to face Winnipeg as part of the 2018 NHL Global Series.

After notching its first victory on Friday, Florida ventured past regulation for the third straight outing the following night before dropping a 4-3 overtime decision to previously winless Detroit. Mike Hoffman scored versus the Red Wings to extend his point streak to four games (two goals, two assists), however the 28-year-old was kept off the scoresheet in all three encounters versus the Rangers in 2017-18. While the Panthers posted a 2-0-1 mark against New York last season, the Rangers have recorded at least one point in 13 of 15 matchups (10-2-3) versus Florida since the start of the 2013-14 campaign. Chris Kreider, who collected two goals and two assists against the Panthers last season, has unleashed 15 shots on goal in his last three outings overall.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Florida, MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (1-2-3): Florida allowed three goals to Detroit in the second period to raise its total to 14 during the middle session, a stunning number considering it has permitted just eight in the first and third combined. "We come out strong, come away with a lead, but we seem to let it slip a little bit in the second period," Hoffman told reporters. "We can have our foot on the gas, but maybe we're just letting up a little bit too much in the second." Michael Hutchinson (1-0-2, 3.75 GAA, .853 save percentage) has been confirmed to start on Tuesday with fellow goaltender James Reimer likely to be in net the following night.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (2-5-1): New York has received a jolt from its power play with at least one goal in each of the last three games and five total in its last six heading into a tilt with Florida, which sports the 30th-ranked penalty kill (66.7 percent). Mika Zibanejad scored with the man advantage against Calgary in a 4-1 loss Sunday and has three goals along with an assist in his last four games. Defenseman Neal Pionk has three power-play assists in his last two contests while Mats Zuccarello also set up a goal on Sunday to claim the team lead in assists (six) while pulling even with Kreider in points (six).

OVERTIME

1. New York G Alexandar Georgiev, who yielded seven goals on 39 shots in his lone NHL start this season, was recalled on Monday and will be in net to face Florida.

2. Each of the Panthers' six games have been decided by one goal.

3. The Rangers have recorded 30 or more shots on goal in each of their last three games and in five of eight contests this season.

PREDICTION: Panthers 3, Rangers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:58 AM

Arizona Coyotes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Columbus Blue Jackets go after their seventh straight victory in the series when they host the struggling Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night to complete a three-game homestand. The Blue Jackets rolled to a 6-3 victory over Philadelphia on Thursday before registering 38 shots in a 4-1 loss to Chicago two nights later to start their run at Nationwide Arena.

"I thought we played a really good hockey game, by far our best of the year," Columbus coach John Tortorella told reporters after the setback. "I just hated us losing patience the last five minutes. We just need to stay with it." The Blue Jackets, who expect to have All-Star defenseman Seth Jones back from a knee injury, outscored the Coyotes 3-1 combined in a pair of victories last season and will face an Arizona team coming off its best two offensive games of the season this time around. The Coyotes earned a 4-1 victory at Chicago on Thursday for their second win of the campaign - a mark that took them eight more games to achieve in 2017-18 - and recorded 45 shots while battling powerful Winnipeg to the end in a 5-3 loss on Saturday. "It's good to see some go in," Arizona center Clayton Keller told reporters after producing three goals in the last two games. "We played hard (Saturday). We were right there. We learned a lot about our team."

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

ABOUT THE COYOTES (2-5-0): Promising forward Christian Dvorak underwent surgery on a torn pectoral muscle - an injury that occured while he was rehabbing a different ailment - and will be out indefinitely, opening up opportunities for others. One of those that is earning more playing time with Dvorak and Alex Galchenyuk (groin) out is Dylan Strome, who has a goal and 16 shots (five against Winnipeg) in the first seven games. Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (four assists) and center Derek Stepan (one assist, team-high 24 shots) are seeking their first goal of the season.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (4-3-0): Jones, who registered career highs of 16 goals and 57 points last season, will wear a brace on his right knee for his 2018-19 debut after sitting out the first seven contests. Right wing Cam Atkinson had two goals in the win over Philadelphia, but was a minus-4 despite four shots on net in the loss to Chicago, and leads the Blue Jackets with 28 shots. Left wing Artemi Panarin tops the team with nine points and fellow forward Josh Anderson shares the lead with Atkinson at four goals while leading Columbus with a plus-5 rating.

OVERTIME

1. Arizona D Alex Goligoski has yet to record a point and owns a minus-7 rating in the first seven contests.

2. Columbus G Sergei Bobrovsky is 6-1-1 with a .937 save percentage and 2.02 goals-against average versus Arizona.

3. The Coyotes have converted just two of 19 opportunities with the man advantage and the Blue Jackets are 4-for-29 on the power play.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Coyotes 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:58 AM

Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Flames vs. Canadiens Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Montreal Canadiens have been one of the biggest surprises in the early going this season, but they must rebound from a disappointing loss when the Calgary Flames pay a visit Tuesday night. The Canadiens posted 15 shots and took a two-goal lead in the first period Saturday before managing 12 shots the rest of the way to suffer a 4-3 overtime loss at Ottawa, ending a three-game win streak.

"I don't think we played a very smart hockey game," Montreal right wing Brendan Gallagher told reporters after the setback. "You have to be smart, especially on the road. We had a good first period and then we made some silly plays." The Canadiens will try to deal with the adversity in a positive way when they take on the Flames, who have been up and down in the season's first month while allowing five goals each in three losses and nine in the five wins. Calgary survived a barrage of shots in Sunday's 4-1 win at the New York Rangers as backup goalie David Rittich made 44 saves en route to his second victory in two starts. Johnny Gaudreau scored twice in the victory to reach 300 points (198 assists) in his career and boasts four goals in his last four games for the Flames, who have won three of their last four on the road.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Flames (Calgary), RDS, TSN2 (Montreal)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (5-3-0): Gaudreau was tied for seventh in the league with 12 points entering Monday's games and is deadlocked with linemate Elias Lindholm for the team lead at five goals - one better than the third man of the dangerous trio Sean Monahan. Defenseman Mark Giordano is off to a strong start for Calgary, registering a goal and six assists with team-best plus-8 rating. The Flames are just 1-for-16 on the power play over the last five games after converting 5-of-10 in the previous two contests and the Lindholm-Monahan-Gaudreau line has five of the six tallies with the man advantage.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (4-1-2): Left wing Tomas Tatar did not have a shot on net and was kept off the scoresheet Saturday after collecting three goals and four assists during a three-game stretch, but leads the team with eight points. Paul Byron (seven points) had a goal and an assist against Ottawa last time out and fellow forward Jonathan Drouin has put together a four-game point streak. Price (2-1-2, 2.57 goals-against, .904 save percentage) is expected to go after his 289th win, which would tie him with Patrick Roy for second in franchise history - behind only Jacques Plante (314).

OVERTIME

1. Flames D T.J. Brodie, who has four points and a plus-3 rating this season, is slated to play his 500th NHL game Tuesday.

2. Montreal placed C Tomas Plekanec (lower back) on injured reserve and F Nicolas Deslauriers (facial fracture) made his season debut Saturday.

3. Calgary's Michael Frolik needs one assist to reach 200 in his career and fellow F James Neal is three points from 500.

PREDICTION: Flames 3, Canadiens 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:58 AM

Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Boston Bruins are battling injury problems and a mini-scoring drought as they prepare to face the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night in the finale of a four-game trip through Canada. The Bruins have managed five goals while going 0-1-2 on the first three legs of their journey and could be without as many as four regulars when they take on the surging Senators.

"It's just frustrating," Boston forward David Pastrnak told reporters after a 2-1 overtime loss at Vancouver on Saturday. "Definitely, it (hasn't gone) the way we wanted on this trip but we lost back-to-back in overtime, and that can go either way." Torey Krug (ankle) is still not ready for his season debut, fellow defensemen Kevan Miller (hand) and Charlie McAvoy (undisclosed) were sent back to Boston for observation and power forward David Backes (undisclosed) was a late scratch Saturday for the Bruins. Ottawa, which dropped a 6-3 decision at Boston on Oct. 8 and has lost five in a row to the Bruins overall, are winners of three straight after Mark Stone's overtime tally beat Montreal 4-3 on Saturday. "I'll be honest with you, I was getting pretty tired at the end of the game," Stone told reporters after scoring two goals to pull within one of 100 in his career. "I had one chance to maybe try and finish it and I took it."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), RDS1, TSN5 (Montreal)

ABOUT THE BRUINS (4-2-2): With three defensemen out of the lineup, 19-year-old rookie Urho Vaakanainen made his NHL debut Saturday and recorded a shot while registering a minus-1 rating in 12:26 of ice time. Coach Bruce Cassidy broke up the top line of Patrice Bergeron (13 points), Brad Marchand (12) and Pastrnak (11, including eight goals) against Vancouver before reuniting the talented trio in the third period. "I didn't think we manufactured anything in the first period of note, so shake them up a little bit," Cassidy told reporters. "It was just trying to generate a little offense. I thought we were a little stagnant."

ABOUT THE SENATORS (4-2-1): Center Matt Duchene notched his first goal of the season Saturday, has strung together three straight multi-point contests and told reporters, "It's nice to get it out of the way. Now it's time to get more." Duchene has eight points, one behind defenseman Thomas Chabot and center Chris Tierney for the team lead while Stone and blue liner Maxime Lajoie top the Senators with four goals each. Ryan Dzingel returned to the lineup Saturday after missing two games with a lower-body injury and fellow forward Alex Formenton (concussion) could return after sitting out the last three.

OVERTIME

1. Tierney is the fourth Ottawa player to post at least a point in the first seven games of a season, joining Alexandre Daigle, Dany Heatley and Filip Kuba.

2. Boston backup Jaroslav Halak (2-0-2, 1.74 goals-against, .933 save percentage) has outplayed No. 1 G Tuukka Rask (2-2-0, 4.08, .875) thus far.

3. Senators D Cody Ceci (upper body) reportedly skated in a regular jersey at practice and could return after missing the last three games.

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Senators 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:58 AM

San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Sharks vs. Predators Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Nashville Predators will be challenged to continue their NHL-best 7-1-0 start without reigning Vezina Trophy winner Pekka Rinne, but will still be in good hands when they host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Juuse Saros, Nashville's No. 2 goaltender, is 4-0-0 with a 1.54 goals-against average and .945 save percentage this season and 25-14-10, 2.36, .925 in 52 career games as Rinne's backup.

"You could call him the best backup goalie in the league or you could just call him one of the best goalies in the league," Predators forward Filip Forsberg, who boasts team highs of five goals and eight points, told reporters. "He could definitely be a starter on many other teams if he wasn't behind the Vezina Trophy winner." Rinne (undisclosed injury), who left Friday's 5-3 victory at Calgary after colliding with teammate Kevin Fiala, and Saros have backboned the NHL's stingiest club as Nashville allows a league-low 1.88 goals per game. San Jose begins a three-game road trip after defeating Buffalo and the New York Islanders at home by a combined 9-2. "I liked how we played," Sharks coach Peter DeBoer told reporters. "I think we played some pretty good hockey all year. We didn't get rewarded on the road to start the season, but I knew it was a matter of time if we kept playing that way. We got home here, we're comfortable, we started to score, we feel a little bit confident. There's two good home wins for us. We go back on the road again now."

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

ABOUT THE SHARKS (4-3-1): Joe Thornton, who has 397 goals and 1,428 points in 1,495 games, made the trip but is questionable to play because of a knee infection that has forced him to miss the last six games. "He's getting closer, but we're not there yet," DeBoer told reporters after Sunday's practice. "I actually think this might be a blessing, because when they took another look at it when he got the infection and confirmed that structurally, it looks fantastic. So there's nothing else we've got to do." Logan Couture boasts team highs of five goals and eight points after scoring four times in the last two games and recording six points in his last three contests.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (7-1-0): Viktor Arvidsson has four goals after scoring in Saturday's 3-0 victory at Edmonton while Saros made 31 saves in recording his fifth career shutout and first this season. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm (two goals, seven points) is a club-best plus-8 as every full-time player is a plus except Fiala (minus-2). Top four defensemen Roman Josi (23 minutes, 57 seconds ice time per game), Ryan Ellis (23:38), P.K. Subban (23:14) and Ekholm (21:32) are playing the most for Nashville, which has allowed only 10 goals during even-strength situations.

OVERTIME

1. San Jose has killed 15-of-16 penalties over the last four games after yielding five in 18 opportunities in its first four contests while Nashville is 3-for-27 on the power play.

2. Nashville will call up G Troy Grosenick, 29, to back up Saros. Grosenick has appeared in two NHL games - with San Jose in 2014-15.

3. The Predators have won four of the last five meetings overall and six straight encounters at home (playoffs included), and are 12-0-1 in their last 13 games versus the Sharks at Bridgestone Arena.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Sharks 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:58 AM

Los Angeles Kings vs. Dallas Stars Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Kings vs. Stars Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Los Angeles Kings are banking that a closed-door meeting will lead to opening the doors to success on Tuesday when they begin a two-game road trip against the Dallas Stars. The Kings have been outscored 21-5 during their four-game losing skid, including 12-3 on a homestand that saw lopsided setbacks to the New York Islanders and Buffalo.

"When things have been going wrong, a bad bounce here or there, things have been going south. ... You got to work to get the luck back on your side, and we haven't done enough working and competing," said defenseman Drew Doughty, who scored in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Sabres. Former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick has struggled in his return from a lower-body injury with 10 goals allowed on 54 shots heading into Tuesday's tilt versus Dallas, against which he sports a 17-10-2 mark with two shutouts in 29 career appearances. The Stars have cooled considerably since winning three of four to start the season, getting outscored 10-2 during their three-game losing skid. "As a coach, you got to be consistent. You've got to focus on what you believe," Dallas coach Jim Montgomery told reporters after practice Monday. "Then, you got to practice and play to your team identity."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, KCOP13 (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE KINGS (2-5-1): Los Angeles' offense is scoring just 1.88 goals per game to reside second-worst in the league (Arizona, 1.43) and a punchless power play (3-for-28) isn't doing the club any favors, either. "It's the work and the fight to get the puck," coach John Stevens told reporters. "You can talk about scoring all you want, you need the puck to do that. And for two periods (Saturday), all we did was chase it. We've gotta get to work." The Kings' calling card over the years has been their defense, but the club has been gashed for 3.50 goals per contest this season.

ABOUT THE STARS (3-4-0): Jason Spezza, who scored his team's lone goal in Friday's 3-1 setback to Minnesota, knows points are at a premium considering the fast start of some of the other clubs in the Central Division. "We're learning, but in the meantime, we have to be sure we're getting points and winning games when we can, especially with six games on the road coming up," the 35-year-old Spezza told the media. "That's no small task. Let's be honest, these next two home games are big to set that up." Dallas could receive a boost with the potential return of forward Alexander Radulov, who missed Friday's contest with a lower-body injury.

OVERTIME

1. Dallas C Tyler Seguin has been held off the scoresheet in three straight contests after collecting three goals and seven assists in his previous three.

2. Kings F Alex Iafallo, who is riding a career high-tying three-game assist streak, has set up a team-leading five goals and owns a club-best seven points.

3. Dallas reached out on Monday to Texas of the American Hockey League and recalled C Justin Dowling, who had recorded two goals and four assists in seven games.

PREDICTION: Stars 4, Kings 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:59 AM

Anaheim Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Ducks vs. Blackhawks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

The Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks are 1-2 in the NHL in most shots allowed, so Tuesday's encounter in the Windy City could be an exercise in each team trying to take pressure off its goaltender. Chicago is coming off a 6-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday in which the Lightning set a franchise standard with 55 shots, including 33 in the middle stanza - an NHL record since shots by period became an official statistic in 1997-98.

"That was a tough, tough period in all aspects. I don't think we touched the puck at all, and that was the part that was disturbing against a good hockey team,'' Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville told reporters. Anaheim yielded 45 shots in Sunday's 4-2 loss to Buffalo - the fourth time it has permitted 41 or more this season - and leads the NHL at 37.9 allowed per game compared to Chicago's 37.1. The Ducks are also last in shots taken at 23.8 while the Blackhawks were fourth-best through Sunday's games at 35.0. "We need to be more predictable and play with the puck more," Anaheim's Sam Steel, who scored his first NHL goal Sunday, told reporters. "Whenever they're getting that many shots, that means they've got the puck for a good portion."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Anaheim), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE DUCKS (5-3-1): Rickard Rakell (goal, four assists) has recorded only two assists in the last eight games since recording a goal and two helpers opening night and is a team-worst minus-4. Ryan Kesler (three goals, four points in six games) was a minus-3 combined Sunday and in Saturday's 3-1 loss at Vegas while not recording a point in either contest. John Gibson (4-2-1, 1.91 goals-against average, .949 save percentage) is expected to be back in goal after Ryan Miller (1-1-0, 2.17, .938) was peppered Sunday.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (4-2-2): Jonathan Toews (five goals, 10 points), who hasn't recorded a point in the last two games, will play his 800th contest Tuesday and is three goals shy of 300. Patrick Kane has two goals and two assists in his last two games, increasing his team-best total to seven scores and 12 points. Alex DeBrincat (11 points), who also has seven goals, saw his season-opening seven-game point streak come to an end Sunday.

OVERTIME

1. Steel (20-years-old) is the fourth Anaheim player to score his first NHL goal this season, joining Max Comtois (19), Kiefer Sherwood (23) and Ben Street (31).

2. Chicago G Corey Crawford (1-1-0, 2.05, .941) is expected to start Tuesday as he works his way back from a concussion.

3. Anaheim has won four of the last five meetings, including a 3-2 victory Feb. 15 in Chicago.

PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Blackhawks 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 06:59 AM

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers Preview and Predictions 10-23-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 22nd October 2018 by Gracenote
Penguins vs. Oilers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/22/2018

After shutting down one high-scoring forward in their last outing, the Pittsburgh Penguins bid to repeat the feat on Tuesday when they begin a three-game road trip through Western Canada with a visit to captain Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Defenseman Kris Letang and company kept Auston Matthews and Toronto off the scoresheet as the Penguins posted a 3-0 triumph on Thursday.

"They're tremendous young players that are taking over the league right now. They're incredible. Sometimes you're playing against them and you get caught watching them," said Letang, who has a generational talent in his locker room in Sidney Crosby. A two-time Hart Trophy winner, Crosby notched his third assist in four games as the Penguins improved to 2-0-2 in their last four by blanking the Maple Leafs. Edmonton aims to rebound after Saturday's 3-0 setback to Nashville snapped a three-game winning streak. McDavid, who is a former Hart Trophy recipient and two-time league scoring title winner, added another honor to his resume on Monday after being named the NHL Second Star of the Week following a six-point performance - with two goals and as many assists coming in a 5-4 overtime victory versus Winnipeg last Tuesday.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TVA, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, Sportsnet One (Edmonton)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (3-1-2): Evgeni Malkin scored two goals and set up Letang for another against Toronto to push his point streak to four games (two goals, seven assists). The 32-year-old leads Pittsburgh in both assists (nine) and points (12) heading into Tuesday's encounter with Edmonton, against which he scored the go-ahead goal in third period of a 3-2 road win on Nov. 1. Matt Murray turned aside 35 shots to preserve the victory in that contest and made 38 saves against the Maple Leafs on the heels of surrendering 11 goals on 65 shots in his previous two games.

ABOUT THE OILERS (3-3-0): Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded all seven of his points (two goals, five assists) in three games before being kept under wraps by the Predators. The top overall pick of the 2011 Draft, Nugent-Hopkins scored in the 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh in November to increase his point total to eight (four goals, four assists) in 11 career encounters versus the club. Like Nugent-Hopkins, fellow forward Leon Draisaitl also had a three-game point streak halted in Music City and scored in that November contest against the Penguins.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh has won in its last four visits to Edmonton.

2. The Oilers have failed to record a lead after the first period in any game this season.

3. Pittsburgh's second-ranked penalty kill (92.9 percent) will look to subdue Edmonton's eighth-ranked power play (27.8).

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Oilers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 07:01 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes - Race 2

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

Claiming $5,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 75 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 1:37P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON THREE RACES SINCE OCTOBER 23, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE SEPTEMBER 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $4,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Trailer. CHUMP CHANGE is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * CHUMP CHANGE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. COLONIAL LASS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. MARKET MUSIC: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the di stance/surface.
3
CHUMP CHANGE
8/5

5/2
5
COLONIAL LASS
3/1

5/1
1
MARKET MUSIC
2/1

6/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
MARKET MUSIC
1

2/1
Front-runner
71

66

77.6

54.8

48.3
5
COLONIAL LASS
5

3/1
Front-runner
68

64

66.4

61.4

56.4
3
CHUMP CHANGE
3

8/5
Trailer
77

63

43.8

68.8

65.8
2
MELODRAMATIC MISS
2

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

66

72.2

53.2

44.7
4
TWIST 'N SHOUT
4

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
79

61

67.2

57.8

50.8

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-23-2018, 07:01 AM

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

Race 4 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 47

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS MAIDENS, THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 POPULAR SMITTY 2/1

# 5 HOOSIERENTEPRENEUR 9/2

# 6 RATTLE MY CHAIN 5/1

POPULAR SMITTY looks strong to best this field. There is a very good chance that this entry's late pace will improve with second time Lasix. This pony has to be in good form coming back to race so quickly. HOOSIERENTEPRENEUR - The average Equibase class figure alone makes this entrant a solid choice. Reece has him trained soundly to break quickly out of the gate. RATTLE MY CHAIN - Ouzts ought to be able to get this gelding to break out quickly in this contest.

Tuesday 10-23-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 10-23-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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