Thursday 10-25-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

The Portland Trail Blazers begin a four-game road trip with a visit to the improving Orlando Magic on Thursday. The Trail Blazers went 2-1 on a three-game homestand and now open a road excursion against an Orlando team coming off a road win at Boston.

Portland sees the trip as an opportunity to pick up wins as it plays the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets after the stop in Orlando. "Going into this trip we look at all these games like they're winnable," star guard Damian Lillard told reporters. "If we go out there with the mentality that we've had so far, I think we'll be fine." The Magic are brimming with confidence after Monday's 93-90 victory over the Celtics, a game they never trailed while holding off Boston's late-game charge. "I think it's more of a team thing because we played so well," Orlando forward Jonathan Isaac told reporters, "and it shows us what we're capable of as a team when we play together and we're focused."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (2-1): Portland dropped a 125-124 overtime decision to the Washington Wizards on Monday, a contest in which Lillard was a porous 7-of-21 shooting despite scoring 29 points and also contributing eight rebounds and eight assists. "I might be missing shots, but I'm always here for the game," Lillard told the media. "Sometimes it don't go. You've got to continue to be aggressive. Shots weren't falling." Center Jusuf Nurkic enjoyed a big game with 22 points and 18 rebounds - nine of his boards coming on the offensive end.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (2-2): First-round pick Mohamed Bamba played 19 scoreless minutes against Boston and is being brought along slowly by the coaching staff. The 7-footer, who was the sixth overall pick, is averaging 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, but has just five points on 2-of-11 shooting over the last three contests. "When people talk about him starting, he's not going to be ready this year physically to play 32 minutes. He's just not," Orlando coach Steve Clifford told reporters of the 20-year-old. "That's just not his body. Again, at his age and where he is physically, he's not capable of playing 30 minutes."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Trail Blazers won both of last season's meetings and have prevailed in four of the past five.

2. Portland F Al-Farouq Aminu had 16 points and 15 rebounds against the Wizards for his first double-double of the season.

3. Orlando C Timofey Mozgov (knee) is expected to miss his fifth straight game.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 102, Magic 98

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Celtics vs. Thunder Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

Star point guard Russell Westbrook looked pretty solid in his season debut but there wasn't a victory attached to the performance. Westbrook looks to get the Oklahoma City Thunder into the win column for the first time this season when they host the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

Westbrook had 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes in Sunday's 131-120 loss to the Sacramento Kings in his first game since undergoing knee surgery on Sept. 12. "I thought Russell really played well," Thunder coach Billy Donovan told reporters. "I give him a lot of credit. He worked really hard the last five to six weeks to try to get himself ready. For him to come back, being out as long as he was and play like he did - I thought we were faster, I thought we got downhill more, I thought the ball was moving." The Celtics are beginning a stretch in which seven of nine games are on the road, and they also look to rebound from a disappointing 93-90 home loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday. "I thought we tried to move the ball and get better looks," Boston small forward Gordon Hayward told reporters. "We've gotta be able to get to the line a little bit better, get some stuff at the rim. But they were giving us the 3-ball and we just didn't have it."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, FS Oklahoma

ABOUT THE CELTICS (2-2): Boston recorded a season low in points against Orlando, but coach Brad Stevens praised the ball movement - odd with the team hoisting up 40 3-pointers and making just nine. But point guard Kyrie Irving wasn't dismayed over the low production in a game in which he shot well (22 points on 10-of-19 shooting). "Everyone can get a basket anytime they want," Irving told reporters. "Anybody can go get it. But if we do the little things and we commit to that, think of how special we could be."

ABOUT THE THUNDER (0-3): Westbrook said his right knee held up in his season debut but his mood was certainly testy after the double-digit home loss to the Kings. "I was OK," Westbrook told reporters. "It wasn't my best night, but I've got however many more games left to play, so I'm not worried. It was my first time. I just hate losing. Honestly, I don't really care to talk about how I played." Small forward Paul George scored 29 points against Sacramento and is averaging 25.3 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics won both of last season's meetings after the Thunder won 10 of the previous 12 matchups.

2. Boston C Aron Baynes (hamstring) is listed as questionable and could miss his second straight game.

3. Oklahoma City G Alex Abrines (eye) is questionable after being injured against the Kings.

PREDICTION: Celtics 106, Thunder 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 25th October 2018 by Gracenote
Nuggets vs. Lakers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/25/2018

LeBron James finally has celebrated a victory as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and he looks to lead his new team to another when the club hosts the unbeaten Denver Nuggets on Thursday. The Lakers lost the first three games of the James Era before rolling to a 131-113 win in Phoenix on Wednesday.

The Lakers allowed a whopping average of 131.7 points while losing their first three contests and James was happy to see the team's work pay off with a victory. "It feels great to win, period," James said during his postgame media session. "But it feels good to know that what we've been doing in training camp and the first few games helped us continue to get better, and we want to continue that moving forward." Denver is looking for its first 5-0 start since the 2009-10 campaign, when Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups were its star players. The Nuggets held each of their first three opponents below 100 points before the defense wasn't as tight in Tuesday's 126-112 win over Sacramento.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (4-0): Denver is trying to get veteran power forward Paul Millsap clicking, and he recorded 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting against the Kings to raise his average to 11.3. The four-time All-Star missed 6-of-7 shots in two of his first three games, but finding his shooting stroke would prevent opponents from collapsing on star center Nikola Jokic (23.3 points, 10.5 rebounds)."It's good to see Paul Millsap kind of get going," coach Michael Malone told reporters. "He went at his matchup. He scored. If he can get into an offensive rhythm and find some confidence, it's going to help us out a lot."

ABOUT THE LAKERS (1-3): Swingman Lance Stephenson failed to reach double digits in any of the first three games but broke out against the Suns with 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. "I want to win, that's what got me going," Stephenson said in a postgame television interview. "My job is to play aggressive defense and play unselfish. And get the win." Center JaVale McGee also gave the team a big effort as he scored in double figures for the fourth straight game, recording 20 points while also blocking four shots.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Lakers have won three straight home games against the Nuggets.

2. Los Angeles PG Rajon Rondo will serve the final contest of his three-game suspension and SF Brandon Ingram will sit out the third of his four-game ban for their actions in Saturday's contest against Houston.

3. Denver SG Gary Harris, who is averaging 21 points, is 19-for-32 from the field over his last two games.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 109, Lakers 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nashville Predators vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Predators vs. Devils Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

The New Jersey Devils were rolling along with four straight victories to start the season before hitting a speed bump and look to get back to their winning ways when the talented Nashville Predators pay a visit Thursday night. New Jersey allowed four goals to open the campaign 4-0-0, but gave up 10 while dropping the last two after Saturday's 5-2 setback at Philadelphia.

Reigning Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall told reporters the Devils were disconnected the last two games and fellow forward Blake Coleman added, "For whatever reason, we didn't have that competitive level that we were at through all of camp and the first four games. ... We've been quickly reminded and sent back in the right direction." The Predators won't make it easy on New Jersey after winning seven of their first nine games, but also suffered a setback last time out after coughing up a two-goal lead in a 5-4 loss to San Jose at home Tuesday. "We played good for two periods, scored four goals. We should win the game," Nashville forward Viktor Arvidsson told the media. ". ... We made mistakes in the third that cost us. We didn't work hard enough. We have to look at the game and look forward to the next one." Predators goalie Juuse Saros allowed five goals on 32 shots after pitching a shutout against Edmonton in his first start since last season's Vezina Trophy winner Pekka Rinne went down with an undisclosed injury.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Tennessee (Nashville), MSG Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (7-2-0): Filip Forsberg leads the team with 10 points while linemates Ryan Johansen and Arvidsson have each produced nine after the trio posted three goals and four assists combined against San Jose. "I think (Johansen) and (Arvidsson) are playing with a high pace," Forsberg told reporters. "I'm just trying to keep up with them as good as I can. We're keeping it pretty simple. That's got to be the mindset for everybody." Nashville is winning despite struggling special teams as the power play is 3-for-31, including 0-for-8 the past two contests, and the penalty kill is 22nd in the league (73.1 percent) entering Wednesday.



ABOUT THE DEVILS (4-2-0): New Jersey is getting similar production from its top line as Hall, Kyle Palmieri and Nico Hischer boast 20 points while the rest of the team's forwards have the same amount combined. Hall boasts a five-game point streak, defenseman Damon Severson owns points in five of six outings on the season and center Brian Boyle - who is slated to play his 700th NHL game - has scored in back-to-back contests. Keith Kinkaid recorded two shutouts in the first four games and has allowed seven goals on 52 shots in the past two as fellow goalie Cory Schneider (hip) continues to rehab with the American Hockey League's Binghamton Devils.

OVERTIME

1. The teams split a pair of games last season and the road team has won the last six matchups in the series.

2. New Jersey C Travis Zajac (leg), who is winning 71.4 percent of his faceoffs, is day-to-day after missing Saturday's game.

3. Nashville D Mattias Ekholm is scheduled to play his 400th NHL game and teammate C Colton Sissons is slated for his 200th.

PREDICTION: Predators 4, Devils 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Canadiens vs. Sabres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

After a disastrous season in which they finished closer to the basement than first place, the Montreal Canadiens are off to a fast start and battling for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Equally surprising is the play of the division rival Buffalo Sabres, who return home from a successful five-game road trip to host Montreal on Thursday night.

Buffalo went 3-2-0 on its five-game trek through the Pacific Division, capped by back-to-back wins over Los Angeles and Anaheim, but coach Phil Housley ripped into his players at Wednesday's practice. "We just started a little slow in practice, that's all," Housley said. "We're playing a really good Montreal team tomorrow, they're a very fast team, and I just wanted us to push the pace a little more." The Canadiens have lost in regulation just once in eight games and enter Thursday's matchup riding a five-game point streak (4-0-1). "I am happy with the way we're playing and the direction we're going, but certainly not at the point of being satisfied," Montreal coach Claude Julien said after Tuesday's 3-2 home win over Calgary.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, RDS, TSN2 (Montreal), MSG-Buffalo

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (5-1-2): Jonathan Drouin had a goal and an assist as Montreal scored three times in a span of under 3 1/2 minutes Tuesday to extend his point streak to five games. "Jonathan is playing his best hockey," observed Julien. "He's playing with a lot of confidence. He's playing with a lot of tenacity. He's skating well. He's really in the zone." Carey Price tied Patrick Roy for the second-most wins in franchise history by beating the Flames, but backup Antti Niemi will get the nod and make his third start of the season versus Buffalo.



ABOUT THE SABRES (5-4-0): Jeff Skinner was a three-time 30-goal scorer with the Carolina Hurricanes, but he was held off the scoresheet in his first four games with Buffalo. The former Calder Trophy winner came alive on the road trip with five goals and seven points in five games, including a hat trick against Los Angeles before registering six shots on net and scoring in the comeback win over Anaheim. "Especially on the road, you want to come back and have a good response when you go down," Skinner said. It's a nice feeling when you win like that."

OVERTIME

1. Montreal swept the four-game series last season, allowing three goals and posting a pair of shutouts.

2. Sabres captain Jack Eichel has nine points in as many games but was held to one assist in four contests versus Montreal last season.

3. Canadiens F Brendan Gallagher has a team-high five goals and has scored 11 times in 22 games against the Sabres.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 4, Sabres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 25th October 2018 by Gracenote
Flyers vs. Bruins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/25/2018

The Boston Bruins boast one of the NHL's most productive top lines, with Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak scoring 19 of the team's 31 goals and posting a combined plus-19 rating and 44 points this season. The top-heavy Bruins will look to that line once again on Thursday as they open a two-game homestand against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pastrnak recorded his fourth career four-point performance (two goals, two assists) on Tuesday as Boston salvaged the finale of its four-game road trip with a 4-1 win over Ottawa. "His abilities are so much better than everyone else's, the way he sees the ice, his confidence level right now, it's a lot of fun to watch," Marchand said of the 22-year-old Pastrnak, who collected two goals and three assists in three encounters with Philadelphia last season. "They've been playing together for a couple years now and each player brings a little something to the line," Flyers captain Claude Giroux said of the Bruins' celebrated trio. The 30-year-old Giroux, who saw his team felled by Colorado's vaunted top line in Monday's 4-1 setback, flustered Boston in the teams' last meeting as he capped a two-goal performance by scoring in overtime of a 4-3 win on April 1.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, Sportsnet 360, TVAS, NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE FLYERS (4-5-0): Second-year forward Nolan Patrick has returned from an upper-body injury with a flourish, scoring for the second time in as many games on Monday. While the 20-year-old has hit the ground running, the Flyers have failed to gain any traction as they have traded losses and wins over the last seven contests (3-4-0). Travis Konecny is expected to return to the top line with Giroux and Sean Couturier, with coach Dave Hakstol saying that the speedy Konecny "has to be a worker and has to let his dynamic abilities help him be a good player on that line."



ABOUT THE BRUINS (5-2-2): Tuukka Rask turned aside 38 of 39 shots against the Senators and returns to TD Garden, where he has won both of his starts this season while recording a .923 save percentage. While those numbers are solid, the former Vezina Trophy recipient's career statistics versus Philadelphia are significantly better (14-2-3, 1.99 goals-against average, .930 save percentage). Bergeron, who had a goal and two assists versus Ottawa, has lit up the Flyers for 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 44 career encounters.

OVERTIME

1. Philadelphia rookie C Mikhail Vorobyev will return to the lineup on Thursday after serving as a healthy scratch in the previous three games.

2. Boston has outscored its opponents by a 20-13 margin in 5-on-5 play this season.

3. Flyers G Michal Neuvirth (lower body) was loaned to Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League on Wednesday for a conditioning assignment.

PREDICTION: Bruins 5, Flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. St. Louis Blues Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jackets vs. Blues Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

The St. Louis Blues have suffered five one-goal losses, sandwiching their best performance of the season, and look to get on a roll when they open a seven-game homestand against the inconsistent Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. St. Louis put it all together with a 4-1 win at Toronto on Saturday before coughing up a two-goal lead in the third period Monday during a 5-4 overtime loss at Winnipeg.

"We had everything going for us, all the momentum," Blues forward Pat Maroon told the St. Louis Dispatch of Monday's setback. "And then something happened. I don't know what stopped. But we can't really focus on that, we gotta a focus on what we have to do for Thursday. We gotta find ways to nip this in the bud and get back to work." The Blues have won four of the last five in the series after taking a pair last season from the Blue Jackets. Columbus started a three-game homestand with a 6-3 victory over Philadelphia last Thursday before dropping twin 4-1 games to Chicago and Arizona despite combining for 74 shots, to drop back to the .500 mark. "We needed something good to happen in a game where we're fighting it a little bit," Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno told reporters after Tuesday's loss to Arizona. "We've got to be a little better, a little sharper, more attention to detail."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Columbus), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (4-4-0): All-Star Seth Jones said he felt pretty good in his season debut Tuesday after sitting out the first seven games with a knee injury, playing a game-high 27:24 with four shots on net. "He's a big part of our team," Columbus coach John Tortorella told reporters of the 6-4 defenseman. "You know how I feel about him. There was some rust there, but he also did some really good things." Leading scorer Artemi Panarin, who is in the last year of his contract, has been held off the scoresheet the last two games after posting nine points in the season's first six contests.



ABOUT THE BLUES (2-3-3): Center Ryan O'Reilly has picked it up over the last three games with six of his team-leading 10 points and left wing David Perron produced five of his nine in the same stretch. Sammy Blais was sent to American Hockey League while fellow forwards Nikita Soshnikov (concussion) and Robby Fabbri, who missed all of last season because of knee surgery, are closing in on their return to the lineup. St. Louis scored the second most power-play goals (10) in the league through Tuesday's contests, getting three from Perron and two apiece from Brayden Schenn and Vincent Dunn.

OVERTIME

1. Columbus Fs Cam Atkinson (minus-8 rating) and Josh Anderson (plus-4) lead the team with four goals apiece.

2. St. Louis D Jay Bouwmeester, who was back in the lineup Monday after being scratched one game, needs one point for 400 in his career.

3. The Blue Jackets must improve on special teams as the power play (12.5 percent) was 27th in the league and penalty kill 24th (72.0) through Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Blues 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Kings vs. Minnesota Wild Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 25th October 2018 by Gracenote
Kings vs. Wild Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/25/2018

Defenseman Ryan Suter has had plenty of time to think about playing in his 1,000th career NHL game. After all, Minnesota answered a dizzying stretch of four contests in six nights by playing a waiting game that finally ends on Thursday as the Wild host the reeling Los Angeles Kings at Xcel Energy Center.

"I'm very blessed to be able to have the type of career I've had, and to have as much fun as I've had," said the 33-year-old Suter, who holds franchise records for points (262), assists (223), power-play assists (85), power-play points (100), shots (905), plus-minus (plus-69) and average ice time (28:01) for a defenseman. The Wild have been having fun with three straight wins, highlighted by Mikael Granlund scoring in overtime of a 5-4 triumph over Tampa Bay on Saturday. Los Angeles is trending in the other direction with five straight losses, although captain Anze Kopitar saw a few positives following Tuesday's 4-2 setback to Dallas. "I thought this was a step in the right direction, but we can't be satisfied with getting close," the 31-year-old Slovene said. "We've got to take the next step, build on some good things that were happening (Tuesday)."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Wisconsin, FS North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE KINGS (2-6-1): Defenseman Sean Walker provided a ray of light in an otherwise dark night for Los Angeles, as the 23-year-old answered being recalled from Ontario of the American Hockey League on Monday by registering an assist on Tyler Toffoli's second-period goal for his first NHL point. "He looked really comfortable with the puck, really comfortable going back for pucks, really comfortable defending. Made a great play on a goal," coach John Stevens said. "Like I said, you want the kid to come in and make an impact. He made an impact." Los Angeles' power play isn't making much of an impact, however, as it is 3-for-30 this season.



ABOUT THE WILD (4-2-2): Devan Dubnyk has allowed just one goal in back-to-back outings and 13 total in six games to post a 2.11 goals-against average to go along with a scintillating .944 save percentage. The 32-year-old didn't fare as well in two meetings (0-1-1) with the Kings last season, yielding eight goals on 57 shots. Zach Parise has scored in back-to-back games and boasts team-leading totals in assists (seven) and points (10).

OVERTIME

1. Suter will become the sixth member of the Wild to play in his 1,000th NHL game, joining Eric Staal, Matt Cooke, Matt Cullen, Andrew Brunette and Keith Carney.

2. Toffoli, who has two goals in his last three contests overall, was held off the scoresheet in all three encounters versus Minnesota last season.

3. The Wild have yielded the first goal in each of their last six games.

PREDICTION: Wild 3, Kings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Ducks vs. Stars Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

The Dallas Stars try for their second victory in 13 days over Anaheim when they complete a three-game homestand Thursday against the Ducks. Anaheim is making its second and final trip of the season to Dallas after a 5-3 setback on Oct. 13 - its fifth straight loss at American Airlines Center - as the Stars' Jamie Benn and Alexander Radulov each recorded a goal and an assist while Tyler Seguin added two assists.

Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over Los Angeles on Tuesday while playing with 11 forwards and seven defenseman. Tyler Pitlick joined Benn and Seguin on the top line in place of the injured Radulov and recorded his first power-play goal in 146 career games. "I enjoyed the 11 forwards tonight," coach Jim Montgomery told reporters. "I felt I could get everybody involved in the game and everybody was into the game." The Ducks have lost three straight after Tuesday's 3-1 setback at Chicago, yielding four goals in 13 short-handed situations and going 0-for-8 on the power play during the slide.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Anaheim), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE DUCKS (5-4-1): Rickard Rakell (67 goals over the last two seasons) scored Tuesday for the first time since opening night and is two shy of 100 for his career. Nick Ritchie made his season debut against Chicago after holding out for a three-year contract worth a reported $1.533 million annually, and recorded three shots and two hits in 14 minutes, 49 seconds of ice time. John Gibson (4-3-1, 1.93 goals-against average, .949 save percentage) has been peppered with an NHL-most 294 shots.



ABOUT THE STARS (4-4-0): Radulov (four goals, 10 points in six games) and Valeri Nichushkin are questionable to play after missing the last two and three contests, respectively, with lower-body injuries. Seguin boasts club bests of eight assists and 11 points while Jason Spezza, who is three games shy of 1,000, has two goals and three assists in his last five games, and 895 points for his career. Ben Bishop (3-3-0, 2.38, .924), who is 7-1-2, 1.32, .949 in 10 games (nine starts) versus Anaheim, is expected to make his third straight start.

OVERTIME

1. Dallas D John Klingberg leads the club in goals (five) and ice time (25:45).

2. Anaheim averages an NHL-fewest 23.9 shots per game while allowing a league-most 37.9.

3. Benn hasn't recorded a point in the last four games after totaling four goals and four assists in his first four contests this season.

PREDICTION: Stars 3, Ducks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Rangers vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Blackhawks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

The Chicago Blackhawks have not won consecutive games on the same homestand since February, a feat they will try to match when they host the New York Rangers on Thursday night. After suffering a pair of lopsided victories at United Center, Chicago forward Patrick Kane made playing better at home a point of emphasis prior to Tuesday's 3-1 win over Anaheim.

Kane scored the tiebreaking goal -- his team-high eighth of the season -- against the Ducks after exhorting his teammates to "get a win for the fans here and start rolling here, because it's a great place to play and we can really use it to our advantage." Kane, who leads the Blackhawks with 13 points through nine games, has four goals and seven assists in 14 matchups against the Rangers. New York was awful away from Madison Square Garden last season and remains in search of its first win away from home as it begins a four-game road trip in Chicago. The Rangers halted another drought in an impressive 5-2 victory over visiting Florida on Tuesday night, marking their first regulation win of the season.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE RANGERS (3-5-1): Mika Zibanejad, a 27-game goal scorer last season, has heated up after a slow start by scoring five times in the past five games and tying a career high with a four-point effort against Florida. "I knew he was a good player before I got this job, I didn't know he was this good," first-year coach David Quinn said. "This is a guy that does a little bit of everything. He's got skill, he's tough, he can skate. We are lucky to have him." Mats Zuccarello boosted his point total to eight after scoring his first two goals.



ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (5-2-2): Chicago has been among the worst defensive teams in the league, allowing 3.7 goals per game, although it has permitted one tally in each of the past two contests. "I thought limiting what we gave up defensively was what we were trying to get to, and we were at our best (compared with) any point in any game this year with what we gave up," coach Joel Quenneville said after holding Anaheim to 25 shots. Brandon Saad, a 31-goal scorer in 2015-16, scored his first two goals Tuesday and had a season-high seven shots on net.

OVERTIME

1. The Rangers are 6-for-18 on the power play in the past four games.

2. Blackhawks G Corey Crawford is 3-3-1 with a 2.46 goals-against average versus New York.

3. Zibanejad scored in both matchups versus Chicago last season and has four goals in seven meetings.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Rangers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Calgary Flames Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 25th October 2018 by Gracenote
Penguins vs. Flames Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/25/2018

The Pittsburgh Penguins shut down Auston Matthews and Toronto before outslugging Connor McDavid and Edmonton to emerge victorious in the first two contests of their four-game trek through Canada. The Penguins look to continue their good fortune on Thursday when they carry a five-game point streak (3-0-2) into the Scotiabank Saddledome to face the Calgary Flames.

Captain Sidney Crosby continued Pittsburgh's surge in grand fashion, capping a two-goal performance with a highlight-reel backhanded tally in overtime of Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Oilers. "We want to really build some momentum here," the two-time Hart Trophy winner said. "I think you're just ready to compete, especially on a road trip like this. It's big games every night. I think you just try to get up for them and expect anything." The Flames were left licking their wounds after Tuesday's 3-2 setback to Montreal, much to the chagrin of alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk. "That's an embarrassing effort. That's a bad way to play," the 20-year-old Tkachuk told the Calgary Sun. "Myself included, lazy plays in front of our net in our zone, and they get ahead of us. And taking long shifts, myself included. We're getting out there, we're tired, and they just keep getting these chances. And eventually, they're going to go in."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, Sportsnet West (Calgary)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (4-1-2): Like Crosby, Patric Hornqvist also netted his first two goals of the season versus the Oilers while defenseman Jamie Oleksiak also tallied twice to raise his goal total to three. The 31-year-old Hornqvist netted his team's lone goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to Calgary on Nov. 2, but fellow forward Evgeni Malkin ignited the offense in the rematch with a three-point performance (one goal, two assists) in a 4-3 overtime victory on March 5. Malkin notched an assist against Edmonton to extend his point streak to five games (two goals, eight assists).



ABOUT THE FLAMES (5-4-0): Prior to blasting his own team's performance, Tkachuk set up a pair of goals to seize the team lead in assists (nine) and pull into a tie with Johnny Gaudreau in points (12). The 25-year-old Gaudreau failed to dent the scoresheet on Tuesday for the just the second time this season, although he had a pair of assists in 2017-18 versus the Penguins. Fellow forward Mikael Backlund had a pair of assists against the Canadiens, giving him six points (one goal, five assists) in his last six games.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh RW Phil Kessel, who notched a pair of assists in the most recent contest against Calgary, has recorded multi-point performances in four of seven games this season.

2. Flames G David Rittich has turned aside 81 of 85 shots in his last two contests.

3. Penguins D Kris Letang collected two goals and three assists in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Flames 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Capitals vs. Edmonton Oilers Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Capitals vs. Oilers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

After getting victimized by one of the league's elite superstars in their latest defeat, the Edmonton Oilers must prepare to face another when they welcome Alex Ovechkin and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals on Thursday night. Edmonton looks to bounce back from an overtime loss to Pittsburgh in the finale of a four-game homestand.

The Oilers felt they deserved a better result against the Penguins, unleashing 46 shots on net before they were defeated by Sidney Crosby's highlight-reel goal. "I think we are trending in the right direction as far as our game goes," Edmonton forward Milan Lucic said. "I feel we are one mistake less from taking that stride to that next level." Ovechkin scored twice and Nicklas Backstrom had three assists as Washington opened a four-game road trip with a 5-2 win at Vancouver, but coach Todd Reirden was happy with his team's defense after allowing 18 goals in the previous four contests. "It definitely was an area of focus," Reirden said. "It was something that we wanted to get better at and we still need to improve on."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, Sportsnet1, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario (Edmonton)

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (4-2-2): Ovechkin has eight goals in eight games after his four-point eruption against the Canucks, which included the 233rd power-play tally of his career. Defenseman John Carlson set career highs with 15 goals, 53 assists and 68 points last season, earning him an eight-year, $64 million contract before hitting free agency. He is off to a torrid start, scoring a goal in three straight games and becoming only the 10th defenseman in league history to register five multiple-point games in the first eight contests of the season.



ABOUT THE OILERS (3-3-1): Forward Alex Chiasson is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Washington -- he spent last season with the Capitals and will receive his Stanley Cup ring on Thursday. It's part of an eventful week for Chiasson, who scored his first two goals Tuesday before leaving the game after taking a puck off the ear. "He worked his way up into the lineup and ended up on a line with Leon (Draisaitl), and he would've stayed there the rest of night," coach Todd McLellan said. "He hadn't played much at the start of the year and is still gaining confidence."

OVERTIME

1. Ovechkin has 10 goals and 20 points in 16 games against Edmonton.

2. Oilers captain Connor McDavid has 13 points through seven games this season and six in five games versus Washington.

1. The Capitals converted on a league-best 12 of 31 power-play chances through Tuesday. Edmonton was fifth (7 of 23).

PREDICTION: Capitals 5, Oilers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vancouver Canucks vs. Arizona Coyotes Preview and Predictions 10-25-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 25th October 2018 by Gracenote
Canucks vs. Coyotes Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/25/2018

The Arizona Coyotes appear to have broken out of their season-opening offensive funk and hope to continue to produce as they begin a five-game homestand Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks. Arizona was shut out three times over its first four contests of 2018-19 and scored more than one goal just once in its first five games before netting a total of 11 tallies in its last three.

The Coyotes posted 4-1 victories in two of those contests, including one at Columbus on Tuesday in which Christian Fischer registered his first career hat trick. Arizona is seeking its first goal on home ice as it was blanked in each of its first two games at Gila River Arena. Vancouver is coming off a 3-2 shootout victory at Vegas on Wednesday as Markus Granlund scored the lone goal of the bonus format after Bo Horvat tallied twice in a 64-second span during the second period. The Canucks have needed extra time in each of their last three triumphs (two in overtime), with their last regulation win coming on Oct. 13 at Florida.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver), FS Arizona

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (6-4-0): Horvat leads the team with seven goals - four of which have been scored during his four-game point streak. The 23-year-old center, who has been kept off the scoresheet in only three of his first 10 games this season, netted a career-high 22 tallies last campaign. Rookie Elias Pettersson missed his fifth consecutive contest due to a concussion on Wednesday after beginning his NHL career with a five-game point streak.



ABOUT THE COYOTES (3-5-0): Alex Galchenyuk made his team debut on Tuesday, recording one shot and a minus-1 rating in 15 minutes of ice time after missing the first seven games of the season with a lower-body injury. The 24-year-old, who was acquired from Montreal for Max Domi in mid-June, fell one tally shy of the third 20-goal season of his career in 2017-18. Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who has registered four assists this campaign, is six points shy of 300 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Coyotes C Derek Stepan has notched four assists over his last two games after being kept off the scoresheet in each of his first six contests.

2. Vancouver RW Brock Boeser (groin) missed Wednesday's contest and is day-to-day.

3. Arizona is coming off the first game this season in which it did not register at least 30 shots.

PREDICTION: Canucks 4, Coyotes 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Thursday, October 25

Trend Report

Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 10 games
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Bruins
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia


Montreal Canadiens
Montreal is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Montreal is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Montreal is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Buffalo's last 15 games
Buffalo is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing Montreal
Buffalo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal


Nashville Predators
Nashville is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Nashville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Nashville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games on the road
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing at home against Nashville


Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Los Angeles is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
Los Angeles is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 9 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles


Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Columbus is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Columbus's last 20 games
Columbus is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Columbus's last 16 games on the road
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Columbus is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis Blues
St. Louis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Columbus
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against Columbus


New York Rangers
NY Rangers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
NY Rangers is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of NY Rangers's last 11 games
NY Rangers is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
NY Rangers is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
NY Rangers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Rangers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
NY Rangers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
NY Rangers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Rangers's last 10 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago Blackhawks
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games at home
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games when playing at home against NY Rangers


Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Anaheim is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games
Anaheim is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games on the road
Anaheim is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Anaheim is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas Stars
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Dallas is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games at home
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 13 games at home
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Anaheim
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim


Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Pittsburgh's last 21 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Calgary
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Calgary
Calgary Flames
Calgary is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games
Calgary is 5-20 ATS in its last 25 games at home
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Calgary is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games at home
Calgary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Calgary is 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh


Washington Capitals
Washington is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 10 games
Washington is 17-3 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
Washington is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Washington is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton Oilers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Edmonton is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Washington
Edmonton is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington


Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games
Vancouver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vancouver's last 7 games
Vancouver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Arizona
Vancouver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games when playing Arizona
Vancouver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Vancouver's last 15 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona Coyotes
Arizona is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Arizona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona's last 9 games
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games at home
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Vancouver
Arizona is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing Vancouver
Arizona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Arizona's last 15 games when playing at home against Vancouver

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, October 25


Nashville @ New Jersey

Game 51-52
October 25, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nashville
10.666
New Jersey
12.314
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Jersey
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Jersey
(+100); Over

Montreal @ Buffalo

Game 53-54
October 25, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
11.617
Buffalo
10.272
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Buffalo
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+110); Over

Philadelphia @ Boston

Game 55-56
October 25, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
10.382
Boston
13.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-170
6
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-170); Under

Los Angeles @ Minnesota

Game 57-58
October 25, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
8.271
Minnesota
12.464
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 4
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-150); Over

Columbus @ St. Louis

Game 59-60
October 25, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Columbus
10.682
St. Louis
9.215
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Columbus
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-135
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Columbus
(+115); Over

Anaheim @ Dallas

Game 61-62
October 25, 2018 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
11.618
Dallas
7.847
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Anaheim
by 4
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Anaheim
(+145); Under

NY Rangers @ Chicago

Game 63-64
October 25, 2018 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
10.509
Chicago
11.530
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
-155
6
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-155); Under

Washington @ Edmonton

Game 65-66
October 25, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
11.815
Edmonton
11.081
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-145
6
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-145); Over

Pittsburgh @ Calgary

Game 67-68
October 25, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
10.221
Calgary
13.694
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 3 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
-110
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-110); Under

Vancouver @ Arizona

Game 69-70
October 25, 2018 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Vancouver
8.963
Arizona
12.867
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 4
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-165); Under