Tuesday 12-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:11 AM

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NBA Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The first 25 games of the season have been a disaster for the Houston Rockets, who look nothing like the squad that reached the Western Conference finals last campaign. The struggling Rockets aim to halt a three-game slide on Tuesday, when they host the Portland Trail Blazers.

Houston has lost seven of its last nine games and is just three setbacks shy of matching last season's total, but coach Mike D'Antoni feels the team is close to turning things around. "There is no other alternative," D'Antoni told reporters. "There are a bunch of professional guys in there, and they are trying to figure it out." Portland hopes it is back on the upswing after posting back-to-back wins following a stretch during which it dropped six of seven games. "We've had some bad stretches and we lost some games, trying to fight back and be better," Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic told reporters. "We showed at the start of the season we can be a lot better than that. And when we play defense and play with edge, we're a pretty good team."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBA TV, NBCS Northwest (Portland), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (15-11): Nurkic is coming off a strong all-around performance in Saturday's 113-105 win over Minnesota as he matched his season high of 22 points and also recorded 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocked shots and three steals. Star point guard Damian Lillard, who ranks fourth in the NBA with a 27.2-point scoring average, also is on a roll as he is averaging 30.8, eight assists and 5.8 rebounds over his last four games. Lillard has made multiple 3-pointers in eight straight contests, including a franchise-record 10 on Nov. 28 against Orlando.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (11-14): Houston quickly parted ways with forward Carmelo Anthony when it was clear he didn't fit and shooting guard Eric Gordon could be the next player shipped out of town. Gordon, who is averaging 15.7 points and shooting a woeful 36.6 percent, made critical comments about the team and expressed that he isn't enjoying this season at all. "I'm just not having fun, man," Gordon told The Athletic. "I'm just not. This sucks. Even the times where I have good games. We're just not using some guys the right way. Are we gonna make the right sacrifices? Do we have the right attitude? Last year was the best year I've ever had being a part of a team. We just never had a bad moment."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Rockets have won seven of the last nine meetings, but the Trail Blazers never trailed en route to a 104-85 triumph on Oct. 30.

2. Houston G James Harden is averaging a league-best 30 points and has scored 30 or more in seven of his last 11 games.

3. Portland PF Al-Farouq Aminu has scored in double figures in four of his last five contests and is averaging 14.8 points during that stretch.

PREDICTION: Rockets 113, Trail Blazers 111

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:16 AM

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NBA Predictions 11th December 2018 by Gracenote
Suns vs. Spurs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 12/11/2018

Gregg Popovich looks to move into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time coaching victories list when the San Antonio Spurs host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Popovich's 1,210 career wins tie him for fourth with Pat Riley, and he is just 11 triumphs behind Jerry Sloan for third place.

San Antonio has won consecutive games and is aiming to get back to .500 against a lowly Phoenix team that has split this season's two meetings. "We just need to keep building on the last two games no matter who the next opponent is," Spurs guard Patty Mills told reporters. "This time, it just happens to be Phoenix, but our focus has to be on continuing to build on the way that we are playing." The Suns have dropped nine straight games after suffering a 123-119 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and are a porous 1-12 on the road. Shooting guard Devin Booker will sit out his fifth consecutive contest due to a hamstring injury.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), FS Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE SUNS (4-23): Rookie center Deandre Ayton, who has been a bright spot during a miserable start to the campaign, recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to the Clippers. The double-double was the 15th of the season for the No. 1 overall draft pick, who has made 17-of-25 shots over his last two games. Rookie forward Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 19 points on Monday for his second straight double-digit effort since the infamous incident on Thursday, when he tried to avoid Igor Kokoskov as the coach attempted to provide feedback during a loss to Portland.

ABOUT THE SPURS (13-14): San Antonio is playing the third contest of its six-game homestand and was sharp while winning each of the first two contests - against the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah - by 13 points. The strong performances followed a stretch during which the Spurs dropped four of five games, with three of the losses being by more than 30 points. "The last couple of games, we looked better at the defensive end," Popovich told reporters. "More communication, a little more understanding. Guys get used to playing with each other and understanding what the process is for the way we want to play. I think it's sinking in, so we'll see if it continues."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Suns have lost their last nine visits to San Antonio.

2. Spurs backup F Davis Bertans (personal reasons) likely will miss his second straight game.

3. Phoenix SF T.J. Warren (ankle) returned from a five-game absence against the Clippers but played just 12 minutes before being ejected, while backup SG Jamal Crawford (knee) probably will sit out his second consecutive contest.

PREDICTION: Spurs 113, Suns 89

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:16 AM

Toronto Raptors vs. LA Clippers Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NBA Predictions 11th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/11/2018

The Toronto Raptors own the best record in the NBA, but they are in a bit of a rut as they open a four-game road trip Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Toronto has dropped three of its last four games, and Sunday's 104-99 loss to Milwaukee marked the second time it scored fewer than 100 points this season.

Kawhi Leonard is on a roll with six consecutive 20-point peformances and is averaging 31 points while knocking down 18 3-pointers during that stretch. Leonard's appearance against the Clippers is highly anticipated in Southern California as Los Angeles is expected to make a major run for his services should he become a free agent. The Clippers had to rally for a 123-119 road overtime win over NBA-worst Phoenix on Monday after losing three of their previous four games. Coach Doc Rivers said his team didn't overlook the Suns despite the fact they were down eight points with just over four minutes left in regulation before feeling the urgency.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV, Sportsnet One (Toronto), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (21-7): Kyle Lowry is in a major slump and went scoreless on 0-of-5 shooting in Sunday's game against Milwaukee. The four-time All-Star is averaging just five points on 8-of-42 shooting over his last five games and has attempted just four free throws during the funk. "I feel like he should be a little bit more aggressive," Leonard told reporters of Lowry. "Our offense kind of allows everybody to be themselves and take their shots. It's a lot of freedom. With that said, he's going to have some big games coming up."

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (17-9): Danilo Gallinari scored 25 points against Phoenix for his fifth 20-point effort in nine games as he continues his resurgence from an injury-plagued campaign in 2017-18. "He's been the key for us," Rivers told reporters after the victory over Phoenix. "Gall, just how calm he is and just the way he plays. He's been really important for us." Tobias Harris also is playing well as his 33-point performance against the Suns was his second-highest output of the season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Clippers have won three of the last four meetings.

2. Los Angeles reserve SG Lou Williams (hamstring) departed the game against Phoenix and is doubtful for Tuesday.

3. Toronto backup PG Fred VanVleet made a season-high five 3-pointers in seven attempts against the Bucks after being 4-for-21 from beyond the arc over his previous five contests.

PREDICTION: Clippers 109, Raptors 107

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:16 AM

Vancouver Canucks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

Elias Pettersson provided another highlight in his amazing rookie season last time out and the 20-year-old center looks to continue his latest scoring surge when the Vancouver Canucks visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Pettersson became the sixth rookie in NHL history to record two five-point games in a season as he scored once and set up four others in Vancouver's 6-1 victory at St. Louis on Sunday.

"I don't really know what to answer," Pettersson told reporters when asked about posting 30 points in his first 26 NHL games - eight in the past three. "I'm just trying to create chances and points will come when you play good. That's all I'm thinking of." Pettersson's performance, which earned him NHL First Star of the Week on Monday, and Brock Boeser's hat trick Sunday gave the Canucks two straight wins after a 1-10-2 stretch and they will test themselves against the Blue Jackets, who sit second in the Metropolitan despite losing three of their last four contests. Columbus lost 9-6 last Tuesday against Calgary before falling 4-0 to Washington on Saturday in its last two home games, and plays the next five at Nationwide Arena. "I don't see us doing the things necessary to win hockey games at crucial times. ...," Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno told reporters after Saturday's setback. ". ... We were flat in the first (period) and kind of got caught watching, and that's unacceptable."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver), FS Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (13-16-3): Boeser owns seven goals in his last seven games, sandwiched around a stint on injured reserve, and owns nine on the season to tie for third on the team. "It was nice," Boeser told reporters after his second career hat trick Sunday. "Obviously, I've been battling through some injuries. I feel like I've been getting chances lately and our line has been playing solid hockey. It's nice to get a few lucky bounces." Boeser has been playing with Pettersson and newly-acquired Josh Leivo of late while Bo Horvat (28 points) centers another top line and boasts six points in his last five games.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (16-11-2): Right wing Cam Atkinson saw his 12-game point streak come to an end Saturday after scoring 13 times and setting up seven others during the run. Atkinson shares the team lead at 31 points with left wing Artemi Panarin, who recorded four of his team-best 24 assists in the past three contests, while center Pierre-Luc Dubois (25 points) has been kept off the scoresheet in three straight games. Defenseman Seth Jones is rounding into form after an early-season knee injury, registering seven points in his last six games to pull within two of 200 in his career.

OVERTIME

1. Columbus G Sergei Bobrovsky allowed 17 goals in his last four games and is 3-5-2 all-time against Vancouver.

2. Leivo has a goal, a plus-5 rating and eight shots on net in his first three games since coming over in a trade from Toronto.

3. The Canucks have earned at least a point in six straight meetings with the Blue Jackets (4-0-2).

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Canucks 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:16 AM

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to see the return of leading goal-scorer Micheal Ferland on Tuesday when the team hosts the high-flying Toronto Maple Leafs. Ferland, who has been sidelined four games with a concussion, scored on the power play in what proved to be the winning tally in Carolina's 5-2 victory versus Toronto on Nov. 21.

The Hurricanes scored only five goals during a 1-3-1 stretch before locating their offense Friday in a 4-1 triumph at Anaheim to conclude a three-game road trip. "We're not going to score a lot of pretty goals. We've pretty much established that," Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "We need to find other ways to get them. Obviously, getting to the net is paramount." Toronto's second-ranked offense has little issue scoring goals this season, however the Maple Leafs have been rather generous of late after surrendering 11 in the back-to-back losses that followed a five-game winning streak. "We haven't been good enough. That's a message sent. It should be received and now let's do something about it," Babcock said Monday, via TSN.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN4 (Toronto), FS Carolinas

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (20-9-1): Connor Brown will assume Zach Hyman's spot on the line with John Tavares (team-leading 18 goals) and Mitch Marner (club-best 34 assists, 40 points) with Hyman serving the first contest of a two-game suspension for his actions against defenseman Charlie McAvoy in Saturday's 6-3 setback to Boston. "I think he is going well (despite his stats)," Babcock said of the 24-year-old Brown, via TSN. "His job is to be real solid defensively and penalty kill for us and I actually think he's been good." Tavares, who is slated to play his 700th NHL game Tuesday, scored in the first encounter with Carolina.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (13-11-4): Scott Darling was summoned from Charlotte of the American Hockey League with fellow goaltender and former Maple Leaf Curtis McElhinney nursing a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old Darling has struggled to find his place with the Hurricanes since being acquired from Chicago, posting a 15-25-8 mark with a 3.17 goals-against average - including a 2-4-1 record this season. Captain Justin Williams and Sebastian Aho (team-leading 19 assists, 27 points) each scored versus the Ducks and also tallied in the first meeting with the Maple Leafs.

OVERTIME

1. Toronto C Auston Matthews has collected six goals and four assists during his five-game point streak since returning from a shoulder injury.

2. The Hurricanes have recorded at least a point in five of seven encounters (4-2-1) versus Atlantic Division adversaries.

3. Toronto D Morgan Rielly has notched an assist in each of the past five contests.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 5, Hurricanes 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:17 AM

Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 11th December 2018 by Gracenote
Kings vs. Sabres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 12/11/2018

Despite Jack Eichel's recent offensive surge, the Buffalo Sabres have gone without a victory since having their 10-game winning streak halted late in November. The Sabres attempt to end their five-game slide (0-3-2) when they continue a four-game homestand Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Eichel has been a bright spot during Buffalo's winless streak, recording four two-point performances - including two-goal efforts in each of the first two contests of the team's stretch at KeyBank Center. The 22-year-old captain, who had gone seven games without a goal and notched just one in 16 contests before the outburst, is one away from joining Jeff Skinner as the only Sabres in double digits. Los Angeles' four-game road trip got off to a rough start as it dropped a 3-1 decision in Detroit for its fifth defeat in seven overall contests. Captain Anze Kopitar scored late in the third period to avoid a shutout for the Kings, who have recorded a total of four goals during their three-game skid away from home.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, FS West (Los Angeles), MSG (Buffalo)

ABOUT THE KINGS (11-19-1): Kopitar's goal against the Red Wings was his eighth of the season, tying him with Dustin Brown for the team lead and ending his seven-game drought. The 31-year-old Slovenian, who netted a career-high 35 tallies last season, needs two to reach 300 for his career. Brown has collected five goals and four assists over his last nine contests after helping set up Kopitar's tally on Monday.

ABOUT THE SABRES (17-9-4): Buffalo hopes to start receiving scoring from other sources as the top line of Sam Reinhart (five), Eichel (four) and Skinner has recorded 10 of the team's 12 goals over the last five games. Reinhart's eruption has been a welcome one, however, as the 23-year-old - who had scored only three times in his first 25 contests this season - has collected five tallies and four assists during his career-high six-game point streak. The Sabres could use some help from their power play as well, as it has gone just 1-for-14 over the last six contests.

OVERTIME

1. Skinner has notched 30 points in as many games and is 19 away from matching his total over 82 contests with Carolina last season.

2. Los Angeles recalled D Sean Walker from Ontario of the American Hockey League prior to Monday's game, but the 24-year-old was a healthy scratch.

3. Buffalo G Carter Hutton (upper body) has been on the ice two straight days and is expected to return to action this week.

PREDICTION: Sabres 3, Kings 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:17 AM

Arizona Coyotes vs. Boston Bruins Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The Boston Bruins rebounded from a rough stretch by earning wins on back-to-back nights over the weekend and look to build on that Tuesday when they try to extend their winning streak against the visiting Arizona Coyotes to 14 games. The Bruins had dropped three straight and four of five before knocking off Toronto 6-3 on Saturday and rallying for a 2-1 overtime win at Ottawa on Sunday.

"(Sunday) was a game we stayed patient and eventually got things to go our way," Boston coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters. "I thought we were the better team the last 40, 43 minutes. ... and eventually we got rewarded." The Bruins have limited the Coyotes to six total goals over the last six meetings in the series, including a 6-1 triumph at Boston last season, and hope to take advantage of an Arizona team which has been ravaged by injuries to their goaltending corps. No. 1 goalie Antti Raanta (lower body) could be lost for the season and No. 2 Darcy Kuemper (lower body) may return soon after missing almost three weeks, but the Coyotes won four in a row without either before dropping the last two games - including a 5-3 setback against San Jose on Saturday. "I thought we did a great job of getting back in it," Arizona forward Brad Richardson told reporters after rallying from a 3-0 deficit Saturday. "We stayed composed, we didn't really change our game, we just kept going."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Arizona Plus, NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE COYOTES (13-13-2): Adin Hill has started each of the last five games in net (3-2-0) and owns a .939 save percentage overall since being summoned from the American Hockey League when Kuemper went down. Center Nick Schmaltz has made quite an impression since being acquired from Chicago late last month, posting three goals - including one in Saturday's loss - and three assists in six games with the club. Forward Clayton Keller boasts six of his team-leading 20 points in the last five games and shares the team goal-scoring lead with Richardson (eight).

ABOUT THE BRUINS (16-10-4): David Krejci, who is scheduled to play his 800th game in the NHL on Tuesday, took over the No. 1 center role with Patrice Bergeron on injured reserve and has picked it up lately with four points in three contests. David Pastrnak has five of his team-best 35 points in the past five games while playing with Krejci and Brad Marchand, who has a goal and four assists in the past two contests. Defenseman Torey Krug had the game-winner, set by by Krejci, on Sunday and owns five points in the past two games.

OVERTIME

1. The Coyotes lead the league in penalty killing (90.2 percent) after going 8-for-8 in the last five games.

2. Boston LW Jake DeBrusk (12 points) missed the last two games with an upper-body injury and is questionable for Tuesday.

3. Arizona D Niklas Hjalmarsson is slated to play his 700th NHL game Tuesday - 623 with the Chicago Blackhawks.

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Coyotes 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:17 AM

Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

Alex Ovechkin has won the Maurice Richard Trophy seven times during his stellar career, including five of the last six seasons, and is on a path toward another. The 33-year-old captain looks to extend a pair of streaks on Tuesday as the Washington Capitals seek a third straight victory when they host the Detroit Red Wings.

Ovechkin, who is the reigning Richard Trophy winner after coming within one tally of his fourth 50-goal effort in five seasons, began Monday as the league leader with 22 as he has scored in three consecutive contests and seven of his last eight. The three-time Hart Trophy recipient also is riding an 11-game point streak (10 goals, six assists) and has yet to go back-to-back games this campaign without landing on the scoresheet. Detroit is coming off just its second win in seven home contests, a 3-1 triumph over Los Angeles on Monday in which Dylan Larkin scored his team-leading 12th goal. The 22-year-old has collected two tallies and five assists during his four-game point streak for the Red Wings, who are seeking their third straight road victory.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, NCBS Washington

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (14-13-4): Trevor Daley returned to the lineup against the Kings and blocked two shots while posting a plus-2 rating in 19 minutes, 43 seconds of ice time. The 35-year-old defenseman, who is one point away from 300 for his career, had missed the previous five contests with a lower-body injury. Larkin has landed on the scoresheet in seven of his last nine games, collecting four goals and six assists in that span.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (17-9-3): Washington could be even stronger for Tuesday's contest as T.J. Oshie was a full participant in Monday's practice and may be ready to return to the lineup. The 31-year-old, who is four goals shy of 200 for his career, has missed the last 11 games with a concussion. Like Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov has yet to be held without a point in back-to-back contests this season as he brings a five-game streak (one goal, five assists) into Tuesday's matchup.

OVERTIME

1. Capitals RW Tom Wilson, who has recorded 14 points in 11 games this season, missed the last two contests with a concussion.

2. With the return of Daley, Detroit assigned D Brian Lashoff to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.

3. Washington has scored at least four goals in eight of its last 10 contests.

PREDICTION: Capitals 5, Red Wings 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:17 AM

Florida Panthers vs. St. Louis Blues Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The Florida Panthers had mixed results during their giant eight-game homestand and will head out on the road for six of the next seven, beginning with a stop in St. Louis to meet the struggling Blues on Tuesday night. The Panthers earned nine of a possible 16 points on the homestand (3-2-3) after dropping a 5-4 shootout decision against the New York Rangers on Saturday.

"I think we gave away some points," Florida coach Bob Boughner told reporters after seeing his team suffer four one-goal losses - three after regulation - during the home stretch. "It could've easily been 12, 13 or 14 (points)." The Panthers have some ground to make up in the Atlantic Division with games in hand after the slow start, but St. Louis has dug itself a big hole and is close to sinking to the bottom of the league after a 6-1 loss to Vancouver at home Sunday. The Blues were coming off a promising 1-0 victory at Winnipeg on Friday, but have not won back-to-back contests in just over a month and veteran forward Alex Steen told reporters the team is not committed enough to accomplish its goals. "The way out is the same thing we preach day in and day out," St. Louis interim coach Craig Berube told the media. "You have to go into every game, no matter who you play, and you gotta be committed to giving 100 percent effort and compete as hard as you can, every game. ... We're going to keep at it, we're going to keep pounding it in their heads until they get it."

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

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (11-11-6): Florida averaged 3.5 goals per game on the homestand and boast five players with at least 27 points on this season, but the next most among the healthy players is 13 from defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Mike Matheson. "It's a good group of guys," Boughner told reporters. "The only problem I have is that it's the same four or five guys scoring every night. We need some depth." Jonathan Huberdeau has eight multi-point efforts in his last 10 games and leads the team with 34 while Mike Hoffman tops the Panthers with 14 goals.

ABOUT THE BLUES (10-14-4): Rookie forward Jordan Kyrou scored his first NHL goal Sunday in his 11th game, logging 13 minutes, 59 seconds of ice time - his second highest total this season with St. Louis. Center Ryan O'Reilly leads the team with 29 points, but managed just two assists in the past five contests, while Vladimir Tarasenko (nine goals, 11 assists) has been kept off the scoresheet in four straight games. Jordan Binnington got recalled after Sunday's game and fellow goalie Chad Johnson (2-6-0, .884 save percentage) was placed on waivers Monday.

OVERTIME

1. The Panthers have at least one power-play goal in 18 of the last 19 games and the Blues are 13-of-13 on the penalty kill in the past three contests.

2. Florida F Nick Bjugstad (10 points) missed Saturday's game and is questionable to face St. Louis with an upper-body injury.

3. St. Louis F Jaden Schwartz (upper body), who has missed the last 11 games, could return to the lineup Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Blues 4, Panthers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:17 AM

Ottawa Senators vs. Nashville Predators Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The Nashville Predators hope the sweet sounds of Music City will alter their recent fortunes when they open a three-game homestand Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators. The Predators were left with a bitter taste in their mouth after surrendering 10 goals en route to dropping both ends of a Western Canadian road trip, but the team has won eight of its last 10 at Bridgestone Arena.

"This team is good at staying within the day. We've done a great job of not looking in the rear-view mirror," Nashville forward Craig Smith said of seeing his team's winless stretch on the road extend to six games (0-5-1) with Saturday's 5-2 setback in Calgary. The 29-year-old scored against the Flames to boost his December point total to four (two goals, two assists) in four games after mustering five (two goals, three assists) in November. While Nashville has lost four of six overall, Ottawa has scored only seven goals during its last four contests (1-2-1) heading into the opener of a three-game road trip. Life away from Canada's capital hasn't been a bowl of cherries for the Senators, who are 3-9-1 on the road this season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, RDS2, TSN5 (Ottawa), FS Tennessee (Nashville)

ABOUT THE SENATORS (13-14-4): Mark Stone boosted his team-leading goal (15) and point (35) totals after converting a one-timer from Colin White in the first period on Sunday's 2-1 overtime loss to Boston. The 26-year-old has scored four goals and set up three others during his five-game point streak, while White has three points in his last three contests. Craig Anderson, who received a rare night off versus the Bruins, is expected back in net Tuesday and bids to improve upon a 5-9-4 mark with a 3.25 goals-against average in 21 career encounters with the Predators.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (19-10-1): Captain Roman Josi has set up a goal in three straight games and has 10 assists in his last 12 as attempts to help Nashville locate some much-desired offense in lieu of injuries to Filip Forsberg (team-leading 14 goals), Viktor Arvidsson, Kyle Turris and fellow defenseman P.K. Subban. Colton Sissons has stepped up with goals in back-to-back contests while Ryan Johansen has four points (one goal, three assists) in his last four games. Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Pekka Rinne has fared significantly better at home, posting a 9-3-0 mark with two shutouts and a 1.84 goals-against average.

OVERTIME

1. Ottawa LW Ryan Dzingel set up a pair of goals in a 4-3 overtime victory over Nashville on Feb. 8.

2. The Predators are 8-0-0 against Eastern Conference representatives while the Senators are 3-5-2 versus the West.

3. Ottawa D Thomas Chabot has recorded only nine of his club-best 25 assists on the road.

PREDICTION: Predators 4, Senators 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:17 AM

Montreal Canadiens vs. Minnesota Wild Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The Minnesota Wild sustained the worst result of their season after falling for the fifth time in six outings to conclude a Western Canadian road trip. The Wild look to get back on track Tuesday when they open a four-game homestand versus the Montreal Canadiens, against whom they have won seven straight encounters.

"It's a test of character now. You either bounce back or you start blaming everybody else. We've got to look at ourselves," Minnesota coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters. The view hasn't been favorable for Devan Dubnyk, who dropped his fourth decision in five outings after yielding three goals on six shots before being relieved in Friday's 7-2 setback in Edmonton - although he owns a 7-1-1 mark with one shutout, a 2.21 goals-against average and .929 save percentage in nine career encounters with the Canadiens. Carey Price likely will provide the opposition as the former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner has proven to be a workhorse by starting seven games in a row and 11 of the last 12 for Montreal, which has won three in a row heading into the finale of its three-game road trip. Price, who is 4-6-0, 3.21, .883 in 10 career meetings against Minnesota, turned aside 37 shots and foiled seven of eight power plays in Sunday's 3-2 victory versus Chicago.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN2, RDS (Montreal), FS North, FS Wisconsin (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (15-10-5): Max Domi added to his team-leading totals by scoring his third goal in three contests against the Blackhawks. Fellow offseason acquisition Tomas Tatar netted the go-ahead tally on a deflection with 1:17 remaining in the third period to extend his point streak to three games and give him 12 goals, two shy of the 23-year-old Domi. Fellow forward Brendan Gallagher, who has 13 goals, scored twice in a 6-3 loss to Minnesota on Nov. 2, 2017.

ABOUT THE WILD (15-12-2): Boudreau expressed optimism toward the potential return of captain Mikko Koivu, noting that the versatile two-way center could return to action during the team's homestand. "That's the way we look at it," Boudreau said of Koivu, who missed Minnesota's game against the Oilers with a lower-body injury. "It's nowhere near anything we thought. He's working out hard right now. We'll see how he goes (Tuesday)." Koivu is part of a three-way tie for the team lead in assists (17) with fellow center Mikael Granlund, who set up three goals in last season's series versus Montreal to boost his point total to 11 (two goals, nine assists) in 10 career contests and defenseman Ryan Suter.

OVERTIME

1. Montreal D Shea Weber has recorded 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) in 43 career games against Minnesota.

2. Wild C Eric Staal has registered 43 points (21 goals, 22 assists) in 46 career contests versus the Canadiens.

3. Montreal D Jeff Petry has answered a five-game point drought with four (two goals, two assists) in his last four outings.

PREDICTION: Wild 3, Canadiens 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 09:19 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #3 - Post: 7:44pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,200 Class Rating: 60

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 WALTERSRAM (ML=5/1)
#6 BEDTIME FOR BONZO (ML=9/2)

WALTERSRAM - Waite drops him down to this class level. You don't need too much more handicapping information to believe this horse will be one to beat at this level. You always have to be on the lookout for money making jock/trainer tandems; we have it right here. Look for this gelding to run much better right here. Last affair at Mountaineer Park finishing sixth on a track listed as good is no sign of his true ability. BEDTIME FOR BONZO - Parker rode this entrant for the initial time last time around the track and comes right back this time around. The November 26th clash at Mountaineer Park was at a class level of (68). Dropping down the class scale considerably, so he should be in a good spot. 34-44-63 are last 3 speed ratings. Improving each time out is something he should do again in this event. This gelding is in fine form, having run a strong race on Nov 26th, finishing third.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 FIELDS OF DREAMS (ML=1/1), #4 STERLING REBEL (ML=6/1), #3 DA VINCI'S VISION (ML=8/1),

FIELDS OF DREAMS - 1/1 is just too low of a value to take on most any mount that has run poorly in back to back efforts. Finished fifth in his most recent performance with a pedestrian speed figure. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this group. STERLING REBEL - Improbable for this entrant to do much running with no recent good showings in a short distance race. DA VINCI'S VISION - Ran his best speed fig last out, but the 'off oval' may have had something to do with it.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #5 WALTERSRAM on the nose if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 02:49 PM

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The Winnipeg Jets have won five of their previous six games entering Tuesday's home contest with the Chicago Blackhawks but are not satisfied with some aspects of their game, even after a 7-1 blowout of Philadelphia on Sunday. The Jets spent Monday talking about the need for better starts after the Flyers outshot Winnipeg 10-1 in the opening minutes of the first period, requiring goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to record several difficult saves before the offense got on track.

"If we play a really good team, they're not going to give us any easy goals," Jets forward Patrik Laine told reporters after Monday's practice, one day after seven Winnipeg players (none named Laine, whose 21 goals entering the week ranked tied for second in the NHL) scored in the Philadelphia victory. "We have to be ready from the start." The Blackhawks gave up the game-winning goal with 1:17 left in Saturday's 3-2 home loss to Montreal, extending Chicago's losing streak to seven. Patrick Kane scored twice in the defeat as the Blackhawks lost for the ninth time in 10 games overall and dropped into a tie with Los Angeles for fewest points in the NHL (23). "Kind of the same old story thought," Kane told the media after Saturday's defeat. "We got behind and find ourselves back into the game and find a way to lose it late. Another tough loss."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (9-17-5): Kane scored only twice in his previous 18 games before recording his two goals Saturday, extending his points streak to three games (four points). Defenseman Connor Murphy, sidelined all season with a back injury, finished with four shots on goal and three hits in 16:46 of ice time in his debut Saturday. Goaltender Corey Crawford stopped 25 shots Saturday but fell to 2-13-1 in his past 16 games, and has surrendered four or more goals nine times in that span.

ABOUT THE JETS (18-9-2): The recipe has been pretty simple for Winnipeg during this hot streak that has lifted the Jets within two points of the Western Conference's top spot: An offense that's scored four goals or more four times in six games, and strong play from Hellebuyck. After a sluggish start to the season, Hellebuyck is 4-1-0 with a .923 save percentage in his past five games. Offensively, forward Blake Wheeler (32 assists, 37 points) and center Mark Scheifele (16 goals, 35 points) continue helping lead the NHL's sixth highest-scoring offense (3.45 goals per game).

OVERTIME

1. The Blackhawks have allowed the first goal in 10 consecutive games, and have scored on the power play in only two of their past 10 contests (going 1-for-8 Saturday).

2. Winnipeg F Mathieu Perreault did not practice Monday and will be a game-time decision after leaving in the third period Sunday following a big hit by Philadelphia's Dale Weise.

3. Chicago F Artem Anisimov remains in concussion protocol after leaving Saturday's game with 1:03 to play and will not travel to Winnipeg.

PREDICTION: Jets 5, Blackhawks 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 12-11-2018, 02:58 PM

Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 2018-12-11

NHL Predictions 10th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/10/2018

The Edmonton Oilers appear to be a different team under coach Ken Hitchcock as they visit the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. Edmonton defeated Calgary 1-0 on Sunday for its third straight victory and sixth in the last seven games, and is 7-2-1 - 6-0-1 in one-goal contests - since Hitchcock took over from Todd McLellan on Nov. 20.

"It's a one-goal league, it always has been, and you have to find a way to win these tight games," Edmonton captain Connor McDavid told reporters after scoring Sunday. "We've been doing a good job to find a way to end up on the right side of the score." Colorado plays five of its next six at home after a 7-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday capped a 2-2-0 road trip. The Avalanche won the first of three meetings this season 4-1 in Edmonton on Nov. 11, starting an 10-2-2 run that vaulted Colorado into a first-place tie with Nashville in the Central Division and halting the Oilers' six-game point streak in the series (5-0-1). McDavid was kept off the scoresheet in that contest after recording seven goals and 15 points in his first eight games against the Avalanche.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Edmonton), Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE OILERS (16-12-2): McDavid, the two-time reigning Art Ross Trophy winner, was fourth in the league entering Monday with 41 points after compiling 18 (six goals) in the last 12 games while pointless in only one contest during that span. Mikko Koskinen, 30, whose only NHL experience prior to this season was four games with the New York Islanders in 2010-11, has outplayed Cam Talbot in goal. Koskinen, though, is 6-0-0 with a 0.91 goals-against average and .970 save percentage in seven home games but 3-3-1, 3.17, .889 in seven road contests while Talbot is 3-4-1, 3.52, .885 at home and 4-5-0, 2.79, .904 away from home.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (17-8-5): Nathan MacKinnon scored his team-high 20th goal Saturday, joining Joe Sakic (1995-96) as the only players in club history to record 20 goals in the first 30 games and giving him the second-most points in the league entering Monday with 45. Mikko Rantanen has five goals and 14 assists during an 11-game point streak and leads the NHL with 48 points and 36 assists. The line of MacKinnon, Rantanen and captain Gabriel Landeskog (17 goals, 34 points) is responsible for 45.4 percent of the team's goals and 43.6 percent of its points.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado, which owns the league's top power-play unit at 30.2 percent, hasn't scored with the man advantage in its last two games - the first time this season it hasn't scored one in consecutive contests.

2. Edmonton is 0-for-17 on the power play in its last five games while the Avalanche have killed only 7-of-11 penalties over the past three contests.

3. Colorado C Carl Soderberg (10) is the only other Avalanche player with double-digit goals while F Colin Wilson and LW J.T. Compher have seven apiece.

PREDICTION: Avalanche 3, Oilers 2

Tuesday 12-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 12-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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