Thursday 1-3-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 08:55 AM

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

Race 7 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $13500 Class Rating: 86

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE JULY 3, 2018. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 12 PICADILLY ROADSTER 6/1

# 7 DRY WOOD CREEK 9/2

# 4 MYSTORYNMSTIKNTOIT 7/2

I like PICADILLY ROADSTER here. Ran a very solid last race. Has a very solid shot in this event if you like back class. Berndt has this gelding running well and is a decent choice based on the solid speed figures posted in sprint races lately. DRY WOOD CREEK - Bernis has well above average gains at this distance/surface. MYSTORYNMSTIKNTOIT - Is tough not to look at given the company run in recently. Has to be carefully examined versus this group of horses in this race displaying solid figures recently and an average speed figure of 84 under similar conditions.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 08:56 AM

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

01/03/19, GP, Race 10, 5.08 ET
1 1/16M [Turf] 1.38.01 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $25,000.
Claiming Price $20,000. FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5
Top Horse - Races 26, Win Percent 07.69, $1 ROI 0.17, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Turf
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 11 Wisely 12-1 Lopez P Hennig Mark A. W
099.2245 5 Ding Dong Ditch 2-1 Saez L Pletcher Todd A. T
098.9433 9 Venezuela 8-1 Castellano J Thomas Jonathan S
098.7542 7 Wicked Trick 9/5 Ortiz J L Handal Raymond FEL
097.4769 2 Indurate 8-1 Gaffalione T Toner James J.
095.3614 14 Another Softball 20-1 Lopez P Hennessy Joseph
094.9197 3 Dance an Irish Jig 20-1 Leparoux J R Tomlinson Michael A.
094.7925 8 Golden Challenge 12-1 Hernandez C J Nicks Ralph E.
094.2389 10 Archie's Song 30-1 Sanchez J Chudzik Keith
093.2352 4 Broadcast Time 30-1 Lopez C C Gambolati Cam M.
092.4260 13 Home Power 30-1 Batista J A Arrieta Michel C
092.0142 6 Stuck With You(b+) 20-1 Rodriguez A Orseno Joseph F.
091.8804 12 Lucky Leo 30-1 Albarado R Romans Dale L.
091.8802 1 Stag of Sylvia 30-1 Maragh R R Vitali Marcus J.
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse - Races 51, Win Percent 33.33, $1 ROI 0.82, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 9 Venezuela 8-1 Castellano J Thomas Jonathan T
099.3745 5 Ding Dong Ditch 2-1 Saez L Pletcher Todd A.
098.5591 11 Wisely 12-1 Lopez P Hennig Mark A. W
097.9246 7 Wicked Trick 9/5 Ortiz J L Handal Raymond FEL
096.7354 2 Indurate 8-1 Gaffalione T Toner James J.
094.9077 8 Golden Challenge 12-1 Hernandez C J Nicks Ralph E.
094.3770 3 Dance an Irish Jig 20-1 Leparoux J R Tomlinson Michael A.
094.3592 12 Lucky Leo 30-1 Albarado R Romans Dale L.
094.0586 14 Another Softball 20-1 Lopez P Hennessy Joseph
094.0026 10 Archie's Song 30-1 Sanchez J Chudzik Keith
093.3382 6 Stuck With You(b+) 20-1 Rodriguez A Orseno Joseph F.
093.0037 4 Broadcast Time 30-1 Lopez C C Gambolati Cam M.
092.6225 13 Home Power 30-1 Batista J A Arrieta Michel C
092.4401 1 Stag of Sylvia 30-1 Maragh R R Vitali Marcus J.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 08:56 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park - Race 7

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 7-8-9) / $.50 Pick 4 (Races 7-8-9-10)

Claiming $30,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 99 • Purse: $31,000 • Post: 3:35P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JULY 31. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE DECEMBER 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $30,000, IF FOR $25,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $20,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Dominant Stalker. GUNS OF STEEL is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * GUNS OF STEEL: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ROYAL HOLIDAY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. CHATIMENT: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
7
GUNS OF STEEL
1/1

3/1
6
ROYAL HOLIDAY
5/2

9/2
2
CHATIMENT
9/2

10/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
ROYAL HOLIDAY
6

5/2
Stalker
98

96

89.8

92.0

86.0
2
CHATIMENT
2

9/2
Stalker
99

95

85.8

87.6

79.1
4
INHIBITION
4

10/1
Stalker
94

80

73.8

86.6

76.6
7
GUNS OF STEEL
7

1/1
Alternator/Stalker
102

100

100.6

93.0

90.0
3
PRINCE TITO
3

15/1
Trailer
96

94

78.6

84.6

76.1
5
CURLINS VOW
5

15/1
Trailer
104

95

65.2

82.6

73.6
1
ALL STAR RED
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
114

113

84.0

84.0

73.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 08:57 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Penn National
Penn National - Race 6

W-P-S / Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)

Claiming $8,000 • 1 1/16 Miles • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $13,600 • Post: 8:21P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JULY 3. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE DECEMBER 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $6,250 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. DON CAMILLO is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * DON CAMILLO: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
8
DON CAMILLO
3/1

5/2

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
8
DON CAMILLO
8

3/1
Front-runner
92

83

97.6

82.5

78.0
4
HASHTAG WINNING
4

10/1
Front-runner
75

75

79.8

66.2

52.2
6
CATTLE DRIVE
6

10/1
Alternator/Front-runner
91

85

84.6

69.6

57.6
3
HAITIAN HILL
3

6/1
Stalker
86

72

67.2

71.8

59.8
7
HEART OF A WARRIOR
7

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
83

78

65.8

73.4

63.4
9
TINTO MESA
9

4/1
Trailer
90

84

68.8

70.6

66.1
1
WELLINGTON WIZARD
1

6/1
Trailer
82

72

36.0

67.4

54.9
5
MUCHACHO DUDE
5

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
91

79

56.4

72.2

66.7
2
BRAVE REQUEST
2

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
86

74

62.2

67.8

55.3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 08:57 AM

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

Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $16200 Class Rating: 66

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000, IF FOR $13,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 BETTY BOM BOTZ 5/2

# 6 TAPPING THE KITTY 10/1

# 7 FISH TO FRY 7/2

I've got to go with BETTY BOM BOTZ. Graci has this filly racing well and is a quite good pick based on the solid Equibase Speed Figs earned in sprint races lately. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Hernandez ought to have this filly in excellent position to win the contest. Has very good speed figures and has to be considered for a wager in this event. TAPPING THE KITTY - Shows strong speed figures on average overall when compared with the rest of this field. Lately Rojas has provided players with a very good winning percentage with horses racing in dirt sprint races. FISH TO FRY - Has been running soundly lately and will almost certainly be on the lead early on. Her earnings per start in dirt sprint contests alone makes you take a look at her.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:31 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turfway Park - Race #2 - Post: 1:40pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,100 Class Rating: 61

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 DISCREESITA (ML=12/1)

DISCREESITA - That last blow out tells me this filly is set for a top performance. A wise man taught me to wager on the lone speed horse. Take a look at this horse. Took a big class drop last out, and I think she may have needed it. Simon enters her at a similar class today. I'd expect an improved performance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 TALK GAME (ML=5/2), #4 GODELLO (ML=3/1), #6 POSITIVE VIBES (ML=5/1),

TALK GAME - When examining today's Equibase class figure, she will have to earn a better rating than last out to vie in this dirt sprint. GODELLO - No accomplishments for this questionable contender in a sprint contest over the last couple months tells me that this mare is in a thorny circumstance Didn't end up on the board on June 13th at Delaware Park. Followed it up with another less than stellar try. POSITIVE VIBES - No good results for this steed in a short distance race over the last couple months tells me that this filly is in a difficult situation This horse ran a quite unimpressive speed rating last time around the track. She shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably get beat in today's race running that number.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #8 DISCREESITA on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
8 with [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:31 AM

Toronto Raptors vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NBA Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
Raptors vs. Spurs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

Kawhi Leonard makes his highly anticipated return to San Antonio when the Toronto Raptors visit the Spurs on Thursday. Leonard was once a beloved figure and NBA Finals MVP for the Spurs but returns as a villain after last season's falling out with the franchise, following seven seasons and the subsequent trade to Toronto.

Leonard tuned up for his return to San Antonio by scoring a career-best 45 points in Tuesday's 122-116 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz. "Yeah, it's going to be fun," Leonard said in a postgame television interview when asked if he is looking forward to the contest. "Everybody is anticipating the game. Things like that will only get me better for the long run. It's going to be a good game." Leonard's former team is playing well with 10 victories in 13 games after Monday's impressive 120-111 win over the Boston Celtics. San Antonio standout shooting guard DeMar DeRozan had just 13 points on 6-of-18 against Boston but figures to be revved up after being dealt by the Raptors in the trade to acquire Leonard.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Ontario (Toronto)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (28-11): Leonard played in just nine games for San Antonio last season due to a quadriceps injury and the difference in opinions over the treatment options partially resulted in the gulf that couldn't be resolved. He has been in standout form for Toronto of late with a career-best streak of 14 straight 20-point outings and he was 16-of-22 shooting in the stellar outing against Utah. "That's good we all got to witness that live and in person," Raptors coach Nick Nurse told reporters of Leonard's splurge. "He was phenomenal. I've kind of been waiting for one of these nights where he makes them all."

ABOUT THE SPURS (21-17): DeRozan was peeved and felt misled when he was shipped from Toronto to San Antonio after nine seasons in Canada and he insisted he would exact revenge on his former club whenever they next met. But his tune has calmed down after spending nearly half a season with the Spurs and he attempted to downplay the contest when asked about it earlier this week. "Honestly, I wish I had something cool to say to look for it, but I haven't thought about it at all," DeRozan told reporters. "I'm pretty sure once I get the questions about it, at some point I'm going to get to it but I haven't been thinking about it."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Spurs have won nine straight home games in the series with the Raptors last prevailing 83-73 on Dec. 28, 2007.

2. San Antonio SF Rudy Gay (wrist) is questionable after sitting out Monday's contest.

3. Toronto PG Kyle Lowry (back, quadriceps) is expected to sit out for the ninth time in 10 games.

PREDICTION: Raptors 112, Spurs 109

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:31 AM

Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NBA Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The Denver Nuggets look to protect their slim lead in the Western Conference when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Denver is looking for its eighth win in the past 10 contests as it holds a half-game lead over the Golden State Warriors in the West.

The Nuggets posted a 115-108 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday and now enter a stretch in which three of their next four games are on the road. Standout center Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds against the Knicks for his third triple-double of the season and 19th of his career. Sacramento has blown fourth-quarter leads while losing its last two games, first against the Los Angeles Lakers and then in a 113-108 overtime setback against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. "We just have to execute at the end of the game," point guard De'Aaron Fox told reporters after Tuesday's setback. "We had makeable shots and we just didn't make them."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (24-11): Veteran power forward Paul Millsap had 16 points and nine rebounds against New York in his second contest since missing three weeks with a broken toe. "You can see, as the game went on, he was finding his rhythm," Denver coach Michael Malone told reporters of Millsap. "He's finding his comfort level, his confidence. He'll make those free throws, moving forward. I was just happy to see his defense, his rebounding, his activity and just kind of getting that game under his belt in the altitude." Backup shooting guard Malik Beasley scored a career-best 23 points while matching his career high of five 3-pointers versus the Knicks and is averaging 20.3 points over the past four games.

ABOUT THE KINGS (19-18): Sacramento trailed by 14 points at halftime before rallying to take a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter and later collapsing against Portland in the opener of a stretch in which seven of eight games are at home. Shooting guard Buddy Hield made five 3-pointers while scoring 27 points against the Trail Blazers in his first game of January after averaging 21.6 points and 3.9 3-pointers in December. Hield scored 20 or more points in 12 of the past 15 games and has made five or more 3-pointers on eight occasions during the stretch.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Eight players scored in double digits when the Nuggets posted a 126-112 home win over the Kings on Oct. 23.

2. Sacramento C Willie Cauley-Stein had just five points on 2-of-14 shooting in the loss to Portland.

3. Denver SG Gary Harris (hip) scored six points in 20 minutes against the Knicks after missing the previous 11 games.

PREDICTION: Kings 105, Nuggets 102

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:31 AM

Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NBA Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

Reigning MVP James Harden looks to add to his superb run when the streaking Houston Rockets visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. Harden has put together a franchise-record four straight 40-point outings and he's averaging 39.7 points and 8.5 assists during the club's current 10-1 stretch.

Harden has three triple-doubles over the past 10 games and that includes his performance of 43 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in Monday's 113-101 home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. "He's been doing it for 10-plus games now at that level," center Clint Capela told reporters of Harden after the team's fifth straight win. "Right now, he's playing at the best level in the league as a player. If he keeps going that way, obviously he's going to be the MVP." The Warriors own a modest two-game winning streak after recording their third-highest scoring output of the campaign in Monday's 132-109 road win over the Phoenix Suns. Point guard Stephen Curry scored 34 points and has tallied 30 or more in seven of the past 14 contests.

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

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (21-15): Houston's shaky 11-14 start has been forgotten due to the stellar play of Harden, who has posted eight straight games of at least 35 points and five assists to break a record set by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (twice had seven-game runs). "That's what you play the game of basketball for, to be mentioned by name with the greats," Harden told reporters. "Obviously, I have a long way to go, but that's what I put my jersey on for, that's what I lace my shoes up for, to go out there and be the best that I can be and, when it's all said and done, be mentioned as one of the best basketball players to ever touch a basketball." Harden has made five or more 3-pointers in each of the last seven games, making 46-of-107 during the stretch.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (25-13): Golden State made 14 3-pointers against the Suns and had 108 points through three quarters in a performance that the players hope will carry over against the Rockets. "We haven't been playing well," Curry told reporters. "We haven't gotten to the point of putting together a high-octane 48 minutes. You have to play well to produce those type of results." Small forward Kevin Durant scored 25 points against Phoenix and has topped 20 in each of the last 11 games, averaging 27.2 points during the stretch.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Harden scored 27 points on 8-of-23 shooting in a 107-86 home win over the Warriors on Nov. 15.

2. Golden State SG Klay Thompson had scored 16 or fewer points in seven of the past eight games.

3. Capela had 19 points and 13 rebounds against the Grizzlies for his seventh double-double in the past 10 games.

PREDICTION: Warriors 124, Rockets 122

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:31 AM

Minnesota Wild vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NHL Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been left with the bitter taste in their mouth after seeing their third five-game winning streak of the season halted by a listless performance. After being shut out for the second time in 2018-19, the Maple Leafs aim to get back on track Thursday afternoon when they host the Minnesota Wild.

Surging Toronto recorded at least a point in 10 of 12 outings (8-2-2) before providing a clunker with Saturday's 4-0 setback to the New York Islanders. "It just shows how good you have to be on a nightly basis to have success," six-time All-Star forward John Tavares said, per TSN. "With as much talent as we have, and the depth we have, we have to go out there and execute our game plan with the identity of the group. The attention to detail and work ethic has to be there for us to have success in this league." Minnesota enters the opener of a four-game road trip against all Atlantic Division foes on the heels of sustaining its sixth loss in seven outings (1-5-1) following Monday's 3-2 setback versus Pittsburgh. Mikael Granlund notched his team-leading 26th assist versus the Penguins and set up two goals in the Wild's 5-3 loss to Toronto on Dec. 1.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin, FS North (Minnesota), Sportsnet Ontario (Toronto)

ABOUT THE WILD (18-17-3): Eric Staal scored in the first meeting with Toronto to boost his point total to 51 (24 goals, 27 assists) in 46 career encounters. Fellow forward Zach Parise did not dent the scoresheet in that tilt, but he scored for the second time in three outings on Monday to boost his team-leading goal total to 17. All-Star Devan Dubnyk has been victimized by a limited offense as he skidded into the new year by appearing in losses in six of his last seven despite not permitting more than three goals in any of those outings.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (26-11-2): Garret Sparks is expected to receive his fourth straight start on Thursday with fellow goaltender Frederik Andersen sidelined because of a groin injury. "No update on Freddie. He didn't practice so obviously we're not going to see him tomorrow," coach Mike Babcock said on Wednesday. "... He's feeling pretty good, but I don't ask him. When they tell me (he's ready), I'll know." Sparks owns a 6-2-1 mark with one shutout, a 3.01 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage this season, but he sustained a hard-luck defeat against Minnesota in his lone encounter despite turning aside 20 of 22 shots.

OVERTIME

1. Minnesota coach Bruce Boudreau's 85-year-old mother, Theresa, will be in attendance on Thursday to watch her son in his hometown of Toronto.

2. Maple Leafs C Zach Hyman, who scored twice in the first meeting with the Wild, has resumed skating after sustaining an ankle injury on Dec. 18.

3. Minnesota owns an 8-2-0 mark in its last 10 games against Toronto.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 4, Wild 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:32 AM

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NHL Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The Philadelphia Flyers brought in the new year in much the same manner as they ushered out the old: with a loss. After concluding a five-game road trip with four straight setbacks, the floundering Flyers bid to regain their footing on Thursday when they open a three-game homestand against the Carolina Hurricanes.

"We hit two posts -- lot of frustration. We're going to keep working and the power play is going to get back untracked," captain Claude Giroux said after Philadelphia was shut out for the fifth time this season in a 4-0 loss to Nashville on New Year's Day. The Flyers' NHL-worst power play was blanked for the fourth straight game and is a woeful 9-for-93 (9.7 percent) since Oct. 13. While Philadelphia has mustered just two goals in its last three games overall, Carolina had netted seven in its previous five before its 3-1 triumph over the Flyers on Monday. "We're just trying to get points and get back into the mix here. It doesn't matter how we win or how many goals we score, if we win that game 1-0, we're happy," said Jordan Martinook, who scored the franchise's fastest goal to start a period when he tallied six seconds into the middle session versus Philadelphia.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Carolina), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (16-17-5): Curtis McElhinney, who sports an NHL second-best 2.22 goals-against average, has yielded two goals or fewer in seven of his last nine outings (5-3-1, .941 save percentage). The 35-year-old turned aside 22 of 23 shots versus Philadelphia earlier this week to up his record to 6-3-0 in nine career outings against the club. First-time All-Star Sebastian Aho, who leads the team in goals (15), assists (24) and points (39), was held off the scoresheet in the first meeting with the Flyers after erupting for 12 points (six goals, six assists) in his previous nine encounters.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (15-19-5): Rookie Carter Hart is undaunted after answering a sterling start to his NHL career in which he turned aside 100 of 109 shots in his first four starts by yielding three goals on 10 attempts before receiving the early gate against Carolina. "I think I've always bounced back from tough games. You put it in the archives and learn from it," said the 20-year-old, who has permitted just a pair of first-period goals through five starts. Jakub Voracek scored Philadelphia's lone goal in the third period versus the Hurricanes, giving him 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 33 meetings with the club.

OVERTIME

1. Like Philadelphia, Carolina's 28th-ranked power play has struggled mightily as it failed on both opportunities Monday to fall to 0-for-25 in its past seven games.

2. The Flyers recorded the second-fewest points at home this season (16) entering play on Wednesday.

3. Hurricanes LW Teuvo Teravainen's 29 points rank second on the team behind Aho, with only eight coming on the road.

PREDICTION: Flyers 3, Hurricanes 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:32 AM

Florida Panthers vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NHL Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The Buffalo Sabres are trying to snap out of a funk but they may be without their best player when they host the Florida Panthers on Thursday night in the first game of the new calendar year for both Atlantic Division rivals. Sabres captain Jack Eichel had to exit Monday's 3-1 loss to the New York Islanders and was not at Wednesday's practice due to an upper-body injury.

Buffalo coach Phil Housley is expecting an update Thursday on Eichel, the team's leading scorer who earned his second All-Star Game nod on Wednesday night. "This is testing us," said Housley, whose team has dropped three in a row and five of their last six. "Mentally, we're going to fight through this. We've got to stay the course and not break." Florida started Buffalo's current swoon with a 5-2 road win at KeyBank Center on Dec. 18 and is eight points behind the Sabres with two games in hand after erasing a three-goal deficit in Monday's 4-3 shootout win at Detroit. The Panthers have won six of eight overall and have dominated the series against Buffalo, winning both matchups this season and seven in a row.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Florida, MSG-Buffalo

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (17-15-6): Leading scorer Jonathan Huberdeau capped the come-from-behind win over the Red Wings by scoring the lone goal in the shootout two days after setting up the tying tally and delivering the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia. "His vision is outstanding," Florida leading goal scorer Mike Hoffman said of Huberdeau, who has amassed a team-high 44 points. "Some people on the bench or on TV don't even see his passes." Netminder Roberto Luongo was pulled from Monday's game and replaced by James Reimer after surrendering three goals on eight shots, but he will get the nod Thursday.

ABOUT THE SABRES (21-13-6): Sam Reinhart, who plays on the No. 1 unit with Eichel and Jeff Skinner, said it would be futile for any one player to try and fill the void left by the captain, who has 49 points in 40 games. Although Housley said he expected Eichel to be a short-term absence, taking his place at Wednesday's practice was Evan Rodrigues. "Focus on the defense, focus on getting the puck back for us, that way we can play offense, get those guys the puck and let them do their thing," Rodrigues said. "Make sure I'm sound defensively, making sure I'm sound in my own zone, and hopefully that will lead to offense."

OVERTIME

1. Luongo has won 10 of 12 starts against Buffalo since the start of the 2014-15 season.

2. Skinner leads the Sabres with 26 goals and has 11 tallies and 22 points in 31 games versus Florida.

3. Huberdeau has 21 points in 24 games against the Sabres.

PREDICTION: Panthers 4, Sabres 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:33 AM

Calgary Flames vs. Boston Bruins Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NHL Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The Boston Bruins move back indoors as they seek their third straight victory and sixth in eight games when they host the Pacific Division-leading Calgary Flames on Thursday. Boston improved to 2-1-0 all-time in the outdoor Winter Classic as David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron each recorded two points in Tuesday's 4-2 triumph over Chicago at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.

"It's only one game, and at the end of the day, every game is different," Boston's Brad Marchand told reporters after scoring a goal before 76,000 fans on Tuesday. "But there was a lot of excitement going into this one. We've had two big wins in each of our last two games, and the majority of us (on the roster) are healthy now. So hopefully we can just keep rolling." Pastrnak, who on Wednesday was named to the Atlantic Division team for the All-Star Game after becoming the first Bruin to reach 50 points in the win over Chicago, notched an assist in a 5-2 loss at Calgary on Oct. 17. The Bruins will have to find a way to contain former Boston College star Johnny Gaudreau, who registered four points for the second straight game on Wednesday as the Flames outlasted Detroit 5-3. Gaudreau, who was selected to represent Calgary in the All-Star Game and named the NHL's Second Star of the Month for December on Wednesday, has collected seven goals and seven assists in his last six contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West, TVA (Calgary), NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (25-12-4): Gaudreau recorded 11 goals and 15 assists in 14 games last month and has registered 40 points over his last 22 contests to push his season total to 59 - six behind league leader Nikita Kucherov of Tampa Bay. Linemate Sean Monahan also has been wielding a hot stick, notching 10 of his 50 points in the last four games, while Elias Lindholm - the third member of the unit - has recorded 13 of his 47 in the last eight contests. With emerging goaltender David Rittich (lower body) sidelined, Mike Smith made 29 saves on Wednesday to win for the seventh time in his last eight decisions.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (22-14-4): Marchand, who returned on Tuesday after a one-game absence, has recorded nine of his 42 points in the last six games while Bergeron has collected four goals and three assists in five contests since returning from a month on the shelf due to a rib injury. Tuukka Rask made his franchise-record 469th appearance Tuesday and posted his second straight win, drawing within four of Tiny Thompson (252) for another team mark. Sean Kuraly has scored three of his four goals in the last five games.

OVERTIME

1. Calgary captain Mark Giordano, who notched his third assist in four games on Wednesday, leads the league with a plus-27 rating.

2. Boston D Kevan Miller (three assists, plus-9 rating) is slated to play in his 300th NHL game on Thursday.

3. The Flames scored twice on the power play Wednesday after going 1-for-13 over their previous three contests.

PREDICTION: Flames 4, Bruins 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-03-2019, 09:33 AM

Chicago Blackhawks vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 2019-01-03

NHL Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The New York Islanders not only survived but thrived during a road-heavy schedule to close out 2018, winning four in a row and seven of eight to boost their standing in the Metropolitan Division. The upcoming schedule is much more favorable for the Islanders, who will play 11 games in 20 days starting with a home matchup versus the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.

New York will play seven of the next 11 leading to the All-Star break at home, and eight of those games are against teams currently outside of the playoff picture. "We're right there in the playoff race with a couple of games in hand," Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner said following Monday's 3-1 victory over Buffalo. "We need to keep climbing and try to separate and catch up." The Blackhawks had won five of six before falling to Boston 4-2 in the Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium, a game they relished despite falling to 0-4 in one of the NHL's showcase events. "Just an unbelievable experience," netminder Cam Ward said. "I'm really thankful I got the opportunity to do it and you're just disappointed that you don't come away with the win."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (15-21-6): Forward Brendan Perlini, acquired in a trade with Arizona in late November, had only two goals in 22 games with the Coyotes and got off to a slow start with Chicago. However, the 22-year-old Perlini is starting to show why he was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 draft, scoring for the third time in eight games and registering four shots on goal in only 7 1/2 minutes of ice time. "Whether we've been losing or winning, everyone's in good spirits," Perlini said. "It's a challenge to me, to see where I can push myself in different directions and where I can succeed from (here)."

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (21-13-4): Lehner made a triumphant return to Buffalo, where he spent the previous three seasons, by earning his fifth straight win. Lehner, playing in the city for the first time since revealing alcohol issues and a bi-polar diagnosis, has allowed three goals in the winning streak and eight in his last eight appearances. "Everyone has seen what Robin has gone through personally and they see what he can do in net," coach Barry Trotz said. "Everybody knows he was in Buffalo and hopefully this was sort of closure for his years in Buffalo and we're happy he's with us and playing well."

OVERTIME

1. Islanders C Mathew Barzal has six goals and three assists during a five-game point streak.

2. Blackhawks F Drake Caggiula, acquired from Edmonton on Sunday, is dealing with visa issues and had yet to join the team.

3. Islanders C Valtteri Filppula (upper body) did not practice Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Islanders 3, Blackhawks 2

Thursday 1-3-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Thursday 1-3-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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