Saturday 1-12-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NBA Predictions 12th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/12/2019

The New Orleans Pelicans will attempt to match their season-high four-game winning streak when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. New Orleans averaged 129 points while winning its last three outings and looks to carry the momentum into the opener of a five-game road trip.

Star big man Anthony Davis feels the Pelicans can make a playoff push and he is impressed by team's 23.3-point margin of victory during the winning streak. "We're locked in defensively and getting stops," Davis told reporters. "If we're able to play defensively the way we have the last three games, we're able to win every game and play against anybody." Minnesota had a three-game winning streak halted on Friday when it suffered a 119-115 home loss against the Dallas Mavericks. Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns had 30 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes against the Mavericks but tweaked an ankle and will be game-time decision on Saturday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, FS North (Minnesota) LINE: Pelicans -1.5

ABOUT THE PELICANS (20-22): Davis recorded 38 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and four blocked shots in Wednesday's 140-124 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers and is averaging 32 points and 15.5 boards over the past four games. "I mean, he's playing at such a high level," New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "He's been doing it really the whole year. And he's really picked up his rebounding, especially his offensive rebounding. He's done a good job of going to the offensive boards, not always getting them, but keeping balls alive. He's playing great." Davis has a streak of 12 straight double-doubles to raise his season total to 29.



ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (20-22): Point guard Derrick Rose (ankle) scored 21 points in 28 minutes after missing the previous six games and may be held out on the second contest of a back-to-back. Six players scored in double digits against the Mavericks but interim coach Ryan Saunders didn't think his club was as crisp in his second game as it was in his debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. "We had a lot of easy looks, I thought," Saunders said during his postgame press conference. "They just didn't fall for us early. In the second half we didn't do a great job in terms of communicating as a team so that is something we need to get better at moving forward."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split this season's first two meetings.

2. Minnesota F Robert Covington (ankle) is expected to miss his sixth straight game.

3. New Orleans SG E'Twaun Moore (quadriceps) is expected back after a one-game absence.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 115, Timberwolves 111

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NBA Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

The Denver Nuggets own the best record in the Western Conference as Nikola Jokic cruises along at a superstar level. Jokic will try to follow up another triple-double and lead the Nuggets to an eighth win in the last nine games when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.

Jokic recorded his fifth triple-double of the season and the 21st of his career with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in Thursday's 121-100 drubbing of the Los Angeles Clippers. "Just another really good home win against a team that embarrassed us in L.A.," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters. "... Another triple-double (for Jokic). The guy continues to amaze." The Suns own the worst record in the West and are playing at home for the eighth time in nine games on Saturday after winning once in the first seven of those home contests. Phoenix, which followed up that rare victory with a 104-94 loss at Dallas on Wednesday, is making a one-game stop back at home before heading east for four straight road games.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Altitude 2 (Denver), FS Arizona-Plus (Phoenix) LINE: Nuggets -10

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (28-12): Jokic's brilliance occasionally overshadows a breakout season for point guard Jamal Murray, who scored 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting Thursday and was on the receiving end of a full-court assist from Jokic in one of the game's highlights. Murray, 21, was 15-of-45 from the floor in the three previous games but found his form against the Clippers, just in time for another date with the Suns. Murray broke out for 46 points on 16-of-24 shooting (9-of-11 from 3-point range) in a 122-118 triumph at Phoenix on Dec. 29.



ABOUT THE SUNS (10-33): Phoenix was playing the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday and could not match the Mavericks' aggressiveness. "A little fatigue, a little tired, no excuses, but also a couple of quick shots," Suns coach Igor Kokoskov told reporters. "Open shots. Shots that we're capable of making. We didn't have enough discipline to close this game. Not enough offense." Rookie center Deandre Ayton took a step back with six points on 1-of-7 shooting after going for 17 points on 8-of-13 in Tuesday's 115-111 triumph over Sacramento.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nuggets SG Gary Harris (hamstring) missed the last two games and is questionable for Saturday.

2. Suns SG Devin Booker (back) sat out the last two contests and is day-to-day.

3. Denver took the last three in the series, including two at Phoenix.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 119, Suns 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NBA Predictions 12th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/12/2019

Donovan Mitchell looks to continue his stellar stretch when the Utah Jazz host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Mitchell has scored 33 points in back-to-back contests and has topped 25 in four straight games for the first time in his young career.

Mitchell, who was 4-for-5 from 3-point range, recorded 33 points and a season-best nine assists as the Jazz routed the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 113-95 on Friday. "I understood they would try to stop me from scoring, which allowed me to make those reads," second-year pro Mitchell said in a postgame television interview. "We need to keep playing defense. I think that's what turned it up for us." Chicago has lost six straight games and was clobbered 146-109 by Golden State on Friday in the second contest of its six-game road trip. "They just jumped on us, and we didn't respond very well," Bulls coach Jim Boylen said during his postgame press conference. "We've got to do better."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Utah) LINE: Jazz -11

ABOUT THE BULLS (10-32): Chicago never was in the game against the Warriors as it trailed 43-17 after the opening quarter and lwas outscored 40-21 in the third. The Bulls have lost by an average of 17.2 points during their six-game slide and have allowed an average of 135 over their last two contests. Zach LaVine scored 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting on Friday and is averaging 26.3 over his last four games.



ABOUT THE JAZZ (22-21): Utah is 2-0 to begin a stretch in which eight of nine games are at home, and Mitchell is averaging eight assists during the victories while picking up the bulk of the point-guard chores. Starter Ricky Rubio (hamstring) and backups Dante Exum (ankle) and Raul Neto (groin) all are injured, and Neto's injury that occurred during Wednesday's victory over Orlando leaves the club without a true point guard. "It's easy for me to do that with the injuries we have," Mitchell said of engineering a fast pace under the circumstances. "I'm able to just go because that's the offense right now."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split last season's two meetings.

2. Utah C Rudy Gobert recorded 12 points and 18 rebounds against the Lakers for his third straight double-double and 34th of the season.

3. Chicago PF Bobby Portis (ankle) is averaging 16 points in three contests and has made 7-of-11 attempts from 3-point range since returning from a seven-game absence.

PREDICTION: Jazz 116, Bulls 93

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NBA Predictions 12th January 2019 by Gracenote
Hornets vs. Kings Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/12/2019

The Charlotte Hornets limp into the fifth contest of their six-game road trip when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Charlotte was hammered 127-96 in Portland on Friday as it fell to 1-3 on the trip with its seventh loss in 10 overall contests.

The Hornets' three losses on the trek have come by an average of 21 points and they are a paltry 5-14 on the road this season. "I think from the start, we did not come out to compete," Charlotte coach James Borrego said in a postgame television interview after Friday's poor showing. "Lack of effort, lack of competitive spirit, too soft on the ball, too soft inside. Just a lack of spirit." Sacramento has won just two of its last seven games but played well in Thursday's 112-102 home win over Detroit. Buddy Hield recorded 18 points in the victory but has scored fewer than 20 in three straight games after having 20 or more in 14 of his previous 17 contests.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), NBCS California (Sacramento) LINE: Kings -5.5

ABOUT THE HORNETS (19-22): Borrego hinted at lineup changes after his team shot just 40 percent and allowed the Trail Blazers to shoot 55.9 percent in a listless performance. "It's my job to look at the roster and the lineup and make the right adjustments," Borrego said. "It's up to our guys to come with the spirit and compete every night. This is our job. We've got to come to compete from the start and play 48 minutes." Kemba Walker registered 18 points against Portland but is averaging 15.5 over his last two games while making just 11-of-37 shots.



ABOUT THE KINGS (21-21): Willie Cauley-Stein has come under criticism for his inconsistent performances, but he's currently on a good run with three double-doubles in his last four games. Cauley-Stein recorded 14 points and 14 rebounds while outplaying Detroit's Andre Drummond and downplayed the performance while coach Dave Joerger raved about it. "He was fresh and I thought he was energetic," Joerger told reporters. "He ran the floor. A lot of times, you don't get credit for this, but he runs the floor. ... A lot of times when Willie is running that hard, he brings people in and opens up the 3-point line, so he's been doing a lot of positive things for us."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Hornets have won each of the last three meetings and the teams will complete the season series Thursday in Charlotte.

2. Charlotte backup PG Tony Parker (three points in 12 minutes on Friday) is expected to sit out against the Kings.

3. Sacramento backup SG Bogdan Bogdanovic is just 6-of-20 shooting while averaging 6.5 points over his last two games.

PREDICTION: Kings 114, Hornets 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

The New York Rangers don't always get the New York Islanders' best shot, but it certainly seems that way in what has turned into a lopsided rivalry. After scoring a late goal to eke out a narrow victory at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, the Islanders vie for a sweep of the home-and-home series against the visiting Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

Josh Bailey scored with 86 seconds to play on the Islanders' first shot of the period in Thursday's 4-3 win as they improved to 13-2-0 in the last 15 matchups against the Rangers. "We want to be peaking at the right time and playing our best hockey coming up here," Bailey said. "You're going to have your moments where you're maybe not at your best, but in those moments, good teams around the league find a way to win." The Rangers fought back from a pair of one-goal deficits before absorbing their fifth consecutive defeat overall and ninth in 10 games against the Islanders. "We've got to work hard with the mental aspect of this to move past this tonight -- we cannot let this get in the way of our performance on Saturday," Rangers coach David Quinn said. "You can't let them win two games tonight."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ESPN Plus, MSG, MSG Plus2 (New York)

ABOUT THE RANGERS (17-19-7): New York was mauled by five goals in three straight losses before putting together solid efforts in the last two setbacks to Vegas and the Islanders, heightening the team's frustrations. "We played two really good games," forward Mats Zuccarello said. "But at the end of the day, I'd rather play a (lousy) game and get two points. But right now, we can't seem to find a way to win. When you're in a tough stretch, that's how it goes. I wish I had the answer." Rookie center Brett Howden has been held off the scoresheet for 10 straight games and has only four assists in the last 25.



ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (24-14-4): Second-year center Mathew Barzal scored one goal and set up two others in Thursday's win, giving him nine goals and five assists over the past nine games. "I thought he played the right way, he had the puck all night, lots of legs and all that," coach Barry Trotz said after Barzal had his third three-point game in the past seven. "His line was really good. You look at the scoresheet and you can see his line and his linemates, that's where all the points are." Barzal, like his team, has tormented the Rangers during his brief career with 14 points in seven matchups.

OVERTIME

1. Islanders G Robin Lehner has allowed 11 goals in winning a career-high eight straight decisions.

2. Rangers rookie F Filip Chytil collected an assist Thursday for only his second point in nine games.

3. The Islanders have won seven straight at home versus the Rangers, the longest streak since an eight-game run in 1991 and 1992.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Rangers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Flyers vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
Flyers vs. Devils Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

The Philadelphia Flyers bid to feed off the momentum of ending their season-high eight-game winless skid (0-6-2) and move out of the cellar of the Metropolitan Division on Saturday afternoon when they visit the New Jersey Devils. The Flyers' first victory since Dec. 23 lifted the club to within one point of the Devils, who have scored just five goals during their three-game skid.

James van Riemsdyk answered being demoted to the fourth line in Tuesday's 5-3 setback to Washington by recording his sixth multi-point performance of the season with a goal and an assist two nights later in a 2-1 win over Dallas. "I'm in a new situation, a new team and I want to try to get my bearings right, and there's always something you can clarify so things become second nature," said the 29-year-old New Jersey native, who has just seven goals since signing a five-year, $35 million contract in the offseason. The Devils are experiencing trouble finding the net as well, with Blake Coleman and fourth-liner Brian Boyle accounting for all of the team's offense in a 26-second span late in the middle session of Thursday's 4-2 setback versus Toronto. The 27-year-old Coleman has scored three times in four games to lift his career-high total to 14, with one goal coming to highlight a three-point performance in New Jersey's 3-0 triumph in Philadelphia on Nov. 15.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, NHL Network, Sportsnet, NBCS Philadelphia, MSG-Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE FLYERS (16-22-6): In addition to ending the team's winless skid, rookie Carter Hart snapped a personal five-game slide (0-4-1) by turning aside a career-best 37 shots versus the Stars to improve to 3-2-1 at home this season. "He's been unbelievable," forward Travis Konecny said of the 20-year-old Hart, who will start Saturday's matinee. "We feel bad for him. He stood on his head a bunch of games for us ... and has given us a good opportunity." The 21-year-old Konecny boosted his career point total to 99 after scoring early the second period on Thursday for his second goal in four games and 11th of the season, with one coming in Philadelphia's 5-2 win over visiting New Jersey on Oct. 20.



ABOUT THE DEVILS (16-20-7): While New Jersey was pleased with the quick-strike offense late in the second period, Kyle Palmieri (club-best 20 goals) is looking at the bigger picture as the Devils plummet in the standings. "There's no moral victories at this point. We need to start stringing together wins and playing complete games and giving ourselves a shot," the 27-year-old Palmieri said. Palmieri missed out on the "Last Men In" voting for the All-Star Game, but could still suit up for the exhibition contest should reigning Hart Trophy recipient Taylor Hall be unable to play.

OVERTIME

1. Hall, who is the team leader in assists (26) and points (37), is expected to miss his ninth straight game due to a lower-body injury.

2. Philadelphia acquired D Jacob Graves and a sixth-round draft pick in 2019 from Arizona on Friday in exchange for C Jordan Weal, who had three goals and six assists in 28 contests this season.

3. New Jersey G Keith Kinkaid, who has started 30 games this season, turned aside all 29 shots he faced in the most recent encounter versus the Flyers to improve his career mark versus the club to 7-2-0.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

After extending a pair of impressive winning streaks, the reigning Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals will resume their rivalry against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. The Capitals have won three in a row after beating Boston for the 14th consecutive time on Thursday night for their 10th straight Eastern Conference road win.

Even though he leads the league in goals, Washington captain Alex Ovechkin had been in a slump with one tally in 10 games before scoring twice against the Bruins to give him 32 on the season. The Capitals beat the Blue Jackets in a six-game series in the opening round of the playoffs last April, but they split the first two matchups this season with each winning on the road. Columbus has alternated wins and losses in seven games since returning from the Christmas break, making John Tortorella the first American-born coach to reach 600 victories after edging Nashville 4-3 in overtime Thursday. "It's a number," Tortorella said. "But I'm honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be in the game as long as I have. That's what that number is."

TV: 7 p.m. ET; ESPN Plus, FS Ohio (Columbus), NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (25-15-3): Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky missed Thursday's game due to disciplinary action imposed by the team, but he was back at practice Friday and ready to move forward. "I always pride myself on being a good teammate all the time wherever I play, whomever I play, and I addressed that to the team," the two-time Vezina Trophy recipient said. "It is what it is, it happened. We cleared the air and we're ready to move on." Boone Jenner scored twice Thursday to snap a 14-game goal drought.



ABOUT THE CAPITALS (27-12-4): Jakub Vrana followed up his two-goal effort at Philadelphia on Tuesday by scoring against Boston to hike his season total to 15 -- two more than his previous high from last season in 73 games. "He's playing some excellent hockey," coach Todd Reirden said of the 2014 first-round draft pick. "He has been strong all year for us. I guess the consistency for him is a major difference for me in terms of how we evaluate his game." Center Nicklas Backstrom returned from a one-game absence to deliver the game-winning goal against Boston, his first tally following a 15-game dry spell.

OVERTIME

1. Blue Jackets F Artemi Panarin has six goals in nine games after scoring twice on the power play Thursday.

2. Ovechkin has 17 goals in 32 games against Columbus.

3. Bobrovsky is 8-11-4 with a 3.02 goals-against average versus Washington.

PREDICTION: Capitals 3, Blue Jackets 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 12th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/12/2019

The Tampa Bay Lightning easily have the best record in the league, and part of that is due to their ability to rally from behind, with six victories in 11 games in which they trailed after two periods - by far the best percentage in the NHL. The Lightning look to put that talent on the backburner and make things easier on themselves when they begin a three-game road trip Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.

"We've got some guys on this team that step up on these occasions, and (Thursday) was no different," Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman told reporters after the team rallied for a 3-1 win over Carolina on Thursday. "So we're happy with the way we played in the third period with our resiliency and tenacity. ... We'll take that with us to Buffalo." The teams split their first two meetings of the season, with the Sabres earning a 2-1 home victory on Nov. 13 - although they have won just six times in 19 tries since losing 5-4 at Tampa Bay on Nov. 29. Buffalo got leading scorer Jack Eichel back in the lineup Friday after the captain sat out three games with an upper-body injury, but it was not enough as the team dropped a 4-3 decision in Carolina. Linemate Jeff Skinner won the fan vote that added him to the Metropolitan Division team for the All-Star Game, then scored against his former club to reach 30 goals for the fourth time in his career.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), MSG (Buffalo)

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (34-8-2): Brayden Point, who missed out on a chance for his second straight All-Star Game berth in the voting for the final spot on the Atlantic Division squad, has recorded two goals and an assist in each of his last two games. Point leads the team with 28 goals and is second in points (60) to Nikita Kucherov, who tops the league with 72 - including nine tallies in his last 12 contests. J.T. Miller (six games) and Ryan Callahan (two), who both have been out with upper-body injuries, could return on the road trip.



ABOUT THE SABRES (23-15-6): Eichel registered one shot and a minus-2 rating in 18 minutes, 34 seconds of ice time on Friday, finishing without a point for his third straight game despite leading the team with 49. Skinner has scored four goals in as many games while Sam Reinhart notched an assist at Carolina to push his season total to 41 points, although the 23-year-old has netted just one tally in his last 15 contests. Rookie defenseman Rasmus Dahlin notched a pair of assists on Friday, giving him three points in his last two games after registering one in the previous eight.

OVERTIME

1. Buffalo RW Jason Pominville, who snapped his 18-game goal-scoring drought in the loss to Carolina, is slated to play in his 700th game with the club on Saturday.

2. The Lightning traded Slater Koekkoek and a fifth-round draft pick to Chicago for fellow D Jan Rutta and a seventh-rounder on Friday.

3. The Sabres assigned LW C.J. Smith to Rochester of the American Hockey League to make room on the roster for Eichel.

PREDICTION: Lightning 4, Sabres 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Avalanche vs. Montreal Canadiens Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

The slumping Colorado Avalanche are off to an ugly start to their five-game road trip through Canada, giving up a total of 12 goals in a pair of losses at Winnipeg and Calgary. Colorado has lost 12 of its last 15 games overall (3-9-3) and dropped six in a row away from home entering Saturday night's matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Avalanche posted a 2-1 home victory over the Canadiens on Dec. 19 but followed that up by losing eight of their next nine (1-6-2). "We're not finding ways to win right now, whether it's a save at a key time or a goal at a key time," captain Gabriel Landeskog said after Wednesday's 5-3 setback in Calgary. Montreal is coming off a lackluster 4-1 defeat at St. Louis on Thursday and has scored five goals during that span. "I saw a team that wasn't ready to play," Canadiens coach Claude Julien said after falling to the Blues. "From the first player to the last, we weren't in it at all."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), TVAS, Sportsnet (Montreal)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (20-16-8): Colorado has relied on the trio of Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon, who form the top-scoring line in hockey. All three players will represent the team in the All-Star Game after Landeskog was among the four "Last Men In" winners announced by the NHL on Friday. "(Landeskog) has been so good for us. He's a glue that holds our team together, our line together," said MacKinnon, who scored his 26th goal Wednesday. "He doesn't get enough credit for sure, but it's nice to see him get voted in. I'm sure we'll have a shift together (in the All-Star Game).



ABOUT THE CANADIENS (23-17-5): The lack of offensive production is not being helped by a sputtering power play, which converted on one of six chances in St. Louis and ranks dead last with a success rate of 12.8 percent. "That's an area of the game that we've got to get better at," forward Brendan Gallagher said. "That's probably the biggest area, that if we make an improvement, you'll probably see the biggest jump, the biggest difference. It's on us, the guys that are out there, to go out there and execute." Gallagher has scored in back-to-back contests following an eight-game goal drought.

OVERTIME

1. Rantanen has three goals and three assists during a three-game point streak.

2. Canadiens G Carey Price has lost his last three starts and is 5-4-1 with a 2.79 goals-against average versus Colorado.

3. Landeskog, who registered 12 shots on goal in Wednesday's loss, has three straight multi-point games.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 4, Avalanche 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

John Tavares has scored 10 of his team-leading 29 goals in his last 11 games to pay significant dividends on the seven-year, $77 million contract he signed in the summer. Fresh off tallying twice to eclipse the 300-goal plateau in his career, Tavares looks to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs to a split of their four-game season series against the visiting Boston Bruins on Saturday night.

"It's always that much more satisfying when it contributes in a big win," said Tavares, who also had an assist in Thursday's 4-2 win versus New Jersey to record at least three points in a contest for the fourth time this season. The 28-year-old netted his team's lone goal in a 5-1 setback in Boston on Nov. 10 and had an assist in a 4-2 victory versus the visiting Bruins two weeks later. The Original Six rivals are staring up at white-hot Tampa Bay and could be positioning for another first-round playoff meeting, and that could be music to the ears of David Pastrnak (team-leading 25 goals, 52 points). Boston's lone All-Star representative, who was held off the scoresheet in Thursday's 4-2 setback versus Washington, has erupted for eight points (five goals, three assists) in three encounters against Toronto this season -- including four in the romp on Nov. 10.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, NESN (Boston), CBC, Sportsnet1, CITY (Toronto)

ABOUT THE BRUINS (25-15-4): Brad Marchand has collected seven of his club-high 31 assists this season versus the Maple Leafs while Patrice Bergeron scored a goal and set up two others in his lone game against them on Nov. 10. "Playing (Toronto) in the playoffs last year brings that emotion level, so it should be a good task, we're looking forward to it," Jake DeBrusk, who has five points (four goals, one assist) in his last seven games, told the Boston Herald. Fellow forward David Krejci scored on the power play in the third period against the Capitals for his first goal since he netted five in an eight-game stretch during December.



ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (28-13-2): The status of Frederik Andersen remains in question as the veteran goaltender attempts to work his way back from a groin injury that has sidelined him since the Christmas break. "We need to get back to a point where we're comfortable and not making things worse, so that's where the main focus is and it's very close," the 29-year-old Dane told TSN after participating in practice on Friday. Coach Mike Babcock initially penciled in Michael Hutchinson to face Boston and Andersen to return for Monday's game versus Colorado, but he altered that stance on Friday by telling reporters that his final decision would be made following the morning skate.

OVERTIME

1. Toronto's eighth-ranked power play has failed to convert on its last 10 opportunities.

2. Boston D Charlie McAvoy is "trending" toward a return to the lineup on Saturday after being sidelined with a foot infection, per coach Bruce Cassidy.

3. The Maple Leafs acquired F Gabriel Gagne from Ottawa in exchange for F Morgan Klimchuk on Friday while the Bruins secured F Paul Carey from the Senators for D Cody Goloubef.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 4, Bruins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Red Wings vs. Minnesota Wild Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 12th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/12/2019

The Minnesota Wild have begun the new year by winning four of their first five games, including the opener of a stretch during which they play five of six contests at home. Minnesota hopes to keep the momentum rolling when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

The Wild bounced back from a shutout loss in Boston as they stormed out to a three-goal lead before hanging on for a 3-2 triumph over Winnipeg on Thursday. Jason Zucker showed signs of breaking out of his slump, scoring twice in the win to end a seven-game drought and a stretch during which he recorded one goal in 14 contests. Detroit is coming off its ninth loss in 10 contests, a 4-2 setback in Winnipeg on Friday. The Red Wings have not fared well on the road of late, losing four straight and seven of their last eight.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS North Plus, FS Wisconsin (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (16-23-7): Mike Green made his first appearance of 2019 on Friday, recording five shots and a minus-2 rating in 22 minutes, 12 seconds of ice time. The 33-year-old defenseman had missed 13 contests with a foot injury. Luke Glendening, who ended his 12-game goal-scoring drought on Friday, is six points away from 100 in the NHL.



ABOUT THE WILD (22-18-3): Zach Parise notched an assist against the Jets to pull even with Mikael Granlund for the team lead with 39 points. The 34-year-old Parise has recorded 10 points (four goals) over his last eight games and needs one goal to reach 20 for the ninth time in his career. Defenseman Jared Spurgeon registered a pair of assists on Thursday for his third multi-point performance in five contests.

OVERTIME

1. Wild C Eric Staal, who ranks second on the team with 13 tallies, has gone seven games without a goal and recorded just one over his last 12 contests.

2. Detroit C Dylan Larkin has been kept off the scoresheet in back-to-back games for the first time since Nov. 21 and 23.

3. Minnesota captain C Mikko Koivu is one goal shy of 200 for his career.

PREDICTION: Wild 4, Red Wings 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

After seeing a pair of gaudy streaks come to a halt in their last outing, the Vegas Golden Knights bid to maintain their mastery of the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday when the teams conclude their season series at the United Center. The Golden Knights have won all five meetings with the Blackhawks over the last two campaigns, including an 8-3 drubbing in Chicago on Nov. 27 in which they set a franchise record for goals scored.

Vegas saw its season-high seven-game win streak and 12-game home point stretch (10-0-2) go by the boards with Thursday's 3-2 setback versus San Jose. "Everyone's been in this position before. The important thing is to move on to the next one now," said forward Max Pacioretty, who notched a pair of assists in both the November tilt as well as the Golden Knights' 4-3 win on Dec. 6. Chicago dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Nashville on Wednesday to fall to 1-2-2 in its last five heading into the finale of its three-game homestand. "We're playing well, we're in games. You get to overtime, you get the feeling you can get the two points. It's unfortunate we haven't gotten it done in our building," captain Jonathan Toews said.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN-Plus, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountains (Vegas), WGN (Chicago)

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (27-16-4): Alex Tuch, who leads the team in assists (21) and points (35), set up a goal for the fourth straight contest to push his point streak to eight games (two goals, seven assists). The 22-year-old scored and set up a goal in the first meeting with Chicago before tallying again in the latter. Tuch's 14 goals are tied with Jonathan Marchessault to reside one behind struggling William Karlsson, who has been held off the scoresheet in five straight outings and eight of his last nine.



ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (16-22-8): Former Hart Trophy recipient Patrick Kane posted his third straight multi-point performance on Thursday to boost his team-leading totals in goals (24), assists (34) and points (58). Alex DeBrincat has scored a goal in three straight contests to give him 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in his last 19 games while Toews also scored versus the Predators to lift his point total to 16 (five goals, 11 assists) in his last 14. Erik Gustafsson has set up nine goals during his seven-game assist streak, which is the longest for a Blackhawks defenseman since Duncan Keith registered 10 in eight contests in 2013.

OVERTIME

1. Chicago G Collin Delia, who has been confirmed to start on Saturday, has faced an average of 40.8 shots per contest over his first six games (3-1-2).

2. Golden Knights C Branon Pirri has 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in nine games this season heading into a tilt against the team that selected him in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft.

3. The Blackhawks acquired Slater Koekkoek and a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft from Tampa Bay on Friday in exchange for fellow D Jan Rutta and a seventh-round pick.

PREDICTION: Golden Knights 3, Blackhawks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

After laying another egg on the road with a loss at lowly Philadelphia, the Dallas Stars have to chance to move closer to first place in the Central Division when they open a six-game homestand against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. The Stars dropped two of three on their just-concluded road trip, but the one bright spot was a 3-1 victory at St. Louis.

Dallas owns a 14-5-2 record at home and does not play on the road again until Feb. 2 so it has a prime opportunity to boost its third-place standing in the division. "It's important," captain Jamie Benn said. "We play two divisional games before the break and the best team in the league (Tampa Bay) and LA, which is a good team, so we need to take advantage of these home games and see what we can do with it." The Blues have played a league-low 16 games away from home as they open a four-game road trip that could feature a bigger role for rookie netminder Jordan Binnington, who has allowed one goal in winning his first two NHL starts. "The first couple games when he got thrown in it's a tough situation, but the starts he's been lights out. That's awesome," defenseman Jay Bouwmeester said.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE BLUES (18-20-4): Rookie forward Robert Thomas opened the scoring in Thursday's 4-1 win over Montreal with a power-play goal, but he had to exit the game with an apparent shoulder injury after crashing into the boards and will not accompany the team on the road trip. "He was coming around, he was getting more ice, power-play time, scored a power-play goal," coach Craig Berube said. "It's unfortunate that happened." Center Tyler Bozak (upper body) has been sidelined the past three games and also will not be on the road trip but Alexander Steen, currently on injured reserve, will travel with the team.



ABOUT THE STARS (23-18-4): Red-hot Tyler Seguin, who scored two goals and set up another in Tuesday's win at St. Louis, assisted on the lone goal at Philadelphia to extend his point streak to seven games (six goals, five assists). Benn scored for the third time in five games to boost his season total to 18 goals but Dallas needs to receive more offense beyond the No. 1 line. "I'm definitely behind where I was last year at this point, and so are some other guys," forward Tyler Pitlick said. "I don't know, like I said, I feel like it's a simple answer. ... We've just got to do it."

OVERTIME

1. Benn has 14 goals and 34 points in 36 games against St. Louis.

2. Blues F David Perron scored against Dallas on Tuesday as part of his current nine-game point streak.

3. Stars F Alexander Radulov has 10 points in his last seven games, including two assists versus the Blues.

PREDICTION: Stars 3, Blues 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ottawa Senators vs. San Jose Sharks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

Defenseman Erik Karlsson has made himself at home with the San Jose Sharks, stringing together one goal and 24 assists over 14 consecutive appearances before being held in check in his last outing. The two-time Norris Trophy recipient will look to contribute on offense versus his former team as the Sharks vie for their season-best sixth straight win on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators at SAP Center in San Jose.

Karlsson was held off the scoresheet in Thursday's 3-2 victory versus Vegas for the first time since he returned to Canada's capital city in a 6-2 setback to the Senators on Dec. 1. The 28-year-old Swede spent his first nine NHL seasons in Ottawa and reportedly is expected to begin contract negotiations after the All-Star Game as he competes in the final campaign of a seven-year, $45.5 million deal. The Senators have seen a reversal of fortune take place since entering the Golden State, answering a season-high eight-game skid (0-7-1) by claiming back-to-back road wins for the first time in 2018-19. Chris Tierney, who was acquired in the blockbuster deal for Karlsson in September, had an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime victory at Anaheim and scored twice in a 4-1 triumph in Los Angeles the following night.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, CBC, Sportsnet1, TVAS, NBCS California (San Jose)

ABOUT THE SENATORS (17-23-5): Former Shark Mikkel Boedker set up his fifth goal in eight contests on Thursday and earned his 200th career assist on Tierney's first tally. The 29-year-old Dane scored a goal and set up three others in last month's victory over San Jose, with which he spent the previous two seasons. Fellow forward Bobby Ryan, who had a goal and an assist in that encounter, has scored three goals and set up four others during his six-game point streak.



ABOUT THE SHARKS (26-13-7): Melker Karlsson and Joonas Donskoi scored 39 seconds apart in the third period on Thursday to help San Jose capture its 1,000th regular-season victory in franchise history. The 26-year-old Donskoi has eight goals in his last seven games to boost his season total to a career high-tying 14, which initially was set in 2017-18. Fellow forward Tomas Hertl has collected 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in his past 18 games while All-Star defenseman Brent Burns has 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in his last eight.

OVERTIME

1. Ottawa, which is without Matt Duchene after his wife gave birth recently, placed fellow C Colin White (shoulder) on injured reserve Friday after he was hit by Los Angeles D Jake Muzzin.

2. San Jose G Martin Jones has won each of his last six starts and yielded just five goals during his last three games.

3. Ottawa made a pair of trades on Friday, acquiring D Cody Goloubef from Boston's American Hockey League affiliate (Providence) in exchange for F Paul Carey while also adding Morgan Klimchuk from Toronto for fellow F Gabriel Gagne.

PREDICTION: Sharks 5, Senators 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Coyotes vs. Edmonton Oilers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-12

NHL Predictions 11th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/11/2019

Conor Garland is listed at 5-10, 165 pounds, but has become a large presence on the ice as the Arizona Coyotes continue a three-game trip through Western Canada on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers. The Scituate, Mass., native has taken advantage of injuries to Christian Dvorak, Michael Grabner and Nick Schmaltz, and has six goals in his first 16 NHL games - four in the past three contests.

"I feel more and more comfortable after every game," Garland told reporters earlier this week before scoring in Thursday's 4-3 overtime victory at Vancouver. "I get to watch video after the games, talk to the coaches and learn new things. It's feeling a lot more comfortable and it's slowing down so that feels good." Edmonton has rebounded from a six-game losing streak by winning three of its last five contests after Thursday's 4-3 shootout victory over Florida with Connor McDavid recording two goals and an assist. "He was their game tonight,'' Panthers coach Bob Boughner told reporters. "He was all of their offense again and it seems like he does it to every team every night." The Oilers have won two straight meetings and seven of the last eight encounters after a 3-1 victory in Arizona on Jan. 2 that featured two goals and an assist by McDavid, who has 13 points (three goals) in 12 career games versus the Coyotes.

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

ABOUT THE COYOTES (19-21-3): Alex Galchenyuk has scored four of his seven goals and accumulated half his 22 points this season in the last nine games. Fellow forward Clayton Keller leads the club with 30 points but has been kept off the scoresheet in three of his last four games. Kevin Connauton, one of two regular defensemen with a positive rating (plus-1), has missed the last three games - the first two because of a lower-body injury and the last as a healthy scratch, according to coach Rick Tocchet.



ABOUT THE OILERS (21-20-3): McDavid has 26 goals and 66 points - tied for sixth and tied for third in the league entering Friday - with half his goals and points coming in the last 19 games. Leon Draisaitl (23 goals, 54 points), who was voted onto the Pacific Division All-Star team Friday, has seven goals - one versus Arizona on Jan. 2 - and five assists in the past nine contests. Alex Chiasson (22 points) recorded his fifth assist of the season Thursday after scoring his 17th goal in Tuesday's 7-2 loss at San Jose.

OVERTIME

1. The Coyotes lead the league in penalty killing at 88.5 percent (12-for-12 in the last five games) and faces an Edmonton power play that is 1-for-12 in its past five contests, while the Oilers have killed 17-of-18 penalties in the last eight.

2. McDavid has recorded at least three points in an NHL-most 37 games since beginning his career in 2015-16.

3. Garland and D Niklas Hjalmarsson share the team lead with a plus-5 rating.

PREDICTION: Oilers 3, Coyotes 2