Tuesday 1-22-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:35 PM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 6

Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta

Allowance • 220 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 91 • Purse: $15,000 • Post: 3:00P
QUARTER HORSE 220Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * MPS SHAKE EM N STYLE: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. LIL BRO BIG STREAK: Horse has a Track Master "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. DI MARIA: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fa st. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. STRAW BUX: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
5
MPS SHAKE EM N STYLE
9/5

5/1
3
LIL BRO BIG STREAK
8/1

5/1
2
DI MARIA
4/1

6/1
4
STRAW BUX
3/1

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
TK ZOOMAWAY
1

6/1
Average
86

77

4.4

0.0

0.0
2
DI MARIA
2

4/1
Fast
88

89

3.0

0.0

0.0
3
LIL BRO BIG STREAK
3

8/1
Average
97

92

5.5

0.0

0.0
4
STRAW BUX
4

3/1
Average
93

82

0.0

0.0

0.0
5
MPS SHAKE EM N STYLE
5

9/5
Fast
98

94

1.0

0.0

0.0
6
DA POOL DO
6

6/1
Fast
78

72

1.1

0.0

0.0
7
DYNASTYS FAST PRIZE
7

20/1
Average
72

62

0.0

0.0

0.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:36 PM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Allowance - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $23500 Class Rating: 87

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 22 ALLOWED 2 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 EMPIREMEISTER 4/1

# 2 ZULU LEGEND 3/1

# 8 FIRST VICTORY 20/1

My selection in this event is EMPIREMEISTER. Will probably come out sharp - I have liked the way this gelding has moved sharply to the lead recently. ZULU LEGEND - This gelding should be given consideration just off the earnings per start in dirt sprint contests alone. I would like this gelding on the rider and trainer numbers alone. FIRST VICTORY - Have to suppose this one will do well following the quick return to the races.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:36 PM

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

Race 7 - Maiden Optional Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6200 Class Rating: 59

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 PEGASUS CHAMP 3/1

# 5 WATER PREACHER 9/2

# 4 ALTA ALPHA 12/1

PEGASUS CHAMP is my choice. Vaunts reliable Equibase Speed Figures on average overall when measured up against the rest of this group. Could beat this group of horses given the 56 speed rating garnered in his last outing. The average Equibase class rating of 51 makes this one hard to beat. WATER PREACHER - With a quite good 50 speed fig last time out, will clearly be a factor in this race. ALTA ALPHA - The Lasix change (with second time Lasix) may spark a turnaround for this colt. With a nice class rating average of 65, has one of the most favorable class advantages in this group.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:37 PM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #6 - Post: 2:40pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $45,000 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 NORTHERN BEAUTY (ML=8/1)
#1 NIGHTLIFE (ML=6/1)
#6 CHARLY'S CHARM (ML=2/1)

NORTHERN BEAUTY - The addition of Lasix might make this horse wake up right here. NIGHTLIFE - This filly likes to be near the lead. Today's contest is a shorter trip and should aid her chances. This filly is the longer price of the 'split' entry from the barn of Coletti. CHARLY'S CHARM - Using this rider/trainer combination is a good choice. This horse could be tough today, especially since Sanchez rode last race out and now should be acquainted with this one. Generally speaking, horses on Lasix for the 1st time should be considered. That's what we have here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 DIVA DRAMA (ML=7/5),

DIVA DRAMA - Most of the time I need a sprinter to have some recent success in sprint events in order to back her.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #2 NORTHERN BEAUTY on the nose if you can get odds of 4/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,2,6] with [1,2,6] with [1,2,4,6,8] with [1,2,4,6,8] Total Cost: $36

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:37 PM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Sunland Park
Sunland Park - Race 3

.50 Pick 3(Races 3-4-5)/$1Exacta/Trifecta /.10 Superfecta

Maiden Special • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3-4 • CR: 58 • Purse: $20,400 • Post: 1:24P
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE AND FOUR YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; FOUR YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Dominant Stalker. POINT TO POINT is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * POINT TO POINT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. VICTIM OF LOVE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designatio n. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
7
POINT TO POINT
5/1

5/2
3
VICTIM OF LOVE
6/5

3/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
VICTIM OF LOVE
3

6/5
Stalker
69

58

22.8

55.0

51.5
7
POINT TO POINT
7

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

73.5

62.5

58.5
4
THANK GOODNESS
4

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

9.5

17.1

5.6
5
GOLDIE
5

15/1
Trailer
49

35

47.4

22.8

10.3
1
POINT GETTER
1

3/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

39.0

39.0

31.5
8
MS. REHBURG
8

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

33.2

33.2

25.2
6
STARCAST
6

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

32.2

32.2

21.7
2
STORMY ENCOUNTER
2

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

25.9

25.9

12.4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:38 PM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #1 - Post: 12:40pm - Maiden Claiming - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,300 Class Rating: 61

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 HERE'S TO WISHING (ML=6/1)

HERE'S TO WISHING - Finished off the board last out at Turf Paradise, but was within 5 lengths of the winner. Opening at 6/1 makes me think she's got a chance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 MONACO GIRL (ML=6/5), #2 WONDERFUL GAMBLE (ML=8/5), #5 DREAMY EYES (ML=5/1),

MONACO GIRL - Pedestrian speed rating last time around the track at Turf Paradise at 5 furlongs. Don't think this mount will improve too much in today's event. WONDERFUL GAMBLE - You always figure that this horse has a shot to cross the finish line in first, but she comes up short most of the time. DREAMY EYES - Hard to bet on any animal to turn things around if there is no wager value to taking the risk.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 HERE'S TO WISHING on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:38 PM

Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NBA Predictions 21st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/21/2019

The Toronto Raptors aim to stretch their home winning streak to 10 games when they face the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. Toronto is a stellar 20-4 at Scotiabank Arena, with its most recent setback occurring on Dec. 9 against Milwaukee.

Kawhi Leonard is expected to be back in the lineup after being rested for the last two games, including Saturday's easy 119-90 win over Memphis in which he wasn't needed. "That was awesome," Raptors coach Nick Nurse told reporters after his team drained 17-of-36 3-point attempts. "We hadn't had one like that in a while. It was good to see some of our shooters make some shots." Sacramento is 1-2 on its six-game road trip after falling apart in the fourth quarter of Monday's 123-94 loss to Brooklyn as it was outscored 30-9 in the period. "Everybody got brain dead," shooting guard Buddy Hield told reporters. "We didn't execute. One dribble, pass. One dribble, shot. Come down, one dribble, shot. No ball movement, no continuity."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), TSN (Toronto) LINE: Raptors -10.5

ABOUT THE KINGS (24-23): Reserve Bogdan Bogdanovic was one of the few players to excel against the Nets as he recorded 22 points and a career-high 11 assists in 32 minutes. "He's a very cerebral, high-level thinker, and the things he can do with the basketball, he can make a lot of plays for himself," coach Dave Joerger told reporters. "But actually, I think he's a better playmaker than he is a shooter, and I think he's a heck of a shooter." Bogdanovic has scored 17 or more points in four of his last five games and is averaging 17.4 during that stretch.

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (35-13): Danny Green scored a season-best 24 points and matched his career high of eight 3-pointers - seven of which he made in the third during the romp over Memphis to set the franchise record for most in a single quarter. Green scored 21 points during his third-quarter explosion to fall one shy of teammate Kyle Lowry's franchise mark for a period but downplayed his torrid shooting exhibition. "It was a lot of open ones," Green told reporters. "It wasn't like they were tough, contested or difficult shots. Just run the floor, get to the corner and get to the space."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Raptors have won each of the last three meetings, including a 114-105 win in Sacramento on Nov. 7.

2. Kings SG Iman Shumpert had a dismal 1-of-10 shooting performance against the Nets and is just 11-for-46 over his last five contests.

3. Toronto F OG Anunoby (personal reasons) is expected to miss his fourth straight game.

PREDICTION: Raptors 115, Kings 102

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:38 PM

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NBA Predictions 22nd January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/22/2019

The Oklahoma City Thunder have snapped a slump with consecutive victories and they aim to keep the momentum going when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The Thunder dropped five of six games before sweeping a two-game road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.

Forward Paul George scored 31 points for the second straight game in Monday's 127-109 victory over the Knicks, while point guard Russell Westbrook narrowly missed a triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. "We took care of business," Westbrook told reporters afterward. "We were locked in. When we're locked in as a team, it's tough to beat us." Portland opened a three-game road trip with a 109-104 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday for its third straight win and ninth in the past 12 games. The strong showing against the Jazz allowed the Trail Blazers to move a season-high 10 games over .500.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Oklahoma LINE: Thunder -5.5

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (29-19): Star point guard Damian Lillard had 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists against Utah for his sixth straight 20-point effort and is averaging 27.3 points during the stretch. Center Jusuf Nurkic scored 17 of his 22 points and recorded four of his six blocked shots - which matched a career high - during a third quarter in which Portland scored 39 points to take control of the contest. "Overall the second half was better," Nurkic said in a postgame television interview. "We came for the win and we know how hard it is to win on the road."

ABOUT THE THUNDER (28-18): Six players scored in double digits against the Knicks and two of them were reserves as guard Dennis Schroder scored 17 points and forward Abdel Nader tallied 16. "We've been preaching this all year long that the first group and second group have to be hitting on all cylinders, have to help each other," George told reporters. "Our second unit came in and did the same job." Starting forward Jerami Grant scored 16 points against New York for his sixth straight double-digit effort and he is averaging 16.3 points over his past six games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. George scored 37 points and Westbrook added 31 on Jan. 4 when the Thunder posted a 111-109 victory to halt an eight-game losing streak in Portland.

2. Nurkic has seven 20-point outings in the past 14 games.

3. Oklahoma City C Steven Adams has scored in double digits in eight straight games and is 50-of-70 from the field during the stretch.

PREDICTION: Thunder 109, Trail Blazers 107

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:39 PM

LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NBA Predictions 21st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/21/2019

The Los Angeles Clippers ended a five-game slide to open their four-game road trip and look to carry the momentum into Tuesday's contest against the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles won for just the fourth time in 11 games with Sunday's 103-95 victory at San Antonio.

The Clippers lost by 18 or more points three times during their five-game skid, but the effort was much better on Sunday as they forced the Spurs into 18 turnovers. "The energy was great," Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "Every single guy that came in gave us a lift." The Mavericks have lost four straight games and 15 of their last 20 after falling 116-106 in Milwaukee on Monday, even though rookie Luka Doncic posted his first career triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. "I didn't play good at all," Doncic told reporters afterward of his 6-of-17 shooting performance. "I missed some shots that I shouldn't miss."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Dallas) LINE: Mavericks -4.5

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (25-21): Tobias Harris flirted with a triple-double against the Spurs, registering 27 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, but was more interested in talking about the team's performance than his impressive stats. "This is one of the most satisfying wins for us," Harris told reporters. "We knew it was a collective effort from everyone." Los Angeles had five players score in double digits while playing without stellar sixth man Lou Williams (hamstring), who could miss his third straight game on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (20-26): Disgruntled point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is slated to rejoin the team Tuesday after a six-game absence tied to his unhappiness that his role is different this season due to the emergence of Doncic. Coach Rick Carlisle said he and Smith "spoke at length" on Sunday, and that Smith "is feeling better and plans to resume workouts in preparation for his return." The 21-year-old Smith is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds this campaign after posting 15.2, 5.2 and 3.8 as a rookie last season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split this season's first two meetings, but the Clippers have won 10 of the last 16 matchups.

2. Los Angeles F Danilo Gallinari (back) did not accompany the team on its three-game trip after being injured during Friday's contest against Golden State.

3. Dallas SF Harrison Barnes is just 14-of-48 shooting over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Clippers 112, Mavericks 107

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:39 PM

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NBA Predictions 21st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/21/2019

Derrick Rose added another highlight to his remarkable comeback season Sunday against the Phoenix Suns at home. Rose will try to follow up a memorable performance when he leads his Minnesota Timberwolves into a rematch with the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday.

The former MVP, who played just 25 games with two teams last season, capped a 29-point second half with a jumper in the final second to lift the Timberwolves to a 116-114 victory in the front end of the home-and-home set. "It was all up to my teammates and the coaches for giving me that confidence, putting the ball in my hands and just believing in me," Rose told reporters. The Suns finished an 0-4 road trip with the loss and return to the desert hoping to extend their two-game home winning streak. Rookie center Deandre Ayton (ankle) sat out Sunday's matchup -- the first missed game of his career -- and is not expected to return Tuesday.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Arizona (Phoenix) LINE: Timberwolves -5.5

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (22-24): Center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 30 points to go along with 12 rebounds and a career high-tying four steals Sunday. The 23-year-old made all 13 of his free throws and is 22-of-22 from the line over his last three games. Taj Gibson chipped in 17 points on 7-of-8 from the field, and the veteran forward has made 20-of-29 shots in a four-game hot stretch.

ABOUT THE SUNS (11-37): T.J. Warren led Phoenix with 21 points in Sunday's loss, the second two-point setback on the trip for the Western Conference's last-place team. "I think we played well enough to deserve to win this game, but again, we didn't find a way to close the game," coach Igor Kokoskov told reporters. "It's just a bad taste in our mouth after this loss, but we have to learn from mistakes." Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 20.3 points over his last seven games after chipping in 18 off the bench Sunday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves SF Robert Covington (ankle) has missed 10 straight games.

2. Suns SG Devin Booker scored 28 points to lead the Suns to a 107-99 win in the first matchup between the teams in Phoenix on Dec. 15.

3. Rose is averaging 23 points over his last three games despite shooting 1-for-12 from 3-point range.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 114, Suns 112

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:39 PM

San Jose Sharks vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NHL Predictions 21st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/21/2019

While the Washington Capitals had no trouble creating offense last time out, they still were unable to put an end to their season-high five-game losing streak. The Capitals attempt to halt the slide when they host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

Washington scored a total of four goals in its first four setbacks before breaking out in Chicago on Sunday, but it still suffered an 8-5 defeat to fall to 0-4-1 during a skid that has cost it first place in the Metropolitan Division. While the Capitals finally managed to produce offensively, the output did not come from their expected sources as the team's defense corps recorded all five goals against the Blackhawks. San Jose is also struggling as it has been outscored 18-8 while losing the first three contests of its four-game road trip after beginning the month with seven consecutive victories. Timo Meier scored a goal and set up another in Monday's 6-2 setback at Florida, ending his 17-game drought and leaving him two shy of matching the career high of 21 he scored last season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS California (San Jose), NBCS Washington, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, TVA

ABOUT THE SHARKS (28-16-7): San Jose will be without Erik Karlsson for a third straight game as the defenseman deals with a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old Swede, who has collected three goals and 40 assists over 47 contests in his first season with the Sharks, has not been ruled out of participating in the All-Star Game on Saturday at SAP Center. Joe Thornton is five assists away from tying Gordie Howe for ninth place on the all-time list after notching the 1,044th of his career Monday.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (27-16-5): John Carlson led the charge for Washington on Sunday, registering his first two-goal performance of the season to end his 11-game drought. The 29-year-old defenseman has netted only three tallies in his last 39 contests after scoring in five of his first eight this season. Captain Alex Ovechkin leads the league with 33 goals but has recorded only four over his last 16 games.

OVERTIME

1. Capitals RW T.J. Oshie has collected three goals and four assists over his last seven games.

2. San Jose D Brent Burns, who leads the team with 53 points, needs one goal to become the ninth member of the team to reach double digits.

3. Washington's slide is its longest since it dropped five straight games from Oct. 26-Nov. 4, 2014.

PREDICTION: Capitals 5, Sharks 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:39 PM

Arizona Coyotes vs. Ottawa Senators Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NHL Predictions 21st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/21/2019

The Arizona Coyotes and Ottawa Senators are both struggling to stay out of the basement in their respective divisions, but both teams are playing well entering the final week leading to the All-Star break. The Coyotes have earned points in six of their last seven contests (5-1-1) as they continue their six-game road trip with a visit to Ottawa on Tuesday night.

With the exception of an embarrassing rout in Calgary, Arizona is on a solid run with wins over San Jose and Toronto sandwiched around an overtime loss to Pittsburgh. "We're really finding our identity here and how we want to play as a team," Vinnie Hinostroza said after the Coyotes opened the trek with Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Maple Leafs. Ottawa was denied in its bid for a third straight victory, falling at St. Louis 3-2 on Saturday after posting consecutive three-goal wins over Colorado and Carolina. Goaltender Craig Anderson, who made 35 saves against the Blues after sitting out 12 games due to a concussion, will make the start against the Coyotes.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Arizona Plus, TSN5, RDS (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE COYOTES (22-22-4): Netminder Darcy Kuemper has yet to lose in regulation in 2019, posting a 5-0-2 mark in seven starts this month after turning aside 24 shots against the potent Maple Leafs. "I feel good," said Kuemper, who is three starts shy of matching his career high of 28. "I'm just trying to get some treatment when I can and keep my body ready. I always try to prepare like I'm playing every game even when I'm not, so it doesn't really make any difference how many games I play." Backup Calvin Pickard, acquired on waivers from Philadelphia in late November, could make his Arizona debut this week.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (19-25-5): Ottawa has major decisions to make concerning its top three goals scorers prior to next month's trade deadline as Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel are all scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. Multiple reports over the weekend said Duchene's agents were offered an eight-year deal between $8 and $9 million annually and the numbers are expected to be similar for Stone. "It makes you think. You never know what a team's forecast is going to be," forward Bobby Ryan said. "It's human instinct to always think the grass is greener and you never know until you experience it."

OVERTIME

1. The Coyotes have won the last three meetings, including a 5-1 romp on Oct. 30.

2. Ryan will appear in his 400th game with Ottawa and 778th overall.

3. Coyotes F Clayton Keller has scored in back-to-back games after managing one goal in the previous 21.

PREDICTION: Senators 3, Coyotes 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:39 PM

New York Islanders vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NHL Predictions 21st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/21/2019

The New York Islanders have ascended to the top of the Metropolitan Division due in large part to a stifling defense that has yielded two goals or fewer in nine of their last 12 outings -- and in each contest of their five-game winning streak. The Islanders bid to continue their stingy ways and match a season-high winning streak Tuesday when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center.

Robin Lehner earned NHL First Star of the Week honors after turning aside 65 of 67 shots to win all three of his starts, including New York's 3-0 win against Anaheim on Sunday. "The last three games have been amazing -- Jersey, Washington, we have really suffocated them," said the 27-year-old Swede, who has won 11 of his last 12 games and leads the league with a slim 2.02 goals-against average. The Islanders have won a season-high six in a row on the road heading into Tuesday's tilt versus Chicago, which did the first-place club a favor on Sunday by snapping its five-game skid with an 8-5 win over Washington. Captain Jonathan Toews registered his sixth career hat trick and his five-point performance versus the Capitals matched NHL Third Star of the Week Patrick Kane, who scored two goals and set up three others.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, MSG-Plus (New York), WGN (Chicago)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (29-15-4): Cal Clutterbuck boosted his goal total to four in his last five games after recording his sixth career two-goal performance on Sunday and first since Jan. 4, 2018 at Philadelphia. "It's nice," the 31-year-old Clutterbuck said. "It was kind of a snakebit start to the year, even from halfway through last year I couldn't seem to find the back of the net, so it's nice to breakthrough here." Defenseman Devon Toews, who notched an assist on Clutterbuck's first goal Sunday, knocked home a rebound at 1:48 into overtime to lift New York to a 3-2 win over Chicago on Jan. 3.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (17-24-9): Toews was pleased with coach Jeremy Colliton's decision to be reunited with Kane on a line, and the proof was in the pudding on Sunday. "I know what he likes and how he likes to play and vice versa," the 30-year-old Toews said. "I think we can complement each other well. Obviously Kaner's been playing with a ton of confidence, so for me it was just go out there and make his life easier and get him the puck and get to open areas." Kane, who leads the team in goals (29), assists (41) and points (70), scored in the first contest versus New York to begin his current eight-game point streak (seven goals, 13 assists).

OVERTIME

1. New York has scored first in each of the last six games.

2. Chicago RW Alex DeBrincat has seven goals and an assist in his last seven contests.

3. Islanders LW Josh Bailey had an assist on Sunday to lift his point total to six (three goals, three assists) in his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Blackhawks 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-22-2019, 02:39 PM

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Calgary Flames Preview and Predictions 2019-01-22

NHL Predictions 21st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/21/2019

The Carolina Hurricanes and Calgary Flames stole the spotlight at last year's NHL draft, making a blockbuster trade in which five players changed uniforms. Former Carolina coach Bill Peters is now behind the bench with Calgary, adding another layer of intrigue when the Pacific Division-leading Flames host the Hurricanes on Tuesday night in the first meeting since the deal.

Calgary sent defenseman Dougie Hamilton, forward Micheal Ferland and prospect Adam Fox to Carolina in exchange for center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Noah Hanifin. "A little strange, probably," Hanifin said of facing his former teammates. "I've got some pretty close buddies there. That was my first experience in the league, those three years. I learned a lot as a player and a person. A lot of good memories there." The Hurricanes, winners of eight of 11 after rolling to a 7-4 victory at Edmonton, will host the Flames in a rematch on Feb. 3 following the All-Star break, but their focus is on winning in Calgary. "I think it'll be fun," Hamilton said. "I mean, their team is doing great obviously, so it's going to be a tough game. Hopefully, we can play a good game against them."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Carolina), Sportsnet West (Calgary)

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (23-20-5): Forward Teuvo Teravainen has not scored a goal in nine games but he had ample reason to smile after Carolina signed him to a five-year contract extension worth $27 million on Monday. "Teuvo has improved every year of his NHL career and has established himself as a cornerstone forward for the Hurricanes now and into the future," general manager Don Waddell said of the Finn, who is second on the team with 39 points. "He's still just 24 years old and we believe he will only continue to grow as a player." Recently acquired Nino Niederreiter scored twice in the victory at Edmonton.

ABOUT THE FLAMES (32-13-5): Lindholm and Hanifin, both former No. 5 overall draft picks of Carolina, each collected an assist as Calgary extended its point streak to eight games with a 5-2 win over Edmonton on Saturday. Lindholm has benefited from playing on the potent top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan and is tied for third on the team in scored with 57 points on 21 goals and 36 assists, establishing career highs in all three categories. "Obviously, Lindy, he's been lighting it up for you guys," Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour told Calgary reporters. "We knew we were giving up a great player."

OVERTIME

1. Monahan has four goals during a five-game point streak overall and five tallies in eight games versus Carolina.

2. Hurricanes F Sebastian Aho collected three assists Sunday to give him 15 points in 10 games this month.

3. Lindholm has a goal and eight assists during a seven-game point streak.

PREDICTION: Flames 4, Hurricanes 3

Tuesday 1-22-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 1-22-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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