The Bum's NHL October's Best Bets-Trends,Stats,News !

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Detroit at Montreal
The Canadiens host a Detroit team that is coming off a 1-0 OT win over Toronto on Saturday and is 1-6 in its last 7 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Montreal is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Candiens favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-140). Here are all of today's NHL picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Game 51-52: San Jose at Boston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 13.113; Boston 12.283
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+120); Under

Game 53-54: NY Rangers at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.872; New Jersey 12.319
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-130); Over

Game 55-56: Toronto at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 12.562; NY Islanders 11.443
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+130); Over

Game 57-58: Detroit at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 10.512; Montreal 12.719
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-140); Over

Game 59-60: Arizona at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 12.565; Nashville 11.449
Dunkel Line & Total: Arizona by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+130); Over

Game 61-62: Carolina at Winnipeg (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 9.879; Winnipeg 11.358
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-160); Under

Game 63-64: Philadelphia at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 10.721; Chicago 13.402
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-215); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-215); Over

Game 65-66: Vancouver at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.539; Dallas 11.114
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+120); Under

Game 67-68: Tampa Bay at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 12.489; Calgary 10.972
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-130); Under

Game 69-70: Florida at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.599; Colorado 12.128
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-170); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 21

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SAN JOSE (4-1-0-1, 9 pts.) at BOSTON (3-4-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 1-6 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 17-18 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 353-338 ATS (-22.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
BOSTON is 143-123 ATS (+275.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
BOSTON is 35-47 ATS (-41.0 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 2-0-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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NY RANGERS (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (3-2-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 4-3 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 4-3-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

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TORONTO (2-3-0-1, 5 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (4-1-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 7-15 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 64-108 ATS (-46.6 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 3-2-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.0 Units)

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DETROIT (3-1-0-1, 7 pts.) at MONTREAL (5-1-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 92-103 ATS (-68.2 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
MONTREAL is 61-44 ATS (+105.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 28-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 29-22 ATS (+3.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 2-2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)

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ARIZONA (2-2-0-0, 4 pts.) at NASHVILLE (3-0-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 162-151 ATS (+315.5 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-3 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 3-3-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)

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CAROLINA (0-2-0-2, 2 pts.) at WINNIPEG (1-4-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 3-2 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 3-2-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.8 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (1-2-0-2, 4 pts.) at CHICAGO (3-0-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 21-5 ATS (+11.1 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-10 ATS (+29.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-60 ATS (+138.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 9-14 ATS (-13.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 267-294 ATS (+597.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 140-150 ATS (-69.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 1-1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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VANCOUVER (3-1-0-0, 6 pts.) at DALLAS (2-1-0-2, 6 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 12-6 ATS (+18.5 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 145-92 ATS (+26.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 17-4 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-1 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.3 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (3-2-0-1, 7 pts.) at CALGARY (4-3-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 1-1 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 1-1-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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FLORIDA (1-2-0-2, 4 pts.) at COLORADO (1-4-0-1, 3 pts.) - 10/21/2014, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-1 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 1-1-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, October 21

Hot teams
-- Sharks won four of their first six games.
-- Rangers won their last two games, allowing one goal.
-- Islanders won four of their first five games.
-- Canadiens won five of their first six games. Detroit won last two games, allowing one goal.
-- Blackhawks won three of their last four games.
-- Vancouver won three of its first four games.
-- Calgary won three of its last four games.

Cold teams
-- Boston lost four of its last six games.
-- Devils lost their last two games, allowing ten goals.
-- Maple Leafs lost last two games, scoring one goal.
-- Winnipeg lost its last four games, outscored 13-2. Carolina lost last four games, last two in shootouts.
-- Predators lost two of last three games, scoring five goals. Arizona split its first four games.
-- Flyers lost four of their first five games.
-- Dallas lost both its home games, one in OT, one in SO.
-- Avalanche lost five of their first six games. Florida lost four of its first five.
-- Lightning lost three of their first five games.

Series records
-- Sharks are 5-4 in last nine vs Boston, but lost 2-1/1-0 to Bruins LY.
-- Rangers won five of last eight games with New Jersey.
-- Islanders won five of last seven games with Toronto.
-- Red Wings won three of their last five visits to Montreal.
-- Jets won five of last seven games with Carolina.
-- Coyotes are 7-4 in last 11 games vs Nashville, but lost last two.
-- Home side won ten of last eleven Philly-Chicago games.
-- Dallas Stars won seven of last nine games with Vancouver.
-- Panthers lost three of last four visits to Colorado.
-- Lightning/Flames split their last eight games.

Totals
-- Five of last six San Jose-Boston games stayed under.
-- Four of last five New Jersey games went over the total.
-- Last eight Islander-Toronto games went over total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Detroit-Montreal games.
-- Three of four Carolina games went over total.
-- All five Nashville games stayed under the total; over is 3-0-1 in Arizona games.
-- Last four Flyer games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Dallas-Vancouver games.
-- Five of last six Colorado games stayed under total.
-- Last four Calgary games stayed under the total.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, October 21

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. NEW JERSEY
NY Rangers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. BOSTON
San Jose is 4-6-3 SU in its last 13 games ,when playing on the road against Boston
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against San Jose

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. NY ISLANDERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Toronto is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
NY Islanders are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Detroit

8:00 PM
ARIZONA vs. NASHVILLE
Arizona is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Arizona is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Nashville is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games

8:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. WINNIPEG
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Carolina
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

8:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHICAGO
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
VANCOUVER vs. DALLAS
Vancouver is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Vancouver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Dallas's last 23 games when playing at home against Vancouver

9:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. COLORADO
Florida is 4-9-3 SU in its last 16 games ,when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games
Colorado is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games

9:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CALGARY
Tampa Bay is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home
Calgary is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Tampa Bay

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, October 21


Islanders-Maple Leafs love going Over the total

If you've been backing the Over in recent matchups between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders, you've been collecting some nice profits.

The Over is 10-1 in the previous 11 meetings between the two teams. Toronto takes on the Islanders at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Tuesday.

New York is currently -147 faves on the moneyline with a total of 5.5.


NHL roundup: Kings' Voynov suspended

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov has been suspended indefinitely pending a formal investigation by the NHL after his arrest Monday morning on charges of domestic violence.

The defenseman will continue to be paid during the suspension, but he will be unable to participate in any club activities.

According to the NHL in making the announcement, a rule in the collective bargaining agreement states that during a criminal investigation: "The League may suspend the Player pending the League's formal review and disposition of the matter where the failure to suspend the Player during this period would create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the League."

Voynov, a 24-year-old Russian, has two assists in six games this season.

Lt. Joe Hoffman of the Redondo Beach Police Department said Voynov was arrested at a local hospital while he was with the alleged victim, the Orange County Register reported. The alleged victim was being treated for what the police described as a crime of domestic violence.

---The Calgary Flames signed defenseman TJ Brodie to a five-year contract. The deal is worth $23.25 million, according to Sportsnet.

Brodie has started the season with three goals and four assists for a six-game point streak that is the longest in the NHL this season and a career high.

---Dallas Stars forward Patrik Nemeth will be sidelined the rest of the season with an arm laceration suffered in Saturday's against the Philadelphia Flyers, the team announced.

Nemeth, a second-round pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, was scoreless with a plus-1 rating in five games with the Stars this season.

---Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman will be out four to six weeks after having surgery to repair a broken finger.

Hedman, 23, suffered the injury Saturday in a 4-3 victory over Vancouver. He will have the surgery Tuesday, the team announced.

Hedman entered Saturday's game leading NHL defensemen in points, with seven.

---Toronto Maple Leafs forward Brandon Kozun will miss a minimum of six weeks with a high ankle sprain, coach Randy Carlyle said.

The rookie has one assist in five games this season.

---The Detroit Red Wings assigned goaltender Petr Mrazek to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.

Mrazek, who was originally drafted by Detroit in the fifth round of the 2010 draft, has appeared in 11 career games with the Red Wings, sporting a 3-5 record and a 1.80 goals-against average.

---The St. Louis Blues assigned defenseman Petteri Lindbohm to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League.

Lindbohm, 21, made his NHL debut Sunday night in Anaheim in a 3-0 loss, playing 14:05 and sharing the team lead with four shots on goal.

---The Anaheim Ducks recalled goaltender John Gibson from Norfolk of the American Hockey League. The Ducks also reassigned goaltender Jason LaBarbera to Norfolk.

Gibson, 21, posted a 1-1-0 record with a 3.05 goals-against average and .902 save percentage in two games with Norfolk.

---The Boston Bruins recalled forward Seth Griffith from Providence of the American Hockey League.

Griffith has skated in three games for Boston this season.

---The Washington Capitals assigned right winger Tom Wilson to Hershey of the American Hockey League.

Wilson, who missed the first five games of this season with a lower-body injury, is expected to make his 2014-15 season debut this weekend with Hershey.

---The Buffalo Sabres will officially retire the jersey of goaltender Dominik Hasek, one of the best goaltenders in NHL history.

The ceremony will take place on Jan. 13, 2015, prior to the team's home game against the Detroit Red Wings at First Niagara Center.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, October 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

San Jose - 7:00 PM ET San Jose +122 500 HAT TRICK
Boston - Under 5 500

NY Rangers - 7:00 PM ET New Jersey -114 500 DOUBLE PLAY
New Jersey - Over 5 500

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Toronto +126 500
NY Islanders - Over 5.5 500

Detroit - 7:30 PM ET Montreal -139 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Montreal - Over 5 500

Carolina - 8:00 PM ET Winnipeg -147 500 *****
Winnipeg - Under 5.5 500

Arizona - 8:00 PM ET Arizona +130 500
Nashville - Over 5 500

Philadelphia - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -195 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chicago - Over 5.5 500

Vancouver - 8:30 PM ET Dallas -130 500 HAT TRICK
Dallas - Under 5.5 500

Florida - 9:00 PM ET Colorado -169 500
Colorado - Under 5.5 500

Tampa Bay - 9:00 PM ET Tampa Bay +102 500
Calgary - Under 5.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

RATED PLAYS AND OPINONS

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/21/14 11-*9-*0 55.00% +*475 Detail

10/20/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% +*170 Detail

10/19/14 1-*7-*0 12.50% -*3355 Detail

10/17/14 4-*8-*0 33.33% -*2240 Detail

10/16/14 8-*6-*0 57.14% +*570 Detail

10/15/14 4-*1-*1 80.00% +*2145 Detail

10/14/14 7-*11-*0 38.89% -*3160 Detail

10/13/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail

10/12/14 1-*2-*1 33.33% -*875 Detail

10/11/14 18-*10-*2 64.29% +*3330 Detail

10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% 0 Detail

10/09/14 6-*10-*1 37.50% -*3240 Detail

10/08/14 3-*5-*0 37.50% -*1310 Detail

Totals 67-*73-*5 47.86% -*7540




RATED PLAYS

NHL October Rated Picks

*****............... 11 - 7 - 2 ......... + 2.07

Double Play.............. 7 - 10 ........ - 5.44

Triple Play.............. 8 - 7 ......... - 0.88

HAT TRICK.................4 - 4.......... - 5.05

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Toronto at Ottawa
The Senators host a Toronto team that is 1-11 in its last 12 games versus Atlantic Division opponents. Ottawa is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Senators favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-145). Here are all of today's NHL picks.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Game 1-2: Toronto at Ottawa (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.802; Ottawa 12.775
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-145); Over

Game 3-4: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 12.102; Pittsburgh 11.211
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-210); 6
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+175); Under

Game 5-6: Washington at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.562; Edmonton 11.414
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+130); Under

Game 7-8: Buffalo at Anaheim (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 12.389; Anaheim 11.442
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-350); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+275); Over




NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 22

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TORONTO (2-3-0-1, 5 pts.) at OTTAWA (4-1-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/22/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-2 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 6-2-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (1-2-0-2, 4 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (3-1-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/22/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 19-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-60 ATS (+138.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 3-8 ATS (-9.6 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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WASHINGTON (3-0-0-2, 8 pts.) at EDMONTON (1-4-0-1, 3 pts.) - 10/22/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 130-176 ATS (-67.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
EDMONTON is 14-34 ATS (+50.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 4-19 ATS (+34.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 2-0-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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BUFFALO (1-5-0-0, 2 pts.) at ANAHEIM (5-1-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/22/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 22-66 ATS (+129.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 8-30 ATS (+56.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 66-35 ATS (+128.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 34-14 ATS (+10.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 22-8 ATS (+11.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 17-2 ATS (+13.4 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 34-12 ATS (+16.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 17-3 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 92-85 ATS (+190.6 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 3-0-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, October 22

Hot teams
-- Senators won last four games, allowing seven goals. Toronto won two of its first three on road.
-- Penguins won three of their last four games.
-- Washington won three of its last four games.
-- Anaheim won its last five games, allowing seven goals.

Cold teams
-- Flyers lost five of their first six games.
-- Edmonton lost five of its first six games.
-- Sabres lost five of their last six games.

Series records
-- Maple Leafs won nine of last eleven games with Ottawa.
-- Flyers won their last four games with Pittsburgh.
-- Oilers lost four of last five games with Washington.
-- Anaheim won its last three games with Buffalo, scoring 17 goals.

Totals
-- Four of five Ottawa games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Philly games went over the total.
-- Four of six Edmonton games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Buffalo games went over total.




NHL

Wednesday, October 22

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Ottawa is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PITTSBURGH
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Philadelphia's last 22 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

9:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. EDMONTON
Washington is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

10:30 PM
BUFFALO vs. ANAHEIM
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing Anaheim
Buffalo is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games
Anaheim is 8-13-2 SU in its last 23 games ,when playing Buffalo
Anaheim is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo


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NHL

Wednesday, October 22

Leafs dominating battle of Ontario

The Battle of Ontario has been incredibly lopsided as of late, a trend that will make Toronto Maple Leafs backers wide-eyed.

The Leafs are 6-1 in their last seven meetings against their provincial rival, the Ottawa Senators.

The two clubs meet again Wednesday in Ottawa. The Sens are currently -149 moneyline faves with a total of 5.5.


Buffalo historically struggling in Anaheim

The Honda Center has not been friendly territory for the Buffalo Sabres.

Buffalo is just 1-4 in their last five games against the Anaheim Ducks in the Golden State. The Ducks play host to Buffalo in NHL action Wednesday.

Anaheim is presently heavy -297 faves on the moneyline. The total for the game is currently sitting at 5.5.


Home teams coming out on top in Oilers-Caps clashes

Home ice advantage has been massive in Edmonton Oilers-Washington Capitals matchups.

The home side is 15-3 in the last 18 meetings between the two squads. That's a trend that favors the Oil, as they host the Caps at Rexall Place Wednesday.

Washington is currently -135 moneyline favorites with a total of 5.5.


Flyers collecting W's versus Pittsburgh

The Philadelphia Flyers have loved playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins lately.

The Flyers are 4-0 in their last four contests against Sidney Crosby's crew. They'll face off once again in the Steel City Wednesday.

The Pens are presently -200 faves on the moneyline with the total set at 5.5 for the all-Pennsylvania clash.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Maple Leafs (3-3) at Senators (4-1)

Date: October 22, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


Backed by solid goaltending and a bend-but-not-break defensive effort, the Ottawa Senators are one of the league's biggest surprises as they try to extend their best start in seven years.

That's a trend they hope to continue against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who look to build on a balanced scoring outburst.

As they host the first round of the Battle of Ontario, the Senators will try to claim their fifth consecutive victory while winning back-to-back matchups with the Maple Leafs for the first time in 12 meetings Wednesday night.

With its 3-2 victory over Columbus on Saturday, Ottawa (4-1-0) secured its best start through five games since 2007 when it won its first five on the way to a 13-1-0 start.

Robin Lehner finished with 38 saves to win for the second time in as many starts, while fellow netminder Craig Anderson has gone 2-1-0 with a 2.01 goals-against average in his three outings.

"They've both played well for us and it's what our team needs," coach Paul MacLean told the NHL's official website. "We're trying to make sure we give both of them every opportunity to play and give both of them action."

Although MacLean's club ranks near the bottom of the league allowing an average of 35.6 shots per game, Anderson and Lehner have led Ottawa to one of the NHL's best save percentages at .944, to go along with a 2.00 GAA.

Anderson helped snap the Senators' six-game skid versus the Maple Leafs (3-3-1) with 28 saves in a 1-0 victory in April.

"It's a healthy rivalry and we have tons of respect for what they do," said MacLean, who hasn't named a starting goalie. "They've, to this point, been better than us. We won the last one at the end of last year so we'll see if we can get on a streak."

Toronto, however, figures to provide a difficult challenge after nine players finished with at least one point in Tuesday's 5-2 road win over the New York Islanders that ended a two-game losing streak.

Phil Kessel had two goals with an assist, giving him four goals and eight points in his last five games. He also had four goals and three assists to help the Maple Leafs take three of four, including two shootout wins, in last season's series.

'That's how it goes,' said James van Riemsdyk, who also scored Tuesday. 'He doesn't need room to be able to put (pucks) in.'

Aside from scoring only once in two losses against Detroit, Toronto has totaled 19 goals in its five other contests.

Jonathan Bernier allowed two first-period goals but nothing else Tuesday, stopping 34 shots on the way to his first win. James Reimer, though, could be back in net as Toronto closes its third back-to-back set of the season.

Reimer is 2-1-0 with a 2.87 GAA overall this season and 9-2-1 with a 1.98 GAA in 13 career starts against the Senators.

The Maple Leafs reportedly put in the first offer to David Legwand in July before the free agent center agreed to a two-year contract worth $6 million with Ottawa just two days later. Legwand has scored in each of his past two games, while former Leafs winger Clarke MacArthur has two goals and an assist in his last three.

Kyle Turris, who hasn't scored in four straight since netting one in the opener, has two goals in 13 meetings with Toronto.

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NHL HEAD TO HEAD

Apr 12, 2014 Score ATS Results

TOR 0 Under: 1
OTT « 1 Cover: 241
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Feb 1, 2014 Score ATS Results
OTT 3 Over: 9
TOR « 6 Cover: 303
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Dec 7, 2013 Score ATS Results
TOR « 4 Over: 7
OTT 3 Cover: 239
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Oct 5, 2013 Score ATS Results
OTT 4 Over: 9
TOR « 5 Cover: 251
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Flyers (1-3) at Penguins (3-1)

Date: October 22, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


Little has gone wrong for the Pittsburgh Penguins so far this season - something that cannot be said of the rival Philadelphia Flyers.

Sidney Crosby will try to continue his impressive start and help the Penguins hand the Flyers their sixth loss in seven games Wednesday night.

Pittsburgh (3-1-0) has totaled 16 goals and is 8 for 17 on the power play for a league-leading 47.1 success rate. The club's penalty kill has been one of the few early blemishes, allowing opponents to go a combined 6 for 22.

The Penguins improved on that in Saturday's 3-1 win over the previously unbeaten New York Islanders, killing off all seven New York chances, including a 5-on-3 in the second period before Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist scored power-play goals 55 seconds apart.

"They took some heat the last three games, but certainly they came through big time," coach Mike Johnston said of the penalty kill. "That was the turning point in the game, that 5-on-3 kill."

Crosby has been playing especially well on special teams. The reigning Hart Trophy winner's two assists gave him nine points this season - six of them on the power play.

Crosby, who has joined Mario Lemieux (1,033) and Jaromir Jagr (640) as the only Penguins to reach 500 career assists, also has nine points in his last eight meetings with Philadelphia (1-3-2), but only one in the last three.

Pittsburgh is 3-10-1 in its last 14 at home versus the Flyers, including playoffs. The Penguins lost all three meetings there last season as part of a four-game overall slide.

"There's always a lot of intensity, and it's a great atmosphere," Crosby said. "It's exciting to get one of those big ones here early on.

"You get up for these ones a little bit more knowing both teams are at their best. It's physical. It's emotional. Both cities really get into this game, so I think everything combined, it makes for an exciting atmosphere."

Hornqvist is about to get his first taste of the rivalry after spending his first six seasons with Nashville. The right wing has four goals and four assists after scoring twice and combining with Crosby on Malkin's tally against the Islanders.

Hornqvist has two assists in six career meetings with Philadelphia, while Malkin's 80 points in 60 matchups - including the postseason - are his most against any opponent.

The Flyers have allowed four power-play goals while splitting the first two of a three-game trip. Their biggest concern, however, should be avoiding another sluggish start as eight of the 23 non-shootout goals they've allowed have come in the first period - including six in the past three games.

Those issues remained in Tuesday's 4-0 loss at Chicago, which outshot Philadelphia 19-9 in the opening period and scored three goals against Steve Mason in a span of 2:04.

"We had a horrible start," defenseman Mark Streit said. "Mase was pretty much the only guy out there playing his game. It's just not acceptable having a start like that, and if you do you're going to get punished."

The Flyers would benefit from Wayne Simmonds bouncing back after the right wing, who has a team-leading five goals, was held without a point in the last two games.

He has nine points in 10 career regular-season visits to Pittsburgh.

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NHL HEAD TO HEAD

Apr 12, 2014 Score ATS Results

PHI « 4 Over: 7
PIT 3 Cover: 249
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps
Mar 16, 2014 Score ATS Results

PHI « 4 Over: 7
PIT 3 Cover: 219
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps
Mar 15, 2014 Score ATS Results

PIT 0 Cover: 296
PHI « 4 Under: 4
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps
Nov 13, 2013 Score ATS Results

PHI « 2 Under: 3
PIT 1 Cover: 139
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Oct 17, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 4 Cover: 223
PHI 1 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Capitals (3-0) at Oilers (1-4)

Date: October 22, 2014 9:30 PM EDT


There's a good chance Alex Ovechkin will become the Washington Capitals' all-time points leader on this road trip.

Taylor Hall has a long way to go to add his name to the upper part of that list for the Edmonton Oilers, though it's not too hard to foresee that possibility.

These players were top overall picks six years apart and will be the marquee attractions in Wednesday night's matchup in Edmonton.

Ovechkin has 820 points - five behind Peter Bondra on the Capitals' all-time list. He figures to break that mark on this three-game trip for Washington (3-0-2), which is the only Eastern Conference club without a regulation defeat.

The superstar, off to a strong start with five goals and one assist, knows it will be a special moment, though he joked that he won't be able to overcome his 32-4 deficit to Bondra in short-handed goals.

"When I beat his record for power-play goals, he told me you're probably going to beat all my records," said Ovechkin, drafted first overall in 2004. "But I don't think I'm going to beat his short-handed goals."

Hall was the first pick in the 2010 draft and has been the face of the rebuilding Oilers. He moved past Dave Lumley into 20th place on the club's all-time points list with 231, registering a goal and an assist in Monday's 3-2 home win over Tampa Bay.

Edmonton (1-4-1) ended the frustration of a winless five-game start when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:25 remaining.

"To be honest, you guys make stories like you will but that game wasn't too, too different from our last five," said Hall, who has four goals and two assists. "Except that when we needed goals they went in and when we needed saves, Scrivvy (goalie Ben Scrivens) was there, and that's what good teams do."

Ovechkin and Hall have opposed each other twice. Hall scored and Ovechkin was held without a point in Edmonton's 2-1 victory Oct. 27, 2011, and the opposite occurred for each player in Washington's 4-2 win Oct. 14, 2013.

The Capitals haven't played since Saturday's 2-1 shootout win over Florida.

Backup Justin Peters started that contest, and coach Barry Trotz has indicated he will turn back to Braden Holtby on Wednesday. Holtby is 3-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average in three starts versus Edmonton.

Scrivens will be the likely starter for the Oilers. He is 1-1-0 with a 3.53 GAA in two starts against the Capitals.

Washington has taken four of the last five meetings with Edmonton. The Capitals are looking forward to their first extended trip of the season, with a planned curling outing Thursday.

"I think you get on the road, you know, you try to get points on the road, guys get to come together," Trotz said.

The Capitals will play for the first time without center Brooks Laich, who is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

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NHL HEAD TO HEAD

Oct 24, 2013 Score ATS Results

WAS « 4 Cover: 273
EDM 1 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Oct 14, 2013 Score ATS Results

EDM 2 Over: 6
WAS « 4 Cover: 202
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sabres (1-5) at Ducks (5-1)

Date: October 22, 2014 10:30 PM EDT


The Anaheim Ducks have bounced back from a season-opening loss in impressive fashion.

They'll look to keep rolling behind a solid power play and strong goaltending as seek their second win in nine days over the hapless Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.

Anaheim (5-1-0) comes off Sunday's 3-0 win over St. Louis, with Frederik Andersen stopping 28 shots against a team that scored six goals against Arizona a night earlier. The Ducks, who fell 6-4 to Pittsburgh in their opener, started last season in similar fashion, winning seven straight after an opening defeat.

Sami Vatanen became the sixth defenseman in team history to register two power-play goals for his first two scores of the season. He had three power-play goals in 61 career games previously.

"Hopefully he keeps going at that pace," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We need those good quarterbacks and puck movers on the back end, and we need the shot threat."

Ryan Getzlaf assisted on both of Vatanen's goals Sunday to push his team-leading point total to eight.

Anaheim has improved with the man advantage, scoring six times on 24 opportunities in 2014-15 after finishing 22nd last season at 16.0 percent.

Matt Beleskey also scored his fourth goal and is on pace to easily surpass his career high of 11 in 2009-10.

Andersen improved to 25-5-0 in his career and has posted a 1.38 goals-against average while starting each game since John Gibson struggled against the Penguins. Andersen joins Boston's Ross Brooks (1972-75) as the only goaltenders to win 25 of their first 30 decisions.

"That's something you remember, obviously," Andersen said of his first career shutout. "It's like the players when they get that first goal. They will remember it forever.'

Andersen could have a shot at another shutout Wednesday given Buffalo's offensive issues. The Sabres (1-5-0) are looking to avoid being blanked for a third straight game for the first time in club history after 1-0 and 4-0 losses to Florida and Boston.

Saturday's defeat to the Bruins marked the first time they've suffered two consecutive shutouts since the first two games of the 2003-04 season. Buffalo managed a season-high 32 shots but couldn't take advantage of seven power-play opportunities and fell to 0 for 22 in 2014-15. That slump is the longest to begin a season since the New York Rangers went scoreless on their first 32 chances in 2003-04.

Matt Moulson, who had 51 points last season, has one assist and is without a goal on 13 shots. Cody Hodgson has yet to score after finishing second on the club with 20 goals last season.

Buffalo has been outscored 22-7.

"The one thing about scoring, it's like the weather," coach Ted Nolan said. "Sometimes it's there and sometimes it's not. It's bad. Right now, it's bad."

The Sabres are being outshot by a league-worst 14.3 shots per game, a number inflated by their first meeting with the Ducks on Oct. 13. Anaheim held a 44-12 edge in the category in a 5-1 road win, with William Karlsson scoring two goals.

The 12 shots were one more than Buffalo's franchise low set in 1981. The Ducks have outscored the Sabres 17-6 while taking three straight meetings.

Corey Perry has seven goals and three assists in 10 career games against Buffalo.

---------------------------------------------

NHL HEAD TO HEAD

Oct 13, 2014 Score ATS Results

ANA « 5 Cover: 174
BUF 1 Over: 6
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Nov 8, 2013 Score ATS Results
BUF 2 Over: 8
ANA « 6 Cover: 119
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Nov 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
ANA « 6 Cover: 193
BUF 3 Over: 9
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, October 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Toronto +135 500
Ottawa - Over 5.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Philadelphia - 8:00 PM ET Philadelphia +196 500 HAT TRICK
Pittsburgh - Under 5.5 500

Washington - 9:30 PM ET Washington -139 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Edmonton - Over 5.5 500

Buffalo - 10:30 PM ET Anaheim -325 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Anaheim - Over 5.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/22/14 2-*4-*0 33.33% -*865 Detail

10/21/14 11-*9-*0 55.00% +*475 Detail

10/20/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% +*170 Detail

10/19/14 1-*7-*0 12.50% -*3355 Detail

10/17/14 4-*8-*0 33.33% -*2240 Detail

10/16/14 8-*6-*0 57.14% +*570 Detail

10/15/14 4-*1-*1 80.00% +*2145 Detail

10/14/14 7-*11-*0 38.89% -*3160 Detail

10/13/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail

10/12/14 1-*2-*1 33.33% -*875 Detail

10/11/14 18-*10-*2 64.29% +*3330 Detail

10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% 0 Detail

10/09/14 6-*10-*1 37.50% -*3240 Detail

10/08/14 3-*5-*0 37.50% -*1310 Detail

Totals 69-*77-*5 47.26% -*8405



RATED PLAYS

NHL October Rated Picks

*****............... 11 - 7 - 2 ......... + 2.07

Double Play.............. 7 - 11 ......... - 8.22

Triple Play................ 9 - 7 .......... +2.12

HAT TRICK.................5 - 4.......... + 2.79

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

NFL trends to ponder with Week 8 upon us.........

-- San Diego is 8-1-1 in last ten games as a road underdog.

-- Browns are 6-12-1 in last 19 games as a home favorite.

-- Arizona is 7-3-1 in its last eleven home games.

-- New England covered eight of last ten non-divisional home games.

-- Titans covered twice in their last fourteen games.

-- Ravens are 2-7-1 in last ten games as a road underdog.

**********


Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud........

13) I think Joe Buck is really good calling baseball games (it is obvious he likes it a lot more than football), but why can't FOX come up with a good analyst to sit next to him? Harold Reynolds says some nonsensical things ("I like having a lefthanded first baseman because it looks really cool"); he seems like a good guy, but bottom line he is mute button material.

My suggestion would be former big league pitcher Jim Kaat, who does games on MLB Network. He talks about the game and he makes sense.

12) The wife of Royals’ pitcher Wade Davis left a waiter a pretty neat tip Monday; a ticket to Game 1 of the World Series. She must’ve gotten good service.

11) Lions-Falcons game from London this week is on at 9:30 am in eastern US, 6:30 in Las Vegas, as they try to play earlier in the day in London.

When the hell am I supposed to sleep? College games won’t end until 2am Saturday night; guess I’m sleeping the seven hours in between there. Too bad it wasn’t next weekend, when the clocks go back and we get an extra hour of sleep.

10) Young man from Albany area, Kevin Huerter, whose dad played for Siena, is getting looks from George Mason, Brown, Quinnipiac and surprisingly Creighton, a Big East team. Kid is 6-4 and can shoot it, which makes him marketable; will be an interesting young man to follow-- he's very thin, but is only a junior in high school.

9) CBS has to show every SEC football team at least once every six years and Kentucky’s type is almost up, so they’re showing the Miss State-Kentucky game Saturday at 3:30.

8) Vanderbilt is starting its fourth QB of the season this week and baseball hasn’t even ended yet. James Franklin has to be laughing his butt off up in Happy Valley- he overachieved at Vandy and got out of Nashville just in time.

7) One of the reasons Steve Kerr decided to coach the Warriors instead of the Knicks is that his daughter plays volleyball at Cal, which is close to the Bay Area.

6) Florida will start the more mobile but younger Treon Harris when they play Georgia in the annual rivalry game in Jacksonville; the Gators looked terrible last week and appear headed for a coaching change.

5) Jack Nicklaus on Jameis Winston:
"I just hate to see them hammering a 20-year-old kid. Has he made mistakes? Maybe. But you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, I think. Not charged and convicted and sentenced. I wonder how many autographs I have out there. Every game I go to I sign, probably 20 or 25 (people) and four or five each. Start adding that up. And he's a lot more available than I am. He's not the only kid with a couple thousand out there. A bunch of those kids have to have a couple thousand."

Nicklaus’ grandson is Nick O’Leary, the FSU tight end.

4) By my count, 31 of 49 college football games this weekend have a double digit point spread, with a couple more spreads being 9.5, so at first glance, its not the most appealing Saturday coming up.

3) Surprising baseball stat: Bartolo Colon had a higher strikeout %age this year than Justin Verlander.

2) NBA moved its logo, featuring the silhouetted image of Jerry West, from upper-left chest on uniforms, where it's been since 1986, to the back of the jersey. This is supposed to be a forerunner of advertising coming to the front of the uniforms in the near future.

1) Toronto Maple Leafs were on lockdown in their Ottawa hotel Wednesday morning, because of the shootings near the Parliament building; their game with the Senators was postponed. Our thoughts, prayers go out to the family of the police officer who was murdered. Some things just make no sense.