The Bum's NHL March 2015 Trends/Stats/News Etc...All you know B4 Wagering !

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, March 22


Several shutouts help unders cash Saturday night

Saturday night's NHL action was highlighted by five shutouts, leading to a big night for under bettors, with the under going 8-3-2.

The under cashed at a rate of 72.7 percent last night, much higher than the 52.3 average for the season.


Senators keep streak going with sixth straight win

The Ottawa Senators are the hottest team in the NHL, winning their sixth consecutive game 5-3 over the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night.

The Senators are 9-1 in their last 10 games and now just sit one point back of the Boston Bruins for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Rookie Andrew Hammond also tied an NHL record, not losing in regulation in his first 14 career starts, going 13-0-1.

The Sens go for seven in a row when they host the San Jose Sharks Monday.




NHL

Sunday, March 22

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Game of the Day: Ducks at Rangers
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Anaheim Ducks at New York Rangers (-129, 5.5)

The Anaheim Ducks look to extend their winning streak to five games when they open a five-game road trip against the New York Rangers on Sunday. Corey Perry scored on a breakaway 1:25 into overtime as Anaheim skated to a 3-2 victory over Colorado on Friday. The overtime tally was the sixth in the career of Perry, tying the former Hart Trophy winner with the retired Teemu Selanne and captain Ryan Getzlaf for the most in franchise history.

Perry also has enjoyed success versus the Rangers, recording his 10th point in 11 meetings with an assist in the Ducks' 4-1 loss on Jan. 7. Mats Zuccarello scored in that contest and also netted the lone goal of the shootout in New York's 3-2 triumph over Carolina on Saturday. The Metropolitan Division-best Rangers trail Montreal by two points in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacific Division-leading Ducks own a three-point advantage over St. Louis and Nashville in the West.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN

LINE HISTORY: The Rangers opened at -134 and now sit as -129 home favorites. The total is set at 5.5 goals.

INJURY REPORT: Anaheim - D Korbinian Holzer (Ques-Concussion) Rangers - G Henrik Lundqvist (Ques-Neck), RW Martin St. Louis (Out-Knee)

ABOUT THE DUCKS (46-20-7): Sami Vatanen made his presence felt in his return from a 15-game absence due to a lower-body injury, poking the puck away from Avalanche defenseman Brad Stuart to set up Perry for the game-winning goal. "I'm not putting him in until he's 100 percent ready, so the expectations are that he plays the same way he did before he left," coach Bruce Boudreau told the Orange County Register prior to the contest. Getzlaf, who notched an assist in the first meeting with New York, has scored three goals and set up another in his last five games.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (45-18-7): While Henrik Lundqvist welcomed the addition of a daughter to his family on Friday, Cam Talbot added another win to his belt after making 28 saves versus the Hurricanes. The 27-year-old Talbot owns a 6-1-1 record with a 1.11 goals-against average and .963 save percentage over his last eight games. Coach Alain Vigneault did not divulge the identity of his starting goaltender for Sunday, but Talbot has enjoyed success at Madison Square Garden - going 8-1-3 with three shutouts and a 1.62 GAA.

TRENDS:

*Ducks are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
*Rangers are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. Pacific.
*Under is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings in New York.
*Home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Current odds to win the college basketball championship.........

Kentucky, even-- It will take almost a perfect game to beat them.

Wisconsin 7-2-- They're playing without their starting point guard. .

Arizona 9-2-- Don't shoot ball well enough to beat Kentucky.

Duke 5-1-- If they win, maybe one of their alums can land a TV job.

Michigan State 10-1-- Izzo is getting the most out of this roster.

Gonzaga 12-1-- Had lost in second round last five years before Sunday.



**********

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

13) Michigan State 60, Virginia 54-- Spartans split last four home games, went just 4-3 in last seven games before this weekend. 2-seeds are now 4-4 in this round the last two years. Quiet end to a great year for Virginia, which went 2-3 in its last five games after starting the season 28-1.

12) Duke 68, San Diego State 49-- Why do Grant Hill and Shane Battier start their TV careers at the top of the ladder? At least Corey Maggette is doing Big West games on cable, working his way up. Alaa Abdelnaby is the best of the TV Dukies, but he is on CBS Sports Network and we don't hear him much.

11) Wichita State 78, Kansas 65-- I'm thinking this is bad news for mid-majors, with the little cousin KO'ing the big $$$ in-state team in the public spotlight, after they had refused to schedule Wichita for 22 years. Next question becomes; was this Wichita's Super Bowl? They play Notre Dame next.

10) Oklahoma 72, Dayton 66-- If DePaul called Archie Miller, he'd have to listen, right? He's won five NCAA games in the last 13 months but only makes $335,000 a year. Thats a lot of $$$ for you and I, but for a coach with his accomplishments, he is vastly underpaid by market standards.

9) Gonzaga 87, Iowa 68-- Zags put on impressive display after losing in this round in previous five tournaments- they made 10-16 from arc, had an eFG% of 71.6%, which is outrageously good. Iowa won its first tournament game in 14 years Friday, but looked like a mid-major in this game.

8) Wisconsin 72, Oregon 65-- Had pleasure of watching this game with nice people from Madison; an elderly lady told me that someone she knew was dying of cancer, and got the nicest note from Russell Wilson, who played football for the Badgers. She was genuinely touched by Wilson's letter; its good to hear nice things about people.

7) Louisville 66, Northern Iowa 53-- Disappointing performance by the Panthers, who had been bet up to -2.5 in this game. Louisville/North Carolina both struggled to beat inferior teams in the first round, but then looked way better over the weekend.

6) West Virginia 69, Maryland 59-- Mountaineers forced 23 turnovers, now move on to face unbeaten Kentucky. Odd trivia: Bob Huggins had a heart attack a few years ago at the Pittsburgh airport; the paramedic who saved his life was John Calipari's cousin.

5) Coaching carousel rumors: Tony Barbee to Nevada, Ben Howland to Miss State; we neglected to mention last week that George Mason fired Paul Hewitt,, who once led Georgia Tech to a Final Four. He'd be an interesting candidate for DePaul.

4) This is time when teams in the NIT/CBI/CIT are a little less unhappy to be there, since 52 of the 68 NCAA teams are done playing and they're not. All of them would still rather have been in the NCAAs, but it doesn't sting as much now.

3) Captain Obvious reports that college sports is big business; Florida State is going to make $79.5M in upgrades to its football stadium. Thats million, with an M.

2) Murray State is at Tulsa tonight in the NIT; interesting chance for the Racers to play an AAC team on national TV, albeit on the road.

1) CBS signed up Anthony Grant as a studio analyst for Sunday, I'm assuming before the poor guy got fired by Alabama last Sunday, 45 minutes before the brackets were released; maybe yesterday will turn into an audition for a job next winter.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, March 23

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. CAROLINA
Chicago is 5-9-1 SU in its last 15 games ,when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Carolina's last 25 games at home
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Jersey's last 12 games when playing Los Angeles
New Jersey is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

7:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:30 PM
SAN JOSE vs. OTTAWA
San Jose is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 9 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Ottawa is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Jose

8:30 PM
BUFFALO vs. DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games

9:00 PM
COLORADO vs. CALGARY
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Calgary's last 9 games when playing Colorado
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado

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

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, March 23


Jets' D Dustin Byfuglien, questionable Monday

Byfuglien is out with an upper-body injury and is questionable to return Monday against the Oilers.



NHL roundup: Yandle, Stepan help Rangers blast Ducks

NEW YORK -- Defenseman Keith Yandle and center Derek Stepan each recorded three points to lead the New York Rangers to a 7-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks Sunday night in New York.

The seven-goal outburst was a season high for New York, which entered the game only having scored 13 goals in their previous seven games. The Rangers are 26-1-1 this season scoring four or more goals.

Stepan scored two goals and added an assist. Left wingers Chris Kreider, Carl Hagelin and J.T. Miller, right winger Jesper Fast and center Derick Brassard also had goals for New York, which improved to 46-18-7 and regained first place overall in the NHL. Goaltender Cam Talbot made 35 saves as New York swept the season series with Anaheim.

Right winger Corey Perry scored twice for the Ducks, and has 31 goals this season. Perry has scored 30 goals five times in his career. Starting goaltender Frederik Anderson surrendered three goals on seven shots before being replaced by John Gibson midway through the first period. Gibson yielded four goals on 21 shots.

Lightning 5, Bruins 3

TAMPA, Fla. -- Steven Stamkos usually sparks Tampa Bay with his scoring, but a rare fight and five-minute penalty in the first period motivated his teammates to score twice in 15 seconds on the way to a win against Boston at Amalie Arena.

Center Vladislav Namestnikov, left winger Ondrej Palat, right winger J.T. Brown, and defensemen Anton Stralman and Jason Garrison scored for the Lightning.

Center Patrice Bergeron, defenseman Zdeno Chara and left winger Daniel Paille scored for the Bruins.

Red Wings 2, Blues 1 (OT)

DETROIT -- Left winger Justin Abdelkader's power-play goal 24 seconds onto overtime gave Detroit a win against St. Louis at Joe Louis Arena.

Right winger Erik Cole also scored for Detroit. Goaltender Jimmy Howard made 23 saves.

Left winger Alexander Steen scored for St. Louis. Goalie Jake Allen made 23 saves.

Canucks 3, Coyotes 1

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Vancouver got the tiebreaking goal from Alex Edler just over three minutes for regulation in a win over Arizona at Gila River Arena.

Defenseman Yannick Weber and center Henrik Sedin also scored for Vancouver, while goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 24 saves to earn his first career NHL win.

Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored his 20th goal of the season to lead all defenseman while goaltender Mike Smith made 41 saves in the losing effort.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, March 23

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LOS ANGELES (34-23-0-14, 82 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (31-30-0-11, 73 pts.) - 3/23/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 34-37 ATS (-23.0 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 10-20 ATS (-13.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
LOS ANGELES is 9-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) after a division game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 13-16 ATS (-13.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 0-5 ATS (-6.2 Units) in road games revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
LOS ANGELES is 2-7 ATS (-7.0 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
LOS ANGELES is 1-7 ATS (-8.7 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 13-14 ATS (-13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 83-42 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 12-4 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 17-37 ATS (+55.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-1 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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CHICAGO (43-22-0-6, 92 pts.) at CAROLINA (26-35-0-10, 62 pts.) - 3/23/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 47-46 ATS (-27.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 38-31 ATS (-23.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 13-17 ATS (-21.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 3-10 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games in March games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-0-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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MINNESOTA (40-25-0-7, 87 pts.) at TORONTO (27-40-0-6, 60 pts.) - 3/23/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 12-6 ATS (+18.1 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 27-46 ATS (-58.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 6-29 ATS (-27.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 6-20 ATS (+30.5 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 12-31 ATS (+50.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
TORONTO is 0-14 ATS (+20.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-1-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.1 Units)

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SAN JOSE (35-29-0-8, 78 pts.) at OTTAWA (36-24-0-11, 83 pts.) - 3/23/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 35-37 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games this season.
SAN JOSE is 11-17 ATS (-14.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN JOSE is 9-14 ATS (-14.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 7-1 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
SAN JOSE is 185-196 ATS (+417.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
OTTAWA is 81-87 ATS (-71.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 19-32 ATS (-15.9 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 2-1-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.3 Units)

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BUFFALO (20-45-0-7, 47 pts.) at DALLAS (34-28-0-10, 78 pts.) - 3/23/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 41-113 ATS (+253.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 16-60 ATS (+135.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 15-52 ATS (+116.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 15-54 ATS (+113.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 16-54 ATS (+100.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 7-29 ATS (+53.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 7-18 ATS (+27.0 Units) after a division game this season.
DALLAS is 5-16 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
DALLAS is 10-18 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 2-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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COLORADO (33-26-0-12, 78 pts.) at CALGARY (39-27-0-6, 84 pts.) - 3/23/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 39-33 ATS (+82.0 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 39-36 ATS (+0.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 14-9 ATS (+25.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 38-29 ATS (+72.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 88-72 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-15 ATS (+35.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 15-7 ATS (+7.7 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 66-52 ATS (+120.2 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.5 Units)

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WINNIPEG (37-23-0-12, 86 pts.) at EDMONTON (20-39-0-13, 53 pts.) - 3/23/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 28-24 ATS (+61.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 20-52 ATS (-59.0 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 13-37 ATS (+72.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 8-27 ATS (+51.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
EDMONTON is 8-30 ATS (+55.5 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 20-58 ATS (+104.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 4-1 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 4-1-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, March 23

Hot teams
-- Devils won three of their last four games.
-- Chicago won six of its last eight games.
-- Minnesota won nine of its last twelve games.
-- Senators won nine of their last ten games.
-- Dallas Stars won seven of their last nine games.
-- Colorado won six of its last eight games.
-- Winnipeg won last four games, outscoring foes 12-4.

Cold teams
-- Kings lost three of their last four games.
-- Hurricanes lost six of their last seven games.
-- Toronto lost eight of its last nine games.
-- Sharks lost three of their last four games.
-- Sabres lost nine of their last ten games.
-- Flames lost three of their last four games.
-- Oilers lost eight of their last ten games.

Series records
-- Kings won three of last four visits to New Jersey.
-- Blackhawks won four of last five games with Carolina.
-- Minnesota lost three of last four visits to Toronto.
-- Sharks won seven of last nine games with Ottawa.
-- Dallas Stars lost seven of last ten games with Buffalo.
-- Colorado is 6-4 in its last ten games with Calgary.
-- Jets won four of last five games with Edmonton.

Totals
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine New Jersey home games.
-- Nine of last eleven Chicago road games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Toronto home games went over.
-- Five of last seven San Jose road games went over.
-- Last five Dallas home games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-4 in last twelve games in Saddledome.
-- Five of last seven Winnipeg road games went over.

Back-to-back
-- None

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, March 23

Los Angeles at New Jersey, 7:05 ET
Los Angeles: 11-21 SU in road games
New Jersey: 47-17 SU in home games after 4 or more consecutive unders

Chicago at Carolina, 7:05 ET
Chicago: 12-19 SU in road games after having won 3 of their last 4 games
Carolina: 43-21 SU in home games after losing their previous game in overtime

Minnesota at Toronto, 7:35 ET
Minnesota: 11-4 SU in road games after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Toronto: 4-19 SU after having lost 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

San Jose at Ottawa, 7:35 ET
San Jose: 12-21 SU after playing a road game
Ottawa: 11-3 SU after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

Buffalo at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Buffalo: 4-24 SU after having lost 3 of their last 4 games
Dallas: 38-10 SU in home games after a blowout win by 4 goals or more

Colorado at Calgary, 9:05 ET
Colorado: 13-25 SU off a road loss
Calgary: 26-17 SU after a close loss by 1 goal in their previous game

Winnipeg at Edmonton, 9:35 ET
Winnipeg: 28-24 SU in a road game where where the total is 5.5
Edmonton: 20-52 SU in all games

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Current odds to win the Masters in a couple weeks.........

6-1-- Rory McIlroy-- Currently 116th on World Money List.

10-1-- Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth- They can't serve Waffle House at Champions' Dinner; Augusta National doesn't deal with brand name foods.

12-1-- Jason Day-- Playing better this year becase he is healthy.

15-1-- Adam Scott, Dustin Johnson-- Scott is currently 75th on that $$$ list.

25-1-- Mickelson-Fowler-Stenson-Snedeker-Walker-Reed

30-1-- Justin Rose-Matt Kuchar-- Anyone know which network carries Masters? They really should advertise more.



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Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.......

13) You meet all kinds of interesting people hanging around a sportsbook or a casino bar; this week has been no exception. I've met a homeless guy who spends his afternoons drinking free beer by the sportsbook, an elderly Wisconsin fan, a gambler from Illinois who was the best story teller I've ever met-- I've learned a lot in the last eight days-- hopefully it'll make this website more fun for you to read.

12) College basketball coaching carousel is starting to spin: rumors have Arizona State getting rid of Herb Sendek today; SE Missouri and Bradley fired their coaches, and an interesting hire was Steve McClain at Ill-Chicago. He was pretty good while at Wyoming and has been an assistant at Indiana ever since.

11) BJ Johnson transfers from Syracuse to LaSalle; he had 19 points in a February game with Notre Dame, but scored only 4.2 ppg this season. Couple kids transferred out of South Florida; Anthony Collins only has one year left wherever he goes.

10) Murray State 83, Tulsa 62-- Racers looked like a top 20 team in crushing Tulsa on its home court- they made 14-25 from arc, led by 18 at halftime and won easily even though star Cameron Payne fouled out with 8:00 left.

9) Mike Brey's mother, who passed away Saturday, swam in the 1956 Olympics and once held the world record in the butterfly.

8) Louisiana Tech 84, Texas A&M 72-- Another mid-major spanks an SEC team on its home court; Tech coach Michaeel White is son of Duke's AD, brother of Buffalo's AD- he has a brother-in-law working with him in Ruston.

7) Bucks-Nets have played three times this season; two of three games went to triple overtime. Jason Kidd jumping from Brooklyn to Milwaukee has already made the games emotionally charged, but two triple OT games in same year makes it moreso.

6) Celtics are currently #8 seed in the East; they're eight games under .500. Suns and Pelicans are both over .500 but out of the playoff picture right now. Seems wrong.

5) Relaxed Monday afternoon, watched the A's play in the South Point sportsbook; weird seeing Brandon Moss play against the A's. He helped them so much last three seasons. $1.25 hot dogs by the sportsbook are tremendous, by the way.

4) New York City talk show nitwits were making a big stink out of the Mets starting Bartolo Colon in the season opener. Anyone with half a brain realizes the Mets are going to limit Matt Harvey's innings by stretching out his starts where they can, so they don't have to shut him down in September, the way Washington did with Stephen Strasburg a few years ago. but everyone is a critic, so......

3) Alabama is poised to offer Wichita State's Gregg Marshall $3M a year to coach the Crimson Tide; going to be very interesting; a) if he takes the job or not b) where they turn if he declines their offer. Nick Saban casts a very large shadow.

2) ESPN's 30 for 30 show on former NBA player Chris Herren and his fight against substance abuse is just tremendous television. Very very sad in spots; the story is heading to a happy conclusion, but obviously it is a daily struggle he fights. If you haven't seen it is really is worth watching-- an amazing true story.

1) Had the pleasure to meet website readers Mike/Martha/Walt this weekend; Mike is a sharp gambler who scored big at the baccarat table before leaving town. Walt is a big Notre Dame fan, but I won't hold that against him. Really nice people; it was a pleasure to hang out and shoot the breeze with them.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 24

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MINNESOTA (41-25-0-7, 89 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (44-25-0-4, 92 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 13-6 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-4 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 57-85 ATS (-30.9 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-1-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (35-23-0-14, 84 pts.) at NY RANGERS (46-18-0-7, 99 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 35-37 ATS (-22.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 11-20 ATS (-13.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
LOS ANGELES is 6-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 12-17 ATS (-12.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 14-16 ATS (-12.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 4-12 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY RANGERS are 46-25 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 26-10 ATS (+9.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 53-22 ATS (+21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 29-8 ATS (+15.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 48-59 ATS (-39.7 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 57-69 ATS (-44.1 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 102-102 ATS (-47.0 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 108-113 ATS (-77.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 5-3 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 5-3-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

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ANAHEIM (46-21-0-7, 99 pts.) at COLUMBUS (33-35-0-4, 70 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 78-82 ATS (-59.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 121-116 ATS (+281.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 46-28 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 443-375 ATS (+25.1 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 188-154 ATS (+26.8 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 15-7 ATS (+6.8 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
ANAHEIM is 51-21 ATS (+16.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 4-11 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 2-8 ATS (-8.3 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 3-3-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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ST LOUIS (45-21-0-7, 97 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (40-22-0-10, 90 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 2-1-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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FLORIDA (33-25-0-14, 80 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (45-21-0-7, 97 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 88-136 ATS (+230.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
FLORIDA is 178-244 ATS (-70.4 Units) after a division game since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 20-5 ATS (+13.1 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 304-375 ATS (-175.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 8-3 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 8-3-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.9 Units)

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ARIZONA (21-44-0-8, 50 pts.) at DETROIT (39-21-0-11, 89 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 21-52 ATS (+95.0 Units) in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 7-29 ATS (+55.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
ARIZONA is 1-13 ATS (+24.1 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
ARIZONA is 4-23 ATS (+41.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ARIZONA is 1-12 ATS (+18.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games this season.
ARIZONA is 7-29 ATS (+54.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DETROIT is 18-7 ATS (+7.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
DETROIT is 98-108 ATS (-105.6 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
DETROIT is 9-20 ATS (-14.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-20 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-3-0 straight up against ARIZONA 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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MONTREAL (46-20-0-7, 99 pts.) at NASHVILLE (44-21-0-8, 96 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 12-2 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights this season.
NASHVILLE is 39-30 ATS (+1.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 46-27 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 18-9 ATS (+8.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
MONTREAL is 28-19 ATS (+49.2 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 5-0 ATS (+5.0 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights this season.
MONTREAL is 19-9 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
MONTREAL is 19-10 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MONTREAL is 27-19 ATS (+48.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 3-9 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 4-11 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 2-1-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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WINNIPEG (38-23-0-12, 88 pts.) at VANCOUVER (42-26-0-4, 88 pts.) - 3/24/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 17-11 ATS (+3.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WINNIPEG is 12-4 ATS (+7.8 Units) on Tuesday nights this season.
WINNIPEG is 41-35 ATS (+81.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 34-48 ATS (-37.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 3-1-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, March 24

Hot teams
-- Minnesota won four of its last five games.
-- Rangers won six of their last seven games. Los Angeles won four of its last five road games.
-- Ducks won four of their last five games. Columbus won six of its last seven.
-- Florida won five of its last seven games. Lightning won seven of last nine games.
-- Montreal won four of its last five games.
-- Winnipeg won its last five games, outscoring foes 16-5. Canucks won six of their last eight.

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost four of their last five games.
-- Blues lost their last three games, scoring five goals. Pittsburgh lost four of last five games.
-- Arizona lost its last eight games, outscored 22-8. Detroit lost six of its last nine.
-- Nashville lost nine of its last twelve games.

Series records
-- Islanders lost last two games with Minnesota, 5-4/6-0.
-- Rangers lost five of last seven games with Los Angeles.
-- Road team is 5-3 in last eight Anaheim-Columbus games.
-- Blues won four of last six games with Pittsburgh.
-- Lightning won five of last six games with Florida.
-- Arizona lost three of last four visits to Detroit.
-- Canadiens won three of last four games with Nashville.
-- Canucks won six of last seven games with Winnipeg.

Totals
-- Last five Islander games went over the total.
-- Kings' last six games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven anaheim games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven St Louis games stayed under.
-- Last five Florida games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-1 in last eleven Arizona games.
-- Six of last seven Montreal-Nashville games stayed under.
-- Eight of last nine Vancouver games stayed under.

Back-to-back
-- Minnesota is 2-0 when playing second night in row on road.
-- Kings are 2-5 if they played the night before.
-- Winnipeg is 3-1 if it won the night before.

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NHL

Tuesday, March 24

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. COLUMBUS
Anaheim is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 7 games on the road
Columbus is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games when playing at home against Anaheim

7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NY RANGERS
Los Angeles is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Rangers last 10 games
NY Rangers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. NY ISLANDERS
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games

7:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing St. Louis

7:30 PM
ARIZONA vs. DETROIT
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
Detroit is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Arizona

7:30 PM
FLORIDA vs. TAMPA BAY
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Florida

8:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. NASHVILLE
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Nashville
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Nashville is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Nashville is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. VANCOUVER
Winnipeg is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing Vancouver
Vancouver is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, March 24


Favorites are perfect on the ice Monday night

Favorites were the side to bet in NHL action Monday night, going a perfect seven-for-seven straight up.

Favorites have been a hot bet over the past seven days, going 33-8-4-3, cashing 68.8 percent of the time. Favorites are cashing 60.9 percent of the time on the season.




NHL roundup: Senators back in playoff position

OTTAWA -- Four unanswered third-period goals lifted the Senators to a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks -- and into the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference -- Monday night at Canadian Tire Centre.

Ottawa earned its seventh win in a row and increased its point total to 85, one more than the Boston Bruins. The Sharks lost for the fourth time in their last five games, damaging their diminishing playoff hopes. The Senators are 17-2-2 in their last 21.

Center Mika Zibanejad scored twice for the Senators, and wingers Alex Chiasson and Mike Hoffman and center Jean-Gabriel Pageau added a goal apiece. Winger Joe Pavelski and center Chris Tierney had the Sharks' goals.

Senators goalie Andrew Hammond made 29 saves to improve his record to 14-0-1 as a starter. Sharks goalie Antti Niemi stopped 32 shots.

Blackhawks 3, Hurricanes 1

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Center Andrew Shaw and left winger Patrick Sharp scored first-period goals, and those held up for Chicago in a victory over Carolina.

Shaw added an empty-net goal with 40 seconds left, with center Jonathan Toews notching an assist on the play for his 500th career point. Chicago goalie Corey Crawford stopped 43 shots.

Chicago's Joel Quenneville recorded his 750th career NHL coaching victory, 312 of them with the Blackhawks.

Wild 2, Maple Leafs 1

TORONTO -- Right winger Thomas Vanek had a goal and an assist as Minnesota defeated Toronto.

Forward Charlie Coyle had the other Wild goal, while goaltender Devan Dubnyk made 34 saves earning his first career win against the Leafs. The Wild established a franchise best for road wins (21). Minnesota improves to a league-best 21-5-1 since Jan. 27, and it owns the NHL's best road record at 13-1-2 since Jan. 15.

Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner had the lone Toronto goal in the third period after Minnesota jumped on top 2-0. Goaltender Jonathan Bernier made 30 saves in the loss.

Kings 3, Devils 1

NEWARK, N.J. -- Defenseman Andrej Sekera and right wing Tyler Toffoli scored first-period goals to lead Los Angeles past New Jersey.

Center Anze Kopitar added a third-period goal and had two assists. The three-point game was Kopitar's third of the season, and his first since March 3. Left wing Marian Gaborik had two assists for the Kings.

New Jersey center Scott Gomez scored a second-period goal, the only blemish against Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, who made 19 saves.

Stars 4, Sabres 3

DALLAS -- Left winger Jamie Benn had two goals and an assist, right winger Patrick Eaves a goal and an assist and center Cody Eakin had the game-winner with 3:14 remaining in regulation as Dallas edged Buffalo.

Eakin's goal, his career-high 17th of the season, came when he sent a wrist shot from the edge of the left circle into the right side of the Buffalo net, as Sabres goaltender Anders Lindback was a touch late arriving to stop the shot.

Center Brian Gionta had two goals and left winger Matt Moulson a goal and an assist for the Sabres, who lost their third straight.

Flames 3, Avalanche 2

CALGARY, Alberta -- Thanks to a 25-save performance from goaltender Karri Ramo, Calgary walked away with a win over Colorado. The Flames continue to hold down third place in the Pacific Division.

Right winger David Jones and left winger Jiri Hudler scored early for the Flames, and left winger Lance Bouma's marker midway through the third period stood up as the game-winner. Jones and Bouma both finished with two points.

Left wingers Alex Tanguay and Gabriel Landeskog -- both set up by center Ryan O'Reilly -- replied for Colorado.

Jets 4, Oilers 1

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Winnipeg tightened its grip on a playoff spot with a victory over Edmonton.

The Jets rolled to a 3-0 lead through 40 minutes and then held strong as the Oilers, who came into the game with points in four straight games, launched a desperate third-period comeback attempt.

The Jets, trying to fend off the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild-card spot in the West, came to Edmonton on a four-game win streak despite missing defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and center Bryan Little, but had little difficulty making it five straight. Defenseman Tyler Myers and right wingers Drew Stafford, Lee Stempniak and Michael Frolik scored for Winnipeg.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, March 24

Minnesota at NY Islanders, 7:05 ET
Minnesota: 20-9 SU after playing a game where 4 or fewer total goals were scored
NY Islanders: 4-15 SU in home games after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

Los Angeles at NY Rangers, 7:05 ET
Los Angeles: 12-21 SU in road games
NY Rangers: 19-8 SU after having won 2 of their last 3 games

Anaheim at Columbus, 7:05 ET
Anaheim: 48-34 SU in road games
Columbus: 2-9 SU in home games revenging a road loss versus opponent

St Louis at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
St Louis: 4-12 SU in road games revenging a same season loss vs opponent
Pittsburgh: 61-27 SU after 1 or more consecutive unders

Florida at Tampa Bay, 7:35 ET
Florida: 4-16 SU after 2 consecutive division games
Tampa Bay: 29-8 SU as a home favorite

Arizona at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Arizona: 1-13 SU revenging a home loss versus opponent
Detroit: 18-7 SU in non-conference games

Montreal at Nashville, 8:05 ET
Montreal: 3-8 SU after 2 straight games where 4 or fewer total goals were scored
Nashville: 12-2 SU in home games on Tuesday nights

Winnipeg at Vancouver, 10:05 ET
Winnipeg: 21-14 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +150
Vancouver: 1-12 SU off 2 consecutive wins by 2 goals or more against division rivals

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, March 24


Lightning to start backup Vasilevskiy Tuesday

Andrei Vasilevskiy will get the start for the Tampa Bay Lightning when they host the Florida Panthers Tuesday. The young Russian has a 6-4-1 record this season while sporting a 2.35 goals against average and a .918 save percentage.

Vasilevskiy has been cold as of late, only posting a save percentage better than .900 in three of his past seven starts.

The Lightning are currently -189 against the Panthers (+170) Tuesday.


Defense, goaltending makes Rangers a hot under bet

The New York Rangers have given up just two goals or less in 10-consecutive games with the Under cashing in eight of those games.

The Broadway Blueshirts put seven past the Anaheim Ducks in a 7-2 win for the only Over during this recent stretch.

New York last allowed two goals of fewer in 10 straight contests since a 12-game stretch in from Feb. 20-March 18, 1971.

The Rangers will look to make it 11 consecutive with the Los Angeles Kings in town Tuesday evening. Oddsmakers shave the the Rangers as -145 faves and the total at 5.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Current odds to win the college football championship next fall.........

7-2-- Ohio State-- Biggest problem is they have too many quarterbacks.

13-2-- TCU-- Horned Frogs are primed for a big season.

7-1-- Alabama-- By then, Tide fans will forget who they hired as basketball coach.

15-1-- Baylor-- Art Briles is breaking in a new QB this year.

18-1-- Michigan State-- Mark Dantonio is America's most underrated coach.

20-1-- Clemson/LSU-- Both Death Valleys will be tough places to visit.



**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind........

13) One of highlights of trip was watching Golden State hold the Wizards to one basket in third quarter Monday night, as some know-it-all nitwit behind me cursed out the Wizards out because he bet on them. Then the jackass called his wife and told her he had to work late, as he went off to a strip club with his buddy. What a gem.

12) Over last eight years, underdogs are 23-9 vs spread in regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament. Having time to prepare helps the underdog.

11) New York Rangers are now 17-4-3 since goalie Henrik Lundqvist got hurt; they'll have an interesting decision to make when the playoffs roll around.

10) Miami 63, Richmond 61-- Hurricanes were down 18 at one point.

9) Cubs want to send 3B phenom Kris Bryant down to AAA for a few weeks so they keep him under club control for one extra year; problem is, the kid has nine HRs this spring and if the Cubs are really serious about contending this serason, they need to put their best club on the field from Day One- that team would appear to include Bryant.

8) After this season, college basketball players won't be able to transfer and become immediately eligible, if they've already graduated college- that rule was becoming a problem for mid-majors, with kids skipping out for better leagues.

7) Pitt's women's team got a technical foul before the game for not putting its lineup in on time for a tournament game in Tennessee. How many assistant coaches you think they have? Talk about incompetence.

6) Saw a guy score from second base without a throw on a wild pitch in the Angel-Ranger game Tuesday; we're entering dog days of spring training for position players; spring training is as long as it is to get the pitchers ready to go.

5) How does the coach of an undefeated team not win Coach of ther Year? Don't tell me Kentucky has great players; who do you think recruited them and yes, recruiting is a big part of coaching, maybe the biggest part.

4) Brett Favre is the only QB in NFL history to start all 16 games after he turned 39 years old. Peyton Manning turned 39 this week.

3) Dodgers signed Cuban 2B Olivera to a six-year, $62M contract, even though he is rumored to have a bad elbow that will prevent him from playing 3B.

2) I highly recommend Steak 'n Shake in the South Point casino; its tremendous!!!.

1) Golden State is having a great season, but their first round playoff opponent could easily be Oklahoma City; if Durant comes back for that series, how confident are you that the Warriors will advance to the second round?