The Bum's National Hockey League October Rated Plays - Trends - News - Etc. !!

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Wings (3-3) at Canucks (2-2)
Date: October 24, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

The Vancouver Canucks are on the verge of their worst home start in franchise history, and the Detroit Red Wings are looking to capitalize on that in order to snap a skid of their own.

The Canucks try to avoid a fifth straight loss at Rogers Arena by dealing the Red Wings another defeat in the finale of this road trip Saturday night.

Vancouver (3-2-2) has lost its first four games at home (0-2-2) for the first time since 1984-85. The Canucks went five games without a win as host to open the 1995-96 season, but three of those were ties.

They wasted a chance to end the current skid Thursday, blowing a third-period lead for the third time at home and falling 3-2 to Washington.

"We have to be grittier and stop thinking home ice is going to come easy for us," center Henrik Sedin told the team's official website. "You can't start making plays at the blue lines, trying to make the cute plays. You have to be direct and get pucks deep and go from there. We haven't done enough of that."

The Red Wings (3-3-1) enter the conclusion of this four-game road trip dealing with their own issues late in games. They've been outscored 7-2 after the second period during a four-game losing streak (0-3-1).

Detroit squandered a third-period lead with 1:12 to play Friday before giving up a goal in overtime of a 3-2 loss at Calgary.

"We didn't get on our toes enough," first-year coach Jeff Blashill said. "When we did have time in their end we didn't do a good enough job of getting pucks to the net, not that we weren't attempting to do so. We got to do a better job of getting through."

Gustav Nyquist is doing his part with five points over the last six games. The right wing got his first power-play goal Friday and his third tally of the season. Despite the Wings' recent struggles, the right wing has one point in three of the last four contests.

Nyquist also has one point in three straight meetings with the Canucks.

Petr Mrazek is expected to get the start in goal in place of Jimmy Howard, who made 37 saves Friday and is 2-1-1 with a 2.24 goals-against average.

Mrazek has given up three goals in each of his three games, all on the road, losing two. This is his first meeting with the Canucks.

He'll have to contend with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Daniel Sedin has 47 points in 49 career regular-season meetings with Detroit, while Henrik Sedin has 46 in 51.

The twins had three points each in a 4-1 home victory over the Red Wings on Jan. 3.

Henrik Sedin, though, is coming off a two-point effort against the Capitals after failing to get any through the first three home games.

Radim Vrbata also had one goal and one assist Thursday for his first points of the season. The right wing snapped an eight-game goal drought against the Red Wings by scoring on a power play Jan. 3.

Ryan Miller had 29 saves in that matchup to end his seven-game losing streak against Detroit, during which he went 0-5-2 with a 3.27 GAA.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Hurricanes (2-5) at Sharks (3-3)
Date: October 24, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The San Jose Sharks have seen their scoring and power-play production dip since Logan Couture went down three games into the season.

The Carolina Hurricanes are also having trouble scoring and they own the league's second-worst power play.

The Sharks seek to end a three-game slide Saturday night when they host a Carolina team that has totaled two goals in its last three games.

Couture broke his leg in practice Oct. 15 after San Jose scored 12 goals with him during a 3-0-0 start. The Sharks (4-3-0) have managed six goals in four games since, with one in their last two.

San Jose was 3 for 14 on the power play with Couture before going 0 for 10 in the next four games.

"He's a big piece of it, obviously been together the five of us when we're out there, we don't even really think, to be honest with you," center Joe Pavelski said. "We're moving around, you fill your lane and you go from there."

Carolina (2-5-0) is at 6.9 percent on the power play to rank ahead of only Anaheim. The Hurricanes had four chances in Friday's 3-0 loss at Los Angeles.

"The power play struggled, it's struggled all year," coach Bill Peters said.

Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg and defenseman Justin Faulk have four points apiece but no one else on the club has more than two.

"We've gotta get some of our higher-end skill guys involved offensively," Peters said. "But in order to do that, you've got to get into the dirty areas to score."

One of the players Peters may be referring to is Jeff Skinner, who had a career-high 33 goals in 2013-14, slumped to 18 last season and has one through seven games this year.

Carolina forward Andrej Nestrasil limped to the dressing room in the second period and didn't return after taking a slap shot from Christian Ehrhoff on the inside of his leg.

San Jose has been sloppy lately on the penalty kill, yielding four goals in eight chances in the last three games in a run that coincides with the absence of defenseman Paul Martin.

Martin is poised to return after being out with a lower-body injury. He totaled a team-high 14:11 of short-handed ice time in the first four games.

Rookie forward Joonas Donskoi will also likely return after missing four games with a lower-body injury.

The Sharks went 0 for 5 on the power play in Thursday's 4-1 home defeat to the Kings. Joel Ward's second-period goal was all they mustered.

'We definitely had our chances on the power play. It just didn't find its way in,' Pavelski said. 'We had our flurries in their end and we sustained pressure.'

Martin Jones has yielded eight goals total in losing his last two starts after he won his first four with a 0.49 goals-against average with two shutouts. He has never faced Carolina.

The Hurricanes gave Cam Ward both starts the last time they had a back-to-back, and he made 25 saves Friday. Ward is 4-1-0 with a 3.60 GAA in five starts versus the Sharks.

The other option is Eddie Lack, who made 38 saves to win his lone career start against the Sharks in a 3-2 victory for Vancouver on March 7.

These teams split two 2014-15 matchups after the Hurricanes had captured the previous four. Carolina has won four straight in San Jose.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

College football trends to ponder, with Week 7 here.......

-- Michigan State is 0-6 as a favorite this year; only one of its wins was by more than 14 points.

-- Northwestern was outscored 78-10 in last two games after a 5-0 start.

-- Penn State scored 14 or less points in its last six road games.

-- Southern Miss allowed 117 points in three road games; they're 5-1 vs spread this season, 2-0 when favored.

-- Mike Leach is 12-5 as a road underdog, 3-0 this season.

-- Old Dominion is 3-3 SU this year, but 0-5 against the spread.

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Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here........

13) Royals 4, Blue Jays 3-- Will be an interesting World Series, starting Tuesday.

12) When Alex Rios stole second in 5th inning, it was first stolen base David Price allowed all season; he hits free agency with an 0-7 record as a playoff starter.

11) Memphis 66, Tulsa 42-- Tigers have an offensive juggernaut; this was six days after they beat Ole Miss- impressive.

10) Only two NFL games at 4:25 Sunday; there are three 1:00 games in domes. Why didn't the league put one of those games at 4:25? NFL loves to put Dallas on national TV as much as possible, but they stink without Romo.

9) Speaking of which, there is a 50% chance of rain in New Jersey for late Sunday; the Cowboys have been practicing with a wet footballl to get ready.

8) 1970 Bengals are only 1-5 team to make the NFL playoffs.

7) Disturbing trend in college basketball is bigtime teams poaching really good players from mid-majors, especially kids who graduated in four years but still have a year of eligibility left. Cleveland State has lost three of these kids the last two years, with kids going to Louisville, Michigan State and Wichita State.

As a result, Cleveland State coach Gary Waters won't be giving players money to attend summer school anymore; all that did was cripple his program, since kids would graduate on time, then bolt to greener pastures for their last season.

6) Couple years ago, I was at the NBA summer league in Las Vegas; kid comes in the game and tosses up two airballs in a row. I comment to the guy next to me that the player had been a really good shooter in college, but looked awful in this game.

1,500 people in the gym and I say that to the kid's brother. Seriously. Funny thing, h wound up having a great week and making an NBA roster, but I see this week he is once again struggling to make a roster.

5) Kentucky got its best recruit eligible Friday; Shal Labissiere, which is a hard name to type, is now eligible, which makes Kentucky a very formidable team.

4) Former NBA stars Chris Mullin/Mark Price are both in their first year as a D-I head coach, Mullin at St John's, Price in Charlotte. Both teams are rebuilding and neither coach has much experience- they'll be interesting to follow.

3) FOX puts ALCS on FS1; do they even care about baseball? Hotel rooms don't get that channel, you have to go out of your way to find it. Hard to promote a sport when you're putting the main events on secondary channels.

2) Seattle Mariners named former big league catcher Scott Servais as their new manager; so many managers are former catchers. Servais has no experience and minorities were howling Friday afternoon, because they didn't get interviews. Too bad; the new GM knew who he wanted and he signed him up.

1) Columbus Blue Jackets are 0-8, the worst start by an NHL team in 72 years.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, October 24

Hot teams
-- Minnesota won four of its first six games.
-- Devils won last three games, all in OT/SO.
-- Montreal won its first eight games, allowing nine goals.
-- Islanders/Blues both won four of their last five games.
-- Flyers won three of last four games. Rangers won last two games, allowing one goal.
-- Dallas Stars won their last five games.
-- Penguins won three of their last four games. Nashville won six of its first seven.
-- Lightning are 5-3 this season, 2-3 in last five games. Chicago won four of last six games.

Cold teams
-- Ducks lost five of their first six games.
-- Sabres lost five of their first seven games.
-- Arizona lost last four games, allowing 16 goals. Ottawa lost four of its last five.
-- Maple Leafs lost five of their first six games.
-- Florida lost last three games: 3-2/3-2/4-2.
-- Blue Jackets lost their first eight games, worst NHL start in 72 years. Colorado lost three of its last four games.
-- Hurrricanes lost five of their first seven games. Sharks lost their last three games.
-- Detroit lost last four games, scoring seven goals. Canucks lost last three games.

Series records
-- Ducks won nine of last ten games with Minnesota.
-- Devils won their last three games with Buffalo.
-- Senators won three of last four games with Arizona.
-- Canadiens won their last seven games with Toronto.
-- Islanders lost their last five games with St Louis.
-- Rangers won four of last five games with Philly.
-- Dallas Stars won last three games with Florida.
-- Penguins won five of last six games with Nashville.
-- Avalanche won three of last four games with Columbus.
-- Blackhawks won last three games with Tampa Bay.
-- Sharks lost five of last six games with Carolina.
-- Red Wings won five of their last seven games with Vancouver.

Totals
-- Under is 4-1-1 in first six Anaheim games.
-- Under is 4-0-2 in last six Buffalo-New Jersey games.
-- Over is 8-2 in last ten Arizona-Ottawa games.
-- Under is 3-1-2 in last six Montreal games.
-- Last six Islander-St Louis games went over total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Ranger games.
-- Six of last nine Florida-Dallas games went over.
-- Last four Pittsburgh-Nashville games stayed under.
-- Last three Columbus games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Tampa Bay-Chicago games stayed under.
-- Over is 7-3 in last ten Carolina-San Jose games.
-- Four of last five Detroit-Vancouver games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Saturday, October 24

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Trend Report
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6:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. MINNESOTA
Anaheim is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim

7:00 PM
ARIZONA vs. OTTAWA
Arizona is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
Ottawa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. BUFFALO
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Buffalo
New Jersey is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey

7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 2-23 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Montreal's last 14 games when playing Toronto

8:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. DALLAS
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Florida
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games
NY Islanders are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games

8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NASHVILLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:30 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CHICAGO
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Chicago is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

9:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. COLORADO
Columbus is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Columbus is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Columbus

10:00 PM
DETROIT vs. VANCOUVER
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Vancouver
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games

10:30 PM
CAROLINA vs. SAN JOSE
Carolina is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Jose's last 10 games when playing Carolina

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Saturday, October 24


Bruins activate D Morrow

The Boston Bruins activated defenseman Joe Morrow from injured reserve on Friday.

Morrow has played in three games this season for Boston and 18 NHL games in his career, with one goal. Morrow missed the last three games due to the flu.

The team also took forward Seth Griffith off injured non-roster status and assigned him to the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. Griffith has yet to see any regular-season action this year due to a MCL sprain in his left knee that occurred in a preseason game on Sept. 20.

Griffith skated in 30 games for Boston last season, notching six goals and four assists. The 5-foot-9, 191-pound native of Wallaceburg, Ontario, was drafted by the Bruins in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL draft.


Devils F Gionta fined for spearing

New Jersey Devils forward Stephen Gionta was fined more than $2,200 on Friday for spearing Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki during Thursday's game in Ottawa, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.

The fine was the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and stems from a second period incident in which Gionta was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct. Video of the play shows Gionta spearing Borowiecki with his stick around the midsection and groin areas.

The 32-year-old Gionta apologized publicly after the game, won 5-4 by New Jersey.

"You saw the replay and that can't happen," Gionta told reporters. "First, I apologize to Mark for that play. Obviously, I let my teammates down with it and, luckily, they bailed me out. I just lost my cool and that can't happen."


Sharks reassign F Haley

The San Jose Sharks reassigned forward Micheal Haley to the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League on Friday.

The 29-year-old Haley, who was recalled by the Sharks on Wednesday, currently leads all Barracuda players with four goals and six points (two assists) in three AHL games this season. He scored the first goal in Barracuda history and also paces the team with two power-play tallies.

In 57 career NHL games with the New York Islanders, New York Rangers and Sharks, Haley has recorded two goals, one assist and 174 penalty minutes. Haley has appeared in one game with the Sharks this season.

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound native of Guelph, Ontario, was signed by San Jose as a free agent on July 10, 2014.


Islanders sign F Beauvillier

The New York Islanders and forward Anthony Beauvillier agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract Friday.

The Islanders selected Beauvillier with their second pick of the first round (28th overall) in the 2015 NHL draft.

Beauvillier, 18, has scored 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in seven games this season with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Last season with Shawinigan, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Beauvillier recorded 94 points (42 goals, 52 assists) in 67 games. The native of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, added seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven QMJHL playoff games.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Saturday, October 24


Arizona @ Ottawa

Game 57-58
October 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
11.092
Ottawa
10.189
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+145); Over

Toronto @ Montreal

Game 59-60
October 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
9.691
Montreal
13.329
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 3 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montreal
-250
5
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(-250); Over

Florida @ Dallas

Game 61-62
October 24, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida
11.122
Dallas
10.010
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida
(+130); Under

Pittsburgh @ Nashville

Game 63-64
October 24, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
11.301
Nashville
12.936
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville
-140
5
Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
(-140); Over

NY Islanders @ St. Louis

Game 65-66
October 24, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Islanders
13.000
St. Louis
11.212
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Islanders
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-160
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Islanders
(+140); Under

Tampa Bay @ Chicago

Game 67-68
October 24, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
10.889
Chicago
12.375
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
N/A

Columbus @ Colorado

Game 69-70
October 24, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Columbus
9.449
Colorado
12.275
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 3
4 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-130); Under

Detroit @ Vancouver

Game 71-72
October 24, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
12.350
Vancouver
11.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vancouver
-165
5
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+145); Over

Anaheim @ Minnesota

Game 51-52
October 24, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
9.779
Minnesota
11.275
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-155
5
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-155); Over

Carolina @ San Jose

Game 73-74
October 24, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Carolina
11.887
San Jose
10.776
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Carolina
by 1
4 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Jose
-210
5
Dunkel Pick:
Carolina
(+175); Under

NY Rangers @ Philadelphia

Game 53-54
October 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
12.692
Philadelphia
10.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Rangers
by 2 1/2
4 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Rangers
-135
5
Dunkel Pick:
NY Rangers
(-135); Under

New Jersey @ Buffalo

Game 55-56
October 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Jersey
9.743
Buffalo
11.212
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Jersey
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
N/A

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, October 24

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ANAHEIM (1-4-0-1, 3 pts.) at MINNESOTA (4-1-0-1, 9 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 124-75 ATS (+17.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 20-10 ATS (+30.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 21-9 ATS (+10.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 21-10 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 6-1 (+4.6 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 6-1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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NY RANGERS (5-2-0-1, 11 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (3-2-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-9 ATS (+4.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 69-40 ATS (+15.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 24-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 33-12 ATS (+16.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 14-4 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 122-106 ATS (+232.9 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-72 ATS (-60.5 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 9-6 (+1.7 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 9-6-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (3-3-0-1, 7 pts.) at BUFFALO (2-5-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 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 4-2 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 4-2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)

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ARIZONA (3-3-0-1, 7 pts.) at OTTAWA (3-2-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 27-62 ATS (+119.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 82-88 ATS (-75.5 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 21-37 ATS (-17.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 3-1-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.1 Units)

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TORONTO (1-3-0-2, 4 pts.) at MONTREAL (8-0-0-0, 16 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 31-57 ATS (+94.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 0-11 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-24 ATS (+35.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) first half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 22-3 ATS (+18.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
MONTREAL is 21-7 ATS (+12.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 8-2 (+5.5 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 8-2-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.9 Units)

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FLORIDA (3-3-0-1, 7 pts.) at DALLAS (6-1-0-0, 12 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 3-16 ATS (+25.6 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 126-199 ATS (+346.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
DALLAS is 22-14 ATS (+36.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 5-0 ATS (+5.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
DALLAS is 12-19 ATS (-14.4 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 71-66 ATS (-49.5 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (3-4-0-0, 6 pts.) at NASHVILLE (6-1-0-0, 12 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 47-47 ATS (-26.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 30-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 191-135 ATS (+338.8 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 19-5 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 8-18 ATS (+26.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-1 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 3-1-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (4-2-0-1, 9 pts.) at ST LOUIS (5-2-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 17-32 ATS (-21.0 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 29-15 ATS (+44.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 16-7 ATS (+24.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 1-7 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-0 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 4-0-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.1 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (5-2-0-1, 11 pts.) at CHICAGO (4-3-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-5 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.1 Units)

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COLUMBUS (0-8-0-0, 0 pts.) at COLORADO (2-3-0-1, 5 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 0-8 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 0-8 ATS (+9.0 Units) first half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 5-19 ATS (+28.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 96-81 ATS (+183.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 38-27 ATS (+6.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 22-13 ATS (+35.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 49-27 ATS (+76.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 124-118 ATS (+260.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 23-14 ATS (+40.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-1 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 3-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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DETROIT (3-3-0-1, 7 pts.) at VANCOUVER (3-2-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 88-95 ATS (-57.2 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
DETROIT is 106-65 ATS (+22.7 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
DETROIT is 19-11 ATS (+31.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 9-13 ATS (-11.4 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 3-1 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.2 Units)

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CAROLINA (2-5-0-0, 4 pts.) at SAN JOSE (4-3-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/24/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 5-22 ATS (+38.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 12-32 ATS (+53.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 54-106 ATS (+183.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 8-14 ATS (-13.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 15-21 ATS (-17.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 4-10 ATS (-15.4 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 83-82 ATS (-42.6 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 17-20 ATS (-16.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 13-17 ATS (-17.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 3-1 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 3-1-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL FRIDAY'S RESULTS:

0 - 1 - 0................ *****

0 - 1.....................DOUBLE PLAY

1 - 0.....................TRIPLE PLAY

2 - 0.....................OCTOPLAY


OVERALL RATED PLAYS

*****.....................................14 - 15 - 1.....................- 2.30

double play..............................26 - 17.........................+ 21.30

triple play................................11 - 6............................+ 1.65

octoplay..................................6 - 5.............................+ 0.00

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Anaheim - 6:00 PM ET Minnesota -144 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Minnesota - Under 5 500

New Jersey - 7:00 PM ET New Jersey -114 500
Buffalo - Under 5 500

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Montreal -230 500 OCTOPLAY
Montreal - Over 5 500

Arizona - 7:00 PM ET Ottawa -169 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Ottawa - Over 5.5 500

NY Rangers - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia +118 500 *****
Philadelphia - Under 5 500

NY Islanders - 8:00 PM ET St. Louis -135 500 TRIPLE PLAY
St. Louis - Over 5.5 500

Pittsburgh - 8:00 PM ET Nashville -138 500
Nashville - Under 5 500

Florida - 8:00 PM ET Dallas -152 500 *****
Dallas - Over 5.5 500

Tampa Bay - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -134 500
Chicago - Over 5 500

Columbus - 9:00 PM ET Colorado -120 500
Colorado - Over 5.5 500

Detroit - 10:00 PM ET Vancouver -169 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Vancouver - Under 5 500

Carolina - 10:30 PM ET San Jose -195 500 *****
San Jose - Over 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NHL SATURDAY'S RESULTS:

2 - 1 - 0................ *****

1 - 2.....................DOUBLE PLAY

0 - 1.....................TRIPLE PLAY

1 - 0.....................OCTOPLAY


OVERALL RATED PLAYS

*****.....................................16 - 16 - 1.....................- 1.64

double play..............................27 - 19.........................+ 16.54

triple play................................11 - 7............................- 2.40

octoplay..................................7 - 5.............................+ 4.00

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wild (4-1) at Jets (4-2)
Date: October 25, 2015 6:00 PM EDT

Following a lackluster road trip, the Minnesota Wild quickly got back to winning when they returned home for two games against struggling teams.

The Wild will likely face stiffer opposition and a seemingly motivated rival in the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday when they hit the road again for a brief trip.

Minnesota (5-1-1) secured its best start since going 6-0-1 in 2008-09 by topping winless Columbus 3-2 on Thursday and beating Anaheim 3-0 on Saturday. Devan Dubnyk needed to make just 15 saves for his first shutout this season and drop the Ducks, a Western Conference finalist in 2014-15, to 1-5-1.

Jared Spurgeon also had a pair of assists for the second straight contest.

"It was a good team win and now we get to forget about really quickly and get ready for a tough game (Sunday)," coach Mike Yeo said. "Obviously, they're going to play hard against us, but we're going to play hard against them in our own way. We're going to go in there and focus on playing our game."

The Ducks previously sent the Wild to their only regulation loss, a 4-1 defeat Oct. 18 that ended a 1-1-1 road trip. Minnesota will return home after this trek to Winnipeg and play five of its next six games on its own ice.

The Wild just missed their third straight win in Winnipeg in their most recent visit Feb. 10, falling 2-1 in overtime. They went 2-1-2 in the season series against their Central Division rivals and finished one point ahead of the Jets in the Western Conference.

"I don't think either team really likes each other," coach Paul Maurice said. "It's a function of us being neck and neck with them in the standings and scratching and clawing and playing five times. That will be the story (Sunday)."

The Jets (4-2-1) head into this season's initial matchup seeking to snap their first losing streak in 2015-16. They lost 4-3 in overtime to Tampa Bay on Friday and dropped to 1-1-1 on their six-game homestand.

Blake Wheeler tied a franchise record with a seven-game season-opening point streak. He scored a short-handed goal in the third period, giving him four goals and five assists during his run.

"He has a real strong understanding of his game," Maurice said. "He's not necessarily hoping for points. He's certainly doesn't cheat anywhere on the ice. He gives everything he can.

"I think he's just a real mature, high-end pro now."

Wheeler had two goals and one assist last season against Minnesota. Wild forward Jason Pominville had two goals and five assists in 2014-15 versus Winnipeg, but he's gone pointless in his last four games.

Pominville scored both goals on Michael Hutchinson, and Maurice indicated there's a chance the Jets' backup goaltender could start Sunday.

Hutchinson has allowed two goals on 62 shots while winning his first two games this season and is 2-2-0 with a 1.97 goals-against average in four career starts against Minnesota.

With Dubnyk starting Saturday, Darcy Kuemper will likely make his second appearance this season. He made 35 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss in Los Angeles on Oct. 16 and is 2-0-0 with a 1.71 GAA in two career starts against the Jets, both last season.

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Preview: Flames (2-5) at Rangers (5-2)
Date: October 25, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

It's been a tough start for the Calgary Flames, but they're beginning to look like their old selves.

Fresh off a stirring comeback victory characteristic of last season's surprise playoff run, the Flames look to continue the momentum when they begin a three-game trip Sunday night against the New York Rangers.

Calgary (2-5-0) had lost four straight and appeared on the way to another defeat Thursday against Detroit, but Joe Colborne scored with 1:12 remaining in regulation and Mark Giordano's goal 3:12 into overtime lifted the Flames to a 3-2 win.

The Flames had 10 wins when trailing after two periods and tied for first in the NHL with nine overtime victories en route to ending a five-year postseason absence in 2014-15.

'We deserved that one, I thought, and got rewarded late," said Giordano, who finished with two goals and an assist in Calgary's first win in five home games this season.

The Flames were also aided by improved goaltending, with Jonas Hiller making 27 saves after he and Karri Ramo surrendered 11 goals over the previous two losses.

'He stepped up,' said forward Sean Monahan. 'He played a great game for us, kept us in it and made some really timely saves. It's a big credit to him for that win.'

Calgary still ranks near the bottom of the NHL in goals allowed per game (3.86) and save percentage (.877). Ramo, who started the final four games of last May's Western Conference semifinals series with Anaheim, was demoted to the minors Thursday after particularly struggling.

The Flames would likely benefit from another sharp goaltending performance, as the Rangers are 5-0-0 when scoring three goals or more and have lost all four times when falling short of that mark.

New York (5-2-2) has had some early defensive issues as well, allowing an average of 32.9 shots per game. The Rangers have still earned points in four straight after Henrik Lundqvist recorded 46 saves in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss at Philadelphia that snapped a two-game win streak.

"I felt really good during the game, but in the shootout, I wasn't good enough at all," Lundqvist told the Rangers' official website.

Lundqvist will rest Sunday following the busy effort, with Antti Raanta seeking to build off an impressive Rangers debut on Monday. The offseason acquisition turned away 22 shots in a 4-0 victory over San Jose at Madison Square Garden.

Raanta had 23 saves in a 2-1 win over Calgary while with Chicago on Dec. 14, improving to 2-0-0 in three career meetings.

He's never lost in regulation at home, going 15-0-3 with a 1.51 goals-against average and four shutouts in 20 appearances with the Blackhawks and Rangers.

Hiller owns a 1.36 GAA in five starts against the Rangers but hasn't faced them since a 34-save shutout with Anaheim on Oct. 10, 2013.

New York won both games between the teams last season and has prevailed in five of the last six matchups. Calgary, which visits the Islanders Monday before concluding this trek Wednesday in Ottawa, has lost three straight at MSG since a 3-0 win on Dec. 7, 2008.

Rangers forward Viktor Stalberg will miss the game after sustaining a head injury on Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Kings (4-3) at Oilers (3-5)
Date: October 25, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

Rather than get discouraged by a slow start, the Los Angeles Kings stuck to their plan and are now in the midst of a winning streak.

The Edmonton Oilers likely will need a much better effort than their last time out in order to end the visiting Kings' four-game run Sunday night.

Los Angeles (4-3-0) was outscored 12-2 during an opening three-game skid after missing last season's playoffs and a chance to defend its second Stanley Cup title in three years.

Jonathan Quick had a .861 save percentage while losing each of those contests, but he's stopped 87 of 89 shots in three starts during the winning streak after a 40-save performance in Friday's 3-0 victory over Carolina.

"We're just playing harder and a little bit more desperate," said Anze Kopitar, who scored in the third period against the Hurricanes. "We're progressing. We didn't start off very hot, and now we're building."

Tyler Toffoli is showing no signs of slowing down. His two goals Friday put him among the league leaders with six, and he's scored in each game during the win streak.

Coach Darryl Sutter isn't surprised by his production after he broke out last season with 23 goals and 26 assists despite missing time with mononucleosis. Toffoli had five goals and eight assists during the Kings' 6-1-2 start last season.

"He was (hot) early last year, too," Sutter said. "Last year at this time, (Jeff) Carter, (Tanner) Pearson, and Toffoli were carrying the offense part of our team, so it's not really new (and) he's probably just building on last year. Last year he went down with mono and he struggled after that. Now he's healthy and strong and feels good."

The Oilers (3-5-0) also got off to a rough start by dropping their first four, but they bounced back to win their next three. That run ended Friday in a 7-4 loss to Washington, which scored four of the game's final five goals. Edmonton allowed two on the power play, matching the amount it gave up over its first seven combined.

"We weren't ready to play and we made it pretty easy on them," defenseman Eric Gryba said. "When you're playing against the best players in the world and you give them easy nights, they're going to look good and they're going to play good. We've got to be better."

Coach Todd McLellan expressed his disappointment with "certain individuals" without naming specific players, but he likely wasn't talking about Connor McDavid.

The No. 1 overall pick has been as good as advertised, scoring Friday to give him team highs of five goals and eight points. McDavid and Nail Yakupov assisted on Benoit Pouliot's first-period goal, and the trio has formed a productive line with 19 points.

Edmonton's biggest issue against the Capitals was in net. Anders Nilsson gave up six goals on 17 shots before being relieved by Cam Talbot midway through the second.

It's likely Talbot will get his sixth start in this contest. He has a 2.22 GAA but allowed seven goals while going 1-1-0 in two starts against the Kings last season while with the New York Rangers.

Quick is 9-0-2 with a 1.34 GAA in his last 11 against the Oilers and wasn't in net for Edmonton's 4-2 victory in the most recent meeting April 7.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

NFL trends to ponder, with Week 7 here.......

-- Jacksonville is 12-23-2 in its last 37 games as an underdog.

-- Dolphins are 13-33 in their last 46 games as a home favorite.

-- Lions covered twice in last 11 games as an underdog.

-- Tennessee is 5-14-2 in last 21 games as an underdog.

-- Dallas covered eight of its last ten road games.

-- Carolina is 13-6-2 as a home favorite.

**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday......

13) Georgia Tech 22, Florida State 16-- Yellow Jackets had lost five games in a row, allowing 30+ points in all five, before this- they blocked a 56-yard FG on last play of regulation, ran it back for a walk-off TD, as big upset happened for second week in a row on a shocking special teams play.

12) USC 42, Utah 24-- Utes were #3 in country but Wilson threw four picks and the Trojans jogged. All week people were mentioning Whittingham as a possibility to be USC's new coach. thats going to be a very interesting job search.

11) Clemson 58, Miami 0-- Sometimes divorce is beneficial to both sides; Miami has to fire Al Golden today, so he can move on, their alumni can shut up and they can start to look for a new coach. Hurricanes have never played in the ACC title game- not sure who the perfect coach is here. Not even sure if Miami is that good a job anymore.

10) Pitt 23, Syracuse 20-- Panthers' last three visits to Carrier Dome were decided by a total of five points. Pitt is 6-1; their last four wins are all by 7 or less points.

9) Northwestern 30, Nebraska 28-- Cornhuskers failed on tying 2-point play with 4:24 left; their five losses are by all by five or less points. Wildcats had lost previous two games by combined 78-10-- this is a great win for them.

8) Baylor 45, Iowa State 27-- Baylor QB Russell broke a bone in his neck; this was first time this season they scored less than 56 points. Bears have next week off, but they still have games left with both Oklahoma schools and TCU.

7) Arkansas 54, Auburn 46 OT-- 167 plays in this game; one turnover, five penalties. Auburn is now 1-3 in SEC, with an OT win over a I-AA team. Anyone who laid seven points with Arkansas in this game had the good Lord shining down on them.

6) Duke 45, Virginia Tech 43 OT-- Blue Devils are 6-1 and bowl eligible; Hokies are 3-5 and a sinking ship. Always wondered how much the shootings in Blacksburg a few years ago hindered Tech's recruiting- they're 25-24 in their last 49 games.

5) Alabama 19, Tennessee 14-- Whoever the poor bastard is who winds up replacing Nick Saban at Alabama is going to get in the head with an anvil like Wily E Coyote in the cartoons- he won't know what hit him. Vols are going to wind up playing in some obscure bowl like Shreveport or Nashville; their four losses are by total of 17 points.

4) Louisville 17, Boston College 14-- Eagles are worst offensive team I've seen in long time; they had four first downs, gaining 79 yards on 52 plays. Only reason they covered this game was blocked punt for a TD.

3) Penn State 31, Maryland 30-- Terps outgained Penn State 470-363; Bill O'Brien bolted Happy Valley for the NFL. You wonder how happy the natives are with James Franklin. You wonder how happy the Texans are with O'Brien. Sometimes divorce is a bad thing for both sides.

2) Washington State 45, Arizona 42-- Mike Leach is 13-5 as a road underdog, 4-0 this year; Falk had 335 passing yards in this game-- at halftime. Coogs won five of last six games, since losing their opener to a I-AA team.

1) Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Stillwater, OK after the fatal car accident Saturday morning; that community has had more than its share of tragedy. You go out on a Saturday morning to watch a parade and wind up dead; life is short, we need to have fun while we can.