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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blackhawks (20-13) at Avalanche (18-17)
Date: December 31, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Chicago Blackhawks rode one of the league's best power-play units to snap a scoring slump and earn a much-needed victory to start a brief road swing.

The Colorado Avalanche also used a big game with the man advantage to keep up their rapid scoring pace, and they'll look to win a fifth straight meeting with the Blackhawks on Thursday night.

Chicago (21-13-4) entered the holiday break after a lackluster 4-0 loss at Dallas on Dec. 22 and returned Tuesday with a 2-1 home defeat to Carolina, scoring only a meaningless goal with less than three seconds remaining.

The Blackhawks then faced back-to-back road games to end 2015 but snapped out of their funk with a 7-5 win over Arizona on Tuesday, capitalizing on all three of their power-play opportunities in the first period.

Duncan Keith, Artem Anisimov and rookie Artemi Panarin had those goals, Andrew Desjardins scored twice and Patrick Kane finished with a goal and two assists to give him an NHL-high 53 points.

Chicago ranks among the league leaders in power-play conversion rate at 23.3 percent and is 8-2-1 when getting at least four chances, scoring in 10 of those games and converting 15 times. It had gone 1 for 11 over its previous six games before going 3 for 4 on Tuesday.

'The last few games we haven't had very many (power-play) opportunities, so sometimes you get out of sync,' Kane said. 'We have two good units right now and a lot of depth. If one unit doesn't get it started, the other one wants to get out there for a chance to cash in."

Kane had his franchise-record 26-game point streak snapped as the Blackhawks failed on both power-play chances in a 3-0 home loss to Colorado on Dec. 15. They've been outscored 12-3 during a four-game losing streak to the Avalanche (18-17-2), who have scored at least three goals six times during a 6-1-1 stretch.

They went 4 for 6 on the power play and tied their season high for goals in Monday's 6-3 win over San Jose. Nathan MacKinnon notched his second career hat trick, ending a month-long drought without a goal.

"Tough slump obviously with 14 games. They come in bunches sometimes," MacKinnon said. "We've been struggling a little bit (on the power play). Hopefully it gives us some confidence."

Matt Duchene also scored for the Avalanche, who try to head into 2016 on a roll and continue inching toward playoff position. They're sitting second-to-last in the Central Division after missing the playoffs last season.

"We're creeping up on Nashville, and we want to get in a playoff spot as soon as possible and never look back," said Duchene, who scored in the first meeting with Chicago.

Semyon Varlamov should be back in net after Calvin Pickard made 35 saves Monday. Varlamov has a 1.68 goals-against average over his last 10, including a 29-save shutout against the Blackhawks. He's won his last seven starts versus Chicago with a 1.27 GAA.

The Blackhawks could go with Corey Crawford again despite him having a 3.51 GAA over his last four. Crawford, 3-7-2 with a 3.20 GAA against the Avalanche since the 2011-12 season, allowed three goals in the third Tuesday to make things interesting.

"We made it exciting in the end," coach Joel Quenneville said. "We haven't had a lead like that all year, but we have to play the right way when we get it. Hopefully it will happen again."

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Predators (16-12) at Stars (26-8)
Date: December 31, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

The last time the Dallas Stars lost consecutive games, their playoff chances took a major hit. There's quite a bit more breathing room should it happen again.

Even so, they'll try to avoid it Thursday night against the visiting Nashville Predators with hopes of ending the 2015 portion of the schedule atop the entire NHL.

Those back-to-back losses came March 30 and April 3, and a four-game winning streak to end the season wasn't nearly enough to sneak into the postseason. They must not have liked the feeling because they've since gone 31-8-3 with an NHL-best win total, never even linking losses of any kind, though that could happen after Tuesday's 6-3 defeat in Columbus.

"For some reason we think we can come in against these weaker teams and outscore them, but that's not how it works in this league," captain Jamie Benn told the team's official website after extending his point streak to six games. "You've got to play good team defense."

It was a reminder Dallas (27-8-3) remains a team that can occasionally get torched in its own zone. The Stars have allowed at least six goals four times, which is the most in the league and all have ended in losses of at least three goals.

"It was everything," coach Lindy Ruff said. "Our team defense was probably the worst on the year. We started off not defending, we had pockets of good defending. It was a team loss. Everybody was in on it."

Kari Lehtonen allowed three goals on 14 shots in the first period and was replaced by Antti Niemi to start the second. Lehtonen hasn't made it beyond a period in two of his last three starts, so Niemi figures to face Nashville. He took the loss against the Blue Jackets but has been the better option with a 1.53 goals-against average and .946 save percentage on a 3-1-1 span. He's posted shutouts in his last two games against the Predators, but those came with San Jose.

Prior to Tuesday's defensive letdown, Dallas had outscored opponents 21-7 during a 4-0-1 span, so there's no real cause for concern.

Patrick Sharp continued to come on offensively, scoring for a second straight game to extend his point streak to six games with four goals and five assists. He's been limited to two assists in his last nine regular-season games against Nashville. Colton Sceviour also tallied for the third time in four games after managing a goal in his first 31 contests.

The Predators and Stars have split 10 games over the past two seasons with Dallas holding a 28-27 scoring edge, though the Stars are 4-1-0 at home.

Nashville (18-12-7) is coming off Tuesday's 4-3 overtime loss in St. Louis but left upbeat, having overcome a 3-1 deficit in the final four minutes of regulation against the Western Conference's No. 2 team. The Predators have followed a three-game skid with 3.60 goals per game over a 3-1-1 span.

"I think we were just pressing," center Mike Fisher told the team's official website. "We felt good about our game and we were getting pucks and getting chances. We felt like it was just a matter of time that we were going to get our break and we did. ... We ended up with those last two goals, which were key."

Carter Hutton faced the Blues, so Pekka Rinne figures to return. Rinne hasn't won on the road since Nov. 5, going 0-5-2 with a 3.30 GAA and .880 save percentage since. He's won seven of his last 10 against Dallas with two shutouts.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Kings (21-11) at Flames (16-17)
Date: December 31, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Kings are unbeaten entering the final stop on a four-game road trip, which could prove to be the most challenging of the stretch.

They've struggled against Calgary the last two seasons, and the Flames are looking to close out an impressive December on Thursday night as they've started to turn their season around.

While the Kings (23-11-2) won 5-2 over Edmonton on Tuesday and have outscored opponents 14-5 in the last three games, the Flames (17-17-2) fell 1-0 to Anaheim and saw their franchise-record 11-game home winning streak come to an end.

Even so, Calgary has gone 9-3-0 following a three-game skid to end November. Tuesday marked the first time the high-scoring Flames failed to earn at least a point when allowing fewer than three goals, and they were limited to a season-low 14 shots.

"It is frustrating," captain Mark Giordano told the team's official website. "We were right in the game the whole game. We were in a little bit of a rut in the second (period) when we couldn't get through the neutral zone, and they got the majority of chances. In the third, we evened it out, but you've got to give them credit, they played a good road game."

While players such as Johnny Gaudreau were cooled off - he'd scored five goals in his previous two games - the Flames have also started to play at least to a manageable level in their own zone. They allowed 3.58 goals per game through November, and with a 2.50 mark in December, have pushed their season average down to 3.22 - though that's still tied with Arizona for the highest in the NHL.

Karri Ramo has been a big part of the improvement, posting a 1.90 goals-against average in a 5-3-0 span after going 8-8-1 with a 3.06 mark prior. He faced the Ducks and will again be in goal against Los Angeles as Calgary concludes a four-game homestand. Ramo is 3-0-0 with a 1.86 GAA in four career games against the Kings.

The Flames are 7-3-0 in their last 10 in the series with three straight home wins, but Los Angeles is in position for its first four-game road winning streak of the season.

The run is the Kings' most productive three-game stretch offensively - home or away - all season, with back-to-back five-goal efforts after they reached the mark once in their first 34 contests.

Those came on two straight nights, with Dustin Brown and Trevor Lewis each scoring with two assists against the Oilers. Dwight King also had a goal and an assist in his season debut on a line with Brown and Lewis after missing nearly half of the season with a broken foot.

"I think we play to each other's strengths," King said. "Probably a forechecking line is how you'd describe us and we're hard on pucks. We were rewarded tonight for our opportunities which was nice to see, but I just like to compete and battle to get pucks and throw them to the net."

Tyler Toffoli also scored and has six goals and an assist in his last four games, while Anze Kopitar has recorded a goal and six assists on the trip.

The scoring has taken some pressure off Jonathan Quick, but things haven't necessarily been easy. He faced 44 shots against the Oilers, marking the third time in seven games he's seen at least 42.

Quick has won all three of those and has posted a 1.89 GAA in an 11-2-1 span. However, he's won once in his last six games against the Flames with a 2.59 mark.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Ducks (13-15) at Oilers (13-20)
Date: December 31, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

The Edmonton Oilers' anemic power play is unlikely to get a boost against one of the NHL's best penalty killing teams.

Then there's the matter of Edmonton's woeful history against the Anaheim Ducks.

The slumping Oilers have lost three in a row heading into Thursday night's division game against the Ducks, who remain on the road after beating the hottest home team in the league.

The Oilers (15-20-3) opened a six-game homestand with a 5-2 loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday, ending a seven-game winning streak at Rexall Place. The Kings scored on Cam Talbot three times in 96 seconds early in the second period to make it 3-0.

"Things were going pretty well for us, we were doing a lot of things we wanted to do against a real good team," said Edmonton coach Todd McLellan. "And in a matter of a minute and a half, the bottom falls out on us for a number of reasons. That was disappointing."

The Oilers have been outscored 26-12 while going 1-5-1 since Dec. 15. This follows a season-high six-game winning streak during which they outscored opponents 22-15.

Taylor Hall, who has a team-high 15 goals, has not scored in his last six games.

Worse, their power play has been woeful. The Oilers are 0 for 10 in their last 16 games and 3 for 35 over their past 14.

"The thing for us is, you want to be able to generate momentum," Edmonton forward Jordan Eberle told the team's official website. "We don't want to create momentum for the other team by giving them opportunities or just chasing the puck back and forth and just wasting energy."

Edmonton's limp power play will meet one of the NHL's best penalty killing units, as the Ducks rank near the top of the league with an 87.7 percent success rate.

The Oilers have struggled mightily in the series but rallied to beat the Ducks 4-3 in overtime on Nov. 11, the first of five scheduled meetings between the Pacific Division rivals. It snapped a six-game losing streak in Anaheim for the Oilers and was the first time in 10 trips there they scored more than two goals.

Anaheim has been dominating the series, winning 21 of the past 26 meetings, and the Oilers have not won consecutive matchups since 2007.

The Ducks (14-15-6) are coming off a 1-0 win over Calgary on Tuesday that snapped the Flames' franchise-record 11-game home winning streak. John Gibson made 14 saves, half of them in the final period, to post his third shutout of the season.

"We had a game plan to try to clog up the neutral zone, try to slow them down. We did a pretty good job of it," the 22-year-old goaltender said.

Anaheim, in the midst of a three-game road trip, is 10-0-1 this season when leading after two periods. The Ducks have won two in a row overall after being outscored 17-7 during a 1-3-1 stretch.

Edmonton defenseman Brandon Davidson could return to the ice after missing the past four games with a rib injury.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Jets (17-17) at Coyotes (17-16)
Date: December 31, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

The Winnipeg Jets are treating the end of December as a fresh start, and one of their youngest players is in the middle of the turnaround.

Rookie goaltender Connor Hellebuyck looks to continue his hot stretch as the rejuvenated Jets seek their first three-game winning streak when they visit the Arizona Coyotes on New Year's Eve.

Winnipeg (17-17-2) opened the season 7-3-1 in October but is just 10-14-1 since, slumping into the Christmas break with losses in four of five games. But a 101:10 shutout streak from their 22-year-old netminder this week helped the Jets to home wins over Pittsburgh and Detroit.

Hellebuyck logged his first career shutout in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Penguins and he didn't allow a goal in Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the Red Wings until early in the third period. He improved to 7-3-0 this season while lowering his goals-against average to 2.01.

More importantly, Hellebuyck helped the Jets to their first winning streak since the opening week of December.

"We had some nights going into the Christmas break that we played really well and didn't have a good result and that takes it toll," coach Paul Maurice said. "They get to feel good, a little better every day and a little more optimistic. We're keeping that faith."

Jacob Trouba scored two goals in Tuesday's win as the Jets tallied more than one for the first time in four games. Winnipeg's offense was inconsistent entering the break, scoring an average of 1.2 goals in its last five losses compared to 4.8 in its last four wins.

"That left a bad taste in our mouth over the Christmas break," Winnipeg's leading scorer Blake Wheeler told the team's official website. "... and that allowed us to come back even hungrier."

Next, the Jets will see if they can sustain success away from home. They open an eight-day, five-game road trip on Thursday, looking to end of a five-game road losing streak. Winnipeg has lost 11 of its last 12 as visitor, the final 10 losses coming in regulation.

Winnipeg's offense will draw a favorable matchup against another young goaltender trying to settle an awful stretch of defense for Arizona (17-16-3). Second-year netminder Louis Domingue has a 4.21 GAA while suffering both of the Coyotes' losses in three game since the Christmas break.

Anders Lindback surrendered three goals on five shots in the first period of Tuesday's 7-5 loss to Chicago, and Domingue allowed three more on 22 shots after coming on in relief. It was the second game in less than two weeks that the Coyotes have given up seven goals, and they have allowed at least five in seven of their last 13 games.

Arizona is tied with Calgary for the worst defense in the league with a 3.22 GAA, and that number rises to 3.92 since the beginning of December.

The Blackhawks scored on three of four power-play opportunities, pushing opponents to 7 of 15 against Arizona's penalty kill in the last four games.

'We need saves. Your goaltending is a big part of your penalty kill,' coach Dave Tippett said. 'It shows us just how far we've got to go.'

Shane Doan tallied a hat trick against Chicago, tying Dale Hawerchuk for the franchise record with 379 career goals. Doan scored seven goals in 74 games with Winnipeg during his 1995-96 rookie season.

The Jets' seventh win in the last eight games of this series was a 3-2 victory on Nov. 21 in Winnipeg.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (53) PITTSBURGH@ (54) DETROIT | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season
The record is 15 Wins and 24 Losses for the last three seasons (-23.05 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) CAROLINA | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON using money line in all games
The record is 27 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+16.3 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) CAROLINA | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON using money line in All games first half of the season
The record is 27 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+16.3 units)

NHL > (53) PITTSBURGH@ (54) DETROIT | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 24 Wins and 31 Losses for the last three seasons (-27.55 units)

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NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (53) PITTSBURGH@ (54) DETROIT | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season
The record is 15 Wins and 24 Losses for the last three seasons (-23.05 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) CAROLINA | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON in all games
The record is 27 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+16.3 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) CAROLINA | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON in All games first half of the season
The record is 27 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+16.3 units)

NHL > (53) PITTSBURGH@ (54) DETROIT | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 24 Wins and 31 Losses for the last three seasons (-27.55 units)

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NHL TOTALS

NHL > (59) CHICAGO@ (60) COLORADO | 2015-12-31 20:05:00 - 2015-12-31 20:05:00
Play UNDER CHICAGO on the totalin Road games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 3 Overs and 16 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.05 units)

NHL > (59) CHICAGO@ (60) COLORADO | 2015-12-31 20:05:00 - 2015-12-31 20:05:00
Play UNDER CHICAGO on the totalin All games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 14 Overs and 36 Unders for the last two seasons (+22.05 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) CAROLINA | 2015-12-31 18:05:00 - 2015-12-31 18:05:00
Play UNDER CAROLINA on the totalin Home games after a division game
The record is 7 Overs and 27 Unders for the last three seasons (+18.4 units)

NHL > (63) WINNIPEG@ (64) ARIZONA | 2015-12-31 21:05:00 - 2015-12-31 21:05:00
Play UNDER WINNIPEG on the totalin All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 0 Overs and 7 Unders for the this season (+7 units)

NHL > (57) MINNESOTA@ (58) ST LOUIS | 2015-12-31 20:05:00 - 2015-12-31 20:05:00
Play UNDER MINNESOTA on the totalin Road games after playing 3 consecutive home games
The record is 0 Overs and 7 Unders for the last two seasons (+7.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

Some NFL trends to ponder with Week 17 upon us..........

-- Tennessee is 7-21-2 vs spread in last 30 games as an underdog.

-- Chicago covered twice in its last ten home games.

-- Miami covered once in its last nine games.

-- 49ers covered once in their last eleven divisional games.

-- Chiefs covered seven of their last nine games.

-- Minnesota covered its last six road games.

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Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Our last article for 2015.......

13) Scott Kazmir gets $48M for three years from the Dodgers, who will probably start the season with an all-lefty starting rotation- very unusual. Kazmir started LY with the A's, so I've seen him pitch a lot. He was not 100% healthy last season- he came out early a couple times, fought thru it other times- buyer beware.

12) December 30 is a very strong day for celebrity birthdays: Lebron James, Sandy Koufax, Eldrick Woods. There will be guys in this world who read that and mark the calendar to have sex with their wife on March 29-31 every year.

11) Peyton Manning will begin Sunday as the backup QB for Denver, which could become interesting if the Broncos struggle early against San Diego.

10) So I go into Denny's for breakfast at 10am Wednesday and the place is packed!!! Doesn't anyone work anymore? Almost had to wait for a table. By the way, if you get the Grand Slam breakfast, its a better deal to get eggs/pancakes rather than a double order of eggs. Its a good food value

9) This older lady in Denny's has a new Patriots' jacket on; it says "Four-time Super Bowl champs" on it, with the years they won. I don't do it, but I'm dying to go up to her and ask her who the Patriots' coach was before Belichick. A non-bandwagon fan would know the answer (Pete Carroll) pretty quickly. I was curious if she knew.

8) Seton Hall 83, Marquette 63-- Pirates start five sophomores; if Kevin Willard can keep this group together, the next three years will be fun for Seton Hall fans.

7) Clemson sent its #2 WR home from the Orange Bowl, along with two other subs; rumor had them failing drug tests. Usually when kids get sent home from a big game like tonight's, the team has capable reserves ready to step in. Go figure.

6) NCAA reports that 44% of men's basketball transfers go to another D-I school, which means that 56% of them wash out and play at a lower level. There is nothing simple about recruiting and mistakes are often made.

5) Boston Celtics gave Kobe Bryant a piece of their parquet floor as part of their gift to him on his last appearance in Boston. They gave Julius Erving a similar gift when he retired from the 76ers; according to ESPN, years later, Dr J sold the gift for $15,766.

4) FS1 analyst in the first minute of DePaul-Georgetown game: "JTIII has done a great job with this Georgetown program....." OK, you've lost your credibility in less than a minute. He hasn't done a great job- if his last name isn't Thomposon, he would have been fired by now. Just ask Craig Esherick, the Hoyas' last coach.

3) I don't get ESPN's fascination with Stephen A Smith/Skip Bayless, professional nitwits who would fit in better on WWE telecasts. You try and watch talkshows and learn something, then all of a sudden one of these nitwits appears and chaos ensues. It makes no sense why they would be highly paid centerpieces of a TV network.

2) Odd fact of the day: Baylor didn't have any field goals longer than 40 yards this year. Memphis had seven field goals longer than 50 yards. .

1) Our condolences to Michigan State hoop coach Tom Izzo, who lost his dad this week at age 90. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it is a little tougher when it happens around the holidays

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, December 31

Hot teams
-- Washington won its last nine games, allowing 15 goals.
-- Blues won six of their last eight games.
-- Colorado won six of its last eight games.
-- Dallas Stars won seven of last eight home games.
-- Anaheim won three of its last four home games.
-- Flames won nine of their last twelve home games. LA won its last three games, allowing five goals.
-- Ducks won their last two games, 4-2/1-0.

Cold teams
-- Islanders, Buffalo both lost four of their last six games.
-- Pittsburgh lost seven of its last nine games. Detroit lost five of its last seven.
-- Hurricanes are 3-4 in their last seven games.
-- Minnesota lost three of last four road games.
-- Blackhawks lost six of their last eight road games.
-- Nashville lost five of its last six road games.
-- Winnipeg lost last four road games, scoring three goals. Arizona lost nine of last 13 games.
-- Edmonton lost six of its last seven games.

Series records
-- Islanders won four of last six games with Buffalo.
-- Penguins-Red Wings split their last ten games.
-- Hurricanes lost six of last seven games with Washington.
-- Blues lost three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Avalanche won their last four games with Chicago.
-- Predators lost four of last five visits to Dallas.
-- Coyotes lost seven of last eight games with Winnipeg.
-- Kings lost five of last six games with Calgary.
-- Ducks won four of last five games with Edmonton.

Totals
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Buffalo home games.
-- Six of last eight Detroit home games went over.
-- Washington is 3-1-1 in last five Washington road games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six St Louis home games.
-- Over is 8-4 in last twelve Colorado home games.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Nashville games.
-- Last five Winnipeg road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Los Angeles games.
-- Four of last five Edmonton home games went over.

Back-to-backs
-- Buffalo is 2-3 if it played the night before; teams are 1-4 night after playing Washington.
-- Pittsburgh is 1-5 if it played night before; teams are 2-4 night after playing Toronto.
-- Washington is 4-1 if it played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Thursday, December 31

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Trend Report
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6:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. BUFFALO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games on the road
NY Islanders are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Islanders

6:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DETROIT
Pittsburgh is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Detroit is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

6:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CAROLINA
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Carolina is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. COLORADO
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing at home against Chicago

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Minnesota's last 13 games
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
NASHVILLE vs. DALLAS
Nashville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Anaheim is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Edmonton is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Anaheim

9:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. CALGARY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Calgary's last 8 games at home
Calgary is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

9:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. ARIZONA
Winnipeg is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Arizona
Winnipeg is 2-9-1 SU in its last 12 games ,when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
Arizona9-2-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Winnipe

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 31

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NY ISLANDERS (20-12-0-5, 45 pts.) at BUFFALO (15-18-0-4, 34 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 14-7 ATS (+24.3 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 40-57 ATS (-39.0 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 3-4 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 4-3-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (17-15-0-4, 38 pts.) at DETROIT (18-12-0-7, 43 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 61-62 ATS (-33.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 1-6 ATS (-6.9 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
PITTSBURGH is 29-27 ATS (-20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-24 ATS (-18.8 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 30-37 ATS (-32.4 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 18-24 ATS (-13.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 89-96 ATS (-78.1 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
DETROIT is 4-8 ATS (-7.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DETROIT is 4-8 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-3 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-3-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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WASHINGTON (28-6-0-2, 58 pts.) at CAROLINA (15-17-0-5, 35 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

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MINNESOTA (19-10-0-6, 44 pts.) at ST LOUIS (23-12-0-4, 50 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 19-35 ATS (+54.3 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-19 ATS (+27.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-8-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)

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CHICAGO (21-13-0-4, 46 pts.) at COLORADO (18-17-0-2, 38 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 300-316 ATS (-139.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 161-162 ATS (-63.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
COLORADO is 112-96 ATS (-71.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 7-2 ATS (+9.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 166-138 ATS (+17.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 8-3 (+8.9 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 8-3-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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NASHVILLE (18-12-0-7, 43 pts.) at DALLAS (27-8-0-3, 57 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 10-25 ATS (+37.6 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 27-11 ATS (+14.2 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 27-11 ATS (+9.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 32-19 ATS (+51.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 203-134 ATS (+25.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-5 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-5-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.6 Units)

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WINNIPEG (17-17-0-2, 36 pts.) at ARIZONA (17-16-0-3, 37 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 15-44 ATS (+71.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 6-1 (+6.0 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 6-1-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (23-11-0-2, 48 pts.) at CALGARY (17-17-0-2, 36 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 63-55 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 67-62 ATS (-42.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 22-11 ATS (+35.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-3 ATS (+5.7 Units) in December games this season.
CALGARY is 31-19 ATS (+54.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-7 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 18-11 ATS (+30.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 18-10 ATS (+6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 7-3 (+8.6 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 7-3-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.2 Units)

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ANAHEIM (14-15-0-6, 34 pts.) at EDMONTON (15-20-0-3, 33 pts.) - 12/31/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 14-21 ATS (-11.6 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 14-21 ATS (-11.6 Units) first half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 1-9 ATS (-13.1 Units) after a division game this season.
EDMONTON is 6-1 ATS (+7.1 Units) in home games in December games this season.
ANAHEIM is 26-11 ATS (+11.6 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 23-53 ATS (+95.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 8-32 ATS (+51.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 159-157 ATS (+323.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
EDMONTON is 72-81 ATS (-58.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 7-3 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 7-3-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, December 31


Washington @ Carolina

Game 55-56
December 31, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
12.675
Carolina
11.231
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
3 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
N/A

Minnesota @ St. Louis

Game 57-58
December 31, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
11.346
St. Louis
12.788
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-140
5
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-140); Over

Chicago @ Colorado

Game 59-60
December 31, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
12.193
Colorado
9.390
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 3
4 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-120); Under

Nashville @ Dallas

Game 61-62
December 31, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nashville
12.086
Dallas
10.561
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
(+145); Over

Winnipeg @ Arizona

Game 63-64
December 31, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
10.044
Arizona
11.446
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
-125
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+105); Over

Los Angeles @ Calgary

Game 65-66
December 31, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
12.132
Calgary
9.728
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
-125
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(-125); Under

Anaheim @ Edmonton

Game 67-68
December 31, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
9.376
Edmonton
10.845
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Anaheim
-115
5
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-105); Over

NY Islanders @ Washington

Game 51-52
December 31, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Islanders
13.669
Washington
11.019
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Islanders
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Islanders
-140
5
Dunkel Pick:
NY Islanders
(-140); Under

Pittsburgh @ Detroit

Game 53-54
December 31, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
10.343
Detroit
9.412
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-165
5
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+145); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Hockey bettors feasting on one big trend when the NHL goes outdoors

In last year's Winter Classic, the Washington Capitals became one of just four home teams to skate to victory in front of their home fans in 15 outdoor NHL games since 2003.

One of the best parts about flipping the calendar to a brand new year is that it means the outdoor hockey season is upon us.

The first of the three outdoor games this season, the Winter Classic, features the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins facing off in Gillette Stadium on New Year's Day.

Later this year, the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Minnesota Wild at TCF Bank Stadium (Feb. 21) and the Colorado Avalanche host the Detroit Red Wings from Coors Field (Feb. 27) in a pair of Stadium Series matchups.

Players will notice a few significant differences between playing indoors and plying their trade in an open-air environment. Most notably, temperature fluctuations can play havoc with both the quality of the ice surface and the hardness of the puck.

If past history is any indication, bettors can expect the visiting clubs to spoil the party as road teams have had a big edge when the roof comes off. Here's a look at the 15 previous outdoor games, along with the relevant betting numbers:

November 22, 2003: Montreal 4 at Edmonton 3 (O/U: 5)

The first of two Heritage Classics went to the visiting team, while the bone-chilling temperatures at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium didn't deter the teams from easily eclipsing the total.

January 1, 2008: Pittsburgh 2 at Buffalo 1 (SO) (O/U: 5.5)

The Penguins edged the Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium, with the teams combining for 62 shots but still falling well below the total.

January 1, 2009: Detroit 6 at Chicago 4 (O/U: 5.5)

The Red Wings made it three straight outdoor victories for the road team, prevailing in a Wrigley Field slugfest that remains the highest-scoring outdoor game in NHL history.

January 1, 2010: Philadelphia 1 at Boston 2 (OT) (O/U: 5.5)

The Bruins provided the Fenway Park faithful with the first home victory at an outdoor contest, shading the Flyers in a thrilling overtime contest that saw the teams combine for just 51 shots.

January 1, 2011: Washington 3 at Pittsburgh 1 (O/U: 6)

Despite a premium matchup featuring two of the league's most potent offenses, the Capitals and Penguins finished under the total in the Heinz Field showdown that will be best remembered for Sidney Crosby's career-altering concussion.

February 20, 2011: Montreal 0 at Calgary 4 (O/U: 5)

The Flames earned the first shutout in NHL outdoor history, cashing an Under while giving the home side just its second victory in six outdoor games.

January 2, 2012: New York Rangers 3 at Philadelphia 2 (O/U: 5)

Citizens Bank Park was the site of the Rangers' first taste of outdoor action, an entertaining victory over the Flyers. The teams narrowly missed surpassing the total despite combining for 69 shots.

January 1, 2014: Toronto 3 at Detroit 2 (SO) (O/U: 5)

The Maple Leafs and Red Wings did battle at the Big House in front of a record crowd of more than 105,000 people; Toronto made it six wins in eight tries for the road team, while the clubs provided the first push in outdoor history.

January 25, 2014: Anaheim Ducks 3 at Los Angeles Kings 0 (O/U: 5)

The Ducks and Kings skated at Dodger Stadium among the sunshine, palm trees and Kiss halftime show. The road team prevailed again as the Ducks dominated play in this low scoring affair.

January 26, 2014: New York Rangers 7 at New Jersey Devils 3 (O/U: 5)

This game got out of hand. Early. The teams combined for nine goals through the first two periods and the road team - the Rangers in this case - prevailed once again in Stadium games.

January 29, 2014: New York Rangers 2, New York Islanders 1 (O/U: 5.5)

The road team wins again. The Rangers prevailed in their second game at Yankee Stadium in a matter of days in this game, which pushed the road team to nine victories.

March 1, 2014: Pittsburgh Penguins 1 at Chicago Blackhawks 5 (O/U: 5.5)

The Blackhawks took control of this game early, outshooting the Penguins 14-5 in the first period. Chicago poured on the offense notching a win for the home teams and topping the total.

March 2, 2014: Ottawa Senators 4 at Vancouver Canucks 2 (O/U: 5)

Vancouver came out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first before surrendering four unanswered goals to the Senators. Home fans left sad again with the Sens lighting the lamp.

January 1, 2015: Chicago Blackhawks 2 at Washington Capitals 3 (O/U 5)

This game looked destined for overtime when in the final 13 seconds Capitals' forward Troy Brouwer scored to make sure the home-town fans left happy in the Nations capital.

February 21, 2015: Los Angeles Kings 2 at San Jose Sharks 1 (O/U 5.5)

Seventy thousand fans in North Cali packed Levi's Stadium to watch the visiting Kings keep the road teams and Under trends alive with a 2-1 win in the second - and final - outdoor game of the 2014-15 NHL season.


Total: Road team 11-4-0; O/U 5-7-3

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


PIT at DET 06:00 PM

DET -140 DOUBLE PLAY

O 5.0


WAS at CAR 06:00 PM

WAS -130 DOUBLE PLAY

O 5.0


NYI at BUF 06:00 PM

NYI -143 TRIPLE PLAY

O 5.0


MIN at STL 08:00 PM

MIN +119 DOUBLE PLAY

U 5.0


CHI at COL 08:00 PM

COL +110 ****

O 5.5


NAS at DAL 08:30 PM

DAL -140

U 5.5


WIN at ARI 09:00 PM

WIN -118

O 5.5


LA at CAL 09:00 PM

LA -138 TRIPLE PLAY

U 5.5


ANA at EDM 09:00 PM

EDM +113 DOUBLE PLAY

O 5.0