Tuesday Trends and Indexes 10/23

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Tuesday, October 23

Good Luck on day #296 of 2007!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.

[pm530]

Six-pack for Tuesday

-- How much must you hate someone to turn down $5M a year to work for them? Especially foe doing a job that you supposedly love?

-- Wonder what the Orioles thought of one of their players (Kevin Millar) throwing out first ball at Game 7 of Indians-Red Sox series Sunday night?

-- Giants-Dolphins in London Sunday, a 1:00 ET kickoff, is a night game (7:00 London time). They got 500,000 requests for tickets-- 90,000 are expected at Wembley Stadium.

-- How can an NFL team have only two QB's on its roster, especially if one of them is Quinn Gray? No offense, but for the love of Pete, quarterback is kind of an important job.

-- Keyshawn Johnson picked Titans to win in Houston, but he still thinks David Carr is on Texans (he said so on the air Sunday). ESPN should fire him, bring Michael Irvin back.

-- The offensive line in the NFL is like a pitching rotation in the major leagues; without a good one, you have no chance at all. They are the building block of a good football team.

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Tuesday's List of 13: Our college football List of 13.....

This list isn’t a ranking, except the #1 team will be the team we think should be their in the "real" polls. Teams get posted here, based on things that happen from week-to-week…….

13) Temple—Won three games in a row for first time in 17 yrs, which is big news for the Owls. Good job by Al Golden; move to the MAC has helped, but still, they’re showing spunk.

12) Vanderbilt—Beat Coach Spurrier for first time; their coach Bobby Johnson, looks a lot like Steve Martin; their first bowl since 1982 is within reach.

11) USC—Any time Trojans kick Notre Dame’s butt after Irish bring out those stupid green jerseys and the hideous Richard Phelps at a hokey pep rally, they get mentioned here. You think Pete Carroll likes sticking it to one of Belichick’s boys?

10) UCLA—Have now covered 11 of last 12 games in a game following a loss. Very erratic, but when the QB’s are healthy, Bruins aren’t too bad. Cal can’t win in Pasadena.

9) Arizona State—Jumped to #4 in nation while on bye week, also got commitment from Elway’s son to play QB, which, in the worst case, helps the booster club’s coffers. Tough game with Cal this week.

8) Wake Forest— Haven’t lost since 0-2 start; do you know how hard it is to win at a school like Wake? Before Grobe got there, Deacons had two winning seasons in previous 12 yrs.

7) Missouri—Put major beatings on Nebraska, Texas Tech in last two home games. Winner of rivalry game vs Kansas wlll be headed to first appearance in Big 12 title game.

6) Alabama— Very tough mentally; Wilson is shifty QB who avoids pressure well in pocket. D-Day looms on November 3, when the Bayou Bengals come to town.

5) Hawai’i—They don’t play hard schedule, but only because teams duck them; they’ve weaseled out couple of WAC road games, but winning is better than losing-- Warriors are still an unbeaten team.

4) Boston College, Ohio State—They’re both unbeaten. Good for them. Tressel is probably the best coach in the country.

3) Kansas—Road wins at K-State, Colorado show that these Jayhawks are real deal. Their game vs. Missouri should be primetime showcase, with Big 12 North title at stake.

2) LSU— Les Miles’ gambling ways are going to catch up with him. Thought they were careless with clock at end of Auburn game, but it all worked out for best. He better beat Alabama, though.

1) Oregon—Team speed is off charts, and since most bowl games are on artificial turf, they’re going to have a big edge in that area. QB Dixon has added maturity as result of having played minor league baseball. They have too many sets of uniforms, though.

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[pm530]

Looking ahead to Wednesday and game 1 of the 2007 World Series

[pm530]

Baseball – Long Sheet

MLB
Long Sheet


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Wednesday, October 24
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COLORADO (97 - 73) at BOSTON (103 - 69) - 8:20 PM
JEFF FRANCIS (L) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)

Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 103-69 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 28-8 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
BECKETT is 18-5 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 13-3 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 97-73 (+31.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 43-42 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 8-0 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in October games this season.
COLORADO is 18-8 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
COLORADO is 21-12 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 97-70 (+34.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 69-51 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 74-50 (+33.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 7-0 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
COLORADO is 55-41 (+19.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 22-11 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
COLORADO is 63-35 (+40.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 42-17 (+30.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
FRANCIS is 24-12 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 12-6 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 24-12 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 22-11 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 15-8 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 21-28 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-54 (-18.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 298-234 (-57.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+3.3 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JEFF FRANCIS vs. BOSTON since 1997
FRANCIS is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. COLORADO since 1997
BECKETT is 4-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.89 and a WHIP of 1.378.
His team's record is 4-2 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

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[pm530]

Baseball – Short Sheet

MLB
Short Sheet

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Wednesday, October 24th
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World Series
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
TV: FOX

Cleveland at Boston, 8:20 ET
Jeff Francis (L) vs. Josh Beckett (R)

Francis:
11-3 Under on Wednesdays
5-0 Under vs. AL East opponents

Beckett:
Boston 28-8 SU vs. National League opponents
Boston 23-7 SU off BB games scoring 8+ runs

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[pm530]

MLB - Betting Trends

MLB
Betting Trends


Wednesday, October 24

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Hot betting trends: Rockies at Red Sox Game 1
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World Series Game 1 - Wednesday, October 24, 8:00 PM ET

Colorado Rockies at Boston Red Sox (-201, 8 1/2)

Starting pitchers: Rockies - Jeff Francis, Red Sox - Josh Beckett


Win/loss trends

Rockies

Rockies are 7-0 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Rockies are 8-0 in their last 8 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Rockies are 4-0 in their last 4 playoff road games.
Rockies are 4-0 in their last 4 games as a road underdog of +151 to +200.
Rockies are 4-0 in their last 4 Wednesday games.
Rockies are 7-0 in their last 7 playoff games.
Rockies are 5-0 in their last 5 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
Rockies are 4-0 in their last 4 games as an underdog of +151 to +200.
Rockies are 11-1 in their last 12 games as a road underdog.
Rockies are 10-1 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Rockies are 10-1 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Rockies are 10-1 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Rockies are 8-1 in their last 9 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Rockies are 6-1 in their last 7 during game 1 of a series.
Rockies are 6-1 in their last 7 interleague games as a favorite of +151 to +200.
Rockies are 15-3 in their last 18 road games.
Rockies are 14-3 in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Rockies are 22-5 in their last 27 games following a win.
Rockies are 13-3 in their last 16 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Rockies are 6-0 in Francis' last 6 Wednesday starts.
Rockies are 5-1 in Francis' last 6 starts during game 1 of a series.
Rockies are 9-2 in Francis' last 11 starts as a road underdog.
Rockies are 4-1 in Francis' last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Rockies are 4-1 in Francis' last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Rockies are 4-1 in Francis' last 5 road starts.

Red Sox

Red Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Red Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 World Series games.
Red Sox are 6-0 in their last 6 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Red Sox are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 playoff home games.
Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 home games.
Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win.
Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League West.
Red Sox are 88-21 in their last 109 games as a home favorite of -201 or greater.
Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Red Sox are 5-0 in Beckett's last 5 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Red Sox are 5-0 in Beckett's last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Red Sox are 4-0 in Beckett's last 4 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Red Sox are 7-1 in Beckett's last 8 interleague starts.
Red Sox are 6-1 in Beckett's last 7 starts on grass.
Red Sox are 6-1 in Beckett's last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Red Sox are 5-1 in Beckett's last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
Red Sox are 4-1 in Beckett's last 5 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Red Sox are 4-1 in Beckett's last 5 home starts.
Red Sox are 8-2 in Beckett's last 10 starts during game 1 of a series.


Over/under trends

Rockies

Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 games following an off day.
Under is 9-0 in Rockies last 9 interleague games as an underdog of +151 to +200.
Under is 6-0 in Rockies last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 5-1 in Rockies last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 games following a win.
Under is 8-2 in Rockies last 10 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 interleague games as an underdog.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 playoff games.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 on grass.
Under is 4-0 in Francis' last 4 starts during game 1 of a series.
Under is 5-0 in Francis' last 5 starts vs. American League East.
Under is 4-0 in Francis' last 4 interleague starts.
Under is 6-1-4 in Francis' last 11 Wednesday starts.
Over is 9-2-1 in Francis' last 12 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Under is 4-1 in Francis' last 5 starts overall.
Under is 4-1 in Francis' last 5 starts on grass.
Under is 4-1 in Francis' last 5 starts as an underdog of +151 to +200.
Under is 4-1 in Francis' last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Francis' last 5 starts as a road underdog of +151 to +200.

Red Sox

Over is 5-0 in Red Sox last 5 games following a win.
Over is 5-0 in Red Sox last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 games as a home favorite.
Over is 5-0-1 in Red Sox last 6 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 playoff home games.
Over is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 home games.
Under is 5-1-1 in Red Sox last 7 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1-2 in Red Sox last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 5-1-2 in Red Sox last 8 playoff games.
Over is 5-1 in Red Sox last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1-2 in Red Sox last 8 overall.
Over is 5-1-2 in Red Sox last 8 on grass.
Under is 4-1 in Red Sox last 5 vs. National League West.
Over is 4-1-1 in Red Sox last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 4-1 in Red Sox last 5 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-1-1 in Red Sox last 6 playoff games as a favorite.
Over is 4-1-1 in Red Sox last 6 games as a favorite.
Under is 4-1 in Red Sox last 5 interleague games.
Under is 4-1 in Beckett's last 5 Wednesday starts.
Under is 4-1 in Beckett's last 5 home starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB
”Baseball Today”


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Baseball Today - October 23
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SCOREBOARD

Tuesday, Oct. 23
No games scheduled. The World Series starts in Boston on Wednesday.


STARS
Sunday

-Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, drove in five runs and Boston advanced to the World Series with an 11-2 win over Cleveland.


ANOTHER RED SOX COMEBACK

Boston beat Cleveland 11-2 in Game 7 on Sunday to advance to the World Series for the first time since winning it all in 2004. The Red Sox, who rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS three years ago, came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Indians and will face Colorado in Game 1 on Wednesday.


SCANDAL

Cleveland Indians pitcher Paul Byrd acknowledged using human growth hormone for a medical condition, but said he never took the drug without a doctor's pre-scription. "I have nothing to hide,'' Byrd said Sunday about two hours before Game 7 of the AL championship series against the Boston Red Sox. "Everything has been done out in the open.'' Byrd, whose win in Game 4 of the ALCS moved the Indians within one victory of the World Series, bought nearly $25,000 worth of HGH and syringes from 2002-05, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday.


INERVIEWS

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was due in Tampa, Fla., on Monday to start interviewing candidates to replace Joe Torre as manager. Former Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi, Yankees bench coach Don Mattingly and New York first base coach Tony Pena were the first three candidates invited to interview for the job, which opened last Thursday when Torre refused the Yankees' offer of a $5 million, one-year contract. Hank Steinbrenner, a son of owner George Steinbrenner, said five or six candidates will be interviewed and that a decision isn't likely until after the World Series.


MVP BECKETT

Josh Beckett won the AL championship series Most Valuable Player Award after Boston beat Cleveland 11-2 in Game 7 on Sunday. Unflappable and close to unhittable, Beckett shut down Cleveland twice, including a victory in Game 5 that started Boston's comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven series. Beckett, who was the MVP of the 2003 World Series when the Florida Marlins beat the New York Yankees, wasn't even needed in the victory Sunday night and will be well rested when he faces the Colorado Rockies in Wednesday night's World Series opener at Fenway Park.


SPEAKING

"Good hunting weather. We don't have to go out on the field and practice today. That was my only other thought. It will be a short day for us, a good day. A good day to sit on the couch, I know that.'' - Todd Helton on his thoughts after waking to a snowstorm in Denver on Sunday, forcing the Rockies indoors for their next-to-last workout before flying off to Boston for the World Series that starts Wednesday night.


SEASONS
Oct. 23

1910 - Philadelphia's Jack Coombs won his third game of the World Series, beating the Chicago Cubs 7-2 as the Athletics took the championship in five games. Eddie Collins had three hits, including two doubles, to lead the A's attack.

1981 - The Los Angeles Dodgers beat New York 5-4 in the third game of the World Series to narrow the Yankees' lead to 2-1.

1985 - John Tudor tossed a five-hit, 3-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 3-1 lead in the World Series.

1986 - Bruce Hurst's complete-game victory gave the Boston Red Sox a 4-2 win and 3-2 lead in the World Series against the New York Mets. Hurst scattered 10 hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

1993 - Joe Carter became the second player in baseball history to end a World Series with a home run, hitting a three-run shot off Mitch Williams in the ninth inning that gave the Toronto Blue Jays their second straight championship with an 8-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6.

Today's birthdays: John Lackey 28; David Riske 30; Kazuo Matsui 31.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Tuesday, October 23

Today's NHL analysis

Hot Teams
-- Penguins won three of their last four games.
-- St Louis won four of its last fdive games.
-- Blackhawks won four of last five games.

Cold Teams
-- Rangers lost three in row, five of their last six games.
-- Thrashers lost seven of their first eight games. Maple Leafs lost three of their last four games.
-- Anaheim is 0-4 on road: 3-2SO/4-0/5-4/3-1.
-- Columbus lost three of its last four games.
-- Colorado is 0-4 on road: 4-0/4-1/5-3/3-2. Edmonton lost five of its last six games.
-- Kings lost six of their last eight games. Predators lost five in a row, outscored 23-9.

Series Records
-- Penguins won three of last four against the Rangers; four of last six series games went into OT. .
-- Maple Leafs won seven of last eight against Atlanta.
-- Anaheim won six of last seven games against the Blues.
-- Columbus is 2-4 in its last six visits to the United Center.
-- Avalanche is 5-2 in its last seven visits to Edmonton.
-- Nashville won five of last seven games against the Kings.

Totals
-- Five of last six Ranger games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Toronto games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Anaheim games, last four St Louis games all stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Columbus games this season.
-- All four Chicago road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Los Angeles games went over the total.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Matchup Notes

NHL


Tuesday, October 23

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NHL Matchup Notes
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Tuesday's key NHL matchup notes

New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins (-140, 6)

Tuesday's game will mark the first career meeting between brothers Jordan Staal, the Penguins' 19-year-old center, and Marc Staal, the Rangers' 20-year-old rookie defenseman. Jordan Staal scored his first goal of season Saturday.

Pittsburgh won last season's series 5-1-2, going 3-0-1 at Mellon Arena.


Atlanta Thrashers at Toronto Maple Leafs (-170, 6 ½)

Hedberg has allowed two goals in each of his last three starts versus the Maple Leafs, and is 5-4-0 with a 2.80 GAA in nine career appearances against them.

Atlanta is off to its worst start since going winless in its first 10 games of the 2002-03 season.

The Leafs had won eight straight against the Thrashers before going 0-2-1 in the final three meetings last season. Toronto is 6-2-1 with one tie in its last 10 home games against Atlanta.


Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks (-145, 5)

Columbus has yielded 15 goals in its four losses, but has shut out its opponents in its three wins.

Pascal Leclaire, who has been in goal for the three shutouts, stopped just 15-of-18 shots on Sunday. He is 1-2-0 with a 3.63 GAA lifetime against the Blackhawks.

Left wing Rick Nash scored his team-leading fifth goal on Sunday, and had three goals and five assists against Chicago in 2006-07. Nash has 13 goals and 14 assists in 24 career games against the Blackhawks, career highs against any opponent.


Anaheim Ducks at St. Louis Blues (-120, 5)

Paul Kariya, the Blues' leading scorer with seven points, was held without a point Saturday for the first time this season. He has seven points in 10 career games against Anaheim, the team for which he starred from 1994-2003.

Anaheim is 6-1-0 against the Blues (4-2-0) - including three straight wins at the Scottrade Center - since a 3-2 loss at St. Louis on Oct. 19, 2005.


Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers (+120, 5 ½)

Edmonton is one of the league's worst offensive teams with 18 goals in eight games, scoring once on 33 power-play chances. No other team has fewer than four power-play goals.

Dwayne Roloson has struggled lately against the Avalanche, going 2-4-0 with a 5.33 GAA in his last six starts.

The Avalanche went 4-3-1 against the Oilers last season, including 3-0-1 at Edmonton. Colorado has at least one point in eight of its last 10 visits (7-2-1) to Rexall Place.


Nashville Predators at Los Angeles Kings (-135, 6)

Kings forward Michael Cammalleri, the team's leading scorer in 2006-07, scored Friday's go-ahead goal on the power play. He has six goals and three assists in 13 career games versus the Predators, including three goals and one assist in his last two games against them.

The Kings lost three of four meetings to Nashville last season, including both matchups at Staples Center.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Stanley Cup Odds Update

NHL
Stanley Cup Odds


Tuesday, October 23

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Stanley Cup Odds Update
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The Ottawa Senators couldn't get past the Anaheim Ducks in the Stanley Cup final last year, but they've managed to get past them in the Stanley Cup odds list for this season.

The Sens opened with 6/1 odds to win the Cup at the Vegas books, but a strong performance over the past couple of weeks has pushed that line to just 11/2. The Ducks, who opened with league-leading 11/2 championship odds, have been less impressive out of the gate and as a result their Stanley Cup line has fallen down to 6/1.

Also sitting with 6/1 Cup odds are the Detroit Red Wings, while the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks are both pegged at 8/1. Those lines are improvements for all three teams - the Wings opened at 8/1, the Rangers at 14/1, and the Sharks at 11/1. However, neither New York nor San Jose has been great through the first two weeks, and their respective Stanley Cup odds could start to slip if their play doesn't improve.

The Buffalo Sabres' odds have already gone down - they opened at 7/1 to win the Cup this year, but their offseason losses and a sluggish start to the regular season has them at just 10/1 right now. That puts Buffalo just ahead of the Colorado Avalanche, who are listed at 14/1 odds, while both the Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins are pegged at 15/1. Next on the list are the Dallas Stars, who are steady with odds of 18/1.

The Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the best teams in the league in October, and their Stanley Cup odds have improved from 25/1 to 20/1 since Vegas opened up that prop bet. A pair of Northwest Division teams, the Calgary Flames and the Minnesota Wild, are also pegged at 20/1 - with the Wild off to a great start to this season as well.

The New Jersey Devils were looking to have a strong start to the season with the guidance of new bench boss Brent Sutter, but instead they've been having trouble at both ends of the ice and are down with the Rangers in the Atlantic Division standings. The Devils have fallen from their opening 18/1 Stanley Cup odds to current 22/1 odds.

Martin Biron is giving the Philadelphia Flyers the solid goaltending they've been lacking over the past few years - and the team's Stanley Cup odds have improved to just 25/1 from their opening 85/1. Two other teams are sitting with 25/1 title odds at the Vegas books - the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Right behind them at 28/1 are the Montreal Canadiens and the Nashville Predators. The Preds actually opened with 13/1 odds in the summer, and they'll have to build up that line once again.

Next on the list are the Florida Panthers and the Atlanta Thrashers - who are both pegged at 35/1. Atlanta actually opened at just 20/1 odds to win the Cup, but a poor start to the season (and the subsequent firing of head coach Bob Hartley) knocked them down a couple of notches. Another Eastern club, the Boston Bruins, follow them at 45/1.

The St. Louis Blues then lead the bottom tier with 50/1 odds - however, the Blues have played well over the first two weeks of the season, and the Vegas line on them had actually opened back at 70/1. The New York Islanders are next at 55/1, followed by the Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals at 60/1, and the Edmonton Oilers at 75/1.

The Chicago Blackhawks are pegged at just 80/1 odds to win the Stanley Cup next spring, but the quick emergence of young forwards Pat Kane and Jonathan Toews has people optimistic - they had opened at 100/1. There is less optimism for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Phoenix Coyotes - those teams have been steady at 85/1 and 125/1.

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[pm530]

Hockey Today

NHL
”Hockey Today”


Hockey today - October 23

SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Oct. 23
N.Y. Rangers at Pittsburgh (7 p.m. EDT). The Rangers have scored an NHL-low 13 goals and are winless on the road this season.

Oddsmakers list the Penguins as -160 favorites in the game. The total is set at 6.

STARS
Monday

-Milan Michalek, Sharks, scored twice, including a short-handed goal, lifting San Jose to a 4-1 victory over Calgary.

-Ray Whitney, Hurricanes, had a goal and an assist as Carolina defeated Vancouver 3-1 to snap a two-game skid.

-Cristobal Huet, Canadiens, made 31 saves as Montreal routed Boston 6-1.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Carolina, which last season ranked near the bottom of the NHL with the man advantage - are third-best in the league in that category, converting on nearly 26 percent of their chances. They've scored at least one power-play goal in every game but one, including Monday night's 3-1 victory over Vancouver.

LONGEVITY

Montreal's Bryan Smolinski and Calgary's Owen Nolan played their 1,000th NHL games Monday night, while Canadiens forward Alexei Kovalev appeared in his 999th.

SIDELINED

Toronto forward Darcy Tucker is out of the lineup indefinitely with ligament damage in his right knee. Tucker had one goal and four assists in nine games.

SITTING OUT

Philadelphia forward Jesse Boulerice was ruled ineligible to play in the American Hockey League until Dec. 16 after the NHL suspended him 25 games earlier this month for striking Vancouver's Ryan Kesler across the face with his stick, the longest single-season ban in league history.

SPEAKING

''It cost us the first two goals, so it kind of changed the momentum of the game and then I guess we were backpedaling the rest of the game. If anything, we lost our composure.'' - Boston coach Claude Julien on faceoff losses in a 6-1 loss to Montreal on Monday night.

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[pm530]

Hockey – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


Tuesday, October 23

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NY RANGERS (2-4-0-1, 5 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (4-3-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/23/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 10-19 ATS (-13.6 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 0-10 ATS (+14.1 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-8 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-8-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.4 Units)

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ATLANTA (1-7-0-0, 2 pts.) at TORONTO (3-4-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/23/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 10-25 ATS (-15.1 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-8 ATS (-9.4 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 67-77 ATS (-54.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 13-21 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 6-14 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-3 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-3-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.2 Units)

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ANAHEIM (4-5-0-1, 9 pts.) at ST LOUIS (4-2-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/23/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 11-16 ATS (-10.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 41-21 ATS (+18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 2-11 ATS (+15.3 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 2-11 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 6-2 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 6-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.4 Units)

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COLUMBUS (3-3-0-1, 7 pts.) at CHICAGO (5-3-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/23/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 26-63 ATS (+112.7 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
CHICAGO is 9-4 ATS (+9.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 71-72 ATS (+165.4 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
CHICAGO is 153-199 ATS (+391.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 78-105 ATS (-48.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 9-7 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 9-7-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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COLORADO (4-4-0-0, 8 pts.) at EDMONTON (3-5-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/23/2007, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 104-92 ATS (+202.5 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
COLORADO is 21-7 ATS (+10.8 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 8-8 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 8-8-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.6 Units)

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NASHVILLE (2-5-0-0, 4 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (3-6-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/23/2007, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 5-17 ATS (+22.9 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 96-88 ATS (+194.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 8-28 ATS (+44.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 5-23 ATS (+30.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 5-3-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Dunkel Index

NHL
Dunkel Index

Colorado at Edmonton
It promises to be an emotional night in Edmonton as Ryan Smith makes his first appearance back since being traded last year to the Islanders. Smith signed with the Avalanche in the off-season and has contributed three goals and three assists in his first eight games. He had 265 goals and 549 points in his career with Edmonton, which began when he was the sixth overall pick in 1994. The Avalanche are still in search of their first road win after finishing with 22 last season. The punchless Oilers should be a good opportunity as they have scored only 18 goals in eight games and are a woeful 1-for-33 on power play chances. In addition, goalie Dwayne Roloson has struggled against the Avs, going 2-4-0 with a 5.33 GAA in his last six starts. Colorado looks like the pick (-135) in this one according to Dunkel, which has the Avalanche favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-135). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23

Game 1-2: NY Rangers at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.604; Pittsburgh 11.078
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-140); 6
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+130); Under

Game 3-4: Atlanta at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 9.922; Toronto 10.841
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-160); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-160); Over

Game 5-6: Anaheim at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.233; St. Louis 12.042
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-115); Under

Game 7-8: Columbus at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.535; Chicago 11.461
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+130); Under

Game 9-10: Colorado at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.017; Edmonton 10.444
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-135); Over

Game 11-12: Nashville at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.579; Los Angeles 10.301
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-130); 6
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+120); Over

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel

Colorado at Boston
It's no surprise that Boston comes in a heavy favorite in Game One with Josh Beckett on the mound. Beckett has been nothing short of spectacular in this postseason, winning all three of his starts while allowing only three runs over 23 innings (1.17 ERA) and striking out 26 with only 1 walk. He single-handedly kept Boston in the series against Cleveland with his Game Five win on the road. But somewhat lost in the Boston accolades and significant time off has been Colorado's effort down the stretch. The young Rockies have now won 10 straight and 21 of their last 22 to dominate the NL postseason. And starter Jeff Francis has been a stopper in his own right, winning both of his playoff starts (2.13 ERA) on the road against aces Cole Hamels and Brandon Webb. The Rockies look capable of stealing Game One and are a decent underdog pick (+200) according to Dunkel, which has Colorado favored straight up by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+200). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24

Game 901-902: Colorado at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Francis) 17.333; Boston (Beckett) 16.954
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-210); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+200); Over