Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/27

[pm530]

Hockey today - December 27

SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 27

Florida at Atlanta (7 p.m. EST). The Panthers are tied for second in the Southeast Division with the Thrashers, who are led by league goal-scoring leader Ilya Kovalchuk.

STARS
Wednesday

-Jaromir Jagr, Rangers, scored twice to lead New York past Carolina 4-2.

-Pascal Leclaire, Blue Jackets, made 21 saves for his league-leading seventh shutout and Columbus blanked Atlanta 2-0.

-Chris Osgood, Red Wings, stopped 20 shots for his 45th career shutout, leading Detroit to a 5-0 victory over St. Louis.

-Mike Comrie, Islanders, scored twice, including with 9.6 seconds left in overtime, to lift New York over Toronto 4-3.

-Robert Lang, Red Wings, scored two goals in the third period and Chicago defeated Nashville 5-2.

-Brenden Morrow and Mike Ribeiro, Stars. Morrow had two goals and Ribeiro scored his 20th goal and added two assists in Dallas' 8-3 rout of Minnesota.

-Milan Michalek, Sharks, scored two goals to help San Jose squeak by Los Angeles 3-2.

REWARDED

Washington ended a three-game skid by beating Tampa Bay 3-2 on Wednesday just hours after the team removed the ''interim'' tag from coach Bruce Boudreau's title. The Capitals improved to 8-5-3 under Boudreau, who took over for the fired Glen Hanlon on Thanksgiving.

FOR THE RECORD

San Jose set a club record with its seventh consecutive road victory, beating Los Angeles 3-2 on Wednesday and handing the Kings their eighth straight loss overall. The previous club mark for consecutive road wins was Nov. 30-Dec. 19, 2001. The losing streak is the Kings' longest since 2003-04, when they dropped their final 11 games.

SHOOTING STARS

Dallas pounded Minnesota 8-3 on Wednesday to move to 10-1-1 in its past 12 meetings with the Wild. The Stars had their biggest scoring game since a 9-1 win over Chicago on Nov. 4, 2005. Minnesota's previous season high for goals allowed was six on Nov. 16 at Vancouver.

BOUNCING BACK

Wade Dubielewicz stopped 21 of 22 shots in relief of injured starter Rick DiPietro in the New York Islanders' 4-3 overtime victory over Toronto on Wednesday. Dubielewicz rebounded from his previous outing against the Maple Leafs, an 8-1 loss on Oct. 11. ... Chris Osgood made 20 saves to lead Detroit past St. Louis 5-0, bouncing back from a 3-2 loss to the Blues on Dec. 20 that snapped his eight-game unbeaten streak.

STREAKS

Scott Gomez registered two assists in the New York Rangers' 4-2 win over Carolina on Wednesday, extending his point-scoring streak to 10. ... Ilya Kovalchuk played in his 165th consecutive game, a 2-0 loss to Columbus, to set a new Thrashers franchise record. ... Jason Spezza extended his point streak to eight games, his third streak of eight or more games this season in Ottawa's 5-3 win over Buffalo, its second straight and eighth in 10 games. ... The New York Islanders beat Toronto 4-3 in overtime to win their third straight, including consecutive home victories in overtime. ... Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane each had a goal and assist as Chicago beat Nashville 5-2 for its season-high fourth straight win.

SNAPPED

Jaromir Jagr scored twice to end a 10-game drought without a goal and help the New York Rangers beat Carolina 4-2 on Wednesday. The Rangers snapped a three-game slide with the win, just their third in 11 games. The Hurricanes had won three of four. Ottawa upended Buffalo 5-3 to snap the Sabres' season-high six-game winning streak. Buffalo lost for just the fifth time in the past 18 games. ... Columbus shut out Atlanta 2-0 to end the Thrashers' four-game winning streak.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Vincent Lecavalier scored both Tampa Bay goals in a 3-2 loss to Washington on Wednesday. The Lightning have lost five of six and are an NHL-worst 3-13-1 on the road. ... Alex Steen scored twice in Toronto's 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders. The Maple Leafs are 1-2-2 in their past five, all on the road. ... Pavol Demitra scored two goals in Minnesota's 8-3 loss to Dallas.

EXTENSION

Nicklas Lidstrom and the Red Wings agreed to a two-year extension that will keep the star defenseman under contract with Detroit through the 2009-10 season. The deal is worth about $15 million. Lidstrom celebrated the new contract by scoring his fifth goal of the season in a 5-0 win over St. Louis on Wednesday.

SPEAKING

''It shook whatever's left of my brain cells.'' - Ottawa goalie Martin Gerber, after taking a slap shot off his mask 4 minutes into the first period of the Senators' 5-3 win over Buffalo on Wednesday. Gerber stayed in the game and made 29 saves for the victory.

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

[Udog]

Hockey today - Thursday, Dec. 27

LOL!!!!! Sorry, buddy! What the heck are you doing up?!?!?!?!

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Boston at Seattle
Boston opened its first Western Conference road trip with a solid defensive effort last night en route to an 89-69 win at Sacramento. Tonight the Celtics face a Sonics' team that scored just 79 points in a Christmas Day loss at Portland. Boston is the pick to cover (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 701-702: Cleveland at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 113.971; Dallas 120.707
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 7; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 6 1/2; 194
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Phoenix at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.815; LA Clippers 117.039
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 195
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 705-706: Boston at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 128.501; Seattle 115.968
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 12 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 8 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-8 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 27


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

CLEVELAND (13 - 16) at DALLAS (19 - 10) - 12/27/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 17-34 ATS (-20.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-1 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (19 - 9) at LA CLIPPERS (9 - 17) - 12/27/2007, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 9-7 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-7 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

BOSTON (23 - 3) at SEATTLE (8 - 20) - 12/27/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 36-14 ATS (+20.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
BOSTON is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


New Mexico at Hawaii
After back-to-back losses to Mississippi and New Mexico State, Steve Alford shook up his Lobo lineup and the result has been four straight wins, including a victory over his mentor, Bobby Knight, and Texas Tech on December 15. Tonight New Mexico travels to Hawaii to face a Warriors team that has lost seven of nine, including three straight at home. The Lobos look to be catching Hawaii at the right time and should cover the line (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has New Mexico favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 707-708: Nevada at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 61.543; North Carolina 82.007
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-20 1/2)

Game 709-710: NC State at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 59.265; Seton Hall 63.386
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 4
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-2)

Game 711-712: New Mexico at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 67.138; Hawaii 57.159
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 10
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-5 1/2)

Game 713-714: Tennessee Tech at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 48.153; Georgia Tech 67.604
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 17
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (-17)

Game 715-716: Rider at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 52.781; Drexel 58.469
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Drexel by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (-1 1/2)

Game 717-718: Idaho State at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 42.753; Utah 65.651
Dunkel Line: Utah by 23
Vegas Line: Utah by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-21 1/2)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Minnesota at Phoenix
A rough trip for Minnesota last night as the Wild tied the franchise record for most goals given up in an 8-3 loss at Dallas. They have to try to rebound tonight in Phoenix where the Coyotes have an NHL-worst 11 points in 14 home games. But Wayne Gretzky's squad has played better recently (6-3-1 over last 10 games) and looks capable of taking advantage of Minnesota's mini-slide according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 1-2: Toronto at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.270; Philadelphia 10.698
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-150); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+130); Under

Game 3-4: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.571; Atlanta 11.182
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+105); Under

Game 5-6: Montreal at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.586; Tampa Bay 9.986
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-105); Over

Game 7-8: Washington at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.064; Pittsburgh 10.801
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-185); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+165); Under

Game 9-10: NY Islanders at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.031; Ottawa 12.767
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-240); Over

Game 11-12: Columbus at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.011; Nashville 10.711
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+125); Under

Game 13-14: Minnesota at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.958; Phoenix 12.586
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115); Under

Game 15-16: Anaheim at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.074; Edmonton 11.890
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+105); Under

Game 17-18: Detroit at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.788; Colorado 11.654
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 19-20: Calgary at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.419; Vancouver 11.872
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-145); Over

[Udog]

NBA
Hot Lines


Pick 'n' roll: Tonight's best NBA bets

Cleveland vs. Dallas (-6 1/2, 195)

Cavs head coach Mike Brown pleaded with his team to return to its stout defensive ways that took Cleveland to the NBA Finals last season. On Christmas Day, he finally got what he was after.

Though the Cavs were playing the struggling Miami Heat, they held them to just 82 points. Brown said he was most impressed with his team’s effort, which had seemed to wane this season. That gives the Cavs some hope moving into the second half of the campaign, along with under bettors.

The last three Cavs games have played under, but that has more to do with a struggling offense than a stout defense. The backcourt of Larry Hughes and Sasha Pavlovic has been particularly anemic. Both players are shooting worse than 25 percent on field goals over their past seven games and averaging fewer than seven points per game.

Combine the struggling offense with an improving defense and it usually merits a strong look at a play on the under. The Mavs have also played under in seven of their last eight games.

Pick: under 195


Boston vs. Seattle (+9, 193)

Apparently the Celtics don’t like losing very much.

Since suffered its third loss of the season on Dec. 19 against the Detroit Pistons, Boston has whipped off three wins by an average of 19 points. That means three straight paydays, including a 20-point Boxing Day victory over Sacramento in a game that kicked off a four-game western road trip for the C’s.

Don’t let the 20-point victory fool you too much, though. The Kings made the Celtics work for their points and Boston big man Kevin Garnett was banging elbows with Ron Artest and was even poked in the eye. Garnett finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds and he’ll try to carry the edge from last night into today’s game.

Ray Allen also had 17 points against the Kings and he’s hoping his hot hand will continue. Allen faces his old team for the first time since being traded to Boston.

Pick: Boston -9


Phoenix vs. L.A. Clippers (no line yet)

No wonder oddsmakers held off on releasing a line for this game - the Clippers’ dressing room is starting to resemble a hospital wing.

Team leading scorer, Corey Maggette, is questionable after missing the Clips’ last game with a hamstring injury. Key forward Tim Thomas was helped off the floor with a sprained knee last game and is listed as questionable. And reserve center Aaron Williams is questionable after missing the last three games with a wrist injury.

This is especially not good considering the Clippers are already without Paul Davis, Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand, who are all dealing with longer term injuries.

When you’re this banged up, the last team you want to see coming to town is the Suns. Phoenix loves to run the floor all night and the Suns are averaging 108 points over their last five games.

Pick: TBA

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Ice picks: Thursday's best NHL bets


Toronto at Philadelphia (-140, 6)

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be without starting goaltender Vesa Toskala tonight. He missed Wednesday's loss to the Islanders and is expected to be out again with a groin injury. The Leafs have only won two of the 11 games in which his backup, Andrew Raycroft, has made an appearance this season and the over/under record in those games is 9-1-1.

The Philadelphia Flyers have lost six games in a row, surrendering 26 goals in the process. The total has played over in eight of Philly's last 12 home games.

Pick: over six


Minnesota at Phoenix (-119, 5)

The Minnesota Wild will look to stretch their win streak to six games against Phoenix. They have not lost to the Coyotes since Nov. 14, 2006 and have outscored them 14-5 in that time.

The Phoenix Coyotes have a league-worst 5-8 home record. They lost to Vancouver on Dec. 22 in their first game back after a six-game road trip.

The Wild have won both matchups with Phoenix this season behind Niklas Backstrom, who could be back in the net tonight after Josh Harding gave up eight goals to the Stars on Wednesday.

Pick: Wild +109


Calgary at Vancouver (-140, 5)

The Calgary Flames are heading out of town after two more losses at home. The Flames have won six straight on the road and could tie a franchise record for consecutive road wins.

The Vancouver Canucks have won all three matchups against the Flames this season, including the last meeting on Nov. 18 at General Motors Place.

Vancouver has won two straight at home and has only two losses in its last 10 home games. The Flames are 2-5 in the last seven games in Vancouver and 2-7 in the last nine meetings overall.

Pick: Canucks -140

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Thursday, December 27th

Cleveland at Dallas, 8:05 EST TNT
Cleveland: 12-1 ATS off 3 straight home games
Dallas: 0-2 ATS at home vs. Cleveland

Phoenix at LA Clippers, 10:35 EST
Phoenix: 11-3 ATS off division road loss
LA Clippers: 5-18 ATS as home underdog

Boston at Seattle, 10:35 EST
Boston: 9-1 ATS after a win by 15+ points
Seattle: 17-6 Over at home in December

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Thursday, December 27th

Nevada at North Carolina, 7:00 EST
Nevada: 6-0 Over after playing as an underdog
North Carolina: 6-0 ATS off double-digit win

NC State at Seton Hall, 7:30 EST ESPNU
NC State: 5-15 ATS off home SU win/ATS loss
Seton Hall: 10-1 Over as home favorite

New Mexico at Hawaii, 11:59 EST
New Mexico: 8-0 ATS off a home win
Hawaii: 0-6 ATS vs. Moutain West Conference


Added Games:

Tennessee Tech at Georgia Tech, 7:00 EST
Tennessee Tech: 9-2 Under Away playing only their 2nd game in a week
Georgia Tech: 12-3 ATS in home games

Rider at Drexel, 7:30 EST
Rider: 4-1 ATS vs. Drexel
Drexel: 2-12 ATS at home off SU win

Idaho State at Utah, 9:00 EST
Idaho State: 1-7 ATS this season
Utah: 19-6 ATS at home in December

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 27


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

TORONTO (15-14-0-8, 38 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (16-14-0-4, 36 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 20-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 73-65 ATS (+148.3 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-78 ATS (-64.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-30 ATS (-20.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 2-8 ATS (-10.5 Units) in December games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-24 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-18 ATS (-18.9 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-8 ATS (-7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-8 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-1 (+8.6 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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

FLORIDA (17-16-0-3, 37 pts.) at ATLANTA (18-18-0-1, 37 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 2-19 ATS (+34.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 185-212 ATS (-73.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
ATLANTA is 2-11 ATS (-12.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 3-11 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 13-5 (+8.1 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 13-5-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.6 Units)

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

MONTREAL (17-13-0-6, 40 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (15-19-0-3, 33 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 4-13 ATS (+17.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MONTREAL is 5-10 ATS (-8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MONTREAL is 5-10 ATS (-8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 7-2 ATS (+9.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more this season.
TAMPA BAY is 52-63 ATS (-23.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 8-15 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 8-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 6-3 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-3-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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

WASHINGTON (14-19-0-4, 32 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (18-16-0-2, 38 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 19-11 ATS (+33.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 23-35 ATS (-19.6 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 33-58 ATS (-26.0 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 7-12 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games 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
PITTSBURGH is 8-1 (+7.7 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-1-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.7 Units)

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

NY ISLANDERS (18-15-0-2, 38 pts.) at OTTAWA (24-8-0-4, 52 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 48-39 ATS (-28.0 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 18-17 ATS (-23.1 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 8-1 (+6.4 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 8-1-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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

COLUMBUS (16-14-0-6, 38 pts.) at NASHVILLE (16-17-0-2, 34 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 2-9 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLUMBUS is 2-9 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 45-51 ATS (+120.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 16-3 (+11.0 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 16-3-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.9 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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

MINNESOTA (20-14-0-2, 42 pts.) at PHOENIX (17-16-0-1, 35 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 17-17 ATS (+34.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 17-17 ATS (+42.6 Units) first half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 95-86 ATS (+218.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-3 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 7-3-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.7 Units)

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

ANAHEIM (18-15-0-5, 41 pts.) at EDMONTON (16-18-0-3, 35 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 30-28 ATS (-21.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 4-10 ATS (-9.4 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 17-21 ATS (+38.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 12-4 (+10.6 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 12-4-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

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

DETROIT (27-7-0-3, 57 pts.) at COLORADO (21-13-0-2, 44 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-2 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-2-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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

CALGARY (17-13-0-7, 41 pts.) at VANCOUVER (20-13-0-4, 44 pts.) - 12/27/2007, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 62-63 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 10-24 ATS (+36.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 5-24 ATS (+36.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 2-12 ATS (+17.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 74-56 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 31-15 ATS (+14.0 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 18-9 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in December games this season.
VANCOUVER is 0-4 ATS (-6.1 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.
VANCOUVER is 59-77 ATS (-61.3 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 11-8 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 11-8-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

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

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Thursday, December 27th

Toronto at Philadelphia, 7:05 EST
Toronto: 17-8 SU off a road loss by 1 goal
Philadelphia: 10-30 SU at home with a total of 6+ goals

Florida at Atlanta, 7:05 EST
Florida: 1-15 SU away playing with double-revenge
Atlanta: 9-0 SU at home vs. Florida

Montreal at Tampa Bay, 7:05 EST CBC
Montreal: 7-2 SU away off a loss
Tampa Bay: 1-7 SU off a loss by 1 goal

Washington at Pittsburgh, 7:35 EST
Washington: 2-20 SU away off a division win by 1 goal
Pittsburgh: 14-6 SU off a home win scoring 4+ goals

NY Islanders at Ottawa, 7:35 EST
NY Islanders: 4-26 SU away off a home win by 1 goal
Ottawa: 11-1 SU off 3+ games scoring 3+ goals

Columbus at Nashville, 8:05 EST
Columbus: 3-20 SU away after winning 2 of their last 3 games
Nashville: 41-17 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less

Minnesota at Phoenix, 9:05 EST
Minnesota: 5-0 SU off a loss by 4+ goals
Phoenix: 9-18 SU at home after winning 4 of their last 5 games

Anaheim at Edmonton, 9:05 EST
Anaheim: 5-11 SU off a road game
Edmonton: 12-4 SU vs. Anaheim

Detroit at Colorado, 9:05 EST
Detroit: 22-4 SU off a division road win
Colorado: 16-8 Over off a division home win

Calgary at Vancouver, 10:05 EST CBC
Calgary: 6-0 SU away in December
Vancouver: 0-4 SU at home playing with 3+ days rest

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Kaptain]

Updates

12/27/07
12:52 PM Weather
CFB
Texas @ Arizona State: Fair, west winds at 12 mph; 56 degrees.

12/27/07
12:33 PM Injuries
NBA
Sonics G Delonte West (7 ppg; foot) has been added to the injury report as a game-time decision for tonight.

12/27/07
12:25 PM Injuries
NBA
Clippers G Sam Cassell is expected to receive his first extended minutes tonight since straining his calf on Nov. 26.

12/27/07
12:24 PM Lineups
NBA
Clippers G Corey Maggette (20 ppg; hamstring) has been upgraded to expected to play tonight.

12/27/07
12:22 PM Lineups
NBA
Clippers F Tim Thomas (13 ppg; knee) has been downgraded to expected to miss tonight's game.