Sunday Trends and Indexes 12/7 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Sunday, December 7

Good Luck on day #342 of 2008!


For the NFL, look for separate thread:

• “NFL Week 14 Trends and Indexes 12/4 through 12/8”


For now, the balance of the sports menu in this thread will consist of the NBA, College Basketball, and the NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will still be posted here.

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.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, December 7

A Cowboys/Steelers clash in Pittsburgh highlights the National Football League's Week 14 slate. Here's Sunday's complete lineup in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

The Cowboys and Steelers will both be looking for their fourth straight win on Sunday afternoon when they meet at Heinz Field. Dallas (8-4 straight-up, 6-6 against-the-spread) trounced the Seahawks 34-0 last week. Pittsburgh (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) had no trouble getting past the Patriots 33-10 in their last outing. The oddsmakers have Pittsburgh as a 3-point favorite, with the total at 38.5 points.

The Ravens have won two straight games, and they'll be hoping to gain some ground on the rival Steelers in the AFC North standings with a win over the Redskins in the Sunday night game. Baltimore (8-4 SU, 9-3 ATS) beat the lowly Bengals 34-3 in their last game. Washington (7-5 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) fell 23-7 to the Giants last weekend. Baltimore is a 5-point favorite, with the total at 35.5 points.

The other two NFC East teams will play each other on Sunday, as the Giants host the Eagles as 7-point favorites. Elsewhere it's Jacksonville at Chicago (-6.5), Minnesota (-10) at Detroit, Houston at Green Bay (-5.5), Cleveland at Tennessee (-14), Cincinnati at Indianapolis (-13.5), Atlanta at New Orleans (-3), Kansas City at Denver (-9), the Jets (-4) at San Francisco, New England (-4.5) at Seattle, and St. Louis at Arizona (-14). Finally, the Dolphins and Bills will meet under the roof at Toronto's Rogers Centre, with the matchup listed as a pick'em.

Other Notable Events

New Toronto Raptors head coach Jay Triano will have to contend with Greg Oden on Sunday afternoon (1:00pm ET tipoff) when the Portland Trail Blazers come to town. And the team might have to deal with less attention than usual as well, since the Bills/Dolphins game will take place just up the street later in the day. At least the NHL's Maple Leafs aren't back on the ice until Monday evening.

The Pistons and Knicks will also meet in matinee action on Sunday, with a noon tipoff at Madison Square Garden. The league's marquee teams will then take the floor on Sunday night, with Boston at Indiana, and the Lakers hosting Milwaukee.

The Rest of the Schedule

The NHL will stage just five games Sunday, including Alexander Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes and their new (old) head coach Paul Maurice. As well, Phoenix is at Chicago, Calgary visits the Rangers, Vancouver is at Colorado, and Anaheim will host Columbus.

Finally, there are six ranked college basketball teams in action on Sunday, including No. 6 Oklahoma taking on Tulsa on the road. Also on the slate: Ohio at No. 11 Louisville, CSU Northridge at No. 12 UCLA, Bradley at No. 13 Michigan State, Nebraska at No. 19 Arizona State, and No. 23 Florida at rival Florida State.

A Peek at the Future

Monday Night Football will feature a key NFC South matchup between Tampa Bay at Carolina this week, with the Panthers set as 3-point home favorites (and the total at 38.5 points) . . . a four-game slate in the NBA on Monday night includes Houston playing in Memphis and Orlando on the road against the Clippers . . . the Sabres will face off against the Penguins in NHL action Monday.

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

[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Trend Sheet

NBA


Sunday, December 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:00 PM DETROIT vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 9 games
Detroit is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
New York is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing Detroit


1:00 PM PORTLAND vs. TORONTO
Portland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games
Toronto is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Portland
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland


6:00 PM BOSTON vs. INDIANA
Boston is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston
Indiana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston


9:30 PM MILWAUKEE vs. LA LAKERS
Milwaukee is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games

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

[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Sunday, December 7

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers [6 PM ET]

Celtics (-7.5, O/U 201): Boston's only road loss of the season came at Indiana back on November 1st, 95-79. The Celtics lost only three games by double digits last year and bounced back in the season series by picking up a 114-96 win over the Pacers on Wednesday. They have won 11 in a row. “We had a great incentive," said Boston leading scorer Paul Pierce. Rajon Rondo led the Celtics in that game with his first career triple double, totaling 16 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds.

Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 12-4 in Boston's last 16 road games.

Key Injuries - G Tony Allen (ankle) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 104

Pacers: Indiana is battling through a tough stretch of the schedule, playing the NBA's three best teams four straight times over the last week. “That’s part of the NBA schedule,” Pacers forward Danny Granger said. “You’ve got to fight through a lot of it.” The Pacers stunned the Lakers 118-117 on Tuesday but have lost to Boston and Cleveland in the last two games by a combined 42 points.

Pacers are 1-8 ATS in the last 9 home meetings.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 home meetings.

Key Injuries - F Mike Dunleavy (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 96

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

[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Hot lines

NBA


Sunday, December 7

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick ‘n’ Roll: Best NBA bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers (+7.5, 201)

Boston will carry its longest winning streak in more than two decades back to the site of its only road loss this season, as the Indiana Pacers cap off a brutal stretch of their schedule on Sunday with their fourth straight game against one of the NBA's elite.

The Celtics (19-2) only lost three regular-season games by double digits last season, but their third game this fall was a 95-79 defeat at Indiana Nov. 1 in which they shot 34.6 percent from the field and had a season-high 24 turnovers.

After a stunning 118-117 upset of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, they faced the defending champions on Wednesday and the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, losing that game 97-73.

The Celtics, Lakers and Cavs have the league's three best records.

"That's part of the NBA schedule," Pacers forward Danny Granger said. "You've got to fight through a lot of it."

Portland visited the TD Banknorth Garden Friday on a six-game winning streak, but even the Trail Blazers struggled offensively in a 93-78 Celtics victory. Six players scored in double figures as the Celtics opened up a 25-point lead at one point.

"They showed tonight why they're one of the best defensive teams in the league because they pretty much pushed us wherever they wanted to," Portland center Joel Przybilla told the Celtics' official Web site.

Pick: Under


Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers (-13.5, 208.5)

Los Angeles (16-2) has looked impressive wherever it's played this season, winning by an average of 12.2 points overall and 13.4 points at Staples Center.

The Lakers won their first five road games by 14.4 points before suffering their first loss away from home Tuesday in Indiana, 118-117 on a buzzer-beating tip-in. They looked sharp in a 12-point win over Philadelphia the next night, but that wasn't the case Friday in Washington.

Los Angeles built a 99-80 lead with less than nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but nearly lost all of it as the Wizards scored 22 of the game's next 26 points. Yet after Caron Butler's 3-pointer missed at the buzzer, the Lakers walked away with a 106-104 win and a 2-1 road trip.

Coach Phil Jackson took the late breakdown a step further, blaming himself for letting some of his reserves start the fourth quarter while Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom watched from the bench.

The Lakers weren't the only ones feeling underwhelmed by their latest win. Milwaukee (9-12) wasn't pleased with a 101-96 home victory over struggling Charlotte on Friday, a game that was tight throughout.

"It's good to get a win, but looking back, we didn't play pretty well," said center Andrew Bogut, who had 10 points and 10 rebounds. "You can't take a lot of positives out of it when they shoot 52 percent from the field. We're very, very lucky to get a win."

The Bucks lost all three games that Bogut missed with a bruised left knee, but have won both since he's returned. Bogut's return has also coincided with Michael Redd being back in the starting lineup.

Redd missed 14 games with a sprained right ankle, and he's averaged 19.3 points since his return, including 25 in the win against Charlotte.

Pick: Lakers

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

[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Sunday, December 7

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

NEBRASKA (6 - 0) at ARIZONA ST (6 - 1) - 12/7/2008, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEBRASKA is 1-0 against the spread versus ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
NEBRASKA is 1-0 straight up against ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CALIFORNIA (6 - 1) at MISSOURI (6 - 1) - 12/7/2008, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALIFORNIA is 1-0 against the spread versus MISSOURI over the last 3 seasons
CALIFORNIA is 1-0 straight up against MISSOURI over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

BRADLEY (4 - 2) at MICHIGAN ST (4 - 2) - 12/7/2008, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN ST is 2-0 against the spread versus BRADLEY over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN ST is 2-0 straight up against BRADLEY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

OKLAHOMA (7 - 0) vs. TULSA (4 - 3) - 12/7/2008, 4:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA is 2-0 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA is 2-0 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

FLORIDA (6 - 1) at FLORIDA ST (7 - 1) - 12/7/2008, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 175-135 ATS (+26.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 175-135 ATS (+26.5 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 141-108 ATS (+22.2 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
FLORIDA is 71-43 ATS (+23.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
FLORIDA is 69-44 ATS (+20.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA ST is 2-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA ST is 2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MARYLAND (5 - 2) vs. GEORGE WASHINGTON (3 - 1) - 12/7/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARYLAND is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 7-22 ATS (-17.2 Units) in road games in December games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

KANSAS ST (5 - 2) at OREGON (3 - 4) - 12/7/2008, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OREGON is 1-0 against the spread versus KANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
OREGON is 1-0 straight up against KANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CS-NORTHRIDGE (1 - 5) at UCLA (4 - 2) - 12/7/2008, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

OHIO U (3 - 1) at LOUISVILLE (2 - 1) - 12/7/2008, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OHIO U is 1-0 against the spread versus LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 1-0 straight up against OHIO U over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LAMAR (5 - 1) vs. INDIANA ST (0 - 5) - 12/7/2008, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

NIAGARA (5 - 2) at LOYOLA-MD (2 - 6) - 12/7/2008, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-MD is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
NIAGARA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MANHATTAN (4 - 2) at RIDER (3 - 2) - 12/7/2008, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 39-61 ATS (-28.1 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
RIDER is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.

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

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

CANISIUS (3 - 4) at ST PETERS (1 - 5) - 12/7/2008, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CANISIUS is 25-43 ATS (-22.3 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
ST PETERS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 23-45 ATS (-26.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
ST PETERS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
ST PETERS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

IONA (2 - 4) at FAIRFIELD (5 - 3) - 12/7/2008, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

LA-LAFAYETTE (2 - 3) at ALABAMA (4 - 2) - 12/7/2008, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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

UC-IRVINE (0 - 6) at PEPPERDINE (1 - 6) - 12/7/2008, 5:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PEPPERDINE is 1-0 against the spread versus UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
UC-IRVINE is 1-0 straight up against PEPPERDINE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

[pm530]

College Basketball – Trend Sheet

NCAAB


Sunday, December 7

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:00 PM NIAGARA vs. LOYOLA
Niagara is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Loyola
Niagara is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing Loyola
Loyola is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home
Loyola is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games


1:00 PM LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE vs. ALABAMA
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Alabama is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Alabama is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home


1:00 PM TOLEDO vs. OAKLAND
Toledo is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Oakland
Toledo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available


2:00 PM CALIFORNIA vs. MISSOURI
California is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
California is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Missouri is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Missouri is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


2:00 PM CANISIUS vs. SAINT PETER'S
Canisius is 2-23 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Canisius is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
Saint Peter's is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Canisius
Saint Peter's is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Canisius


2:00 PM MANHATTAN vs. RIDER
Manhattan is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Manhattan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Rider
Rider is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Rider is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


2:00 PM NEBRASKA vs. ARIZONA STATE
Nebraska is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Nebraska is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Arizona State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games


3:00 PM LIBERTY vs. CLEMSON
No trends available
Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


3:05 PM HOUSTON BAPTIST vs. SOUTH ALABAMA
No trends available
South Alabama is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
South Alabama is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games at home


3:30 PM IONA vs. FAIRFIELD
Iona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Iona is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Fairfield
Fairfield is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Iona
Fairfield is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Iona


4:00 PM BRADLEY vs. MICHIGAN STATE
Bradley is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Bradley is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Michigan State is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan State's last 6 games at home


4:00 PM MISS VALLEY STATE vs. KENTUCKY
No trends available
Kentucky is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Kentucky is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home


4:00 PM OHIO vs. LOUISVILLE
Ohio is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Ohio is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Louisville is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


4:00 PM OKLAHOMA vs. TULSA
Oklahoma is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
Tulsa is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma
Tulsa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma


5:00 PM SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
SIU Edwardsville is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
SIU Edwardsville is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Middle Tennessee is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Middle Tennessee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games


5:00 PM UC IRVINE vs. PEPPERDINE
UC Irvine is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Pepperdine
UC Irvine is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pepperdine
Pepperdine is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Pepperdine is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home


5:00 PM VIRGINIA TECH vs. NAVY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games
No trends available


6:00 PM FLORIDA vs. FLORIDA STATE
Florida is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Florida is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Florida State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Florida State is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Florida


6:30 PM LAMAR vs. INDIANA STATE
No trends available
Indiana State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Indiana State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games


7:30 PM MARYLAND vs. GEORGE WASHINGTON
Maryland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing George Washington
Maryland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing George Washington
George Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Maryland
George Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Maryland


8:30 PM KANSAS STATE vs. OREGON
Kansas State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Kansas State is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Oregon is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Oregon is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home


10:30 PM CS NORTHRIDGE vs. UCLA
CS Northridge is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
CS Northridge is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
UCLA is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of UCLA's last 9 games

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

[pm530]

National Hockey League – Trend Sheet

NHL


Sunday, December 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5:00 PM WASHINGTON vs. CAROLINA
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:00 PM PHOENIX vs. CHICAGO
Phoenix is 5-7-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 11 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Chicago is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home


7:30 PM CALGARY vs. NY RANGERS
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Calgary
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games


8:00 PM COLUMBUS vs. ANAHEIM
Columbus is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games at home
Anaheim is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Columbus


8:00 PM VANCOUVER vs. COLORADO
Vancouver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games
Colorado is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games when playing at home against Vancouver

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

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Detroit at New York
The Pistons are just 2-4 ATS versus the Atlantic Division and run into a New York team that is 3-0 at home when the total is between 205 and 209 1/2 points. The Knicks are the underdog pick (+7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Detroit favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: New York (+7 1/2) Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Game 501-502: Detroit at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 118.219; New York 116.090
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 7 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: New York (+7 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Portland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 122.536; Toronto 120.878
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 1 1/2; 185 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2 1/2); Under

Game 505-506: Boston at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 129.018; Indiana 119.367
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 10; 206 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Milwaukee at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.019; LA Lakers 132.792
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 19; 217 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 13 1/2; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-13 1/2); Over

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Nebraska at Arizona State
The Sun Devils look to take advantage of a Nebraska team that is just 7-16 ATS on the road over the last three seasons. Arizona State is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Sun Devils favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-9). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Game 509-510: Nebraska at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 60.568; Arizona State 72.771
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 12
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-9)

Game 511-512: California at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: California 65.444; Missouri 74.222
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 9
Vegas Line: Missouri by 6
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-6)

Game 513-514: Bradley at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 56.540; Michigan State 72.990
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 15
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-15)

Game 515-516: Oklahoma at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 69.690; Tulsa 68.825
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 1
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+6 1/2)

Game 517-518: Florida at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 66.644; Florida State 66.621
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Florida by 2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (+2)

Game 519-520: Maryland vs. George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 63.624; George Washington 56.101
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Maryland by 3
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-3)

Game 521-522: Kansas State at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 64.415; Oregon 67.481
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 3
Vegas Line: Oregon by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-1 1/2)

Game 523-524: CS-Northridge at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 50.287; UCLA 77.535
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 27
Vegas Line: UCLA by 22
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-22)

Game 525-526: Ohio at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:

Game 527-528: Lamar vs. Indiana State
Dunkel Ratings: Lamar
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:

Game 529-530: Niagara at Loyola-Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 59.813; Loyola-Maryland 51.568
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 8
Vegas Line: Niagara by 5
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-5)

Game 531-532: Manhattan at Rider
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 52.496; Rider 55.292
Dunkel Line: Rider by 3
Vegas Line: Rider by 6
Dunkel Pick: Manhattan (+6)

Game 533-534: Canisius at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 48.342; St. Peter's 48.336
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Canisius by 2
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+2)

Game 535-536: Iona at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 53.859; Fairfield 54.477
Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 1
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 4
Dunkel Pick: Iona (+4)

Game 537-538: UL Lafayette at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: UL Lafayette 45.994; Alabama 64.280
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Alabama by 17
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-17)

Game 539-540: UC Irvine at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: UC Irvine 46.457; Pepperdine 47.352
Dunkel Line: Pepperdine by 1
Vegas Line: Pepperdine by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC Irvine (+2 1/2)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Vancouver at Colorado
The Avalanche look to bounce back from their loss at Dallas (2-1) and build on their 5-2 record after being held to 1 goal or less in their previous game. Colorado is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Avalanche favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Game 1-2: Washington at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.448; Carolina 11.420
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 3-4: Phoenix at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.530; Chicago 12.531
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-170); Over

Game 5-6: Calgary at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.677; NY Rangers 11.370
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-130); Under

Game 7-8: Vancouver at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.959; Colorado 12.108
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Under

Game 9-10: Columbus at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.045; Anaheim 12.337
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-185); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Sunday, December 7


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

DETROIT (11 - 7) at NEW YORK (8 - 11) - 12/7/2008, 12:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 66-51 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 52-39 ATS (+9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 63-43 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-2 ATS (+14.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 4-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PORTLAND (14 - 7) at TORONTO (8 - 10) - 12/7/2008, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

BOSTON (19 - 2) at INDIANA (7 - 12) - 12/7/2008, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
INDIANA is 245-196 ATS (+29.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
BOSTON is 79-49 ATS (+25.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-41 ATS (+14.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-17 ATS (+16.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MILWAUKEE (9 - 12) at LA LAKERS (16 - 2) - 12/7/2008, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 136-177 ATS (-58.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 68-51 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 48-30 ATS (+15.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-0 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 3-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Sunday, December 7


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

WASHINGTON (15-9-0-3, 33 pts.) at CAROLINA (12-12-0-3, 27 pts.) - 12/7/2008, 5:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-9 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 9-9-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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

PHOENIX (12-12-0-2, 26 pts.) at CHICAGO (11-7-0-6, 28 pts.) - 12/7/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 24-16 ATS (+45.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 105-102 ATS (+225.5 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 173-221 ATS (+432.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 90-119 ATS (-53.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-4 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-4-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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

CALGARY (15-10-0-1, 31 pts.) at NY RANGERS (18-10-0-2, 38 pts.) - 12/7/2008, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 20-6 ATS (+12.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 7-1 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 4-13 ATS (-12.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 23-30 ATS (-15.3 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 1-0-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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

VANCOUVER (15-10-0-2, 32 pts.) at COLORADO (12-13-0-1, 25 pts.) - 12/7/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 93-100 ATS (-43.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
COLORADO is 11-1 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 22-12 ATS (+34.8 Units) 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
COLORADO is 12-5 (+7.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 12-5-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.3 Units)

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

COLUMBUS (11-12-0-3, 25 pts.) at ANAHEIM (14-10-0-3, 31 pts.) - 12/7/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 4-22 ATS (+42.5 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 28-27 ATS (+70.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 16-18 ATS (-17.7 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 1-6 ATS (-9.2 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
ANAHEIM is 5-10 ATS (-13.6 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 22-20 ATS (-18.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 10-14 ATS (-24.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 3-6 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 6-3-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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

[Udog]

Sunday's six-pack
NFL knowledge with only four Sundays left in regular season......

-- Patriots covered 20 of last 27 as a road favorite.

-- Giants covered nine of last twelve NFC East home games.

-- Steelers covered three of last ten as a home favorite.

-- 49ers covered two of last eight as a home underdog.

-- Redskins are 0-7-1 vs spread when facing AFC teams.

-- Bengals covered eight of last ten as double digit underdog.


************************************************** *****************************************


Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a very busy sports Saturday
Bouncing all over the place after sixteen hours of non-stop sports

13) Oklahoma is first team in college football history to score 60 or more points in five straight games, which is good for them, but they better beat Florida in the BCS title game, or they'll be just like New England Patriots last year, lot of records but no trophy.

12) Harrison Frazar shot a freakin' 59 in 4th round of Q-School, and is in very good shape to get his PGA Tour card back, with two days left to go in the six-day event. Shooting 59 is very rare in pro golf; it isn't for me-- I often shoot 59..........for nine or ten holes.

11) Cleveland Browns have a QB dilemma, with Quinn, Anderson out for the year; why not let Josh Cribbs go under center? He's one of their most dynamic offensive weapons anyway, he played QB at a MAC school (like Roethlisberger, Leftwich, Pennington, Gradkowski all have) and when Quinn comes back next year, Cribbs goes back where he came from, no questions asked. Why is this be a bad thing?

10) Watching football on TV, we lose a lot of the speed, violence of the game-- at its highest level, football is played at incredible speeds. Florida-Alabama was one of first games I've seen in long time where that intensity carried through the TV cameras, and into my house. A very fierce struggle; Alabama played well, still lost by 11 points.

9) Miami, FL led 46-26 at halftime in Rupp Arena Saturday, then hung on for dear life after a ton of missed foul shots, winning 73-67 over the Wildcats, who have lot of long dry spells on offense.

8) South Florida played on a snowy field in West Virginia Saturday night; wonder how many of the USF kids were seeing snow for the first time in their life? Had to be at least a couple........

7) Could this be the year Northwestern makes NCAA tourney for the first time? Wildcats are 6-1 after pounding DePaul by 27, are off for exams now. They've also beaten Florida State, so they're going to have a chance to make some history in early 2009.

6) I've already had this discussion with several people; opinions are mixed, but I'm convinced Tim Tebow will be a good NFL QB. Why wouldn't he be? If you disagree, please e-mail me and explain why.

5) Davidson's Steph Curry went nuts again Saturday, scoring 44 of Wildcats' 72 points in a 72-67 win over NC State; Curry is so good, he has his team favored by 10 points over an ACC squad. Wow.

4) Got e-mail from buddy suggesting he read something about Rams going after free agent-to-be Kurt Warner in offseason, then drafting a rookie QB to develop for when Warner retires. This would mend lot of fences in St Louis, and as long as they improve the offensive line to protect him, it would really improve the team. Thats good news....

3).......Rafael Furcal turned down the A's offer of free-agent contract, which is fine, because he gets hurt a lot anyway, but kind of sad that the A's finally try to sign free agents, and they can't give their money away to decent players. Thats the bad news.......

2) John Beilein got his biggest win so far at Michigan, as Wolverines upset Duke in Ann Arbor, 81-73.

1) Looks like Florida-Oklahoma in Miami January 8th for a national title, in what should be a tremendous game. USC, Texas will sit back and bitch about not getting selected, which I guess just makes whole process a little more interesting/controversial, but to me, these are the two best teams playing for the national title, and thats a good thing.

[Udog]

NHL


Sunday, December 7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Sunday's best NHL bets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calgary Flames at New York Rangers (-120, 5.5)

The New York Rangers are atop the Atlantic Division, but lately they've needed extra time to pull off any sort of victory. The Calgary Flames, on the other hand, have been taking care of business in regulation.

The Flames will look for their fifth win in six games Sunday at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers, who are trying to rebound after their second lopsided loss in less than a week.

Using a stifling penalty kill and some timely goal scoring, Calgary is 6-2-0 in its last eight contests. After a 3-1 loss to Dallas on Tuesday, the Flames came out flat Friday in St. Louis, falling behind 3-1 after two periods.

Power-play goals from Jarome Iginla and David Moss tied the score in the third, though, and Michael Cammalleri's 10th of the season won it in overtime.

Iginla scored for the first time in four games, and a meeting with the Rangers (18-9-2) might be another big offensive opportunity for the only player in the Western Conference to score 50 goals last season. Iginla scored twice in a 4-3 win over New York on Jan. 2, and has seven goals and three assists in his last six games versus the Rangers.

New York rebounded from a 4-0 loss to Florida with a 3-2 shootout win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday, but the next night in Montreal was another tough one for goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

Lundqvist was pulled for the second time in five starts in the loss to the Panthers, then stayed in Thursday despite allowing six goals in a 6-2 defeat to the Canadiens.

"If you compared the two teams, one looked like an NHL team and the other like a non-NHL team," Lundqvist told the Rangers' official Web site Thursday. "I don't know what was missing. A lot of things, I think. They were all over us."

Despite Lundqvist's recent struggles, he remains one of the league's elite goaltenders, and his 2.33 goals-against average isn't far off from his 2.23 GAA last season.

Pick: Flames



Vancouver Canucks at Colorado Avalanche (-120, 5.5)

The Canucks will look to snap a seven-game slide against the Colorado Avalanche as they continue their longest road trip of the season with a visit to their Northwest Division rivals.

With star goaltender Roberto Luongo out with a groin injury, the Canucks (15-10-2) had lost four straight entering Friday's game at Minnesota, including the first three games of a seven-game road trip.

Vancouver had allowed two or fewer goals in nine of their previous 10 games before the skid, going 8-0-2 over that span - mostly with Luongo in net. But they gave up a total of 16 in the four losses without him, and backup netminder Curtis Sanford allowed six goals before being yanked from a 6-5 loss at Detroit on Thursday.

The Canucks bounced back behind rookie Cory Schneider on Friday, as the 2004 first-round draft pick earned his first NHL victory in a 2-1 win over the Wild. Schneider only faced 17 shots as Jason Jaffray's second-period goal stood up as the game-winner.

Schneider's first win came in just his second career start, and the former Boston College star now has a 2.46 goals-against average in four appearances. He may see more action with Luongo's timetable unclear and Sanford having problems with back spasms and ineffectiveness in his last three starts.

The Avalanche (12-13-1) return home after a 1-1-1 road trip, which concluded with a 2-1 shootout loss at Dallas on Friday. Marek Svatos scored for Colorado to tie the game in the final minute of regulation, but the Avs lost their first shootout of the season after winning their first four.

While the Canucks cope without Luongo, the Avs have also been dealing with injuries, as veterans Joe Sakic, Adam Foote and Darcy Tucker all remain out.

That certainly hasn't helped Colorado's offense, which ranks last in the Western Conference with 2.42 goals per game. The Avs have scored either one or zero goals in seven of their last 13 games.

Pick: Under


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