New Year’s Day Trends and Indexes 1/1/2009 (NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes





New Year's Day - Thursday, January 1

Good Luck on day #1 of 2009!

For College Football and the NFL, look for threads:

• “NCAAF Bowl Season Trends and Indexes 12/20 through 1/8”
• “NFL Wild Card Trends and Indexes 1/3 and 1/4"

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.

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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, January 1

The Rose Bowl between Penn State and USC highlights the schedule for New Year's Day. Here's a look at all the holiday action in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

Both Penn State and USC had hoped to play for the national championship this season, but instead they'll face off at 5:00pm ET on Thursday in the Rose Bowl. The Nittany Lions and Trojans combined for 22 wins this season, with both teams posting records of 11-1. Both teams were also lucrative for bettors, as Penn State went 7-3-1 against-the-spread while USC was 7-5 ATS. For the Rose Bowl the Trojans are listed as big 9.5-point favorites, with the total pegged at 45 points.

The first game of the day kicks off at 11:00am ET, with South Carolina (7-5 SU, 5-5-1 ATS) taking on Iowa (8-4 SU, 7-4 ATS) in the Outback Bowl in Tampa. Oddsmakers have Iowa as the 4-point favorite, with the game's total at 43 points.

The two 1:00pm ET contests have Clemson (7-5 SU, 4-6 ATS) vs. Nebraska (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS) in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, and Michigan State (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) vs. Georgia (9-3 SU, 3-6-2 ATS) in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando. The Tigers are listed as 2.5-point favorites against the Cornhuskers with a total of 56 points. The Bulldogs are favored by 7.5 over the Spartans with the total at 54.5.

Finally, the schedule concludes with the 8:00pm ET kickoff of the Orange Bowl in Miami between Virginia Tech (9-4 SU, 5-7 ATS) and Cincinnati (11-2 SU, 6-6 ATS). The Bearcats are pegged as a 2.5-point favorite in that matchup of ranked conference champions, while the total for the game has been listed at a low 41.5.

Other Notable Events

The NHL's Winter Classic will be played at 1:00pm ET on Thursday afternoon, with the Detroit Red Wings taking on the Chicago Blackhawks outdoors at Wrigley Field. These two teams just met in Detroit on Tuesday night, with Ty Conklin recording 36 saves in a 4-0 Red Wings victory. Johan Franzen had a pair of goals for Detroit in that victory, while Niklas Kronwall added a pair of assists.

The Bruins will get a visit from the Penguins in one of the other four games on the (indoor) NHL ice on Thursday. As well, Buffalo will be in Toronto, while Washington hosts Tampa Bay, and Nashville gets a visit from Vancouver. The Preds haven't played since Monday, when they were defeated by the Avalanche.

The Rest of the Schedule

There are no NBA games on Thursday, and there's just a limited selection of college hoops action. The top team on the hardwood will be No. 15 Villanova, who will take on Marquette at Milwaukee's Bradley Center. Included in the other nine contests are Stephen F. Austin at Texas Tech, and Denver at New Orleans.

News from the Wire

The Rockets signed veteran center Dikembe Mutombo for the rest of the season, while the Thunder are trying to help their sagging fortunes by bringing in forward/center Nenad Krstic . . . Suns guard Steve Nash sat out Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies due to back spasms . . . Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan won the AP's Offensive Rookie of the Year award . . . Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress has served his suspension, but probably won't return to the team.

A Peek at the Future

There are three more bowl games set for Friday, with Mississippi at Texas Tech (-4.5) in the Cotton Bowl, Kentucky at East Carolina (-3) in the Liberty Bowl, and Utah at Alabama (-9.5) in the Sugar Bowl . . . the NBA returns on Friday with all 30 of the league's teams in action; notable matchups include Miami at Orlando, Atlanta at New Jersey, New Orleans at Portland, and Utah at the Lakers . . . Friday's top NHL game has Philadelphia continuing their road swing in Anaheim.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Thursday

Some baseball knowledge to get us through a snowy day.......

-- Over last two seasons, Giants' Bruce Bochy allowed his starting pitcher to throw 110+ pitches 78 times; Atlanta's Bobby Cox only let his starter go that long 16 times.

-- Over last two years, Arizona's Bob Melvin used 280 different lineups, Philadelphia's Charlie Manuel used only 161.

-- Last year, White Sox hit 19 points higher at home than on road, but their opponents hit 38 points higher in Chicago road games.

-- There were 34% more HRs hit in games at Camden Yards than in Baltimore's road games. Same stat holds for White Sox games.

-- Fenway Park isn't a home run park, its doubles park; there were 59% more doubles in Boston home games than in its road contests, but 15% less homers at home than on the road.

-- Luis Castillo of the Mets took 68.1% of pitches he saw in 2008, the highest percentage of anyone who saw 1,500+ pitches last year.

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[pm530]

Thursday's List of 13: Ranking the 32 NFL teams, kind of......

13) All the teams that missed the playoffs, from Lions to Patriots; if you missed the playoffs, you're all in same boat right now.

12) Dolphins-- Season is already tremendous success, but what if Parcells takes the money and runs? Can they maintain this in 2009?

11) Cardinals-- Played awful football in December, but have a home game this weekend-- they need to win it.

10) Vikings-- Last two weeks at home, they lost to Atlanta, were life and death to beat Giants team that didn't need the game. A red flag.

9) Eagles-- Lot of things fell their way last Sunday, then they went out and took advantage, pounding on Dallas. They're going to blitz young QB Jackson an awful lot Sunday.

8) Chargers-- Only 4-8 team to ever make playoffs; they're hot, but draw an even hotter Indianapolis team in first round Saturday night.

7) Falcons-- 10 years after winning NFC title, Atlanta had another great season. Interesting playoff opener at Arizona Saturday.

6) Ravens-- Won at Miami earlier this year, after being only team to lose to Dolphins last season. 2008 has been lot better for both sides.

5) Colts-- Were 3-4 at one point, haven't lost since. How hard are the Titans rooting for Baltimore to win in Miami, so they don't have to play Indy next week?

4) Steelers-- When the starting QB is on a bodyboard with facemask cut off his helmet, and thats his last football action before playoffs, it is not a good sign for that team. Unless you like Leftwich a lot.

3) Giants-- I can't lose the feeling they're going out in their next game, don't even know why. KL Wheat, a Giants' season ticket holder, says he wants to avoid the Eagles next week. I agree with him.

2) Titans-- the NFL os so much fun-- who would have guessed that Kerry Collins would have had such a great season? Drafting Vince Young has been a disaster, but Collins has made it a moot point.

1) Panthers-- My pick to win it all.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Thursday, January 1
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YOUNGSTOWN ST (3 - 8) at DETROIT (4 - 7) - 1/1/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
YOUNGSTOWN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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TROY (5 - 8) at W KENTUCKY (7 - 4) - 1/1/2009, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TROY is 3-1 against the spread versus W KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
W KENTUCKY is 4-0 straight up against TROY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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S ALABAMA (8 - 5) at FLA ATLANTIC (4 - 9) - 1/1/2009, 2:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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VILLANOVA (12 - 1) at MARQUETTE (11 - 2) - 1/1/2009, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 65-42 ATS (+18.8 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 60-36 ATS (+20.4 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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DENVER (6 - 6) at NEW ORLEANS (5 - 7) - 1/1/2009, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-1 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 5-0 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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RIDER (6 - 5) at IONA (5 - 8) - 1/1/2009, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
IONA is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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FAIRFIELD (8 - 4) at SIENA (8 - 4) - 1/1/2009, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
SIENA is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.

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

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N COLORADO (5 - 8) at IDAHO ST (3 - 10) - 1/1/2009, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO ST is 82-112 ATS (-41.2 Units) in all games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 82-112 ATS (-41.2 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 12-31 ATS (-22.1 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.

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

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Thursday, January 1

Notes on today's games.............

Youngstown State lost six of last seven games vs D-I teams, losing first two Horizon League games, both at home, by 11-8 points. Penguins beat Detroit twice LY, 70-66 here (+5), 55-48 at home. Titans is 1-4 in last five games vs D-I teams, also losing first two conference games, by 9-11 points, but those games were on the road.

Western Kentucky beat Troy twice LY, 94-90 on road, 92-57 here (led by 25 at half); Hilltoppers made 29-64 from arc in those two games LY. WKU is 6-4 vs D-I teams but won its conference opener 69-66 as a dog at South Alabama. Troy is 0-6 on road, losing by 12-35-17-5-13-28 pts; they're 3-4 vs spread as an underdog this season.

South Alabama beat Florida Atlantic twice LY, 66-55 here (-9), 91-74 at home (-16); Jaguars are 2-3 on road this season, winning 62-57 at FIU in their Sun Belt road opener, also beating Southern Miss in OT. Owls are 3-9, but just lost 76-69 at Kentucky Saturday; game was tied at the half. It was FAU's seventh loss in a row.

Marquette beat Villanova the last two years, 85-75 LY in Philly, 80-67 at home two years ago; Eagles are 11-2, winning last three games, one of which was 68-65 buzzer beater at NC State (-2). Villanova won its last four games and is 12-1, hammering Temple by 17 in last game Monday. Wildcats are outside Philly for first time this season.

Road team won both Denver-New Orleans games LY, as Denver won by 16 here LY (65-49, -8); UNO shot 51% from floor in both games against Pioneers LY. Denver started season 0-5, but is now 6-6, winning the last five in row- they're 0-5 on road this year. New Orleans started 0-4, but is now 4-6, beating North Texas by 6 in conference home opener.

Iona is 5-8, but they've only had three home games; Gaels lost last three games vs Rider by 15-8-5 points, but are 3-2 in last five series games in their own gym. Iona lost its first two MAAC games by 1-2 pts. Rider lost three of last four games, losing aty home to Drexel in last game, but they won their MAAC opener, 76-73 vs Manhattan.

Fairfield won three of last four games at Siena; four of last six in series were decided by six or less points. Stags won seven of last eight games, losing only at UConn last week. Siena is playing third game in five days, having won at St Joe's, Holy Cross in last two- they're 3-0 vs spread at home this year.

Idaho State won three of last four games vs Northern Colorado, but the Bears won 76-66 in last visit here; NCU beat Northern Arizona in last game, after being down 10 at half. Bears are 1-5 on road this season, with only win at Denver. Idaho State lost five of last six games, nipping Idaho by a hoop Monday- they're 0-2 as a favorite this year.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Trend Sheet

NCAAB


Thursday, January 1

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Trend Sheet
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1:05 PM YOUNGSTOWN STATE vs. DETROIT
Youngstown State is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Youngstown State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Detroit is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games


2:00 PM FAIRFIELD vs. SIENA
Fairfield is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Fairfield is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Siena is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Fairfield
Siena is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Fairfield


2:00 PM RIDER vs. IONA
Rider is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Iona
Rider is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Iona
Iona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Iona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Rider


2:00 PM SOUTH ALABAMA vs. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
South Alabama is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
South Alabama is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Florida Atlantic is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
Florida Atlantic is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games


2:00 PM TROY vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY
Troy is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Troy is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Western Kentucky is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Troy
Western Kentucky is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Troy


2:30 PM VILLANOVA vs. MARQUETTE
Villanova is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
Villanova is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Marquette is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Marquette is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


3:30 PM DENVER vs. NEW ORLEANS
Denver is 1-24 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver


4:00 PM STEPHEN F. AUSTIN vs. TEXAS TECH
No trends available
Texas Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Texas Tech is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games


4:05 PM NORTHERN COLORADO vs. IDAHO STATE
Northern Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Northern Colorado is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Idaho State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Idaho State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games


10:30 PM LOYOLA MARYMOUNT vs. SEATTLE
Loyola Marymount is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Loyola Marymount is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


Thursday, January 1

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DETROIT (24-7-0-5, 53 pts.) at CHICAGO (20-8-0-6, 46 pts.) - 1/1/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 68-70 ATS (-41.8 Units) in January games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 23-15 ATS (+41.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games in January games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 13-6 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 13-6-0 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=+1.9 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (10-16-0-10, 30 pts.) at WASHINGTON (24-11-0-3, 51 pts.) - 1/1/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 10-26 ATS (+41.0 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 4-17 ATS (+24.4 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 3-14 ATS (+22.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 3-14 ATS (+22.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-14 ATS (+43.4 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.5 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-5 ATS (+17.8 Units) in road games in January games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-8 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 9-8-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
12 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.5 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (19-14-0-4, 42 pts.) at BOSTON (28-4-0-5, 61 pts.) - 1/1/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 28-9 ATS (+18.0 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 16-3 ATS (+16.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
BOSTON is 30-14 ATS (+14.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 41-23 ATS (+13.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 33-21 ATS (+10.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 9-1 ATS (+7.4 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-8 ATS (+11.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-5 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-5-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

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BUFFALO (17-15-0-5, 39 pts.) at TORONTO (15-16-0-6, 36 pts.) - 1/1/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 56-63 ATS (-39.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 10-17 ATS (-16.0 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 15-25 ATS (-21.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 6-10 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUFFALO is 6-10 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
BUFFALO is 183-128 ATS (+33.9 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
BUFFALO is 143-102 ATS (+22.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 74-87 ATS (-47.3 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 36-51 ATS (+87.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-18 ATS (-17.6 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
TORONTO is 7-10 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 10-7-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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VANCOUVER (20-15-0-3, 43 pts.) at NASHVILLE (17-16-0-3, 37 pts.) - 1/1/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 17-25 ATS (-13.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 201-201 ATS (-68.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 96-103 ATS (-44.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 46-30 ATS (+78.5 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 7-3 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 7-3-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Thursday, January 1

Hot teams
-- Blackhawks won nine of their last ten games.
-- Lightning won three of their last four games. Caps won four in a row, nine of last ten games.
-- Bruins won their last nine games, outscoring foes 42-20.

Cold teams
-- Red Wings lost five of their last six road games.
-- Penguins lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Sabres lost four of their last five games. Maple Leafs lost three of their last four games.
-- Predators lost six of their last nine games. Canucks lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Last five Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Tampa Bay games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Boston games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Buffalo games.
-- Under is 10-3 in last 13 Nashville games, but last two went over.

Back-to-Back
-- Canucks are 4-2 if they have another game the next night.

Series Records
-- Red Wings won three in row, five of last six against Chicago.
-- Washington won five of last six games against the Lightning.
-- Bruins won three of last four games against Pittsburgh.
-- Sabres won eight of last eleven visits to Toronto.
-- Canucks won their last five games against Nashville.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Trend Sheet

NHL


Thursday, January 1

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM DETROIT vs. CHICAGO
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
Detroit is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games


7:00 PM BUFFALO vs. TORONTO
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Buffalo is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games when playing at home against Buffalo


7:00 PM PITTSBURGH vs. BOSTON
Pittsburgh is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 9 games at home


7:00 PM TAMPA BAY vs. WASHINGTON
Tampa Bay is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games on the road
Washington is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay


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

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[Udog]

NHL


Thursday, January 1

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Ice picks: Thursday's best NHL bets
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Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks (-124, 5.5)

Perhaps the biggest issue going into this game will be the condition of the ice and the weather forecast. Players practiced on Wednesday, and came away less than impressed.

"It's so cold out there it's chipping away," said 46-year-old Chicago native and Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios. "You worry about the safety of the players. Whatever happens to both teams, hopefully it's not a hazard as far as injuries."

It's expected to be mostly cloudy in Chicago on Thursday with a high of 34 degrees and a 20 percent chance of snow.

The ice may not be the only thing that's chippy. The Blackhawks' franchise-record nine-game winning streak was snapped with a 4-0 road loss to the Red Wings on Monday in a contest that featured plenty of rough play.

Kane suffered a leg injury as the result of a hard check by Detroit's Dan Cleary, and didn't practice on Wednesday.

"I'm going to try it tomorrow. I'm going to do my best to treat it as much as I can today," Kane said. "Last night I was just kind of ahead and (my) skate got caught in the ice. Unfortunate play. Clean hit with that. Nothing you can do about it."

Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said Kane will play.

Conklin made 36 saves for his seventh career shutout, and Johan Franzen scored twice for the defending champions.

"You've got to play well against the good teams," said Franzen, who is tied with Marian Hossa for the team lead with 17 goals. "We kind of need that on this team to get motivated."

Pavel Datsyuk had a goal and assist, giving him seven goals and nine assists in a season-high eight-game points streak. Datsyuk leads Detroit with 26 assists and 41 points.

Six-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman and Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom is expected to be back in the lineup after missing two games with an ankle injury.

Pick: Over 5.5



Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators (-122, 5.5)

The Vancouver Canucks have been sliding in the standings ever since the injury to their starting goaltender. They hope their latest trade can keep them from falling any further.

Newly acquired Jason LaBarbera is expected to make his Canucks debut on New Year's Day when Vancouver visits the struggling Nashville Predators, who are hoping to turn things around when they open a five-game homestand.

With No. 1 goalie Roberto Luongo still nursing a groin injury that is expected to keep him out until the All-Star break, Vancouver (20-15-3) added some netminder insurance by acquiring LaBarbera from Los Angeles on Tuesday for a seventh-round pick in the 2009 draft.

The Canucks were 13-6-2 and had a five-point lead atop the Northwest Division at the time of Luongo's injury, but have gone 7-9-1 since, dropping into second place.

Tuesday's trade announcement was made minutes after backup goalie Curtis Sanford left Vancouver's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia - the Canucks' fourth defeat in six games - after the first period because of a pulled groin. Sanford was placed on the injured list after the game, and is considered week-to-week.

In 18 games with the Kings this season, the 28-year-old LaBarbera went 5-8-4 with a 2.83 goals-against average, an .893 save percentage and two shutouts.

"He's an NHL goaltender that is going to get an opportunity to play," Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said.

LaBarbera didn't have much luck in his only start of the season against the Predators on Oct. 25, as he stopped just 12-of-15 shots before being pulled in the first period of the Kings' 5-4 loss. Since Dec. 22 of last season, LaBarbera is 0-2-0 with a 7.65 GAA in three starts against Nashville (17-16-3).

While LaBarbera hasn't had any success against the Predators lately, Vancouver has won five straight games over them. The Canucks have won the first two meetings of this season, defeating the Predators 4-0 at home on Nov. 4, and winning 3-1 at Nashville Dec. 9.

Pick: Nashville -122


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[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Villanova at Marquette
The Wildcats look to take advantage of a Marquette team that is just 2-5 ATS over the last three seasons as a home favorite between 3 1/2 and 6 points. Villanova is the underdog pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Marquette favored by just 1. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1

Game 501-502: Youngstown State at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 46.638; Detroit 53.155
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit by 8
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+6 1/2)

Game 503-504: Troy at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 49.048; Western Kentucky 60.315
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 11
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 13
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+13)

Game 505-506: South Alabama at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 56.256; Florida Atlantic 51.561
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 5
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (-1 1/2)

Game 507-508: Villanova at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 69.545; Marquette 70.374
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 1
Vegas Line: Marquette by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (+3 1/2)

Game 509-510: Denver at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 46.692; New Orleans 51.628
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 5
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3)

Game 511-512: Rider at Iona
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 48.428; Iona 55.922
Dunkel Line: Iona by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Iona by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-4 1/2)

Game 513-514: Fairfield at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 53.798; Siena 63.203
Dunkel Line: Siena by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fairfield (+11 1/2)

Game 515-516: Northern Colorado at Idaho State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Colorado 48.358; Idaho State 55.270
Dunkel Line: Idaho State by 7
Vegas Line: Idaho State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (-4 1/2)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Detroit at Chicago
The Red Wings look to build on their 6-1 record versus the Central Division as they travel to Chicago today. Detroit is the underdog pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1

Game 51-52: Detroit at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 13.630; Chicago 12.618
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+115); Over

Game 53-54: Tampa Bay at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.584; Washington 12.816
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-210); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-210); Over

Game 55-56: Pittsburgh at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 10.850; Boston 13.027
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 2 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-185); 6
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-185); Under

Game 57-58: Buffalo at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 9.956; Toronto 11.364
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over

Game 59-60: Vancouver at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.124; Nashville 11.653
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-120); Over

[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Thursday, January 1

Hot teams
-- Blackhawks won nine of their last ten games.
-- Lightning won three of their last four games. Caps won four in a row, nine of last ten games.
-- Bruins won their last nine games, outscoring foes 42-20.

Cold teams
-- Red Wings lost five of their last six road games.
-- Penguins lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Sabres lost four of their last five games. Maple Leafs lost three of their last four games.
-- Predators lost six of their last nine games. Canucks lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Last five Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Tampa Bay games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Boston games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Buffalo games.
-- Under is 10-3 in last 13 Nashville games, but last two went over.

Back-to-Back
-- Canucks are 4-2 if they have another game the next night.

Series Records
-- Red Wings won three in row, five of last six against Chicago.
-- Washington won five of last six games against the Lightning.
-- Bruins won three of last four games against Pittsburgh.
-- Sabres won eight of last eleven visits to Toronto.
-- Canucks won their last five games against Nashville.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Thursday, January 1

Notes on today's games.............

Youngstown State lost six of last seven games vs D-I teams, losing first two Horizon League games, both at home, by 11-8 points. Penguins beat Detroit twice LY, 70-66 here (+5), 55-48 at home. Titans is 1-4 in last five games vs D-I teams, also losing first two conference games, by 9-11 points, but those games were on the road.

Western Kentucky beat Troy twice LY, 94-90 on road, 92-57 here (led by 25 at half); Hilltoppers made 29-64 from arc in those two games LY. WKU is 6-4 vs D-I teams but won its conference opener 69-66 as a dog at South Alabama. Troy is 0-6 on road, losing by 12-35-17-5-13-28 pts; they're 3-4 vs spread as an underdog this season.

South Alabama beat Florida Atlantic twice LY, 66-55 here (-9), 91-74 at home (-16); Jaguars are 2-3 on road this season, winning 62-57 at FIU in their Sun Belt road opener, also beating Southern Miss in OT. Owls are 3-9, but just lost 76-69 at Kentucky Saturday; game was tied at the half. It was FAU's seventh loss in a row.

Marquette beat Villanova the last two years, 85-75 LY in Philly, 80-67 at home two years ago; Eagles are 11-2, winning last three games, one of which was 68-65 buzzer beater at NC State (-2). Villanova won its last four games and is 12-1, hammering Temple by 17 in last game Monday. Wildcats are outside Philly for first time this season.

Road team won both Denver-New Orleans games LY, as Denver won by 16 here LY (65-49, -8); UNO shot 51% from floor in both games against Pioneers LY. Denver started season 0-5, but is now 6-6, winning the last five in row- they're 0-5 on road this year. New Orleans started 0-4, but is now 4-6, beating North Texas by 6 in conference home opener.

Iona is 5-8, but they've only had three home games; Gaels lost last three games vs Rider by 15-8-5 points, but are 3-2 in last five series games in their own gym. Iona lost its first two MAAC games by 1-2 pts. Rider lost three of last four games, losing aty home to Drexel in last game, but they won their MAAC opener, 76-73 vs Manhattan.

Fairfield won three of last four games at Siena; four of last six in series were decided by six or less points. Stags won seven of last eight games, losing only at UConn last week. Siena is playing third game in five days, having won at St Joe's, Holy Cross in last two- they're 3-0 vs spread at home this year.

Idaho State won three of last four games vs Northern Colorado, but the Bears won 76-66 in last visit here; NCU beat Northern Arizona in last game, after being down 10 at half. Bears are 1-5 on road this season, with only win at Denver. Idaho State lost five of last six games, nipping Idaho by a hoop Monday- they're 0-2 as a favorite this year.

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