Tuesday Trends and Indexes 1/20 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Tuesday, January 20

Good Luck on day #20 of 2009!

For the NFL, watch for posting of separate thread:

• “Super Bowl XLIII Trends and Indexes 2/1"

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

Tuesday, January 20

Tim Duncan and his San Antonio Spurs will play host to the Indiana Pacers in NBA action on Tuesday night. Here's an overview in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

Still not a believer in the Arizona Cardinals? Well, you're not alone, as the oddsmakers opened the Pittsburgh Steelers as big 7-point favorites to win Super Bowl XLIII down in Tampa Bay in two weeks. Still, the Cards' impressive playoff run looks like it has won at least a few people over, as some books have that line down to just 6.5 points. The total for that contest is currently listed at 46.5 points.

Other Notable Events

Duncan picked up 17 points and 11 rebounds as the Spurs slipped past the Bobcats 86-84 on the road in Monday matinee action. Tony Parker chipped in with 13 points and 10 assists for San Antonio in that victory, which moved the team to 27-13 on the season. The Spurs' next test will come at home against the Pacers on Tuesday night, with Indiana coming off a 103-100 loss to New Orleans.

There are just three other games on the NBA's schedule for Tuesday night, with Atlanta playing in Chicago, Denver hosting Sacramento, and Minnesota at Utah.

The Rest of the Schedule

The National Hockey League has eight games on the schedule for Tuesday, including Vancouver on the road in San Jose. The Canucks are just 2-5-3 over their last 10 games, and goaltender Roberto Luongo has been shaky since his return from injury. The Sharks sit atop the Western Conference standings after going 6-2-2 in their past 10 contests. Rounding out the slate: Anaheim at the Rangers, Montreal at Atlanta, Washington at Ottawa, Carolina at Pittsburgh, Los Angeles at Minnesota, Columbus at Edmonton, and then Detroit at Phoenix.

Finally, there are just two ranked teams in action on the college hoops hardwood on Tuesday, including No. 2 Duke taking on N.C. State at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils earned themselves a boost in the polls by beating Georgetown 76-67 last time out to improve to 16-1; N.C. State (10-5) is coming off a 76-71 overtime loss to Georgia Tech. The other notable hoops matchup sees No. 25 Illinois in action at Assembly Hall; they'll get a visit from Ohio State.

News from the Wire

Hornets center Tyson Chandler sprained his ankle in the team's win over the Pacers on Monday afternoon . . . Hornets forward David West (back spasms) also missed Monday's game . . . Mavericks guard Josh Howard returned from his wrist injury on Monday . . . Clippers center Marcus Camby continues to miss time with an ankle injury . . . Hawks guard Acie Law suffered a thigh injury on Monday.

A Peek at the Future

The Celtics will be in action in Miami on Wednesday night. As well, it'll be Utah at Houston, Cleveland at Portland, and the Lakers vs. the Clippers in Los Angeles . . . notable NHL matchups on Wednesday include Montreal at New Jersey, Boston at Toronto, and Columbus at Calgary . . . top-ranked Wake Forest will take on Virginia Tech in college hoops action on Wednesday, while No. 3 Connecticut will be in for a tough test that night when they host No. 20 Villanova.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Tuesday

Ken Whisenhunt is 20-15 as coach of the Cardinals; here are the six Arizona head coaches who preceded Whisenhunt in the desert.......

-- Dennis Green 16-32 (2004-06)-- Famous for meltdown in press conference after they blew Monday night game to the Bears.

-- Dave McGinnis 17-40 (2000-03)-- Now linebacker coach for the Titans, he gave emotional speeches, but never won much.

-- Vince Tobin 29-44 (1996-2000)-- Actually won playoff game, in '98 against Dallas, but it was all downhill from there.......

-- Buddy Ryan 12-20 (1994-95)-- Jet fans better hope son Rex is a lot better head coach then the old man was.

-- Joe Bugel 20-44 (1990-93)-- In fairness, none of these guys had a beautiful new domed stadium to draw fans, like these Cardinals do.

-- Gene Stallings 23-34-1 (1986-89)-- Thought my TV had blown a fuse when I saw him coaching East-West Shrine Game Saturday, but he was coaching one side and Bobby Ross the other.

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[pm530]

Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........

13) Buccaneers still owe Jon Gruden $16M. I'd like to see Gruden do some TV next season, to see if he's as unpleasant in real life as he is on all the NFL Films clips we see.

12) Bucs are supposedly $45M under the salary cap for next year, making them a very appealing destination for free agents this winter. Having an African-American head coach won't hurt that pursuit.

11) Back to NFL Films for a second......I don't get to see as much of this stuff as I used to, or nearly as nuch as I'd like to, since my cable system doesn't get the NFL Network yet (Help!?!?!?!), but they had an awesome 10-minute feature from this season, with coaches miked up. Those are the best NFL Films spots, ones with miked coaches.

10) This great nugget is from SI.com: There have been 453 overtime games in the NFL, and only nine of the 453 teams who won the flip of the coin kicked off. None of the last 108 kicked off (I'm guessing Marty Mornhinweg was the last one who did, when he was coaching the Lions, and it pretty much got him fired). We may see a change to the OT system for 2009, so each team gets the ball once.

9) Dom Capers is the new defensive coordinator of the Packers. Jim Haslett may wind up jobless, since the Giants promoted from within for their DC spot. I like Haslett, but glad my Rams hired Spagnuolo.

8) Former Ram coach Scott Linehan turned down the 49ers' offensive coordinator job, meaning that when you're still getting paid by those who fired you, you have the option of being selective.

7) Only five Arizona Cardinals have played in a Super Bowl, but the quarterback is one of them, so that helps, and he has the two highest passing yardage games in Super Bowl history.

6) Baltimore Orioles traded two pitching prospects for Felix Pie-- it is the dead of winter, but if my memory is correct, doesn't Baltimore really need a lot of pitching? They traded two of them for an OF?

5) Syracuse hired former Florida/Tennessee assistant coach Stanley Drayton as an assistant; Mr Drayton won a national title in college, as a star running back at D-III Allegheny College, where his coach was Ken O'Keefe, the current offensive coordinator at Iowa.

4) Dick Stockton said on TNT Monday that Memphis Tigers have an older starting five than the Memphis Grizzlies do.

3) Grizzlies, by the way, are now 0-15 this seaosn when they score less than 20 points in the first quarter. What a dismal franchise-- if the NBA moved them to Seattle tomorrow, would one person in the entire city of Memphis care? Seattle does deserve an NBA team.

2) Greg Oden had 24 points (career high), 15 rebounds Monday nite as Portland whacked the Bucks. Looks like the Blazers are going to be a force in the NBA for quite some time-- good young team they have.

1) Poster boy for staying in college: Milwaukee's Joe Alexander, who I'm sure has an healthy bank account, but he didn't play a minute in Monday night's loss. Had he stayed at West Virginia, he'd have good shot at playing in a Final Four and still being drafted quite high next summer. Who am I to say? He's making good money, but not playing.

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[pm530]

NBA
Write-up


Tuesday, January 20

Hot Teams
-- Pacers covered six of their last seven games. Spurs won seven of their last nine contests.
-- Nuggets won three of last four games, covered seven of last nine.
-- Minnesota won seven of its last eight games. Utah won six of seven.

Cold Teams
-- Hawks covered two of their last nne games. Bulls lost five of their last seven games.
-- Kings lost seven of last nine games, but are 7-2 vs spread in the nine.

Totals
-- Last three Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Indiana games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-2 in last thirteen Denver games.
-- Last four Minnesota road games stayed under the total.

Back-to Back
-- Hawks are 5-1-1 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Pacers are 4-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Nuggets are 3-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 3-2 vs spread on road if they played the night before.

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[pm530]

NBA


Tuesday, January 20

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Trend Sheet
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8:30 PM ATLANTA vs. CHICAGO
Atlanta is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Chicago is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta


8:30 PM INDIANA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana


9:00 PM MINNESOTA vs. UTAH
Minnesota is 8-1-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota


9:00 PM SACRAMENTO vs. DENVER
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Denver
Denver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Denver's last 18 games at home


7:00 PM MEMPHIS vs. CHARLOTTE
Memphis is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Charlotte is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Memphis


7:30 PM BOSTON vs. MIAMI
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston


7:30 PM PHOENIX vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
Phoenix is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New York
New York is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 11 games


7:30 PM TORONTO vs. DETROIT
Toronto is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home


8:00 PM DALLAS vs. MILWAUKEE
Dallas is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 7-0-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
Milwaukee is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Dallas


8:00 PM NEW JERSEY vs. NEW ORLEANS
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 2-3-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
New Orleans is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing New Jersey


8:30 PM UTAH vs. HOUSTON
Utah is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Houston
Utah is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Houston
Houston is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Utah
Houston is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Utah

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[pm530]

NBA


Tuesday, January 20

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Tips and Trends
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Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets [9 PM ET]

Kings: Sacramento is just 3-17 away from home this season but has had trouble winning regardless of location lately. The Kings have dropped 13 of 16 overall after falling at home to Milwaukee last Friday, 129-122. They had snapped their 12-game road losing streak at Golden State two days earlier. “For some odd reason we have a bad start when are at home - I don’t know exactly why,” Sacramento rookie forward Jason Thompson said. “I think the guys are so comfortable with being here that they may not do the little things we do on the road.”

Road team is 8-0-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The OVER is 4-1 in Sacramento's last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 107 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Nuggets (-9.5, O/U 217.5): Denver has gone 3-3 in six games without injured star Carmelo Anthony, with all of the games coming against winning teams. The Nuggets lost a tough one on Tuesday at Houston 115-113 as Kenyon Martin missed two free throws that would have tied the game. “We had great effort,” Denver head coach George Karl said. “There are losses that are good losses. Tonight was a good loss. We did a lot of things well.” J.R. Smith had his best game filling in for Anthony against the Rockets with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting.

Nuggets are 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
The OVER is 10-3 in Denver's last 13 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Carmelo Anthony (hand) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 117

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[pm530]

NBA


Tuesday, January 20

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA bets
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Minnesota Timberwolves at Utah Jazz (-9.5, 205)

The Jazz are at their best when they are in Salt Lake City.

They are 17-4 straight up (SU) and 12-8 against the spread (ATS) inside the EnergySolutions Arena. Utah is undefeated in its last five at home and is 9-4 in its last 10 overall.

With Carlos Boozer out until mid-February, Mehmet Okur has stepped up for the Jazz. In his last home start, Okur scored a career-high 43 points as Utah beat the Indiana Pacers 120-113.

“I felt like one of those nights I wasn’t going to miss,” Okur told reporters. “I took what they gave me. They gave me open shots and I took it.”

In reality, Okur hasn’t been missing many shots on any night lately, especially at home. He is averaging 24 points in his last five home starts – seven points above his season average. He has two double-doubles in that period.

But Okur isn’t shouldering the whole load. Deron Williams has been sensational and averaging 18 points and 10 assists a night in his last five home contests.
The Jazz are 3-1 ATS in their last four at home against the Timberwolves. They are 51-24-2 ATS in their last 77 home contests.

Pick: Jazz

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Tuesday, January 20

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OHIO ST (13 - 3) at ILLINOIS (15 - 3) - 1/20/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
OHIO ST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
OHIO ST is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OHIO ST is 2-1 against the spread versus ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
OHIO ST is 3-0 straight up against ILLINOIS 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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AKRON (9 - 7) at OHIO U (9 - 7) - 1/20/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO U is 172-136 ATS (+22.4 Units) in all games since 1997.
OHIO U is 172-136 ATS (+22.4 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
OHIO U is 94-66 ATS (+21.4 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
OHIO U is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
OHIO U is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OHIO U is 62-39 ATS (+19.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
OHIO U is 121-86 ATS (+26.4 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
OHIO U is 55-35 ATS (+16.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
OHIO U is 40-18 ATS (+20.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OHIO U is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
AKRON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.

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

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BOSTON COLLEGE (13 - 6) at GEORGIA TECH (9 - 8) - 1/20/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA TECH is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 69-41 ATS (+23.9 Units) in road games since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 69-41 ATS (+23.9 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 66-42 ATS (+19.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 79-53 ATS (+20.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
GEORGIA TECH is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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MIAMI OHIO (9 - 6) at BOWLING GREEN (8 - 8) - 1/20/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOWLING GREEN is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOWLING GREEN is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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CREIGHTON (14 - 5) at EVANSVILLE (12 - 5) - 1/20/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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W MICHIGAN (6 - 10) at BALL ST (7 - 8) - 1/20/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W MICHIGAN is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.
BALL ST is 25-43 ATS (-22.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 25-43 ATS (-22.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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DELAWARE (8 - 11) at DREXEL (8 - 8) - 1/20/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DREXEL is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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C MICHIGAN (4 - 11) at TOLEDO (3 - 14) - 1/20/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TOLEDO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TOLEDO is 4-0 against the spread versus C MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
TOLEDO is 4-0 straight up against C MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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COLORADO (8 - 8) at TEXAS TECH (10 - 7) - 1/20/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997.

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

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NC STATE (10 - 5) at DUKE (16 - 1) - 1/20/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NC STATE is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 74-47 ATS (+22.3 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
DUKE is 60-32 ATS (+24.8 Units) in January games since 1997.
DUKE is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.

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

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VIRGINIA (7 - 7) at MARYLAND (12 - 5) - 1/20/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 46-74 ATS (-35.4 Units) in road games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 46-74 ATS (-35.4 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 38-64 ATS (-32.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 33-60 ATS (-33.0 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 35-54 ATS (-24.4 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
MARYLAND is 78-54 ATS (+18.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 78-54 ATS (+18.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1997.

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

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E MICHIGAN (3 - 14) at N ILLINOIS (5 - 10) - 1/20/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
E MICHIGAN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
N ILLINOIS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.

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

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MICHIGAN (13 - 5) at PENN ST (14 - 5) - 1/20/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
PENN ST is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 2-1 against the spread versus PENN ST over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN is 2-1 straight up against PENN ST 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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DEPAUL (8 - 10) at S FLORIDA (6 - 11) - 1/20/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DEPAUL is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all games this season.
DEPAUL is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
DEPAUL is 15-33 ATS (-21.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DEPAUL is 3-1 against the spread versus S FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
DEPAUL is 3-1 straight up against S FLORIDA 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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TENNESSEE (11 - 5) at VANDERBILT (12 - 5) - 1/20/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANDERBILT is 32-14 ATS (+16.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANDERBILT is 2-2 against the spread versus TENNESSEE over the last 3 seasons
VANDERBILT is 2-2 straight up against TENNESSEE 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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AIR FORCE (9 - 8) at COLORADO ST (6 - 12) - 1/20/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
AIR FORCE is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1997.
COLORADO ST is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO ST is 3-1 against the spread versus AIR FORCE over the last 3 seasons
AIR FORCE is 4-0 straight up against COLORADO ST 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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[pm530]

NCAAB
Write-up


Tuesday, January 20

Notes on the best of today's games.............

Illinois lost last five games vs Ohio State; they were favored in three of the five games; Buckeyes won their last two visits here by 18-16 points. Illini is 3-2 in Big 11, winning its home games by 31-15 points. Ohio St. is 1-2 on Big 11 road, 2-1 as road dog, losing by 9 at Minnesota, and 9 at Michigan State. Big 11 home favorites are 12-11 against the spread.

Georgia Tech won three of last four games vs Boston College, with dogs 3-1 vs spread; Eagles lost last two visits here, by 2-8 points. Jackets are 0-4 in ACC with two OT losses- they're 17-30 from arc in last couple games, yet still lost. BC is 0-4 since beating North Carolina, allowing an average of 80.3 ppg. ACC home favorites are 4-9 vs spread.

Bowling Green scored 50 ppg in losing its last two games, by 24 at Kent and 10 at home vs Akron; they shot 28.3% at home in Saturday's home loss, and are 6-38 from arc in last two games. Miami is 2-1 in MAC after 66-55 win at Kent Saturday; they're just 11-44 from arc in league play. This is the first MAC home underdog this season.

Drexel held its last two opponents under 30% from floor, winning last three games by 3-18-24 points, allowing 51.3 ppg. Delaware won four of its last five games vs Drexel, with dogs are 4-1 vs spread in those games; Hens lost four of last five visits here, losing by 7-6-15-11 points (dogs 4-1 vs spread). CAA home favorites are 16-10 vs spread.

Creighton won six of last eight games vs Evansville; underdogs covered their last five visits here (Bluejays are 3-2, winning by 4-13-4 points). Bluejays aee 4-0 in Valley if they score 68+ points, 0-3 if they do not. Aces held four of last five opponents to 61 or less points; they're 3-1 at home in MVC play. MVC home dogs are 2-5 against the spread.

Texas Tech won five of last six games vs Colorado, winning last three by 21-10-18 points; Buffaloes lost last two visits to Lubbock, by 7-21 pts. Colorado is 0-2 in Big 12, losing by 45-17 points, as foes shot 63-61% from floor- very bad. Tech scored just 55 ppg in splitting its first two league games. Big 12 home favorites are 6-3 against the spread.

Home side covered all three Northern Illinois MAC games, as Huskies won by 24 in only home game, their only win in last six games. Eastern Michigan is 1-2 in MAC, shooting 29% in 46-42 loss to Ball State, 37% in 69-57 loss at Toledo. Eagles lost ten of their last eleven games overall. MAC home favorites are 10-8 against the spread.

Virginia won three of last four games vs Maryland, but Cavaliers are 1-4 in last five visits here, losing by 9-14-11-10 points. Terps just lost two road games by combined total of five points- they're 17-66 from arc in league play. UVa is 1-2 in ACC, losing by 3-22 points, giving up 81.7 ppg in ACC play. ACC home favorites are 4-9 vs the spread.

Duke won last six games vs NC State (5-1 vs spread), winning last three played here by 19-13-20 points; Blue Devils are 3-9 in ACC, winning its games by 25-8-14 points (2-1 vs spread)- they've taken 86 foul shots in their three ACC games, opponents 45. Wolfpack lost three of last four games, losing ACC games by 12 at Clemson, 13 at home to Florida St.

Home side won six of last seven Tennessee-Vanderbilt games, with Vols 1-4 in last five visits, with losses by 3-5-1-3 points (dogs are 5-0 vs the spread). Tennessee is just 16-60 from arc in SEC; they've allowed 82.0 ppg in SEC play, putting foes on foul line 23.7 times/game. Home faves are 3-0 in Vanderbilt games. SEC home teams are 10-6 against spread.

South Florida won 80-68 at DePaul Jan 10 (+6.5), its first win in the last seven games vs Blue Demons, losing the last three played in this gym by 12-14-13 points. Bulls are 1-4 in league- this is first time this year they are favored. DePaul is 0-5 in Big East, 1-1 as road dog, losing by 8, 17 points, Big East home favorites are 16-12 against the spread.

Home side won four of last five Michigan-Penn State games; Wolverines are 7-1 in last eight series games, 3-1 in last four played here, with wins by 10-4-6 points. Favorites are 6-2 vs spread in last eight series games. Michigan lost last two games, scoring 54.5 ppg. Penn State is 2-1 in its Big 11 home games (all three games decided by five points or less).

Air Force is 10-1 in last 11 games vs Colorado State, winning last eight; Falcons won last five visits here by 8-12-4-6-2 points (favorites 4-2-1 vs spread in last seven series games). Rams are 1-3 in MWC, losing by 14-26-16 points; they upset UNLV at home. Air Force is 0-4 in league so far, losing only road game 78-53 at New Mexico. Mountain West home favorites are 5-0 vs spread.

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[pm530]

NCAAB


Tuesday, January 20

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Trend Sheet
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TBA DELAWARE vs. DREXEL
Delaware is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Delaware's last 5 games
Drexel is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Delaware
Drexel is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Delaware


7:00 PM AKRON vs. OHIO
Akron is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Ohio
Akron is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ohio
Ohio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Akron
Ohio is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Akron


7:00 PM BOSTON COLLEGE vs. GEORGIA TECH
Boston College is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston College is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Georgia Tech is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Georgia Tech is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home


7:00 PM CENTRAL MICHIGAN vs. TOLEDO
Central Michigan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Central Michigan is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Toledo is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Central Michigan
Toledo is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Central Michigan


7:00 PM DELAWARE vs. DREXEL
Delaware is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Drexel
Delaware is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Drexel is 6-2-1 SU in its last 9 games
Drexel is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:00 PM MIAMI (OHIO) vs. BOWLING GREEN
Miami (Ohio) is 7-16-1 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Bowling Green
Miami (Ohio) is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Bowling Green
Bowling Green is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Bowling Green is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home


7:00 PM OHIO STATE vs. ILLINOIS
Ohio State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Illinois
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Illinois
Illinois is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Illinois is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games


7:00 PM WESTERN MICHIGAN vs. BALL STATE
Western Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Ball State
Western Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ball State
Ball State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Ball State is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games


7:05 PM CREIGHTON vs. EVANSVILLE
Creighton is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Evansville
Creighton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Evansville is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Evansville is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games


8:00 PM COLORADO vs. TEXAS TECH
Colorado is 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
Colorado is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Texas Tech is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
Texas Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado


8:00 PM EASTERN KENTUCKY vs. CHICAGO STATE
Eastern Kentucky is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Eastern Kentucky is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available


8:00 PM EASTERN MICHIGAN vs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Eastern Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Eastern Michigan is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Northern Illinois is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Eastern Michigan


8:00 PM NORTH CAROLINA STATE vs. DUKE
North Carolina State is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
North Carolina State is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Duke is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against North Carolina State
Duke is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against North Carolina State


8:00 PM VIRGINIA vs. MARYLAND
Virginia is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Virginia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Maryland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Virginia
Maryland is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Virginia


9:00 PM DEPAUL vs. SOUTH FLORIDA
DePaul is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
DePaul is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
South Florida is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing DePaul
South Florida is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing DePaul


9:00 PM MICHIGAN vs. PENN STATE
Michigan is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Michigan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Penn State is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Michigan
Penn State is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Michigan


9:00 PM TENNESSEE vs. VANDERBILT
Tennessee is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tennessee's last 6 games on the road
Vanderbilt is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Tennessee
Vanderbilt is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tennessee


10:00 PM AIR FORCE vs. COLORADO STATE
Air Force is 7-15-1 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
Air Force is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Air Force
Colorado State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

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[pm530]

NCAAB


We will update when added info and all projected scores are available.

Tuesday, January 20

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Tips and Trends
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Ohio State at #25 Illinois [ESPN | 7 PM ET]

Ohio State: The Buckeyes missed out on making the Top 25 this week despite going 2-0 and can make a statement by beating Illinois for the sixth straight time. They have held the Illini to just 55.4 points on 34.8 percent shooting in winning the last five meetings and were very impressive in back-to-back wins over Michigan and Indiana last week. Ohio State has won its last two conference games by a combined 31 points with a rematch against Michigan State on deck this Sunday at home.

Ohio State is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games overall.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Nikola Kecman (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 60 (Side Play of the Day)

Illinois (-7.5, O/U 121.5): The Illini hope to use outstanding defense to snap a five-game series losing streak against Ohio State. They have split games against Michigan and Michigan State last week - going 2-0 ATS - despite being held under 70 points in both games. Illinois leads the Big Ten in scoring defense, surrendering just 57 points per game. “I told our kids, the key word is ‘coachable' - they have to listen and learn if we’re going to make strides,” Illini head coach Bruce Weber said. “We have to pick up our intensity. We have to finish games against top teams in the country if we’re going to be one of the top teams in the country.”

Home team is 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
The UNDER is 7-1 in Illinois' last 8 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 61



Tennessee at Vanderbilt [ESPN | 9 PM ET]

Tennessee:

Tennessee is 11-4-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
The UNDER is 11-5 in Tennessee's last 16 road games.

Key Injuries - F Ryan Childress (knee) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Vanderbilt (Pick'em, O/U 146.5):

Vandy is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-2-1 in Vandy's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

NHL
Write-up


Tuesday, January 20

Hot teams
-- Rangers won three of their last four games.
-- Thrashers won their last two games, scoring 11 goals. Canadiens won six of their last seven games.
-- Penguins won three of their last four games.
-- Washington won its last three games, allowing five goals.
-- Minnesota won three of its last four games.
-- Red Wings won eight of their last ten games. Phoenix is 4-1 in game following their last five losses.
-- Blue Jackets, Oilers both won four of their last five games.
-- Sharks won four of their last five games.

Cold teams
-- Anaheim is 1-5 in game following its last six wins.
-- Senators lost six of their last eight games.
-- Carolina lost five of its last six games.
-- Kings lost last four games, outscored 15-4.
-- Canucks lost their last five games, outscored 25-15.

Totals
-- Last five Ranger games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Penguin home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Ottawa games went over the total.
-- Nine of Kings' last eleven games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Detroit games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Columbus games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven San Jose games went over the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Ducks are 4-6 if they play again the next night.
-- Atlanta is 3-2 at home when they play on road the next night.
-- Carolina is 5-1 when it played the night before.
-- Washington is 3-2 if it played the night before.
-- Kings are 1-7 when they play again the next night.
-- Columbus is 8-2 if it plays again the next night.

Series Records
-- Road team won last three Duck-Ranger games.
-- Canadiens won last three games vs Atlanta: 3-2/5-1/5-4.
-- Penguins won four of last five against Carolina.
-- Washington won four of last five games against the Senators.
-- Home side won last six Los Angeles-Minnesota games.
-- Red Wings won their last nine games against Phoenix.
-- Oilers won six of their last eight against Columbus.
-- Sharks won their last six games against Vancouver.

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[pm530]

NHL


Tuesday, January 20

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM ANAHEIM vs. NY RANGERS
Anaheim is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 7 games on the road
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Anaheim
NY Rangers are 5-9-1 SU in their last 15 games when playing Anaheim


7:00 PM MONTREAL vs. ATLANTA
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games
Atlanta is 4-10-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing at home against Montreal


7:30 PM CAROLINA vs. PITTSBURGH
Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina


7:30 PM WASHINGTON vs. OTTAWA
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
Ottawa is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games


8:00 PM LOS ANGELES vs. MINNESOTA
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Los Angeles's last 11 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles


9:00 PM COLUMBUS vs. EDMONTON
Columbus is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Columbus's last 23 games
Edmonton is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing at home against Columbus


9:00 PM DETROIT vs. PHOENIX
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home


10:30 PM VANCOUVER vs. SAN JOSE
Vancouver is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games
San Jose is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Vancouver
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver

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[pm530]

NHL


Tuesday, January 20

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Ice Picks: NHL Bets
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Montréal Canadiens at Atlanta Thrashers (N/A)

The Habs were lucky to leave Ottawa with two points Saturday night. They blew a two-goal lead on two occasions in the third period allowing Mike Fisher to tie the game 4-4 late in the third period. They still managed to come out on top with a 5-4 shootout win.

Montreal has won six of its last seven contests and has accumulated more than four goals a game during this streak. After a slow start to the season, the Canadiens’ power play has finally come alive racking up nine goals in the past six games. Andrei Kostitsyn, the older of the two Kostitsyn siblings, has also given Montréal a boost with 10 goals since the Christmas break.

“I’m not doing anything different,” Kostitsyn told the Montréal Gazette. “I’m working hard and trying to get shots. I’m playing with two good players (Robert Lang and younger brother Sergei) and we play good together.”

Atlanta gave the Predators quite a beating Saturday night, trouncing them 7-2 in front of a frustrated Nashville crowd.

Pick: Over



Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks (-220, 5.5)

Even with Roberto Luongo back in action, the Canucks just can’t seem to find a way to win. They lost a seventh straight home game Sunday night in a shootout to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Giveaways have been killing the Canucks. They coughed up the puck 53 times during their five-game losing streak and only forced 23 turnovers during that same stretch. Their work ethic on the defensive end hasn’t been impressive either.

“We have players that can put the puck in the net and score goals,” Sundin told reporters following Sunday’s game. “We’ve got to make sure that we play even better defence than we did tonight, and we’ll get our chances to score.”

Unfortunately for Vancouver, it will face a Sharks offence ranked second in the league with an average of 3.52 goals per game. San Jose’s 6-5 win over Detroit Saturday night placed the club in first place in the Western Conference.

Pick: Sharks

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