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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:06 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, February 16

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Huskies and Panthers have a huge Big East clash in Hartford, and the Penguins try to get back on track on Long Island.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA takes Monday off as both players and coaches travel back from the weekend's All-Star festivities. Action resumes on Tuesday with 10 games on tap.

The march toward Madness . . .

The top game on the college hoops schedule for Monday has Pittsburgh taking on Connecticut at the XL Center. The top-ranked Huskies knocked off Seton Hall 62-54 in their last contest, with Hasheem Thabeet pouring in 25 points. UConn is now at 24-1 straight-up and 12-9 against-the-spread on the season. Streaking Pittsburgh dispatched Cincinnati 85-69 last time out, with Sam Young tossing in 18 points. The Panthers now have a record of 23-2 SU and 13-6 ATS this season.

The other matchup of note on Monday night is a Big 12 clash between Texas and Texas A&M at College Station. The Longhorns are 17-7 SU and 9-12 ATS on the season, while the Aggies sit at 17-8 SU and 9-8-1 ATS through their 25 contests.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The National Hockey League has a half-dozen games on its schedule for Monday, including the Penguins on the road in Long Island. Pittsburgh took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission against the Maple Leafs on Saturday night, but then saw Toronto score six straight goals in a 6-2 Pens loss. The Islanders were also pounded in their last outing, as they fell 5-1 to the Flyers Saturday afternoon.

The Rangers will travel to St. Louis to take on the Blues on Monday night, while the Blue Jackets play host to the Stars, the Predators get a visit from the Senators, and the Oilers travel south to Phoenix to meet the Coyotes. As well, the Thrashers will be in Los Angeles to take on the Kings in a battle of two of the league's worst teams; that game rounds out the night's schedule at 10:30pm ET.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The bulk of the college hoops regular season concludes on Sunday, March 8, and the conference tournaments and March Madness will then take over the schedule. Oddsmakers have North Carolina pegged as the favorite to win the NCAA Tournament this year, with No. 1 Connecticut just behind them on that list. Pittsburgh and Duke hold down some top odds as well to take the championship.

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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:10 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, February 16

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PITTSBURGH (23 - 2) at CONNECTICUT (24 - 1) - 2/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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LOUISIANA TECH (10 - 15) at NEW MEXICO ST (13 - 12) - 2/16/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISIANA TECH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road lined games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
LOUISIANA TECH is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISIANA TECH is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW MEXICO ST over the last 3 seasons
NEW MEXICO ST is 4-1 straight up against LOUISIANA TECH 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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TEXAS (17 - 7) at TEXAS A&M (17 - 8) - 2/16/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS A&M is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS A&M is 3-2 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS is 3-2 straight up against TEXAS A&M 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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CANISIUS (7 - 18) at LOYOLA-MD (11 - 16) - 2/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CANISIUS is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-MD is 3-2 against the spread versus CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-MD is 5-0 straight up against CANISIUS 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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COLL OF CHARLESTON (18 - 7) at APPALACHIAN ST (10 - 14) - 2/16/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after a conference game this season.
APPALACHIAN ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) in road lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
APPALACHIAN ST is 4-2 against the spread versus COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
APPALACHIAN ST is 3-3 straight up against COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SIENA (20 - 6) at IONA (12 - 14) - 2/16/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) against conference opponents this season.
SIENA is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) in road games since 1997.
SIENA is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
IONA is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
IONA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
IONA is 3-2 against the spread versus SIENA over the last 3 seasons
SIENA is 5-0 straight up against IONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MARIST (8 - 19) at ST PETERS (8 - 17) - 2/16/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
ST PETERS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
ST PETERS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST PETERS is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARIST is 3-2 against the spread versus ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
MARIST is 5-0 straight up against ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:10 AM

NCAAB

Monday, February 16

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM CANISIUS vs. LOYOLA
Canisius is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Loyola
Canisius is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Loyola
Loyola is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Canisius
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Loyola's last 5 games when playing Canisius

7:00 PM PITTSBURGH vs. CONNECTICUT
Pittsburgh is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Connecticut
Pittsburgh is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Connecticut
Connecticut is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Connecticut's last 8 games at home

7:30 PM COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON vs. APPALACHIAN STATE
College of Charleston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Appalachian State
College of Charleston is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Appalachian State
Appalachian State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Appalachian State is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home

7:30 PM SIENA vs. IONA
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Iona
Siena is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Iona is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Iona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM MARIST vs. SAINT PETER'S
Marist is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Marist is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Saint Peter's is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Marist
Saint Peter's is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM LOUISIANA TECH vs. NEW MEXICO STATE
Louisiana Tech is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games on the road
New Mexico State is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Louisiana Tech

9:00 PM TEXAS vs. TEXAS A&M
Texas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas A&M
Texas is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Texas A&M
Texas A&M is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Texas
Texas A&M is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing Texas

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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:11 AM

NCAAB

Monday, February 16

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Tips and Trends
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#4 Pittsburgh at #1 Connecticut [ESPN | 7 PM ET]

Pitt: The Panthers are coming off an 85-69 rout of Cincinnati on Saturday and may have an edge in the backcourt against the Huskies. Without third-leading scorer Jerome Dyson, UConn will battle the NCAA leader in assist-to-turnover ratio in Pitt's Levance Fields, who is averaging 12 points, 12.5 assists and 1.5 turnovers in his last four games. “Everything we do on offense flows through him and he’s really just leading us perfectly right now,” said Panthers head coach Jamie Dixon of Fields. The Huskies lack quality depth behind A.J. Price, as senior Craig Austrie made only 2-of-10 shots and scored six points filling in for Dyson on Saturday.

Pitt is 7-3-1 ATS in its last 11 road games.
The UNDER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 64 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

UConn (-3, O/U 136): Hasheem Thabeet is coming off a career game for the Huskies, totaling 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine blocks in a 62-54 win over Seton Hall on Saturday. The 7-foot-3 center has played like a man among boys lately, earning high praise from both head coaches. “The difference tonight was there were nine players and Hasheem,” UConn's Jim Calhoun said after beating the Pirates. “Every once in a while you see that.” “Hasheem Thabeet is a great player who’s really improved tremendously as his career has gone on,” Dixon said. “He started against us here his freshman year. Now, two years later they’re the number-one ranked team in the country riding him very hard. That shows great improvement.”

UConn is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 Monday games.
The UNDER is 8-2 in UConn's last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Jerome Dyson (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 67

Texas at Texas A&M [ESPN | 9 PM ET]

Texas (-2.5, O/U 131): The Longhorns will try to win three in a row following a three-game losing streak and hope to have an easier time than they did on Saturday in an 85-76 overtime win at Colorado. That likely won't be the case though considering Texas A&M is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings with Texas. The Longhorns are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with leading scorer A.J. Abrams scoring more than 20 points only once during that stretch.

Texas is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 Monday games.
The OVER is 4-2 in the last 6 meetings

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 65

Texas A&M: The Aggies will be looking to end a three-game skid, something the Longhorns have just rebounded from in winning their last two games. Texas A&M suffered a 72-68 loss at Baylor on Saturday but covered the spread to improve to 5-1 ATS in its last six games. Rebounding could again decide this matchup with Texas. The Aggies have out-rebounded their last five opponents and have been out-rebounded by the Longhorns just once in the last five meetings.

Texas A&M is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
The UNDER is 12-4 in Texas A&M's last 16 games vs. Big 12.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 66 (Side Play of the Day)

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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:12 AM

NCAAB

Monday, February 16

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College funds: NCAAB best bets
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Pittsburgh Panthers at Connecticut Huskies (-3, 136)

With Connecticut entering its third week as the nation's top-ranked team, the accolades keep coming in for massive Huskies center Hasheem Thabeet.

DeJuan Blair and Pittsburgh were also ranked No. 1 for a week, and they feel they are the Big East team that is the best in the nation.

The fourth-ranked Panthers will finally get their first look at Connecticut in Monday night's much-anticipated meeting of powerhouses in Hartford, as the Huskies look for their 14th straight win on the day one of their top scorers is scheduled for season-ending knee surgery.

Connecticut's dominating rise to the top of the rankings was tempered last week by the loss of guard Jerome Dyson, the team's third-leading scorer with 13.2 points per game. Dyson will have surgery Monday to repair a torn meniscus.

The injury only served to shift the spotlight even more on Thabeet, the 7-foot-3 junior from Tanzania who set new career highs with 25 points and 20 rebounds in a 62-54 win at Seton Hall on Saturday.

But perhaps his most important contributions were his nine blocked shots, as he ramped up his overpowering interior defense for the first-place Huskies (24-1, 12-1).

"The difference tonight was there were nine players and Hasheem," Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said. "Every once in a while you see that."

One of the country's most improved players, Thabeet ranks second nationally in both field goal percentage (65.4) and blocked shots (4.4 per game).

"Hasheem Thabeet is a great player who's really improved tremendously as his career has gone on," Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon said. "He started against us here his freshmen year and that UConn team didn't even make the NCAA tournament.

"Now, two years later they're the number-one ranked team in the country riding him very hard. That shows great improvement."

Dixon will likely try to counter Thabeet with the bulkier Blair, even though he's giving up eight inches in what should be a physical inside battle. Connecticut hasn't been outrebounded all season, but Blair ranks fifth nationally with 12.3 rebounds per game, including 5.8 on the offensive end - easily the most in the country.

Blair scored 17 points in the Panthers' fifth straight win, 85-69 over Cincinnati on Saturday. The sophomore's 7-of-9 shooting led Pitt (23-2, 10-2) to a season-best 67.4 percent mark from the field.

"We can run with the best of them when we're playing like this," Blair said.

While Blair averages a double-double and Sam Young leads the team with 17.9 points per game, Levance Fields' numbers have been arguably even more impressive lately.

The Pitt point guard is averaging 12.0 points, 12.3 assists and 1.5 turnovers in his last four games, and he leads the nation for the season with a 4.15 assist-to-turnover ratio.

"Everything we do on offense flows through him and he's really just leading us perfectly right now," Dixon said of Fields.

Pitt and Connecticut also met at Hartford's XL Center last season, with the Huskies earning a 60-53 win on Feb. 2, 2008, while Pitt was without an injured Fields.

Pick: UConn

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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:15 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, February 16

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PITTSBURGH (27-25-0-5, 59 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (16-33-0-6, 38 pts.) - 2/16/2009, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 27-30 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 1-8 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 26-12 ATS (+11.6 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 28-56 ATS (-33.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 43-84 ATS (-48.3 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 1-14 ATS (+28.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 1-12 ATS (+23.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 12-7 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 12-7-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.9 Units)

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DALLAS (27-21-0-7, 61 pts.) at COLUMBUS (28-23-0-5, 61 pts.) - 2/16/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 28-28 ATS (-2.2 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 129-71 ATS (+35.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 16-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 7-14 ATS (-7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLUMBUS is 7-17 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 5-6 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-5-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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NY RANGERS (30-20-0-6, 66 pts.) at ST LOUIS (23-25-0-7, 53 pts.) - 2/16/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 8-16 ATS (-11.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 9-20 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 1-0-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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OTTAWA (21-25-0-8, 50 pts.) at NASHVILLE (27-26-0-3, 57 pts.) - 2/16/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 21-33 ATS (+55.3 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 95-89 ATS (-44.0 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
OTTAWA is 8-16 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OTTAWA is 8-14 ATS (-19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 26-41 ATS (-34.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 14-23 ATS (-15.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 12-4 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 2-0-0 straight up against OTTAWA 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)

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EDMONTON (28-23-0-4, 60 pts.) at PHOENIX (25-27-0-5, 55 pts.) - 2/16/2009, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 69-68 ATS (+148.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 34-27 ATS (+3.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 14-7 ATS (+6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 24-23 ATS (+60.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 36-25 ATS (+67.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 46-80 ATS (-62.3 Units) in February games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 117-144 ATS (-98.7 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 8-2 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 8-2-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.0 Units)

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ATLANTA (19-32-0-5, 43 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (24-22-0-8, 56 pts.) - 2/16/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 11-6 ATS (+17.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 83-107 ATS (+196.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 1-0-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES 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)

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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:16 AM

NHL

Monday, February 16

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Trend Sheet
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2:00 PM PITTSBURGH vs. NY ISLANDERS
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the NY Islanders last 13 games

7:00 PM DALLAS vs. COLUMBUS
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
Columbus is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games

7:00 PM NY RANGERS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Rangers are 2-4-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

8:00 PM OTTAWA vs. NASHVILLE
Ottawa is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Ottawa is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Nashville is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

9:30 PM EDMONTON vs. PHOENIX
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home

10:30 PM ATLANTA vs. LOS ANGELES
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**pm530** · 02-16-2009, 06:16 AM

NHL

Monday, February 16

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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Dallas Stars at Columbus Blue Jackets (-125, 5.5)

The return of Steve Mason has once again put the Blue Jackets back on track and right in the tight Western Conference playoff race. The Blue Jackets are coming off of a 5-1 win over Carolina. Columbus did manage to find the back of the net five times in that game, but goaltending was the difference.

"Our defence and goaltending really held us in," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "I thought our defensemen as a group played really well."

The Dallas Stars fell to the Blackhawks 6-2 on Saturday night. Workhorse Marty Turco was pulled after two periods of action in Chicago. Turco was probably begging for a little rest after starting 26 straight games for Dallas.

These teams have met three times this season and each contest resulted in an over. The Stars and Jackets are due for a tight checking contest with playoff position now in the cards. If Turco does get the start for the Stars the battle between the pipes could be a classic.

Pick: Under

Ottawa Senators at Nashville Predators (-140, 5.5)

It may be too little too late but the Senators have turned it around. Saturday night's come-from-behind win over Minnesota proved that the Sens are back on track. Ottawa was trailing 3-0 midway through the game but scored five unanswered against a skilled defensive club in Minnesota.

Minnesota Coach Jacques Lemaire praised the Senators’ effort.

“It's very obvious when you look at the games prior to the change. Their top players are playing well. They're not at their best. This will only get better."'

The Preds have won back to back games in shootouts including a huge win over the Boston Bruins. Preds puck stopper Pekka Rinne continues to impress.

"It's a huge confidence boost," said Rinne, who stopped 23 of 25 shots in regulation and three of four shootout attempts. "You just have to look at the standings and realize how big every point is."

The Preds has won both meetings against Ottawa this year scoring 12 goals in the process, but they are facing a different Senator team this time around.

Pick: Senators

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**Udog** · 02-16-2009, 08:42 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Texas at Texas A&M
The Longhorns are just 3-7 ATS against conference opponents this season, while the Aggies 6-3 ATS as an underdog. Texas A&M is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+2). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Game 501-502: Pittsburgh at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 77.299; Connecticut 81.950
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 3
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-3)

Game 503-504: Louisiana Tech at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 53.283; New Mexico State 58.100
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 5
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (+9)

Game 505-506: Texas at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 68.631; Texas A&M 68.453
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Texas by 2
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+2)

Game 507-508: Canisius at Loyola-MD
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 47.483; Loyola-MD 50.645
Dunkel Line: Loyola-MD by 3
Vegas Line: Loyola-MD by 7
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+7)

Game 509-510: College of Charleston at Appalachian State
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 53.647; Appalachian State 52.171
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 1
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (+1)

Game 511-512: Siena at Iona
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 60.268; Iona 55.306
Dunkel Line: Siena by 5
Vegas Line: Siena by 4
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-4)

Game 513-513: Marist at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 45.780; St. Peter's 50.898
Dunkel Line: St. Peter's by 5
Vegas Line: St. Peter's by 3
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (-3)

**Udog** · 02-16-2009, 09:07 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Dallas at Columbus
The Stars look to rebound from a 6-2 loss at Chicago on Saturday and build on their 10-4 record after losing by 2 goals or more in their previous game. Dallas is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+105). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Game 51-52: Pittsburgh at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.409; NY Islanders 11.747
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-180); 6
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+160); Under

Game 53-54: Dallas at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 12.966; Columbus 12.019
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+105); Under

Game 55-56: NY Rangers at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.670; St. Louis 10.336
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+100); Over

Game 57-58: Ottawa at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 12.429; Nashville 12.219
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+120); Under

Game 59-60: Edmonton at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 11.465; Phoenix 11.229
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-110); Over

Game 61-62: Atlanta at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 11.787; Los Angeles 12.457
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-215); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-215); Over

**Udog** · 02-16-2009, 11:03 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Monday, February 16

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

UConn won three of last four games vs Pitt, winning by 9-4-7 points-- Panthers lost three of last four visits here, by 3-4-7; underdogs are 5-3 vs spread in last eight series games. Huskies won last 13 games, are 5-1 vs spread in last six league games, but are playing second game without injured Dyson. Panthers split last four road games, losing by 6-10.

Louisiana Tech is 5-1 as WAC road dog, losing away games by 1-17-5- 8 points, while winning at San Jose/Nevada. New Mexico State won four of last five games, but they're just 1-5 as WAC home favorite, winning at home by 3-8-10-8 points, with losses to Nevada/Utah State. Aggies won in OT Saturday at home. WAC home favorites are 14-21 vs spread.

Texas A&M (+13) lost 67-58 at Texas Jan 24 (was 30-28 at half); A&M covered five of last six games, they're 3-2 at home in Big 12, losing by 6 to Oklahoma, 5 to K-State, with wins vs Baylor/Texas Tech/Oklahoma State. Texas is 2-3 in last five games and needed OT to win at Colorado Saturday- they're 1-4 vs spread in last five games as a favorite.

Loyola Md (+3.5) crushed Canisius 86-62 Jan 3 in Buffalo, but Loyola has now lost last four games, by 14-7-13-12 points- they put other side on foul line 135 times in those four games- they foul too much. Griffins lost last six games (0-5 vs spread in last five); they're 4-3 as road dog in MAAC play, losing road games by 18-24-11-3-6-18-13 points.

Appalachian State (+10.5) lost 88-80 in Charleston Jan 21; Cougars hit 11-21 from arc, shot 55% for game, but they're 3-4 since that game, 1-2 on road. ASU lost three of last four games, with all three losses by five points or in OT- they're 2-4 in last six home games. Home favorites are 26-31 against the spread in Southern Conference games.

Siena (-10) nipped Iona 69-68 at home Jan 26, a game they led 42-31 at half; Saints are 1-5 as MAAC road favorite, winning away games by 7- 4-6-16-11 points (lost at Rider). Siena's four wins since the Iona win are all by 11+ points. Iona is 2-4 in last six games; they're just 7-8 in league, this is first time they're home dog this year. MAAC home dogs: 11-8.

St Peter's (+10) lost 60-54 at Marist Jan 2 (was 34-19 at half), but Red Foxes have now lost eight of last nine games, with three OT losses- they are 2-4 as MAAC road dog, losing away games by 17-11-6-10-1-5 pts. Peacocks are 9-3 vs spread in last 12 games, 2-2 SU in last four, but this is first time they're favored in a MAAC game this season.

**Udog** · 02-16-2009, 11:05 AM

NHL
Write-Up

Monday, February 16

Hot teams
-- Jackets won last four games, outscoring foes 14-5. Dallas won eight of its last eleven games.
-- Predators won six of their last eight games. Senators won last four in a row, scoring 16 goals.
-- Oilers are 5-4 in their last nine road games.

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost last five games, outscored 17-8. Penguins lost last four road games- they fired their coach yesterday.
-- Rangers lost seven of their last eight games. Blues are 0-4 in game after their last four wins.
-- Coyotes are 1-8 since the All-Star break.
-- Thrashers lost seven of their last ten games. Kings lost last two games, 2-0/3-2.

Totals
-- Last three Islander games all went over the total.
-- Four of last five Columbus games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Ranger road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Nashville games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Edmonton games; four of last five Coyote games went over.
-- Five of last seven Atlanta games stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Rangers are 6-2 if they played the day/night before.
-- Senators are 4-6 if they play again the next night.
-- Edmonton is 5-4 if it plays again the next night.
-- Atlanta is 5-6 when it played the night before.

Series Records
-- Penguins won eight of last ten games against the Islanders.
-- Dallas is 4-3 in its last seven games in Columbus.
-- Predators won last two games vs Ottawa, 6-0/6-5.
-- Oilers won their last four games against Phoenix.

**Udog** · 02-16-2009, 11:11 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Monday, 2/16/2009

PITTSBURGH at CONNECTICUT, 7:00 PM ET - * Played at XL Center (Hartford, CT) ESPN
PITTSBURGH: 8-1 ATS off 4 straight DD wins
CONNECTICUT: 10-3 Under vs. conference

LOUISIANA TECH at NEW MEXICO ST, 9:00 PM ET
LOUISIANA TECH: 8-2 ATS as road underdog
NEW MEXICO ST: 1-10 ATS off an Over

TEXAS at TEXAS A&M, 9:00 PM ET ESPN
TEXAS: 8-23 ATS off BB Overs
TEXAS A&M: 6-0 ATS playing with same season revenge

Added Games

CANISIUS at LOYOLA-MD, 7:00 PM ET
CANISIUS: 16-28 ATS playing with revenge
LOYOLA-MD: 9-0 ATS off SU loss as favorite

COLL OF CHARLESTON at APPALACHIAN ST, 7:30 PM ET
COLL OF CHARLESTON: 19-8 ATS off DD loss
APPALACHIAN ST: 6-0 Over off BB Overs

SIENA at IONA, 7:30 PM ET
SIENA: 7-1 Over in road games
IONA: 3-12 ATS as home underdog

MARIST at ST PETERS, 8:00 PM ET
MARIST: 19-9 Over Away vs. conference
ST PETERS: 11-3 ATS vs. conference

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 02-16-2009, 11:13 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, 2/16/2009

PITTSBURGH at NY ISLANDERS, 2:05 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 17-7 SU off loss by 3+ goals
NY ISLANDERS: 1-14 SU vs. division

DALLAS at COLUMBUS, 7:05 PM ET
DALLAS: 19-8 SU off SU loss
COLUMBUS: 4-11 SU at home vs. Dallas

NY RANGERS at ST LOUIS, 7:05 PM ET VER
NY RANGERS: 17-5 SU off division loss
ST LOUIS: 9-20 SU at home playing with 2 days rest

OTTAWA at NASHVILLE, 8:05 PM ET
OTTAWA: 0-5 SU after scoring 5+ goals BB games
NASHVILLE: 6-2 SU in February

EDMONTON at PHOENIX, 9:35 PM ET
EDMONTON: 9-5 SU Away off SU win
PHOENIX: 2-8 SU vs. Edmonton

ATLANTA at LOS ANGELES, 10:35 PM ET
ATLANTA: 0-9 SU Away off win by 2+ goals
LOS ANGELES: 4-1 SU at home vs. Atlanta

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Announcement

Monday Trends and Indexes 2/16 (NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 2/16 (NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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