Announcement

**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:30 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, March 30

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Heat get a visit from the rival Magic, the Devils clash on the ice with the Rangers, and the CBI begins its championship.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The Heat will host the Magic in an all-Florida matchup on Monday night in one of just four games on the NBA schedule. Orlando is coming off a 110-94 win over the Bucks on Friday night, with Rashard Lewis tossing in 19 points to go along with eight boards in that win. The Heat took care of Milwaukee in their last outing as well, beating them 102-85 on Saturday. The Magic and Heat last met on the hardwood in Orlando February 22, with the Magic winning convincingly 122-99.

Also on the NBA's slate for Monday: Milwaukee at New Jersey, Memphis at Golden State, and New York at Utah. The Jazz are coming off a big 104-99 overtime win over the Suns on Saturday, with Mehmet Okur pouring in 26 points and Deron Williams providing 21 points and 13 assists. The Knicks and Jazz last met on November 9, with New York winning 107-99 as a 4-point home underdog.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

There are just three games on the National Hockey League's schedule for Monday night, including the Devils on the road at Madison Square Garden to take on the rival Rangers. New Jersey has been looking to lock down top spot in the Atlantic Division, but they're coming off a 2-1 loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday. The Rangers are just trying to hold onto an playoff spot in the Eastern Conference; they fell 4-3 to the Pens when those teams met Saturday afternoon.

Also on tap for Monday are San Jose at Calgary, and Dallas at Phoenix. The Sharks have already claimed the Pacific Division crown, and they topped the Coyotes 3-2 on Saturday. The Flames hold just a slight edge on the Canucks for first place in the Northwest, and they slipped past the Wild 3-2 on Saturday. The Stars' drive for a playoff berth in the Western Conference was delivered a blow in their Saturday matchup when they were doubled up 6-3 at home by the Panthers.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The lone college hoops game on Monday night will take place at Oregon State, where the Beavers will host the UTEP Miners in the first game of the 'Best of Three' championship series of the College Basketball Invitational. The Miners advanced to the championship with an 81-69 win over Richmond in the semifinals; Stefon Jackson had 34 points in that contest. The Beavers dropped Stanford 65-62 in overtime last round, behind 16 points from Lathen Wallace. UTEP is pegged as a 1-point favorite on Monday, with the total at 131.5 points. Games 2 and 3 (if required) will be contested at UTEP on Wednesday and Friday.

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:30 AM

Six-pack for Monday

Some baseball stats to ponder, with the last week of spring training underway; in a week, we start playing for real.

-- Giants were 36-26 when Lincecum/Sanchez started, 36-64 with all their other starting pitchers.

-- Carlos Pena walked nine times with bases loaded LY, the most of anyone in the last twenty years.

-- Toronto was only team in major leagues whose #5 slot in batting order scored the most runs on its team.

-- Tampa Bay's five starting pitchers started 153 of 162 games LY.

-- Adrian Gonzalez knocked in 19% of San Diego's runs, highest % of any player in major leagues.

-- Padres' 36 stolen bases LY were 2nd-least by any team since '84.

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:31 AM

Monday's List of 13: Random thoughts after a sports weekend

13) The Field of 65 is down to four; two #1 seeds, a #2 and a #3, so nothing outrageous, but doubt you know anyone who had all four in his bracket two weeks ago.

12) Stephen Curry's little brother Seth is transferring from Liberty to Duke, so now Coach K, Educator, is stealing players from Big South teams. He'd be better off stealing some players who can score inside.

11) How good is Blake Griffin? He was playing 1-on-5 for a while vs North Carolina, and kept his Oklahoma team in game for while. Now the Sooners are going to be rebuilding bigtime next season.

10) Michigan State was a #2 seed, so it shouldn't be so shocking they beat Louisille, but the way they totally demoralized the Cardinals is really surprising. Holding them to 52 points was really shocking.

9) Word out of Kentucky is that Billy Gillispie got the boot because he didn't like doing off-court appearances that are part of a job in the basketball-crazed state, and is part of why the Kentucky head coach rakes in a small fortune. Whoever the next UK coach is will have to have an outgoing personality as well as win 25 games a year.

8) Speaking of which, how does Kentucky AD Barnhart not lose his job? He butchered the Gillispie hiring, costing the school $6M, now he is on the hot seat again, and has already been turned down by both Donovan and Calipari. Lucky for Barnhart that he struck gold when he hired football coach Rich Brooks, who is a terrific coach.

7) Was there any doubt Eldrick Woods wins at Bay Hill yesterday? He starts the day five strokes behind, but no way was Sean O'Hair beating Mr Woods head-to-head. He is the greatest golfer ever.

6) Little things make a big difference; Villanova beats Pitt by a hoop Saturday night......they missed one foul shot, Pitt missed eight.

5) All three times Jim Calhoun has been in a Final Four, his Huskies came out of the West region to get there. Go figure.

4) Spring training games from Arizona are hard to gauge; seems like there are so many runs scored in Cactus League tilts, like the whole state is one big Coors Field. Makes it tough to judge pitchers as they get ready for the season. Once the regular season starts and games are in cooler/cold weather, advantage swings to the pitchers, bigtime.

3) MLB Network continues to impress; lot of good information on all things baseball, even fantasy league stuff.

2) Little weird to be having a thunderstorm here in upstate New York on March 29, but as I type this, there is thunder above us.

1) We're going to have lot of fantasy baseball info this week, starting on Tuesday, as we rank the best players at each position.

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:32 AM

NBA
Write-up

Monday, March 30

Hot Teams
-- Orlando won its last five games (2-3 vs spread).
-- Utah won four of its last five games.

Cold Teams
-- Miami lost five of its last seven games.
-- Milwaukee lost its last five games (0-5 vs spread). Nets lost their last four games (1-3 vs spread).
-- Knicks lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Warriors lost their last four games (1-3 vs spread). Grizzlies lost six of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine New York games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Golden State games went over total; four of last five Memphis games stayed under.

Back-to Back
-- Nets covered one of last four if they played the day/night before.
-- Knicks are 3-6 vs spread if they play again the next night.

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:32 AM

NBA

Monday, March 30

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Trend Sheet
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7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. NEW JERSEY
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. MIAMI
Orlando is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. UTAH
New York is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 9 games
Utah is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against New York
Utah is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against New York

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. GOLDEN STATE
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:33 AM

NBA

Monday, March 30

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Tips and Trends
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Orlando Magic at Miami Heat [7:30 PM ET]

Magic (-3, O/U 194): Orlando is battling Boston for the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race thanks to five straight wins and 12 in 14 games. The Magic are coming off a 110-94 rout of Milwaukee on Friday that allowed star big man Dwight Howard to get some rest. Howard totaled 18 points and eight rebounds in less than 25 minutes of action following a monster performance of 24 points and 21 boards in an 84-82 win over Boston on Thursday. “We’re just trying to find that rhythm that you can stay in,” Orlando point guard Rafer Alston said. “It’s all about finding that groove going into the playoffs.”

Magic are 9-2-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
The UNDER is 6-1 in Orlando's last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Jameer Nelson (shoulder) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 100 (Side Play of the Day)

Heat: Miami has dropped 11 of the last 12 meetings with Orlando despite some terrific performances from star Dwyane Wade, who has averaged 37.2 points in his last six games against the Magic. “My concern is when Dwyane goes into the Hall of Fame and they start putting off his top career games, it’s going to be like 50 versus Orlando,” Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy said. “We’re going to fill up the entire screen. So, I don’t know what to tell you.” The Heat are hoping to lock themselves into the fifth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, which would keep them from playing Cleveland, Boston and Orlando in the first round of the playoffs. “These last 10 games are very, very important,” said Miami forward Udonis Haslem.

Heat are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Monday games.
The OVER is 8-2-1 in Miami's last 11 home games.

Key Injuries -

PROJECTED SCORE: 94

New York Knicks at Utah Jazz [9 PM ET]

Knicks: New York has dropped seven of eight to fall out of playoff contention, but the team managed to get center Eddy Curry back into action in a 96-85 setback at Charlotte on Saturday. Curry picked up three fouls in less than three minutes of action while grabbing one rebound against the Bobcats. “I’m going (to Utah) to win the game,” Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I’ll try to get (Curry) out there as much as I can and hopefully he can improve as we go along. I want to win so I’ll make some decisions good or bad trying to win.”

Knicks are 8-0 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 8-1 in New York's last 9 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Quentin Richardson (ankle) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 98 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Jazz (-11, O/U 213): Utah will put its 15-game home winning streak on the line against an opponent that has gone 7-2 in the last nine meetings. The Jazz blew a 21-point lead on Saturday in a 104-99 overtime win against Phoenix, and head coach Jerry Sloan knows his team needs to do a better job of putting the opposition away. “That was one that just about got away from us,” Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. “We had a nice lead and then we just quit competing. You can’t afford to do that.”

Jazz are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-0 in Utah's last 9 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 109

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:33 AM

NBA

Monday, March 30

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Orlando Magic at Miami Heat (+3, 194.5)

Dwyane Wade has had some memorable performances against the Orlando Magic in his career. The only problem is it hasn't led to many wins for the Miami Heat.

The Heat hope to avoid a 12th loss in 13 meetings with the Magic as they look for Wade to have another high-scoring effort Monday night in Miami.

Wade leads the league in scoring (29.8) and has helped the Heat (39-34) win 24 more games than a year ago to emerge as one of the top contenders for league MVP.

He scored 27 points in Saturday's 102-95 win over Milwaukee to help Miami bounce back from back-to-back disappointing losses.

The Heat are in a tight race with Philadelphia for fifth place in the Eastern Conference - a critical spot because it would ensure not seeing Cleveland, Orlando or Boston until at least the second round of the playoffs. Miami, which still has a game left against the Celtics on April 10, is a combined 3-7 against those teams this season.

"These last 10 games are very, very important," said Udonis Haslem, who had 16 points and 12 rebounds for his 100th career double-double Saturday.

The Heat have had significant trouble beating the Magic (54-18), although Wade has managed to score against them with ease.

In their last meeting on Feb. 22, Orlando defeated Miami 122-99, despite a career-high 50 points from Wade. It was the first time since March 14, 1995 - when Dana Barros had 50 for Philadelphia in a 136-107 defeat against Houston - that a player scored so many and his team lost by 20-plus points.

Wade has scored at least 32 points in seven of his last nine games versus the Magic. In six contests against Orlando since the start of the 2006-07 season, the five-time All-Star is averaging 37.2 points - his highest scoring average against any opponent in that span.

Pick: Over 194.5

Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (N/A)

Though they rank among the NBA's worst teams, the Golden State Warriors have put together a strong stretch at home thanks largely to prolific offense.

That formula for success, though, will be harder to maintain without Stephen Jackson.

With Jackson out for the season, the Warriors come off a winless road trip looking to avoid being swept in their season series with the lowly Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.

Golden State (25-48), which has not had its full lineup all season, announced Saturday that Jackson will undergo surgery Tuesday to remove a bone fragment in his left big toe. The veteran swingman ranks among the NBA leaders in minutes per game at 39.6 while averaging a team-high 20.7 points.

"We are not going to quit," Warriors guard Jamal Crawford said. "That is the thing about us. We have got young guys and we have got a lot of pride and our coach won't let us quit."

Golden State has lost five of six and went 0-4 on its just-completed road trip, but it's been more than respectable at home over the last two months. The Warriors have won nine of 13 at Oracle Arena, averaging 120.5 points during a stretch that includes wins over Phoenix, Utah, Portland, Dallas and Philadelphia.

Pick: Golden State

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:34 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

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Monday, March 30
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UTEP (22 - 12) at OREGON ST (16 - 17) - 3/30/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTEP is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
UTEP is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
UTEP is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games this season.
UTEP is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road lined games this season.
UTEP is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
UTEP is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
OREGON ST is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON ST is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 86-123 ATS (-49.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OREGON ST is 50-75 ATS (-32.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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Tuesday, March 31
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BAYLOR (23 - 14) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (26 - 9) - 3/31/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
BAYLOR is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BAYLOR is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NOTRE DAME (21 - 14) vs. PENN ST (25 - 11) - 3/31/2009, 9:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NOTRE DAME is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
NOTRE DAME is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.

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

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OLD DOMINION (24 - 10) vs. BRADLEY (21 - 14) - 3/31/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OLD DOMINION is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 47-72 ATS (-32.2 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
OLD DOMINION is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 74-102 ATS (-38.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
BRADLEY is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:35 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Monday, March 30th

CBI Tournament - Championship Series - Best of 3 - Game 1

UTEP at OREGON STATE, 10:05 PM ET
UTEP: 6-0 Over when the total is 130 to 139.5
OREGON ST: 7-0 ATS as home dog of 6pts or less

Tuesday, March 31st

NIT Tournament - Semifinals - New York, NY

BAYLOR vs. SAN DIEGO STATE, 7:00 PM ET ESPN2
BAYLOR: 4-11 ATS as favorite
SAN DIEGO ST: 13-2 Under off 3 non-conf games

NOTRE DAME vs. PENN STATE, 9:20 PM ET ESPN2
NOTRE DAME: 9-0 Under as neutral court favorite
PENN STATE: 1-8 ATS off SU dog win

CIT Tournament – Championship

OLD DOMINION vs. BRADLEY, 8:05 PM ET FSN
OLD DOMINION: 1-11 ATS off 10+ point conference win
BRADLEY: 6-0 ATS off BB Home wins

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:35 AM

NCAAB
Write-up

Monday, March 30

CBI tournament

UTEP-Oregon State are playing best-of-3 series in finals-- this is Game 1, with Game 2 in El Paso Wednesday, Game 3 back here Friday.

Oregon State's three wins in the CBI are all at home; 49-45 vs Houston, 71-70 in OT over Vermont, 65-62 in OT over Stanford, they trailed two of the three at halftime. UTEP had to win two road games to get here-- 79-77 at Nevada, 81-69 at Richmond- they also beat Northeastern 75-66 at home. Miners lost 88-58 to Arizona State on neutral court, in its only game vs Pac-10 foe, back in November. Beavers won five in row at home

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:36 AM

NCAAB

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Trend Sheet
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Monday, March 30

10:00 PM
TEXAS EL PASO vs. OREGON STATE
Texas El Paso is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Texas El Paso is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oregon State is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oregon State's last 5 games

Tuesday, March 31

7:00 PM
BAYLOR vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
Baylor is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Baylor is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games
San Diego State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
San Diego State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

8:00 PM
OLD DOMINION vs. BRADLEY
Old Dominion is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Old Dominion's last 6 games
Bradley is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Bradley is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

9:30 PM
NOTRE DAME vs. PENN STATE
Notre Dame is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Notre Dame is 7-14 ATS in its last 21 games
Penn State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Penn State's last 7 games

Wednesday, April 1

10:00 PM
OREGON STATE vs. TEXAS EL PASO
Oregon State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Oregon State is 4-20 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Texas El Paso is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas El Paso's last 7 games at home

Saturday, April 4

5:30 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. CONNECTICUT
Michigan State is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Connecticut is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Connecticut is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games

7:55 PM
VILLANOVA vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Villanova is 14-7 ATS in its last 21 games
Villanova is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
North Carolina is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:37 AM

NHL
Write-up

Monday, March 30

Hot teams
-- Sharks won six of their last nine games.

Cold teams
-- Devils lost their last four games, scoring total of six goals. Rangers lost three of their last four games.
-- Calgary is 1-5 in game after its last six wins.
-- Dallas lost its last six games, outscored 23-10. Coyotes are 4-11 in last fifteen games.

Totals
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five New Jersey games; six of last nine Ranger games went over.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Calgary games.
-- Three of last four Dallas games went over the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Stars lost five of last six games if they play again the next night.

Series Records
-- New Jersey won last three games against the Rangers: 8-5/4-2/3-0.
-- Sharks lost four of last five visits to Calgary.
-- Coyotes won three of last four vs Dallas, winning last two, both 1-0.

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:37 AM

NHL

Monday, March 30

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. NY RANGERS
New Jersey is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
NY Rangers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against New Jersey
NY Rangers are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing New Jersey

9:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Calgary
San Jose is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing San Jose

10:00 PM
DALLAS vs. PHOENIX
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Dallas

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**pm530** · 03-30-2009, 04:38 AM

NHL

Monday, March 30

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils (-105, 5.5)

The New Jersey Devils are trying to work their way out of the team's worst slump of the season. Marty Brodeur and his cohorts have dropped four in a row including a 2-1 loss to the Hurricanes Saturday.

The Devils looked like a tired team surrendering a 1-0 third period lead to the Canes. The Devils’ playoff position is all but secure, however, there is still much to play for and it starts with a huge game against one of their biggest rivals.

"We've lost four in a row and we've won one of our last six," coach Brent Sutter told reporters. "Yeah, I'd say it's a big game. The reality of it all is at this time of year every game is a big game.”

Critics are comparing the four-game losing streak to a late-season stumble the Devils had to deal with last year.

"I don't know why people keep talking about that. It's a different team," Zach Parise told the media. "All teams go through bad times during the year. I just hate the fact people keep referring to last year. It's a different atmosphere in here. It's not the same team."

The Rangers have lost three of their last four and are by no means a lock for the postseason. Heading into Monday night, the Rangers sit seventh in the Eastern Conference and just one point ahead of the eighth-place Canadiens and two points clear of the Panthers who sit in ninth.

The Rangers won the first two meetings of the season but the Devils have taken the past three. The Rangers are a desperate team but the Devils appear to be angry having to deal with this four-game slide.

Pick: New Jersey Devils -105

San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames (-137, 5.5)

The Sharks and the Flames are both battling for playoff position. San Jose is jostling with the Red Wings for top spot in the NHL and more importantly home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

"I really don't think right now this group is focused on staying in front of Detroit," coach Todd McLellan said after San Jose to a 3-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Saturday night. "We can't play these last seven games with Detroit in the back of our mind. We are a better team when we are focused on what we're doing."

The Sharks are a beat up team with nine regular players out of the line up due to injury.

"Everyone is going to have to contribute," Tom Cavanagh told reporters. "We have a lot of injuries so we need all four lines to go out there and create some energy. That's what this team needs.”

Prior to the Canucks game Sunday night, the Flames had managed to restore their three point lead atop the Northwest Division.

"The word is desperate," Flames forward Eric Nystrom told the press. "We needed those two points and we weren't going to let anything get us down. If they took the lead or they scored the first two, we were going to battle back.”

Calgary has won two of the three meetings against the Sharks this year.

Pick: Calgary -137

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Announcement

Monday Trends and Indexes 3/30 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday Trends and Indexes 3/30 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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