Friday Trends and Indexes 10/2 (MLB, NHL, CFL, Misc.)

[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


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Friday, October 2
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FLORIDA (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) vs. CHICAGO (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) - 10/2/2009, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 1-1-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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DETROIT (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) vs. ST LOUIS (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) - 10/2/2009, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 14-10 ATS (+26.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 5-9 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 9-5-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.6 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) at CAROLINA (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) - 10/2/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-2 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 6-2-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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NY RANGERS (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (0-0-0-0, 0 pts.) - 10/2/2009, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 10-9 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 10-9-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.2 Units)

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[pm530]

NHL
Short Sheet


Friday, October 2

FLORIDA vs. at CHICAGO, 12:00 PM ET (played in Helsinki, Finland)
FLORIDA: 16-11 Under in non-conference games
CHICAGO: 17-11 Under in non-conference games

DETROIT vs. at ST LOUIS, 3:00 PM ET (Played in Stockholm, Sweden)
DETROIT: 90-52 SU on Fridays
ST LOUIS: 40-69 SU as an underdog

PHILADELPHIA at CAROLINA, 7:00 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 15-5 SU at Carolina
CAROLINA: 8-0 SU at home on Fridays

NY RANGERS at PITTSBURGH, 7:30 PM ET
NY RANGERS: 1-9 SU at Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH: n/a

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[pm530]

NHL
Write-up


Friday, October 2

2009-10 NHL knowledge
NHL writeups will start soon, but not for a few days, until the teams get some games under their belt.

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[pm530]

NHL


Friday, October 2

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Trend Report
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12:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. CHICAGO
Florida is 2-7-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games

3:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ST. LOUIS
Detroit is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing Detroit

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CAROLINA
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
Carolina is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

7:30 PM
NY RANGERS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Rangers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

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[pm530]

NHL


Friday, October 2

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins

Winning a championship is hard. Defending it is even harder, especially when two of your biggest stars are less than 100 percent.

The Pittsburgh Penguins may be without Sidney Crosby when they begin their season as defending Stanley Cup champs against the New York Rangers Friday. Crosby is nursing an injured groin but told reporters he “feels pretty good” after testing it in practice earlier this week.

"I did a lot more battling and things like that in the corners," Crosby told the Sporting News. "Leaning on guys, and stuff. I was happy with the way it felt."

While Crosby’s status is still up in the air, the Pens will definitely be without postseason sparkplug Maxime Talbot, who could be out until January while recovering from shoulder surgery. Talbot was huge for Pittsburgh in the run to the Cup including scoring the two winning goals in Game 7 of the final.

The Penguins are shuffling lines to make up for holes in the forward corps, which could slow down an offense that scored more than three goals a game and averaged 29 shots on goal.

Pick: Under


Florida Panthers vs. Chicago Blackhawks (-153, 5.5)

There are some huge expectations for a young Blackhawks team to live up to in 2009-10. After getting within a few overtimes of the Cup final, Chicago is everyone’s dark horse to win the West.

However, if the Hawks’ exhibition contests against the ZSC Lions this week is any indication, Chicago still has work to do before claiming the conference’s top spot. The Blackhawks dropped a 2-1 game to the Swiss club heading into their season-opening game against the Florida Panthers in Helsinki, Finland Friday.

Chicago knows it has work to do before facing the Panthers. They took a 9-2 win over HC Davos the day before losing to the Lions and their tough zone defense. Chicago’s explosive offense was held in check by ZSC and wasn’t given room to operate and make plays.

"It's tough, especially the way we played (against Davos) when I thought we played very well," forward Patrick Kane told the team’s website. "Then to have an effort like that; it's definitely something that is tough to swallow. But we'll have to learn from it and move on from here. We got bigger things ahead of us. It'll be tough to put this one behind us.”

Pick: Florida +141

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[pm530]

CFL
Dunkel Index


Edmonton at Winnipeg
The Eskimos look to take advantage of a Winnipeg team that is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games following an ATS victory. Edmonton is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Eskimos favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-4). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Game 251-252: Edmonton at Winnipeg
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 111.301; Winnipeg 104.540
Dunkel Line: Edmonton by 7; 48
Vegas Line: Edmonton by 4; 51
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-4); Under

Game 253-254: Saskatchewan at BC
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 115.886; BC 111.233
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 4 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: BC by 1; 54
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (+1); Over


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Game 255-256: Montreal at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 121.873; Toronto 105.584
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 16 1/2; 50
Vegas Line: Montreal by 10; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-10); Over

Game 257-258: Hamilton at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Hamilton 110.846; Calgary 113.360
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 2 1/2; 54
Vegas Line: Calgary by 7; 51
Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (+7); Over

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[pm530]

CFL
Long Sheet


Week 14

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Friday, October 2
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EDMONTON (6 - 6) at WINNIPEG (4 - 8) - 10/2/2009, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 3-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-1 straight up against WINNIPEG 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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SASKATCHEWAN (7 - 5) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 7) - 10/2/2009, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-5 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-4 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Saturday, October 3
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MONTREAL (10 - 2) at TORONTO (3 - 9) - 10/3/2009, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HAMILTON (6 - 6) at CALGARY (7 - 5) - 10/3/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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[pm530]

CFL
Write-up


Week 14 CFL games

Friday, October 2

Edmonton (6-6) @ Winnipeg (4-8)-- Eskimos (-9) beat Winnipeg 19-17 in season opener, winning despite -3 turnover ratio; five of their last six games were decided by four or less points, with Eskimos losing three of last four. Bombers are +11 in turnovers in last three wins, -18 in last five losses; they're 1-3 in last four home games, losing by 14-27-45 points. Four of five Winnipeg home games went over the total.

Saskatchewan (7-5) @ BCLions (5-7)-- Home side won both series tilts this year; Riders won season opener 28-24 (+2), lost 35-20 here in Week 6 (+1), turning ball over 10 times in two games (-1). Saskatchewan won three of last four games, covered five of last six- they're 5-1 vs spread on foreign soil. Lions won three of last four at home after losing first two-- eight of their last nine games stayed under the total.


Saturday, October 3

Montreal (10-2) @ Toronto (2-10)-- Alouettes (-13) blanked Argos 25-0 in first meeting, outgaining Toronto 452-126; Als won last three games, are 4-2 on road, with all four wins by 13+ points. Argos lost last eight games after 2-2 start; they're 0-5 at home, losing by 10-1-8-3-3 points- they're 3-5 as a dog. Eight of last ten Montreal games stayed under total. Alouettes are just 6-5 vs spread as a favorite this season, 4-2 on road.

Hamilton (7-5) @ Calgary (7-5)-- TiCats had 3-game win streak crushed by Montreal last week, but Hamilton is still 9-2 vs spread last 11 games; they beat Calgary 24-17 at home two weeks ago (+3.5), holding Stamps to 93 yards thru air- that is only Calgary loss in last five games. TiCats are 8-0 vs spread when they allow less than 30 points- they lost three of last four on road. Calgary won last three at home, scoring 31-32-27 pts.

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[pm530]

CFL


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Trend Report
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Friday, October 2

7:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. WINNIPEG
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Edmonton is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Winnipeg is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton

10:30 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saskatchewan is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
British Columbia is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 games at home
British Columbia is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home


Saturday, October 3

1:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. TORONTO
Montreal is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Toronto is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games at home

7:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. CALGARY
Hamilton is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Hamilton's last 8 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Hamilton
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Calgary's last 8 games when playing Hamilton

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[pm530]

CFL


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Canadian bacon: CFL Week 14 preview and picks
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Friday, October 2

Edmonton Eskimos at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Eskimos, which have allowed the most points in 12 games so far (369) and are depleted by key injuries on defence. Defensive tackle Dario Romero is out for the season with a torn bicep while DT Eric Taylor, defensive backs Lenny Williams and Kelly Malveaux are all nursing leg injuries. This isn’t good news for a team that his dead last in the CFL for total defence (4607). Fortunately, the Eskimos got deeper on defence when they signed free agents Reggie Hunt, Jerome Haywood and Randee Drew. All three are expected to play against the Bombers as well as Byron Parker, acquired earlier this week in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts. Winnipeg, who will try to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, must win this game to keep its frail playoff hopes alive. The Bombers should be able to take advantage of the Eskimos defence as long as they keep giving the ball to Fred Reid while throwing occasionally to sensational newcomer Otis Amey (118 yards receiving against Toronto last week).

Pick: Winnipeg +4


Saskatchewan Roughriders at B.C. Lions

Most teams dread playing at B.C. Place but apparently not the Roughriders, who have won six of their last 10 games in Vancouver. Darian Durant is improving and shows more leadership as Saskatchewan’s pivot while his B.C. counterpart Buck Pierce is being sacked way too often. Can Casey Printers do better? We doubt it. The OL needs to do a much better job protecting their QB. Against a team that showcases a tandem like Baggs and Chick, who both have registered eight sacks, this should be a source of concern for the Lions. B.C. also seems powerless against the run (worst record in the CFL with an average of 147.4 yards rushing per game) and this could be a field day for Cates and Dressler. But with running back Martell Mallett, on pace for a 1500 yards season, the Lions can also do some damages rushing. Turnovers will play a factor in this game with B.C. showing a differential of -11 in the giveaways/takeaways column while the Riders are at +7. The Roughriders are battling the Stampeders for first place and know that this is a must-win game on a week where Calgary will host the Tiger Cats.

Pick: Saskatchewan +1


Saturday, October 3

Montreal Alouettes at Toronto Argonauts

The Alouettes vow that they are still hungry and motivated after posting a 10-2 record and that they won’t slow down or lose focus even if five of their six last regular season games will be against teams with losing records. Coach Marc Trestman insists that the Argos are a much better team than their 3-9 record suggests. The Alouettes are also starting to think about matching the 16-2 record, best ever in an 18-games season, posted by the Edmonton Eskimos in 1989. But most importantly, they are aware that a win against the Argos and a Hamilton loss in Calgary would mean they would clinch first place in the East. Safety Mathieu Proulx and left tackle Josh Bourke, two key players, will be back in action in Toronto. The Argos will be without cornerback Willie Middlebrooks, who suffered a neck injury. But Dominic Dorsey will play is first home game of the year. The last time these two teams met in Montreal on August 7, the Alouettes shut out the Argos 25-0.

Pick: Montreal -10


Hamilton Tiger Cats at Calgary Stampeders

Defensive end Mike Labinjo is back after missing six games with a broken leg and the Stampeders will want to avenge a 24-17 loss suffered two weeks ago in Hamilton. The Tiger Cats just took a 42-8 pounding at home from the Montreal Alouettes. Both times the TiCats took a heavy beating this season they came back to win a game they were not expected to. Can they do it a third time? This could prove close to impossible against the defending Grey Cup champs. Calgary has won eight of its last 10 games against the Tiger Cats. CFL Offensive Player of the Month Jeremaine Copeland is playing arguably his best football and Henry Burris is taking full advantage of it. Calgary, powered by Joffrey Reynolds, also has a very potent running game that now leads the CFL in rushing yards per game while the Tiger Cats are ranked seventh in the league with an average of 133 rushing yards allowed per game. Quinton Porter will start at QB for the Tiger Cats but he has been struggling despite this team’s rise from mediocrity to respectability. Don’t be surprised to see Kevin Glenn take over if Porter continues to fail igniting the offence. Actually, don’t even be surprised if rookie QB Adam Tafralis sees some action.

Pick: Calgary -7

Last Week 1-3, season 26-22

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[pm530]

Len’s Top Five


Friday, October 2

Len's Top 5

TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for October 2, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

* Today is "O" day in Copenhagen. The 2016 Olympics Games will be awarded. Chicago is hoping their "O's," Obama, Mrs. Obama and Oprah will carry the day.

* The Colorado Rockies clinch a playoff spot. The Governor of Colorado declares that in honor of the team October will now be known as "Rocktober." Not to be outdone the Governor of New York declares the Mets season "Rockbottom."

* The Mets will lower all ticket prices for next season.

* Eddy Curry of the Knicks is hurt already. God I missed the Knicks.

* At least 100 NFL players will wear pink spikes Sunday to support breast cancer awareness.

2. Half Empty or Half Full?

With the regular season coming to an end, baseball Commissioner Bud "rose colored glasses" Selig is thrilled that baseball will draw around 75 million fans. Selig called it "stunning" and a "testament to the huge popularity of the sport." Then again, 20 teams suffered attendance drops, and overall baseball had its biggest loss in attendance in over half a century. (6.5%) So it's all how you look at things. Next season, will be the true test. Especially with season ticket holders.

3. Red White and Pinstripe

So if someone asks you which baseball team is "America's Team" what's your answer? Sacred Heart University took a national poll and the Yankees were the overwhelming winners. 41.6 per cent chose the Yanks, 16.3 per cent voted for the Red Sox. Interesting to note that the Toronto Blue Jays got at least one vote. Get those voters an atlas. 8 teams that actually play in America were shutout.

4. Friday Mailbag

When I mused about why the Kardashians are so famous, many of you pointed out that their father was a buddy of OJ Simpson and a member of his legal team. And M.M. wrote, "As for the rest of the family, and their claim to fame, it seems to have evolved from a video on the internet, of one of the daughters, namely Kim, taking part in an act of lust. What a wonderful and proud legacy to leave."
Editor's Note: Amen.

With the Russian billionaire buying an NBA team, R.B. asks: "Will the New Jersey Nyets be wearing red uniforms next season?"
Editor's Note: Maybe, and look for beer, brats and borscht at the concession stands.

As for the hunter from Green Bay who shot his cousin because he thought he was a squirrel, D.P. asks: "Did he shoot him in the nuts?"
Editor's Note: Have a nice weekend everyone.

5. The Name Game

There's a Western Hockey League team in Canada called the Brandon Wheat Kings.They're in Brandon Ontario. The newest member of the team is a Brandon native named Wheaton King. So Wheaton King plays for the Wheat Kings. Talk about a one-man team.

Happy Birthday: Dodgers base stealer supreme, Maury Wills. 77.
Bonus Birthday: Kelly Ripa. 39.

Today in Sports: Sandy Koufax sets a World Series record by striking out 15 Yankees in game 1. The Dodgers go on to sweep the Yankees as Koufax wins World Series MVP. 1963.
Bonus Event: Alas, there are no more tripleheaders in baseball. In the first and only 20th century Major League tripleheader, the Reds take two of three from the Pirates. It was a one day series. 1920.

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