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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:05 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, October 14

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Ranked Boise State takes on Tulsa, the Wild attempt to pick up a win in Anaheim, and the Stars welcome the Preds to Dallas.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The lone college football game on the Wednesday schedule has unbeaten No. 5 Boise State on the road against Tulsa. The Broncos (5-0 straight-up, 4-1 against-the-spread) took out cupcake opponent California-Davis last time out, winning 34-16 on the strength of three Kellen Moore TD passes. The Golden Hurricane (4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) knocked off Rice 27-10 in their last contest. The oddsmakers prefer ranked Boise State in this contest, as they're listed as 10-point road faves.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

There are five games on the National Hockey League's schedule for Wednesday, including Minnesota at Anaheim. The Wild dropped to 1-3-0 on the season last time out with a 4-2 loss to the Sharks. Andrew Brunette and Owen Nolan had the Minnesota goals in that game, while Niklas Backstrom made 25 saves. The Ducks are 2-2-1 on the season after getting blanked 3-0 by the Rangers on Sunday. Jean-Sebastien Giguere stopped 35 of 37 New York shots in that defeat.

Also on the ice on Wednesday: Pittsburgh at Carolina, Los Angeles at the Rangers, Edmonton at Chicago, and Nashville at Dallas. The Stars fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Canucks in their last game, getting goals from Mike Ribeiro, Jamie Benn, and Brad Richards in regulation time. Marty Turco stopped 22 of 25 Vancouver shots in a losing cause, and winger Jere Lehtinen returned from injury.

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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:05 AM

Bettor's best friend: Today's helpful tips

Wednesday, October 14

Opening statement

The Los Angeles Angels are expected to start John Lackey in Game One of the ALCS vs. the New York Yankees on Friday. Lackey won Game One of the ALDS vs. Boston to improve to 3-3 with a 3.02 ERA all-time in the postseason. Since 2006, Lackey is 2-2 with a 4.13 ERA, including a win in his only start vs. New York this year. The Angels are +159 with a total of 8.5 for the opener.

Boise will be Boise

Wednesday's visit to Tulsa is a huge showcase for BCS hopeful Boise State (5-0 straight up, 4-1 against the spread) but also may be the toughest game remaining on its schedule. The Golden Hurricane are 4-1 straight up and 3-1-1 against the spread. They also are 9-1 against the spread in their last 10 home games and have played to the under in seven in a row overall. Boise State is giving 8.5 points with a total of 52.5.

Getting their Phil

The Philadelphia Phillies will go with Cole Hamels in Game One of the NLCS vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. Hamels lost to Colorado in Game Two of the NLDS, although he worked knowing that his wife could go into labor at any time - which she did that day. The 2008 World Series MVP gave no excuses, and won't need any against the Dodgers. He was 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA vs. LA in last year's NLCS and beat the Dodgers with a five-hit shutout on June 4. The Phillies are +104 with a total of 7.5.

No Bull

When Red Bull New York ventures to Utah to face Real Salt Lake, they will be looking for their first road win of the season. Red Bull is 0-12-2 on the road this year, but it's worse than that. New York has scored just three road goals all season. Red Bull is +475 with a total of 2.5.

A look ahead

Another team with BCS aspirations and a national showcase game this week is Cincinnati (5-0 straight up, 3-2 against the spread), which ventures into South Florida. The Bearcats are averaging 42.0 points per game, and a big reason is their ability to protect quarterback Tony Pike. Cincinnati has surrendered just three sacks in 188 pass attempts this season. South Florida (5-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) is 20th in the nation with 14 sacks, so this one may be decided by Cincinnati's passing game. The Bearcats are giving three points with a total of 50.5.

A Wild ride

The Minnesota Wild are winless in three road games, and injuries are the primary reason. They will be without winger Cal Clutterbuck (ankle), ceter Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion) and winger Petr Sykora (groin) vs. the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Minnesota as been outscored 12-6 on the road and is +142 with a total of 5.5 vs. Anaheim.

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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:06 AM

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- Great news: USC's Stafon Johnson gets out of the hospital today, two weeks after his larynx was crushed in a weightlifting accident.

-- Couple good college football games the next two nights; Cincinnati at South Florida Thursday, Boise State at Tulsa Wednesday night.

-- Watched NBA preseason game on TV Tuesday; enjoy team of Mike Breen and Walt Frazier. Its like watching a game with friends.

-- I'm thinking start of NBA season will be chaotic with replacement referees working. My question: Who is working D-League games?

-- Rush Limbaugh is a genius at getting publicity; his group isn't going to buy the Rams, but the media has gotten a hold of him, and now they won't let go. One of the other five groups will wind up with the team.

-- Why are there six umpires at playoff games? The guy who missed the play on the leftfield line Friday was in perfect position to make the call and missed it anyway. Good grief.

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Wednesday's List of 13: Our NFL List of 13, with a new twist....

We're changing things up on the List of 13; we're going to divide it up, the bottom five and the top eight.
32) Raiders-- How bad are Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski if they can't beat out JaMarcus Russell to play QB for this sorry team? Throw in the fact their coach could be arrested any day now, and it has to be a lot of fun rooting for this hapless franchise.

31) Rams-- Friend of mine asked me why Rush Limbaugh would want to own a team as bad as the Rams, a team that has contributed more money to the Democratic Party than any other NFL team? Politics ain't what I know, but I think the Rams are getting better on the field. Problem is, all that matters are wins and losses, and the Rams don't have any wins.

30) Buccaneers-- I'm sure people in London are thrilled winless Bucs are playing New England there next week. Second time in three years NFL is sending its worst team overseas.

29) Bills-- Every Sunday, bunch of Bills' fans comes into the bar to see the Bills play; they start out nice and loud, chants and all, but are quiet as church mice by halftime. Just like clockwork.

28) Browns-- Eric Mangini has done more for the Jets since they got rid of him than he did when he worked for them. Now Brady Quinn is on the way out, three years after they traded a #1 pick to get him. Terrific.

8) Eagles-- Wait til this winter, when Philly gets an extra draft pick for giving Michael Vick a home this season. The rich will get richer.

7) Falcons-- An offensive juggernaut that has to outscore its opponents, since the defense has issues.

6) Bengals-- Adversity can bring people closer together; right now, the Bengal family has more than its share of adversity. Having Palmer back under center makes all the difference, too.

5) Vikings-- Making noise about a new stadium; it would be more than a little weird if the Los Angeles Vikings ever came to be, but it could.

4) Broncos-- Outscored last four opponents 50-0 in the second half.

3) Giants-- Manning's foot injury drops them a slot; a win in Superdome Sunday puts them on top of the list.

2) Colts-- Apparently, teams play really well a year after Tony Dungy stops coaching them. For further evidence, see Gruden, Jon.

1) Saints-- Interested to see if they can stop Giant run game Sunday; if they do and win game, they're clear-cut front runner for NFC title.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:19 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On October 14 in Baseball History...

1905 - Christy Mathewson blanked the Philadelphia Athletics 2-0 to give the New York Giants the World Series in five games. All were shutouts, with Mathewson getting three, Joe McGinnity one, and Chief Bender of Philadelphia one.

1906 - The White Sox jump on Three Finger Brown for seven runs in the first two innings and coast behind Doc White to a 7-1 Series-ending victory. The losers share of $439.50 for the Cubs is the lowest ever.

1908 - Before the smallest crowd in World Series history (6,210), the Tigers are tamed on three hits by Orval Overall, who fans 10 in a 2-0 win. The Cubs win the World Series in five games.

1909 - George Mullin outlasts three Pirates pitchers for a 5-4 win that sends the World Series to a seventh game in Detroit. This is the first World Series to go the limit.

1929 - The Philadelphia A's rallied for three runs in the ninth inning to beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 and take the World Series in five games. Mule Haas' two-run homer tied the game and Bing Miller's RBI double won the game.

1960 - In a 9-9 tie, Bill Mazeroski leads off the last of the ninth and hits a dramatic home run off Ralph Terry to give Pittsburgh a 10-9 win and the World Championship. Despite Maz's heroics, Bobby Richardson is the Series MVP.

1964 - Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle hit home runs on back-to-back pitches from Curt Simmons, and Joe Pepitone belts a grand slam in Game Six. New York wins 8-3 at St. Louis and evens the World Series.

1965 - Sandy Koufax tossed his second shutout to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins and the World Series in seven games.

1968 - In the NL expansion draft, the Expos choose 30 players, including Maury Wills, Jim Grant, Donn Clendenon and Manny Mota. San Diego's 30 selections include Dave Giusti, Nate Colbert, Zoilo Versalles, Al McBean and Cito Gaston.

1969 - Tommie Agee and Ed Kranepool hit home runs, Agee makes two brilliant catches in center field, and the Mets blank the Orioles 5-0. The underdog Mets take a 2-1 World Series lead.

1971 - Pittsburgh's Nelson Briles threw a two-hitter against the Orioles for a 4-0 victory which gave the Pirates a 3-2 edge in the World Series.

1972 - Catcher Gene Tenace becomes the first player ever to homer in each of his first two at-bats in the World Series, leading the A's to a 3-2 opening-game win over the Reds.

1973 - The Mets win Game Two of the World Series, 10-7, scoring four runs in an 11th inning that features the last major league hit by Willie Mays and two errors by Oakland second baseman Mike Andrews. Finley subsequently puts Andrews on the disabled list in a move that will be questioned and then reversed.

1975 - The Reds took a 2-1 lead in the World Series with a controversial 6-5, 10-inning victory over the Boston Red Sox in Cincinnati. In the 10th, Reds pinch-hitter Ed Armbrister attempted a sacrifice bunt and bounced the ball in front of the plate. Catcher Carlton Fisk, in an attempt to field the ball, collided with Armbrister and threw the ball into center in an attempt to force Cesar Geronimo at second. Geronimo went to third -- and later scored the game-winner -- and Armbrister moved to second. Home plate umpire Larry Barnett ruled there was no interference despite heated protests by the Red Sox.
1976 - Chris Chambliss hit a ninth-inning home run off Kansas City's Mark Littell to give the New York Yankees a 7-6 victory over the Royals and their first American League pennant since 1964.

1984 - Kirk Gibson hit two home runs to lead Detroit to an 8-4 victory and the World Series in five games over the San Diego Padres.

1992 - The Toronto Blue Jays became the first Canadian team to reach the Series with a 9-2 win over the Oakland Athletics in Game 6 of the American League championship series.

1997 - The Florida Marlins defeated the Atlanta Braves 7-4 behind Kevin Brown's complete game and Bobby Bonilla's three RBIs, winning the NL championship series 4-2.

1998 - The San Diego Padres reached the World Series for the first time since 1984, shutting down the Atlanta Braves' comeback bid behind MVP Sterling Hitchcock for a 5-0 victory in Game 6 of the NL championship series.

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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:22 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

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Wednesday, October 14
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LOS ANGELES (4-1-0-0, 8 pts.) at NY RANGERS (5-1-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/14/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 91-135 ATS (-49.5 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 53-54 ATS (+129.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 60-68 ATS (-39.0 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 66-84 ATS (-72.9 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 21-33 ATS (-34.0 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 1-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 1-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (5-1-0-0, 10 pts.) at CAROLINA (2-3-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/14/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-4 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.7 Units)

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NASHVILLE (2-2-0-0, 4 pts.) at DALLAS (1-0-0-3, 5 pts.) - 10/14/2009, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 58-55 ATS (+131.6 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 6-3 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 6-3-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.1 Units)

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EDMONTON (3-1-0-1, 7 pts.) at CHICAGO (3-1-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/14/2009, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 45-26 ATS (+16.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 4-4 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-4-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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MINNESOTA (1-3-0-0, 2 pts.) at ANAHEIM (2-3-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/14/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 124-107 ATS (+5.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-3-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:22 AM

NHL
Write-up

Wednesday, October 14

Hot Teams
-- Kings won their last four games, allowing nine goals. Rangers also won their last four games, scoring 19 goals.
-- Penguins won five of their first six games.
-- Blackhawks won three of last four games, last two in SO/OT. Oilers won three of their last four games, too.

Cold Teams
-- Carolina lost its two road games, 7-2/5-2.
-- Dallas Stars lost three of their first four games. Predators lost last two games, scoring a single goal.
-- Ducks lost three of their first five games. Minnesota lost three of its first four games.

Series Records
-- Kings won two of last three games against the Rangers.
-- Penguins swept Carolina four straight in playoffs last spring.
-- Home side won all four Dallas-Nashville games last year.
-- Oilers lost five of last seven visits to Chicago.
-- Minnesota won its last three games against Anaheim.

Totals
-- Three of last four Ranger games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Carolina games went over the total.
-- Last three Dallas games went over the total.
-- Four of first five Edmonton games went over the total.
-- Last three Minnesota games went over the total.

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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:23 AM

NHL

Wednesday, October 14

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NY RANGERS
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games
NY Rangers are 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CAROLINA
Pittsburgh is 5-9-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh

8:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. CHICAGO
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Edmonton's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chicago's last 12 games
Chicago is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home

8:30 PM
NASHVILLE vs. DALLAS
Nashville is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Nashville

10:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ANAHEIM
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

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**pm530** · 10-14-2009, 06:23 AM

NHL

Wednesday, October 14

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Los Angeles Kings at New York Rangers (-165, 5.5)

The Kings have won four in a row, and their top line is a big reason why.

Ryan Smyth, Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams have combined for nine goals and 14 assists in Los Angeles' first five games.

The Kings have won the first two games of their six-game raod trip by 2-1 scores, getting strong goaltending from Jonathan Quick. But his job has been made easier by the top line, which has scored the first goal in both games.

The line also has accounted for five of Los Angeles' seven power-play goals.

Kopitar has a goal and two assists in LA's last two meetings with New York.

Pick: Los Angeles

Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Panthers (+111, 6)

When you have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on your roster, you have a lot of options.

While most coaches set their lines and stay with them unless there is an injury or a major slump, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma has been experimenting with multiple players alongside his two stars, something even he did not do last season.

Ten different Penguins skated alongside Crosby in Saturday's triumph at Toronto, including Malkin, who also has been playing a bit with Jordan Staal, who usually skates on the third line.

"It's good to know everyone's game, and I think it can probably make us harder to defend at times," Staal told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Whatever Bylsma is doing, it's working. The Penguins are 3-0 on their four-game road trip, collecting 14 goals.

This is the first meeting between the clubs since the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, when Pittsburgh swept Carolina, outscoring the Hurricanes, 20-9.

Pick: Pittsburgh

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**Udog** · 10-14-2009, 08:57 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Edmonton at Chicago
The Blackhawks look to build on their 9-3 record in their last 12 home games. Chicago is the pick (-180) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-180). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

Game 1-2: Los Angeles at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.672; NY Rangers 12.804
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-170); Over

Game 3-4: Pittsburgh at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.861; Carolina 11.562
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-125); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-125); Under

Game 5-6: Nashville at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.065; Dallas 11.262
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-145); Over

Game 7-8: Edmonton at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 12.217; Chicago 13.145
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-180); 6
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-180); Under

Game 9-10: Minnesota at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.951; Anaheim 11.515
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+155); Under

**Udog** · 10-14-2009, 12:29 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Wednesday, 10/14/2009

LOS ANGELES at NY RANGERS, 7:00 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 28-16 Under Away off an Under
NY RANGERS: 1-12 SU if 8+ total goals were scored last game

PITTSBURGH at CAROLINA, 7:00 PM ET NHL
PITTSBURGH: 11-5 SU Away after scoring 3+ goals 3 straight games
CAROLINA: 0-8 SU at home off loss by 3+ goals

NASHVILLE at DALLAS, 8:30 PM ET
NASHVILLE: 5-15 SU at Dallas
DALLAS: 17-8 SU off road loss

EDMONTON at CHICAGO, 8:30 PM ET
EDMONTON: 7-0 Over off road win by 2+ goals
CHICAGO: 13-2 SU at home after scoring 4+ goals BB games

MINNESOTA at ANAHEIM, 10:00 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 7-14 SU at Anaheim
ANAHEIM: 30-20 SU off road game

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 10-14-2009, 12:33 PM

NHL

Wednesday, October 14

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Tips and Trends
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Minnesota Wild at Anaheim Ducks [10:05 PM ET]

Wild: The Wild beat the Ducks, 4-3, at home in overtime eight days ago rallying from a three-goal deficit. But Minnesota has lost all three of its away games and have a number of banged-up players. Left winger Petr Sykora is doubtful with a sore groin. Center Pierre-Marc Bouchard is out with a concussion. Winger Cal Clutterbuck, last year’s NHL hits leader, is out, too, with an ankle injury suffered during a 4-2 loss on Saturday to San Jose. Youngsters James Sheppard and Benoit Pouliot are expected to see more ice time because of the injuries. Team enforcer Derek Boogaard also should see his first ice time having been out with a concussion since Sept. 18. The Wild have dropped four of their last five road contests. Goalie Niklas Backstrom is 4-2 with a 1.99 GAA in six starts versus Anaheim. The over is 5-2-1 in the teams’ last eight meetings.

The Over is 6-1-2 in the Wild’s last nine games versus Pacific Division opponents.

Key Injuries - Petr Sykora (groin) is doubtful.
Cal Clutterbuck (ankle) is out.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 2

Ducks (-$1.65, O/U 5.5): The Ducks have defeated the Wild 11 of the past 15 times at home, but have lost during the past three overall meetings. This is Anaheim’s first home game since returning from a 2-1-1 four-game road trip. This is just the Ducks’ second home contest of the season. The Ducks lost in their last game, 3-0, to the Rangers on Sunday. That ended their 12-game road-point streak where they went 9-0-3. The Ducks, 2-2-1 on the season, were in a tough situational spot against the Rangers having met the Flyers in Philadelphia on Saturday. The Ducks beat the Flyers, 3-2, in a shootout. Goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere is 1-3-1 with a 3.61 goals-against average in his last five starts versus Minnesota. The Ducks have dropped five of their last six games against Western Conference competition. The under is 4-1-1 in Anaheim’s past six games at the Honda Center.

The home team is 20-7-1 in the last 28 meetings between the two clubs.

Key Injuries - Todd Marchant is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3 (UNDER - Total of the Day)

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**Udog** · 10-14-2009, 12:48 PM

MLB
Dunkel

NLCS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

Game 951-952: Philadelphia at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.669; LA Dodgers 16.078
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-115); Under

ALCS

LA Angels at NY Yankees
The Yankees open the ALCS looking to build on their 8-0 record in C.C. Sabathia's last 8 home starts. New York is the pick (-175) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-175). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

Game 953-954: LA Angels at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Lackey) 16.610; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 17.831
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-170); Under

MLB
Long Sheet

NLCS

Thursday, October 15

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PHILADELPHIA (96 - 70) at LA DODGERS (98 - 67) - 4:35 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HAMELS is 4-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.64 and a WHIP of 0.932.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WOLF is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.42 and a WHIP of 1.309.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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ALCS

Friday, October 16

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LA ANGELS (100 - 65) at NY YANKEES (106 - 59) - 8:00 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 57-32 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 18-3 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY YANKEES are 106-59 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 70-36 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 100-65 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 26-12 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 9-2 (+12.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 49-33 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 13-2 (+12.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 198-145 (+44.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 93-57 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 68-49 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 38-17 (+17.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 61-38 (+16.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 50-38 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 50-33 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-5 (+1.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LACKEY is 5-7 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.51 and a WHIP of 1.531.
His team's record is 9-9 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-10. (-2.9 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SABATHIA is 5-7 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.72 and a WHIP of 1.460.
His team's record is 5-9 (-7.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-8. (-3.2 units)

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MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, October 15th

National League Championship Series
Best of Seven
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
TV: FOX
Philadelphia at LA Dodgers, 8:00 ET
Cole Hamels (L) vs. Randy Wolf (L)

Hamels:
6-0 Under in playoff games
PHI 5-0 Under in Game One's

Wolf:
34-12 TSR in home starts
8-2 Under on Friday

Friday, October 16th

American League Championship Series
Best of Seven
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
TV: TBS
LA Angels at NY Yankees, 8:00 ET
John Lackey (R) vs. CC Sabathia (L)

Lackey:
LAA 10-3 as a road underdog of +150 or more
LAA 16-3 revenging BB Home losses

Sabathia:
7-0 Over vs. AL West
12-4 Over when the total is 7 to 8.5

MLB
Write-Up

NLCS starts Thursday, ALCS starts Friday. Armadillo is going on vacation to Las Vegas Wednesday the 14th, will be back in a week, so we won't be posting any writeups on the league championship series. Writeups will return for the World Series games.

MLB
Additional

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Trend Report
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Thursday, October 15

8:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. LA DODGERS
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home

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MLB playoffs: Phillies-Dodgers preview and pick
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Series price: Dodgers -125

Pitching

Los Angeles’ starters don't get credited with too many victories, but they always keep their team in the game. Despite the fact no Dodgers hurler won more than 12 games during the regular season, L.A. led the majors with a 3.44 team ERA.

Randy Wolf, Clayton Kershaw, Hiroki Kuroda, Vicente Padilla and Jon Garland all sported ERAs under 4.00, while Chad Billingsley had an allowance of 4.02. Wolf, Kershaw and Padilla combined to limit the Cardinals to four runs over 17.1 innings in the NLDS.

Philadelphia's rotation has plenty of star power, led by lefties Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels. Lee snapped out of a late-season slump by posting a 1.10 ERA in two starts against Colorado in the NLDS, but Hamels was knocked around in his only appearance. Rookie J.A. Happ was Philly's third starter against the Rockies and gave up three runs in three innings. Pedro Martinez might also make a start for the Phillies.

While the Dodgers have a slight edge in the starting rotation, they enjoy a huge advantage in the bullpen. Los Angeles was far and away the regular-season leader in bullpen ERA (3.18), while the Phillies were 13th (3.90). Late leads are a lot safer with L.A.'s Jonathan Broxton than Philly's Brad Lidge, though Lidge did record two saves in the NLDS.

Edge: Dodgers

Offense

Though the Dodgers had a higher team batting average than the Phillies during the regular season (.270 to .258), Philadelphia scored 34 more runs. The Phillies do most of their damage with the long ball. Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez all clubbed 30-plus homers, and Howard drove in 141 runs. Philly's offense carried the team in the NLDS, scoring 20 runs and collecting 40 hits in four games. Howard drove in six runs and Ibanez knocked home five.

The L.A. offense scored 13 runs and rapped out 29 hits in three games last round against some pretty good Cardinals pitching. Manny Ramirez, who struggled this season after returning from his 50-game suspension, had three doubles and two RBI in the series, while Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier each contributed six hits. The Dodgers need more from Russell Martin (1-for-9 last round) and Matt Kemp (2-for-14).

Edge: Phillies

Intangibles

Philadelphia easily defeated the Dodgers in last year's NLCS on the way to winning the World Series. Los Angeles got the better of the Phillies this season, winning four of seven matchups during the regular season.

The Dodgers, who are 52-31 at Chavez Ravine this season, have home-field advantage. That shouldn't faze the Phillies, though, considering they're 50-33 away from Citizens Bank Ballpark this year. Conspiracy theorists might believe Major League Baseball will do whatever it takes to get a Dodgers/Yankees matchup in the World Series.

Edge: Even

Pick: Dodgers in seven

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MLB playoffs: Halos-Yanks series preview and pick
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Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees

Series odds: Yankees -167

Pitching

The Yankees have the best starting pitcher of the series in CC Sabathia, who is 12-2 since the All-Star Break. After Sabathia, the Yankees have only two reliable starters, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte. Rather than using Joba Chamberlain or Chad Gaudin as a fourth starter, New York is reportedly considering using Sabathia for Game 4 and, if necessary, Game 7. Sabathia was roughed up in two regular-season meetings with the Angels, however, going 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA.

The Angels have four solid starters in John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders. Kazmir, who owns a 2.67 ERA against the Yankees in his career, could be key in shutting down the left-handed power bats of the Yankees.

While L.A. has the advantage in starting pitching, New York gets the nod in the bullpen. Yankees relievers had the 14th-best ERA in baseball during the regular season, while the Angels ranked 23rd. LA closer Brian Fuentes saved two games against Boston last round, but he's nowhere near as automatic as the Yankees' Mariano Rivera.

Edge: Los Angeles

Offense

Offense has been the calling card for both teams this season. New York scored the most runs in the Majors, while the Angels ranked second. LA had the highest batting average in baseball, followed closely by the Yankees.

New York generates most of its offense with the long ball. Seven Yankees went deep 20 or more times this year, helping the team set a franchise record for home runs in a season. Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez combined for 69 homers and 222 RBIs, even with Rodriguez missing the first month of the season.

The Angels steal more bases and run the bases more aggressively. Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu combined to swipe 74 bags during the regular season, setting the table for the rest of the order.

Edge: New York

Intangibles

Most teams are intimidated by playing New York, but the Angels aren't one of them. L.A. is the only American League team with a winning record against the Yankees over the past nine seasons, and the Angels eliminated New York from the playoffs in 2005.

Los Angeles got a huge monkey off its back by beating the Red Sox in the opening round, after falling to Boston in its previous three playoff meetings. Vladimir Guerrero entered the Boston series with only one RBI in his previous 17 postseason contests, but his two-out, two-run single off Jonathan Papelbon in Game 3 clinched the series win for the Halos.

As always, there's plenty of pressure on the Yankees, whose season will be viewed as a failure if they don't win their first World Series since 2000. Like Guerrero, Rodriguez exorcised some playoff demons in the opening round, hitting .455 with six RBIs in the first round and belting a clutch two-run ninth-inning home run off Twins closer Joe Nathan in Game 2.

New York has home-field advantage in the series, and that could be the difference. The Yankees were a league-best 57-24 at home this season.

Edge: New York

Pick: Yankees in seven games.

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This Day in Baseball
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On October 14 in Baseball History...

1905 - Christy Mathewson blanked the Philadelphia Athletics 2-0 to give the New York Giants the World Series in five games. All were shutouts, with Mathewson getting three, Joe McGinnity one, and Chief Bender of Philadelphia one.

1906 - The White Sox jump on Three Finger Brown for seven runs in the first two innings and coast behind Doc White to a 7-1 Series-ending victory. The losers share of $439.50 for the Cubs is the lowest ever.

1908 - Before the smallest crowd in World Series history (6,210), the Tigers are tamed on three hits by Orval Overall, who fans 10 in a 2-0 win. The Cubs win the World Series in five games.

1909 - George Mullin outlasts three Pirates pitchers for a 5-4 win that sends the World Series to a seventh game in Detroit. This is the first World Series to go the limit.

1929 - The Philadelphia A's rallied for three runs in the ninth inning to beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 and take the World Series in five games. Mule Haas' two-run homer tied the game and Bing Miller's RBI double won the game.

1960 - In a 9-9 tie, Bill Mazeroski leads off the last of the ninth and hits a dramatic home run off Ralph Terry to give Pittsburgh a 10-9 win and the World Championship. Despite Maz's heroics, Bobby Richardson is the Series MVP.

1964 - Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle hit home runs on back-to-back pitches from Curt Simmons, and Joe Pepitone belts a grand slam in Game Six. New York wins 8-3 at St. Louis and evens the World Series.

1965 - Sandy Koufax tossed his second shutout to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins and the World Series in seven games.

1968 - In the NL expansion draft, the Expos choose 30 players, including Maury Wills, Jim Grant, Donn Clendenon and Manny Mota. San Diego's 30 selections include Dave Giusti, Nate Colbert, Zoilo Versalles, Al McBean and Cito Gaston.

1969 - Tommie Agee and Ed Kranepool hit home runs, Agee makes two brilliant catches in center field, and the Mets blank the Orioles 5-0. The underdog Mets take a 2-1 World Series lead.

1971 - Pittsburgh's Nelson Briles threw a two-hitter against the Orioles for a 4-0 victory which gave the Pirates a 3-2 edge in the World Series.

1972 - Catcher Gene Tenace becomes the first player ever to homer in each of his first two at-bats in the World Series, leading the A's to a 3-2 opening-game win over the Reds.

1973 - The Mets win Game Two of the World Series, 10-7, scoring four runs in an 11th inning that features the last major league hit by Willie Mays and two errors by Oakland second baseman Mike Andrews. Finley subsequently puts Andrews on the disabled list in a move that will be questioned and then reversed.

1975 - The Reds took a 2-1 lead in the World Series with a controversial 6-5, 10-inning victory over the Boston Red Sox in Cincinnati. In the 10th, Reds pinch-hitter Ed Armbrister attempted a sacrifice bunt and bounced the ball in front of the plate. Catcher Carlton Fisk, in an attempt to field the ball, collided with Armbrister and threw the ball into center in an attempt to force Cesar Geronimo at second. Geronimo went to third -- and later scored the game-winner -- and Armbrister moved to second. Home plate umpire Larry Barnett ruled there was no interference despite heated protests by the Red Sox.
1976 - Chris Chambliss hit a ninth-inning home run off Kansas City's Mark Littell to give the New York Yankees a 7-6 victory over the Royals and their first American League pennant since 1964.

1984 - Kirk Gibson hit two home runs to lead Detroit to an 8-4 victory and the World Series in five games over the San Diego Padres.

1992 - The Toronto Blue Jays became the first Canadian team to reach the Series with a 9-2 win over the Oakland Athletics in Game 6 of the American League championship series.

1997 - The Florida Marlins defeated the Atlanta Braves 7-4 behind Kevin Brown's complete game and Bobby Bonilla's three RBIs, winning the NL championship series 4-2.

1998 - The San Diego Padres reached the World Series for the first time since 1984, shutting down the Atlanta Braves' comeback bid behind MVP Sterling Hitchcock for a 5-0 victory in Game 6 of the NL championship series.

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**Udog** · 10-14-2009, 12:52 PM

Len's Top 5

Happy Wednesday everyone, here's my Top 5 for October 14, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

Yankee starting pitchers for the next series take one step forward. Not so fast Joba Chamberlain. Manager Joe Girardi says the Yankees may stick with a 3 man pitching rotation against the Angels.
A day off from baseball. The NL Championship series starts tomorrow, the AL begins Friday.
Could be....maybe..... Dodger manager Joe Torre could "hang 'em up after next season." Red Sox reliever Billy Wagner told the New York Post he's likely retiring.
Giants Super Bowl "helmet catcher" David Tyree signs with Baltimore. We call his play the greatest Super Bowl catch of all time in my new kids book "The Greatest Moments in Sports" being released next month. (Another shameless plug, but hey it's my Top 5.)
Stat of the day. When the Washington Redskins play Kansas City Sunday it will mark their 6th straight game against a winless team. (Of course the first week everyone is winless.) Despite the cupcake schedule, Washington is 2 and 3.

2. Dead in the Water

Rush Limbaugh ain't becoming an NFL owner. Talk about a tempest in a teapot. The NFL Commissioner said yesterday that it wouldn't be appropriate to have an owner who makes controversial statements. Colts owner Jim Irsay says he'd vote "Ixnay" on Limbaugh. One Top 5 subscriber suggested this was all a publicity ploy by Limbaugh. Hey, if it would help me grow my Top 5 subscriber list I'd do the same.

3. A Booming Olympics

How's this for an idea? Build an Olympics around death. The Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are launching a joint bid to host the 2020 games. Yes, those were the two cities that had atomic bombs dropped on them in World War II. Maybe they could tinker with the Olympic sports and venues. They could run the boat races on "Titanic Lake." And in the Olympic coliseum they could stage a new fun event: throwing Christians to lions. But I would low-key the fireworks at the Opening Ceremony.

4. What are the Odds?

Next time you feel bad about your team, ponder the plight of Washington Nationals fan Stephen Krupin. He's a season ticket holder who went to 19 games this season. During those games, the Nats record was 0-19. Taking into account that the Nationals home record was 33-48, what are the odds of that? The Washington Post figured 1 in 131,204. So cheer up Mets fans. The Mets actually had a winning record at home, 41-40.

5. Fleeting Fame

When I saw that Larry Jansen passed away the other day, I got to thinking. Jansen was the winning pitcher when Bobby Thomson hit his famous home run for the Giants in 1951. Few people remember Jansen. But everyone knows Ralph Branca's name, and he was the losing pitcher. Kinda like all those airplanes that land safely isn't it?

Happy Birthday: UCLA's legendary basketball coach John Wooden. 99!
Bonus Birthday: Singer/actor Usher. 31.

Today in Sports: Pitching on two days rest, the Dodgers Sandy Koufax pitches a 3-hit shutout to win game 7 of the World Series against the Twins. 1965.
Bonus Event: And Tigger Too? Winnie the Pooh hits the shelves. 1926.

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Wednesday Trends and Indexes 10/14 (NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 10/14 (NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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