Announcement

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:28 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, December 16

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Sabres continue their road trip in Ottawa, the Hawks play host to Memphis, and the Magic get a visit from Toronto.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA offers up a dozen games on Wednesday night, including Memphis at Atlanta. The Grizzlies (10-14 SU, 12-12 ATS) fell 110-105 at home to Boston on Monday night, with Rudy Gay pouring in 23 points in the loss and O.J. Mayo adding 21 points. The Hawks (17-6 SU, 17-6 ATS) have won four games in a row, most recently pounding New Jersey 130-107 at home on Sunday. Maurice Evans picked up 22 points in that matchup, while Joe Johnson scored 21 points.

Also on the NBA hardwood on Wednesday: Cleveland at Philadelphia, Charlotte at Indiana, Utah at New Jersey, the Clippers at Minnesota, the Lakers at Milwaukee, Detroit at New Orleans, Dallas at Oklahoma City, Houston at Denver, San Antonio at Golden State, Washington at Sacramento, and Toronto at Orlando. The Magic (18-6 SU, 13-10-1 ATS) got past Indiana 106-98 at home in their last game Monday, with Dwight Howard picking up 21 points and 23 boards.

As well, the top team in action in college hoops on Wednesday is No. 18 Ohio State, which hosts Presbyterian. Other games involving ranked teams: Northern Arizona at No. 19 New Mexico, UTEP at No. 20 Mississippi, Arkansas Pine Bluff at No. 22 Georgia Tech, and No. 25 Cincinnati at UAB. The Bearcats (6-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) are coming off an 83-79 double-overtime loss to Xavier in their last contest; Lance Stephenson poured in 22 points for Cincinnati in the losing cause.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are eight games on the NHL's Wednesday schedule , with Dallas at Carolina, Montreal at New Jersey, the Islanders at the Rangers, Phoenix at Toronto, Atlanta at Florida, St. Louis at Chicago, Anaheim at Vancouver, and Buffalo at Ottawa. The 20-9-2 Sabres dispatched the Habs in Montreal on Monday night, grabbing a 3-2 win. The 16-12-4 Senators fell 3-2 in Toronto on Monday, and they've also lost forward Jason Spezza indefinitely to a knee injury.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:29 AM

Bettor's best friend: Today's helpful tips

Wednesday, December 16

Total talk

One of the top under bets in the NHL faces off against one of the worst defensive teams in the league on Wednesday.

The Phoenix Coyotes have played under the total in 24 of their 31 games this season and eight of their last 10. Shane Doan leads the club with just 18 points in 33 games and journeyman forward Radim Vrbata is first in team goals with 10.

The Leafs could make a high school team look unstoppable with the puck. Only the Carolina Hurricanes allow more goals per game than Toronto (3.45). The Buds are one of the few clubs who regularly see 6 and 6.5-goal totals.

Check to see where the over/under line opens on Wednesday and you might be able to find some value.

Into the wild

Canadian basketball fans know all about the NBA team now playing in Memphis. The Grizzlies, formerly of Vancouver, are starting to play winning basketball and their fans are taking notice.

A packed house watched as the home side narrowly lost to the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

It marked Memphis’ fourth cover in its last five games – a big difference for a franchise that’s known as a doormat around the league.

“That’s a tough team,” Celtics forward Paul Pierce told reporters following the close shave. “They’re dangerous. I see them with four potential All-Stars.”

The Grizz are 9.5-point dogs against the soaring Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday with a total of 208.5.

All quacked out

The Oregon Ducks are having a tough time picking up wins in their non-conference schedule. The college hoops team is missing its best outside shooter (Tajuan Porter) and leading rebounder (Joevan Catron) from last season.

Catron’s absence is particularly tough on the Ducks. They sorely miss the senior’s toughness in the paint.

“He’s really frustrated,” Oregon coach Ernie Kent told the The Register-Guard. “I really feel for him, because he worked so hard during the offseason and he is banged up again.”

The Ducks have lost four of their last five games and have failed to cover the spread in five of six games. They play 1-8 Mississippi Valley State on Wednesday.

Road test

Oklahoma State left Monday morning for its Wednesday game in California against Stanford. OSU players are being reminded by coach Travis Ford about their lackluster performance two weeks ago that resulted in a road loss to Tulsa.

“I’m not making any excuses for that loss,” Cowboys forward Marshall Moses told the Stillwater News Press, “but we have to be more focused if we expect to beat a team like Stanford, in their gym, come Wednesday night.”

Stanford already took care of Virginia and took Kentucky to overtime earlier this year. The Cardinal is a 1.5-point favorite over the Cowboys with a total of 145.5.

Notable quotable

“As an athlete, you're put under a microscope and everybody wants you to be perfect. You just can't have nothing else going on. And I think for so long, Tiger's image was that of just a perfect person. Now all of the sudden, you go from loving this man that you admired for all these years, and you find out he has a side woman and all of the sudden you hate him?

“If he could keep that a secret and ain't nobody came out and told [on him], hey, congratulate him. You know, most of the time there's one or two, and you can't keep that a secret. So if he can balance 14 (women) and keep it a secret, congrats.”

-- Redskins running back Clinton Portis on the Tiger Woods saga.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:30 AM

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- Steelers are first-ever Super Bowl champ to lose five games in row the next year; '87 Giants did it too, but three of the losses were replacement games because of the strike, so I don't count that.

-- Good move by the White Sox, acquiring Juan Pierre.

-- Rockets' coach Rick Adelman complained this week because his team has four sets of back/backs this week and next. That's a lot.

-- Red Sox offered Cuban pitcher Chapman $15.5M before he fired his agent; will be interesting where he winds up signing, and for how much.

-- Troy Aikman owns a small part of the San Diego Padres.

-- Tuesday was 16th day in a row Eldrick Woods was on front page of the New York Post; am guessing his doctor makes it 17 Wednesday.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday's List of 13: Our NFL List of 13.......

13) Bucs-- Didn't have a first down in the first half Sunday, went 0-14 on third down, second time this year they got blanked on third downs.

12) Lions-- Gave up over 300 rushing yards in rain at Baltimore Sunday; Ravens' first TD was a clinic in horrendous tackling. .

11) Rams-- Finally rid themselves of Richie Incognito Tuesday. When you consider that the other starting guard is out for the year, Rams had to be totally disgusted with Incognito to cut him. He was too easy to goad into stupid personal foul penalties. Maybe he'll calm down somewhere else.

10) Browns-- How do they back up the upset win over Pittsburgh?

9) Chiefs-- Lost at home to both Oakland and Buffalo this season.

8) Cardinals-- They're probably just happy to get out of Candlestick with Larry Fitzgerald healthy. For a while there, it looked pretty bad.

7) Packers-- Won last five games; it is possible they could run into Favre and the Vikings again in January.

6) Broncos-- Get healthy against Raiders and Russell or Frye this week.

5) Eagles-- Might get Kevin Curtis back this week, who gives them depth at receiver. Notice that Vick does a little bit more every week. Interesting to read that Rams' GM Devaney visited Vick when he was in prison.

4) Vikings-- Might want to look into feeding Peterson the ball a little more in coming weeks; his production has been down last few games.

3) Chargers-- On 8-game win streak, won their last 16 December games.

2) Colts-- Thursday game at Jacksonville; how much will starters play?

1) Saints-- Asking fans to wear black Saturday night, signifying that game is blacked out in my house, because hideous Time-Warner and the greedy NFL still haven't agreed on how to air the NFL Network!!!!!!

From: Armadillo
----------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:30 AM

NBA
Write-up

Wednesday, December 16

Hot Teams
-- Magic won 12 of their last fifteen games.
-- Hawks are 8-3-1 as a home favorite. Grizzlies covered four of their last five games.
-- Cavaliers covered six of last nine as a road favorite.
-- Jazz won seven of their last ten games.
-- Minnesota covered eight of its last nine games.
-- Lakers won 12 of their last 13 games (2-5 vs spread in last seven). Bucks won five of their last seven home games.
-- Pistons won five of their last six games.
-- Thunder covered five of seven as a home favorite. Mavericks are 9-4 vs spread on the road.
-- Rockets covered 10 of their 14 road games.
-- Kings covered their last five games as a home favorite.

Cold Teams
-- Raptors covered two of last 11 as a road underdog.
-- 76ers are 0-4 vs spread as a home underdog.
-- Bobcats are 0-10 on the road (1-3 vs spread in last four). Indiana lost seven of last nine games, but covered last three.
-- Clippers lost three of their last four road games.
-- Hornets failed to cover last four tries as a home favorite.
-- Nuggets covered two of their last seven as a home favorite.
-- Wizards covered one of their last six as a road underdog. Kings lost four of their last five games.
-- Spurs covered two of their eight road contests. Warriors lost seven of their last eight games.

Totals
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Toronto road games.
-- Nine of last ten Atlanta home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Philly home games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of eleven Indiana home games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven New Jersey home games stayed under.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Minnesota home games.
-- Five of last six Milwaukee home games went over the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five New Orleans home games.
-- Seven of last eight Dallas road games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Houston road games.
-- Eight of ten Washington road games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Golden State's last six home games.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:31 AM

NBA

Wednesday, December 16

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. INDIANA
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games
Indiana is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games

7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. PHILADELPHIA
Cleveland is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
Cleveland is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. ATLANTA
Memphis is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Memphis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. ORLANDO
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
UTAH vs. NEW JERSEY
Utah is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Utah is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
New Jersey is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Dallas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Dallas is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Dallas
Oklahoma City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Dallas

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. NEW ORLEANS
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
New Orleans is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit

8:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. MINNESOTA
LA Clippers are 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games on the road
LA Clippers are 4-19 SU in their last 23 games on the road
Minnesota is 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Minnesota is 14-4 SU in their last 18 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

8:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. MILWAUKEE
LA Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Lakers are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Milwaukee is 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

9:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. DENVER
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Denver
Houston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Denver is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games at home
Denver is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. SACRAMENTO
Washington is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Sacramento
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. GOLDEN STATE
San Antonio is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Golden State
San Antonio is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Golden State is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:32 AM

NBA

Wednesday, December 16

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today's best NBA bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings

Kings fans don’t have much to cheer for these days. But when Sacramento hosts Washington Wednesday, fans will have plenty of reasons to “cheers”.

As a promotion to put butts in the seats and show their die-hard fans just how much they care, the franchise is offering "Spread the Kings Cheer With Dollar Beer" - selling suds for only a buck a pop.

The promotion, usually saved for university bars, has caught a lot of flak from anti-alcohol organizations. And the fact that the game will be televised on ESPN has many historians harkening back to the infamous minor league baseball “nickel beer” night 35 years ago which ended in the home team forfeiting the game after the fans went loco.

"This is sort of a throwback idea, and it's one of those things you could potentially see backfiring," researcher Christian End of Xavier University told the Sacramento Bee. "I don't want to condemn the Kings, but I hope they are encouraging people to drink responsibly because that's a lot of people and there could be quite a lot of beer consumed."

As for the chaos on the floor, Sacramento has been money in the bank for basketball bettors. The Kings picked up their third straight cover in a win over Minnesota Saturday and have gone 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.

Add that profitable play to the drunken masses in Arco Arena, and you have a solid play on the home team.

Pick: Sacramento

Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves (-1.5, 191.5)

If you’ve been watching the Timberwolves this season, chances are you feel like spreading some holiday cheer all over the bathroom floor. If you have been betting lowly Minnesota, you have been able to stomach the team’s vomit inducing play thanks to the bulging wallet in your back pocket.

The Timberwolves picked up just their fourth win of the season against the Utah Jazz Monday, but turned in their eighth cover in the last 10 games. Minnesota’s dismal performances on the floor have forced books to inflate their numbers so much, they’ve actually made the T-Wolves spread proof.

"We're starting to get it," guard Corey Brewer told the Minnesota Pioneer Press after Monday’s 110-108 win as 13-point home underdogs. "Earlier in the season we would have panicked. Tonight we just stayed together. We knew we had to stay poised and make plays, and that's what we did."

Minnesota has already faced the Clippers twice this season, losing straight up both times but covering the spread in each game. Their most recent meeting was a 91-87 loss in Los Angeles in which the Timberwolves covered as 5.5-point road dogs.

Pick: Minnesota

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:33 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

If there are updates, we will re-post

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, December 16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UCF (7 - 2) at S FLORIDA (7 - 2) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S FLORIDA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
UCF is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
UCF is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WRIGHT ST (6 - 3) at MISSISSIPPI ST (7 - 2) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WRIGHT ST is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEMSON (8 - 2) at E CAROLINA (4 - 5) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E CAROLINA is 117-152 ATS (-50.2 Units) in all games since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 117-152 ATS (-50.2 Units) in all lined games since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WAKE FOREST (6 - 2) at UNC-WILMINGTON (4 - 5) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 100-73 ATS (+19.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WAKE FOREST is 1-0 against the spread versus UNC-WILMINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WAKE FOREST is 1-0 straight up against UNC-WILMINGTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RICHMOND (7 - 2) at S CAROLINA (6 - 2) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICHMOND is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing with 7 or more days rest since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI (6 - 2) at UAB (8 - 1) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ILLINOIS ST (7 - 1) at OHIO U (5 - 3) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO U is 101-72 ATS (+21.8 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
OHIO U is 20-5 ATS (+14.5 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
OHIO U is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO U is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO U is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO U is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.
OHIO U is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
OHIO U is 43-20 ATS (+21.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OREGON ST (4 - 4) at IL-CHICAGO (1 - 6) - 12/16/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 81-54 ATS (+21.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 81-54 ATS (+21.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in December games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 80-47 ATS (+28.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
OREGON ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UTEP (5 - 1) at OLE MISS (8 - 1) - 12/16/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OLE MISS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
OLE MISS is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
UTEP is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
UTEP is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTEP is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SANTA CLARA (6 - 4) at RICE (4 - 4) - 12/16/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOYOLA-IL (6 - 2) at BRADLEY (5 - 3) - 12/16/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-IL is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-IL is 20-39 ATS (-22.9 Units) in December games since 1997.
LOYOLA-IL is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAL POLY-SLO (2 - 5) at WISCONSIN (7 - 2) - 12/16/2009, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARK-LITTLE ROCK (4 - 6) at S ALABAMA (7 - 3) - 12/16/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ALABAMA is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA ST (8 - 1) at STANFORD (5 - 3) - 12/16/2009, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
STANFORD is 205-163 ATS (+25.7 Units) in all games since 1997.
STANFORD is 205-163 ATS (+25.7 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
STANFORD is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
STANFORD is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 70-47 ATS (+18.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CANISIUS (4 - 4) at DUQUESNE (7 - 3) - 12/16/2009, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAMFORD (3 - 6) at ALABAMA (6 - 3) - 12/16/2009, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N ARIZONA (3 - 5) at NEW MEXICO (10 - 0) - 12/16/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 29-10 ATS (+18.0 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 29-10 ATS (+18.0 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NEW MEXICO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
NEW MEXICO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA-MONROE (3 - 6) at N COLORADO (8 - 2) - 12/16/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N COLORADO is 37-22 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
N COLORADO is 37-22 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
N COLORADO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
N COLORADO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRESBYTERIAN (2 - 8) at OHIO ST (7 - 2) - 12/16/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OHIO ST is 1-0 straight up against PRESBYTERIAN over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N FLORIDA (1 - 5) at NORTHWESTERN (7 - 1) - 12/16/2009, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:34 AM

NCAAB
Write-up

Wednesday, December 16

Information on the best of Wednesday's college hoop games.

Central Florida is 6-2, losing only road game by 18 at Notre Dame; UCF also lost by 17 on neutral floor to Niagara. C-USA road dogs are 9-10 vs spread. South Florida is 6-2 after losing at home to Central Michigan as 13-point favorite- they're 4-1 vs spread as favorite. Big East home faves are 19-26 vs spread.

Wright State is 6-3, 2-0 as underdog after scoring two points in last 7:12 at Miami Sunday, losing 56-55; they're 1-2 on road, losing by 5-3 pts. Horizon road dogs are 9-15 vs spread. Mississippi State is 7-2, covering last three games (won by 52-31-18 points); they're 3-2 as home favorite. SEC home favorites are 20-18 against the spread.

Wake Forest (-17) crushed NC-Wilmington 120-88 LY; Seahawks won three of last four games, are 4-5, 3-2 as underdog, with only one loss by more than eight points. 5-2 Deacons have ACC opener Sunday- they're 2-1 as favorite, 1-1 on road, winning by hoop at Gonzaga, losing by 11 at Purdue. ACC road favorites are 14-12 against the spread.

Richmond is 7-2, 0-2 on road, losing by 7 at WmMary, 8 at VCU; they won twice as neutral court underdog, beating Mizzou/Miss State. A-14 road underdogs are 10-23 vs spread. 5-2 South Carolina is playing for first time in 10 days; they're 3-2 as favorite, winning its home games by 38-24-4-18 points. SEC home favorites are 20-18 vs spread.

Cincinnati just lost double OT classic to crosstown rival Xavier Sunday; they're 6-2, with both losses in OT. Bearcats (-2.5) beat UAB 87-80 LY Xavier game was their first true road game (2-1 in Maui). Blazers are 8-1 as they play for first time in 12 days; they're 4-2 vs spread as favorite. C-USA home favorites are 14-11 against spread.

Illinois State is 7-1 after losing first game to Niagara Sunday; they're 2-0 on road, with win at Ill-Chicago. MVC road underdogs are 9-12 against spread. Ohio U lost three of last four games; they're 2-1 vs spread as a favorite. Bobcats lost last home game to Austin Peay. MAC home faves are 7-6 against the spread.

Oregon State is 4-4, 1-2 on road, losing by 4 at Texas Tech, at Nebraska by 6, winning by 7 at GWash; homecoming for Coach Robinson, who is from South Side. Pac-10 favorites are 13-27 vs spread, 3-5 on road. UIC lost its last six games (five were on road); they scored less than 60 pts in four of six games against Division I opponents.

UTEP has five players, Ole Miss three from the Memphis area, which is where this neutral court game is being played (Bellhaven, MS); Miners blew 10-point halftime lead, lost at home to New Mexico State Sunday- their first loss in six games. Rebels are 8-1 after rallying from 16-point halftime deficit to beat McNeese State Saturday.

Santa Clara is 4-4 vs D-I teams, 3-2 on road after 68-65 win at Houston Baptist Monday; their last three games were all decided by four points or less. Broncos are 3-2 vs spread as an underdog. Rice is playing for first time in 11 days- they lost their last three games by 18-21-2 points, are 2-3 as a favorite. WCC road underdogs are 13-12 vs spread.

Bradley (-2) won 86-75 at Loyola LY, after leading by 16 at half; Braves are 5-3 this year, 1-3 vs spread as favorite. MVC home favorites are 9-9 vs spread. Loyola is 5-2, 2-2 on road, losing by 21 at Green Bay, 38 at Kansas State, winning at Holy Cross/Milwaukee. Horizon road dogs are 9-15 against the spread.

Ark-Little Rock (+6) won 61-59 at South Alabama LY, then got upset by Jaguars 54-44 in Sun Belt tourney (-2); Trojans are 2-5, giving up an average of 79 ppg in last two games, losses by 13-12 points. UALR lost its three road games by 28-14-15 points. South Alabama is 5-3 after its 66-54 home loss to Southern Miss in last game Saturday.

Oklahoma State is 8-1, losing only road game by 21 at Tulsa; Cowboys' best wins are Utah/Bradley on neutral floor in Vegas, Stanford is 5-3, 4-1 at home; they lost to Kentucky in OT on a neutral floor; Cardinal is 0-3 when it allows 70+ points. Pac-10 home teams are 10-22 vs spread. Big 12 road teams are 23-16 against the spread.

Duquesne is 6-3, 1-2 vs spread as favorite, 5-0 at home, but they scored less than 60 points in all four December games (2-2). A-14 home faves are 15-9 against the spread. Canisius lost three of last four games, with losses by 17-14-4 points; Griffs scored 59.8 ppg in those games. Road underdogs from MAAC are 10-9 against the spread.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:35 AM

NCAAB

Wednesday, December 16

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
BRESCIA vs. MARSHALL
No trends available
Marshall is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Marshall is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
CENTRAL FLORIDA vs. SOUTH FLORIDA
Central Florida is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing South Florida
Central Florida is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against South Florida
South Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
South Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN vs. COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
No trends available
College of Charleston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
College of Charleston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games

7:00 PM
CINCINNATI vs. UAB
Cincinnati is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
UAB is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
UAB is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Cincinnati

7:00 PM
CLEMSON vs. EAST CAROLINA
Clemson is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Clemson is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
East Carolina is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home
East Carolina is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games

7:00 PM
ILLINOIS STATE vs. OHIO
Illinois State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Illinois State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Ohio is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home

7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. STETSON
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Miami is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games on the road
No trends available

7:00 PM
MONMOUTH vs. PRINCETON
No trends available
Princeton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Princeton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
ORAL ROBERTS vs. LOUISVILLE
No trends available
Louisville is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games
Louisville is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games at home

7:00 PM
PRESBYTERIAN vs. OHIO STATE
No trends available
Ohio State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
RICHMOND vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
Richmond is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
South Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
South Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
WAKE FOREST vs. UNC WILMINGTON
Wake Forest is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Wake Forest is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
UNC Wilmington is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games
UNC Wilmington is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games at home

7:00 PM
WRIGHT STATE vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Wright State is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Wright State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Mississippi State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Mississippi State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
YOUNGSTOWN STATE vs. ST. FRANCIS PA
Youngstown State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Francis PA
Youngstown State is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
No trends available

7:05 PM
ALLEN vs. THE CITADEL
No trends available
The Citadel is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The Citadel is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home

7:30 PM
CANISIUS vs. DUQUESNE
Canisius is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Duquesne is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Duquesne is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

8:00 PM
ALABAMA STATE vs. ARKANSAS
No trends available
Arkansas is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games

8:00 PM
BELMONT vs. SAINT LOUIS
No trends available
Saint Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Saint Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

8:00 PM
MCNEESE STATE vs. TULANE
No trends available
Tulane is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Tulane is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:00 PM
OREGON STATE vs. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Oregon State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Oregon State is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Illinois-Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Illinois-Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
SAMFORD vs. ALABAMA
Samford is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Samford is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Alabama is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Alabama is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

8:00 PM
SANTA CLARA vs. RICE
Santa Clara is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Santa Clara is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Rice is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Rice is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
TEXAS EL PASO vs. MISSISSIPPI
Texas El Paso is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Texas El Paso is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Mississippi is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Mississippi is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
LOYOLA OF CHICAGO vs. BRADLEY
Loyola of Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Bradley
Loyola of Chicago is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Bradley
Bradley is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Bradley is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

8:05 PM
SAVANNAH STATE vs. CREIGHTON
No trends available
Creighton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Creighton is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games

8:30 PM
AMERICAN vs. DEPAUL
No trends available
DePaul is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
DePaul is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games at home

8:30 PM
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF vs. GEORGIA TECH
No trends available
Georgia Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Georgia Tech is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
CAL POLY vs. WISCONSIN
Cal Poly is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Cal Poly is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Wisconsin is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Wisconsin is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

9:00 PM
MSU NORTHERN vs. MONTANA
No trends available
Montana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Montana is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games

9:00 PM
NORTH FLORIDA vs. NORTHWESTERN
No trends available
Northwestern is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Northwestern is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

9:00 PM
NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. NEW MEXICO
Northern Arizona is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Northern Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
New Mexico is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
New Mexico is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:05 PM
ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK vs. SOUTH ALABAMA
Arkansas-Little Rock is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
Arkansas-Little Rock is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
South Alabama is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arkansas-Little Rock
South Alabama is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Arkansas-Little Rock

9:05 PM
LOUISIANA-MONROE vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Louisiana-Monroe is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Louisiana-Monroe is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Northern Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Northern Colorado is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

10:00 PM
BERRY COLLEGE vs. UC RIVERSIDE
No trends available
UC Riverside is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
UC Riverside is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

10:00 PM
MISS VALLEY STATE vs. OREGON
No trends available
Oregon is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Oregon is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:00 PM
UTAH STATE vs. CS BAKERSFIELD
Utah State is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah State is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
No trends available

11:00 PM
OKLAHOMA STATE vs. STANFORD
Oklahoma State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Oklahoma State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Stanford is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Stanford is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:36 AM

NHL
Write-up

Wednesday, December 16

Hot Teams
-- Devils won 10 of their last 12 home games.
-- Sabres won their last four road games. Senators won six of their last seven home games.
-- Maple Leafs won their last four home games.
-- Blues won five of their last six road games. Blackhawks won ten of their last eleven home games.
-- Canucks won last three games, allowing six goals.

Cold Teams
-- Stars lost four of their last five road games. Carolina lost last three games, scoring eight goals.
-- Canadiens lost nine of last thirteen road games.
-- Islanders lost six of last eight road games. Rangers lost their last six home games.
-- Florida lost six of its last seven home games. Thrashers lost three of their last four road games.
-- Coyotes lost five of their last six road games.
-- Ducks lost eight of last ten road games.

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Dallas road games stayed under the total; six of last eight Carolina games went over.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven New Jersey home games.
-- Last three Ranger home games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Florida games.
-- Five of last six Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-1-1 in last eleven Phoenix road games.
-- 10 of last 12 Chicago home games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Vancouver's last four home games.

Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Blues are 1-4 when they played the night before.

Series Records
-- Devils won 12 of last 16 games against the Canadiens.
-- Rangers won four of last five games against the Islanders.
-- Thrashers won three of last four games against Florida.
-- Senators won last five games against Buffalo.
-- Coyotes won last three games vs Toronto: 4-3/5-1/6-3.
-- Blues lost seven of last ten visits to Chicago.
-- Ducks won last three games vs Vancouver, scoring 17 goals.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:36 AM

NHL

Wednesday, December 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. CAROLINA
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. NEW JERSEY
Montreal is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Montreal is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
New Jersey is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Montreal
New Jersey is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Montreal

7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. NY RANGERS
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the NY Islanders last 13 games
NY Rangers are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing at home against NY Islanders

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Atlanta's last 18 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 11 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games

7:30 PM
BUFFALO vs. OTTAWA
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Buffalo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ottawa's last 9 games when playing Buffalo

7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. TORONTO
Phoenix is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
Toronto is 8-13-3 SU in its last 24 games when playing Phoenix

8:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHICAGO
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis

10:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. VANCOUVER
Anaheim is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Anaheim is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Vancouver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Vancouver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:37 AM

NHL

Wednesday, December 16

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks (-250, 5.5)

Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa’s late second-period goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday will forever live in highlight films.

Hossa caught a looping dump in, dropped the puck down to his stick and before it could hit the ice, batted the puck in mid air and past Lighting goaltender Antero Niittymaki. While the stunning score is garnering a ton of attention from fans and media, it is covering up Hossa’s poor play for the Blackhawks.

The goal was just his fourth of the season since returning from surgery Nov. 25. In his debut, Hossa netted two goals but since then has just seven points. Hossa is still adjusting to his new teammates, leaving Chicago to average under 2.5 goals per game since Hossa joined the lineup.

"I'm getting more comfortable," said Hossa. "When you're playing more and more games you get the good habits and get the system and you get comfortable."

The Blackhawks post an over/under record of 2-6 with Hossa on the ice and now face a Blues squad that is among the best under plays in the NHL. St. Louis is 10-17 over/under and has fallen below the total in three of its last five games.

These teams have also played under the number in four straight meetings

Pick: Under

Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators (-110, 5.5)

The Sabres continue to extend their lead over the Northeast Division, winning their fourth straight game against the Montreal Canadiens Monday night.

Buffalo currently sits at 20-9-2-0, six points ahead of the Ottawa Senators. However, Ottawa has owned the Sabres in recent meetings, taking a five-game winning streak against Buffalo into Wednesday’s home tilt.

The Senators won the teams’ only meeting this season, earning a 5-3 win with three goals in the third period at Scotiabank Place Nov. 21. Ottawa has actually won seven of the last 10 games against its divisional foe.

The Sens lost a tough one in Toronto Monday but now return home, where they are 11-4-1-2 this year – the third best home record in the NHL.

Pick: Ottawa

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:37 AM

NHL

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pucking the trends: Western Conference owns the East
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Close encounters

John Vogl of the Buffalo News reports that the Buffalo Sabres’ record in one-goal games is one of the main reasons they’re at the top of the Northeast Division.

Buffalo is tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second best winning percentage in one-goal games at .750 (9-1-2 record).

"There's been a big emphasis on it and the plays you need to make when the games are tight, the plays you need to make that won't allow the other teams to get the opportunities," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said.

The New Jersey Devils have the highest winning percentage in one-goal games at .786 (11-2-1), while the Tampa bay Lightning have the worst winning percentage at .250 (4-3-9).

Kings of the west?

The Los Angeles Kings have not made the playoffs since 2002, but they are currently tied with the San Jose Sharks for the most points in the Western Conference with 45.

"This is actually a carry-over from last year," said forward Anze Kopitar. "You could see signs that we were becoming a pretty good team last year. The difference was we would play good for a while and then not so good for a while.”

Helene Elliot of the Los Angeles Times writes that the Kings’ success has come as a result of “grit and surprising depth”.

On the topic of grit, forward Ryan Smyth is expected to return from injury as early as next week.

The Kings have a record of 21-11-3 and are 19-16 ATS.

Home is where the wins are

The Vancouver Canucks are winning at home by an average of 1.53 goals (3.53 goals for per game, 2.00 goals allowed per game), the best differential in the league.

The next best team is the Washington Capitals, who have been winning at home by an average of 1.00 goals per game.

As Jeff Paterson, a sports talk-show host on Vancouver sports radio points out, Vancouver must win now on its eight-game homestand, because during the second half of the season, they will play a stretch of 14 consecutive road games.

Vancouver is 13-4-0 at home this season and 11-6 ATS.

East is the least

As James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail points out, it is the mediocrity of the Eastern Conference - particularly in the bottom half of the conference - that has allowed almost every team to remain in contention for a playoff spot.

Mirtle observes that the Western Conference is 72-37-15 against teams from the East, and that the average Western Conference team is on pace for 97 points, seven points higher than the average Eastern Conference club.

“The whole league [is close],” said Ottawa Senators forward Daniel Alfredsson. “The standings change everyday – it’s unbelievable how competitive it is. It pushes everybody. As players, it’s mentally harder, but if you’re a fan, I think you see a lot more intense hockey every night now.”

On schedule

Thursday Dec. 17, Los Angeles Kings at Calgary Flames

The Los Angeles Kings finish the Western Canadian portion of their road trip with a game against the Calgary Flames. It will be Los Angeles’ third road game in four nights.

Thursday Dec. 17, Phoenix Coyotes at Columbus Blue Jackets

The Phoenix Coyotes must play on back-to-back nights (it will also be their third road game in four nights) against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.

Friday Dec. 18, Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues

After a game on Tuesday in Nashville, the Lightning must play in Detroit on Thursday before traveling to St. Louis on Friday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 12-16-2009, 05:38 AM

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Added updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.
.

Announcement

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 12/16 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 12/16 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment