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**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 09:26 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: October 18

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Titans and Jaguars hit the field for Monday Night Football, and the Rangers and Yankees meet in New York in Game 3 of the ALCS.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

Monday Night Football this week sees the Titans (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) hit the road for a game against the Jaguars (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) in Jacksonville. Tennessee went into Dallas last week and came out with a 34-27 road win. Vince Young completed just 12 of 25 pass attempts for 173 yards in the contest, but he did manage to connect on two touchdown strikes. Chris Johnson ran for 131 yards and two scores that day. The Jaguars are also coming off a road win, as they got past the Bills 36-26 in Buffalo last week. David Garrard went 16 of 20 for 178 yards passing against Buffalo, with three touchdowns and one interception. Oddsmakers have set the Titans as 3-point road favorites for Monday night's matchup, while the total for the contest is set at 45.5 points.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Rangers and Yankees will break a 1-1 series deadlock on Monday night when they take the field at Yankee Stadium in Game 3 of the ALCS. Texas will hand the ball to ace Cliff Lee (2-0, 1.12 ERA in the playoffs) in that contest, while the Yankees will counter with veteran Andy Pettitte (1-0, 2.57 ERA in the playoffs). Lefthander Lee picked up a pair of wins over the Rays during the ALDS, holding them to just two runs on 11 hits over his 16 innings of work while fanning 21 batters. Lefthander Pettitte had one start against the Twins during the ALDS, giving up two runs over seven innings in that victory. The Rangers and Lee are -118 road favorites for Monday, with the total set at 7.5 runs.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, the National Hockey League offers up five games on Monday, with Colorado at the Rangers, Ottawa at Pittsburgh, the Islanders at Toronto, St. Louis at Chicago, and Dallas at Tampa Bay. The Stars improved to 4-0-0 on the season with a 3-2 shootout win over the Blues on Saturday night; James Neal and Loui Eriksson scored for Dallas in regulation time in that contest, while Kari Lehtonen made 41 saves. The Lightning fell to 3-1-0 on the season with a 6-0 road loss to Florida in their last game on Saturday. Dan Ellis and Mike Smith combined to stop just 32 of the 38 Florida shots in that defeat.

**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 09:29 AM

Bettors' best friend: Monday's wagering tips

Lines to watch

The total for the Tennessee Titans-Jacksonville Jaguars matchup is up to 45 after opening at 42.

Who’s hot

The New York Yankees are 8-1 in their last nine playoff games in New York.

Ottawa Senators are 16-6 in their last 22 meetings with Pittsburgh.

The Colorado Avalanche have won seven of their last nine games against the New York Rangers.

The Dallas Stars are off to a 4-0 start and have won seven of their last eight games in Tampa Bay.

Who’s not

The Texas Rangers are 3-7 in their last 10 games as a favorite.

The Tennessee Titans are 1-10 ATS against teams with a winning record.

The New York Islanders have won only six of their last 27 games in Toronto.

Key stat

6 – Number of walks Cliff Lee has issued in seven career postseason starts. He’s working on a 29:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his last three starts this year.

Injuries that shouldn’t be overlooked

Chris Johnson (thigh), Tennessee Titans – Johnson’s expected to start against Jacksonville, but was limited in practice most of the week. He has 485 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season.

Justin Gage (hamstring), Tennessee Titans – Gage has been ruled out of this week’s Monday Nighter. Last week Kenny Britt stepped up with Gage on the sidelines, pulling in four catches for 86 yards and a touchdown in a win at Dallas. Rookie Damian Williams chipped in a pair of grabs for 30 yards.

Game of the day

Texas Rangers at New York Yankees

Notable quotable

"They're one of those teams that play to and through the whistle. So guys can take that as being dirty or being a cheap-shot artist or something like that. They play hard. Some teams may not be able to match that intensity, hence they say they play dirty." – Jaguars safety Gerald Alexander said of the Titans who have been flagged for 41 penalties this year, which puts them behind only Detroit and Oakland in that category.

Tips and notes

Michael Kay of the YES network has suggested that Texas Rangers starter Cliff Lee is using a combination of rosin and powder on his ball cap, so that when he adjusts his hat, he can get a better grip on the ball. So far, the Yankees haven’t complained about the situation to the league. Lee has a 1.44 ERA in the postseason while going 6-0 in his career.

The New York Yankees are doing their best to make sure Josh Hamilton doesn’t beat them. The Yanks walked Texas’ banged-up slugger four times – twice intentionally – in Game 2, which was one off an ALCS single-game record. Hamilton has walked seven times in the postseason but is trying to do what he can when he gets on with four stolen bases. Vladimir Guerrero, hitting behind Hamilton in the order, is batting only .214 in the playoffs.

The Dallas Stars’ top line of Brad Richards, Loui Eriksson, and James Neal combined for six points in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Richards is tied for the league scoring lead with nine points through four games heading into Monday’s tilt with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 09:32 AM

Monday's six-pack

-- My heart breaks for a kid like Purdue's Robbie Hummel tearing his ACL for second time in eight months. These kids work so hard to get back into shape after injuries, its a shame Hummel is out for the year.

-- Singer Barry Manilow, who does a nightly show at Paris, donated $500,000 in musical instruments to Las Vegas area high schools.

-- How come food looks so much better on TV than in person?

-- Lookalikes: Rick Harrison, star of the Pawn Stars show on History Channel, and actor Michael Chiklis, star of The Shield.

-- Rocco Mediate chipped in for eagle on 17, his fourth chip-in eagle of the week, as he won the Fry's.com Open Sunday by a stroke, getting his sixth Tour win and first since 2002.

-- Dwyane Wade is working out, but in Chicago, as a custody hearing for his kids continues Monday. No one in Miami knows when he'll be back with the Heat, or whether he'll be ready for the season opener.

*******************************************

Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday.........

13) Road team is now 5-0 in Miami Dolphin games, as Fish won 23-20 in OT at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Miami had 150 rushing yards and sacked Aaron Rodgers five times.

12) Jets won a road game on a short work week, beating Denver at the end, 24-20, thanks to an interference penalty that put the ball on 2-yard line in last 90 seconds, but Denver has to look at coming up empty on their 1st and 3rd drives of game, with both starting in Jet territory. This was a good game. Broncos are now 6-12 in their last 18 games.

11) Jay Cutler isn't well-suited to play in Mike Martz' offense; he isn't tough, he doesn't make good decisions and he looks for the long ball too much. Teams are blitzing the Bears and Cutler isn't making them pay by dumping the ball to hot receivers.

10) Steelers averaged 9.5 yards per pass attempt with Roethlisberger in the lineup; they averaged 7.3/1.0/10.8/5.5 ypa in the four games before his return from suspension.

9) Raiders were impressive on their first two drives, gaining 164 yards on 25 plays, but had to settle for pair of FGs on rainy Candlestick Point; rest of the game, Oakland ran 31 plays for a total of 61 yards and lost 17-9. Jason Campbell just isn't very good.

8) Saints flexed their muscles, tied Atlanta for first place in NFC South, as they crushed the Bucs 31-6. New Orleans had 212 rushing yards, 263 thru the air. First three Saint drives: 27 plays, 251 yards, 17 points.

7) Deion Branch caught nine balls for 98 yards (Wes Welker had seven catches for 53) as Patriots beat Baltimore 23-20 in OT. If you care about such things, Randy Moss caught five passes for 55 yards for in his second game back with the Vikings.

6) For the first time I can remember, there weren't any defensive TDs on Sunday; Bears ran a punt back for a TD, Minnesota ran a kickoff back, but no defense scored a TD (Seattle had a safety). Unusual.

5) Shaun Hill was playing fairly well before breaking his left arm; Drew Stanton played OK for a 3rd-stringer in relief, but Detroit lost their 24th road game in a row, 28-20 to the Giants in Swamp Stadium. Detroit is an improving team, but now they've got two QBs injured.

4) On their first five drives, Houston ran 25 plays for 124 yards and a TD; on their last four drives, Texans ran 31 plays for 278 yards as they scored TDs on all four drives, rallying from down 31-21 with 4:00 left to beat the improving Chiefs 35-31.

3) Rams sacked Philip Rivers seven times, beat the Chargers 20-17 to get their record to 3-3, only a half-game out of first place in NFC West. San Diego is a soft team that is now 2-0 at home, 0-4 on the road.

2) I watch every game during the day, so there is always something on, but when I'm at home watching primetime games, its amazing how many commercials there are during NFL games.

1) Michael Vick didn't show up for Falcon-Eagle game until 45 minutes before kickoff; Andy Reid says he had permission to do that, but why is your starting QB not on the sidelines for the game? Just seems strange.

**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 09:43 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Texas at NY Yankees
The Rangers look to take advantage of a New York team that is 0-5 in its last 5 playoff games as an underdog. Texas is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Texas (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18

Game 909-910: Texas at NY Yankees (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lee) 16.750; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 16.229
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-115); Under

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, October 18

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TEXAS (94 - 75) at NY YANKEES (99 - 68) - 8:05 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 5-13 (-9.7 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
PETTITTE is 42-17 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PETTITTE is 17-4 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PETTITTE is 28-10 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 54-42 (+14.5 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.
TEXAS is 181-150 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 173-136 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 72-48 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LEE is 70-49 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 43-42 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 100-68 (-2.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 5-5 (+0.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LEE is 8-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.14 and a WHIP of 1.292.
His team's record is 8-6 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.2 units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. TEXAS since 1997
PETTITTE is 10-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 12-8 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-7. (+3.5 units)

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MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, 10/18/2010

** AL Championship Series - Best of 7 - Game 3 - SERIES TIED 1-1
TEXAS at NY YANKEES, 8:05 PM ET
LEE: 7-0 TSR in the playoffs
PETTITTE: NYY 8-0 UNDER at home in October

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

MLB
Write-Up

Monday, October 18

Bronx is home dog in a playoff game for first time since '04; Lee is 4-1, 1.95 in his last five starts. Pettitte is 1-1, 6.20 in his last five starts- six of his last nine starts went over the total. Have to respect Pettitte's postseason record (19-9, 3.87 in 41 career postseason starts), but Lee's might be even more impressive (6-0, 1.44 in seven postseason starts). Home team is 1-6 in Texas games this postseason (Rangers 3-0 on road).

**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 09:52 AM

MLB

Monday, October 18

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Trend Report
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8:07 PM
TEXAS vs. NY YANKEES
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Texas

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Tips and Trends
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Texas Rangers at New York Yankees [TBS | 8:07 PM ET]

RANGERS: (-115, O/U 7.5) Texas is playing with plenty of confidence after winning their first postseason game in franchise history. The Rangers are the improbable ALCS entrant, and they are tied with the powerful Yankees at 1-1 in their ALCS matchup. Texas will send all world ace P Cliff Lee to the mound tonight. Lee is 6-0 with a 1.44 ERA in 7 postseason starts, including 3 complete games. With a win tonight, Lee will become only the 3rd pitcher in history to win his first 7 postseason starts. Making Texas even more confident is the fact that Lee is 5-0 with two complete games in his past 5 games pitching in New York. The Rangers are 6-0 in their last 6 road games. The Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 road games against a left-handed starter. Texas is 11-4 in their last 15 games against a team with a winning record. The Rangers are 5-1 in Lee's last 6 starts overall. The Rangers are 2-5 in Lee's last 7 starts as a road favorite.

Rangers are 9-3 last 12 games against the American League East.
Under is 5-0 last 5 playoff road games.

Key Injuries - None Reported.

Projected Score: 4 (UNDER-Total of the Day)

YANKEES: New York is hoping to celebrate P Andy Pettitte's 20th career postseason win tonight. Beating Cliff Lee will be a tall order, as evident by the simple fact that New York is the listed home underdog tonight. New York is currently tied 1-1 in their best of 7 ALCS with Texas. Pettitte has been money in the postseason over his career, most recently going 5-0 with a 2.88 ERA over his past 9 playoff starts. New York has the most potent offense in baseball this year, but that doesn't change the fact they only scored 1 run in Game 2 of this series. The Yankees are 5-0 in their last 5 games following an off day. New York is 6-2 in their last 8 League Championship home games. The Yankees are 3-9 in their last 12 games against a left-handed starter. The Yankees are 5-0 in Pettitte's last 5 starts against the American League West. New York is 7-2 in Pettitte's last 9 starts as an underdog. The Yankees are 19-7 in Pettitte's last 26 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

Yankees are 8-1 last 9 playoff home games.
Over is 4-0 last 4 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - None Reported.

Projected Score: 2

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Texas Rangers at New York Yankees (+105, 7.5)

The Texas Rangers were only 42-42 on the road during the regular season, but have to feel pretty good heading into New York as they’re unbeaten as visitors in the postseason – especially with Cliff Lee taking the hill. Texas took all three first-round road games at Tampa Bay.

Rangers manager Ron Washington is still trying to decide who will play first base on Monday. You’d think Jorge Cantu, who bats right, would be the guy (even though he is hitless in seven playoff at bats) with the Yanks sending out lefty Andy Pettitte, but rookie Mitch Moreland is making a case to get the call.

Moreland bats left but is hitting .316 with two doubles and two RBIs in six playoff games. He was 2-for-3 with a walk in Game 2 and also picked up a ninth-inning single against Mariano Rivera in Game 1.

“We have a blue collar approach to the game, and we have welcomed him with open arms because he's just like that,” Texas’ Michael Young said of Moreland. “He's not scared of anything. No situation is going to mess with him. He had the usual rookie hiccups during the season, but it was because he was a rookie, not because he was scared."

Texas has put up 17 runs over its last three games.

Pick: Texas

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Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
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Cliff Lee, Texas Rangers vs. Andy Pettitte, New York Yankees

Cliff Lee (14-9, 3.09 ERA)

Cliff Lee takes the mound in New York for Game 3 looking to add another chapter to his playoff mystique. The 32-year-old lefty is 6-0 in seven playoff starts with a 1.44 ERA.

He has made two postseason starts this year, beating the Rays by identical 5-1 scores in the first and last games of the series demonstrating the dominant control he has had all year. Lee hasn’t walked a batter in the playoffs after issuing just 18 free passes to first in 212 1/3 innings pitched in the regular season.

"I don't think there's an exact science how you approach Cliff Lee," Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters. "But to me, he's a lot like Roy Halladay. If you try to take a couple of pitches and get deep in the count, you might be 0-2. So for me with Cliff Lee, I think you have to be ready to hit from pitch one. And if he makes a mistake, don't miss it."

Lee has two wins in three starts against the Yankees this season with a 3.09 ERA. He will be in line to face the Yanks again if the series goes to seven games.

Andy Pettitte (12-3, 3.24 ERA)

Andy Pettitte has been overshadowed in this matchup by Lee, but don’t forget New York’s 38-year-old veteran has the most playoff wins in MLB history.
He picked up his 19th career postseason wins when he went seven innings allowing two runs in a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, but you have to wonder how he’ll react to an 11-day layoff with just four starts under his belt after July 18.

The Yanks need a lift, too. Phil Hughes and CC Sabathia both allowed five runs in their starts to begin this series.

“Obviously, it’s going to be 11 days for me making this start on Monday, which is an awful long time," Pettitte told reporters after the Yankees’ 7-2 Game 2 loss Saturday. "You’d rather pitch on three days’ rest than (10) days’ rest, I can promise you that much.

"I think literally, it’s if you can get through those first couple of innings. If you can control your emotions and get going early. Sometimes it’s tough to get going."

Pettitte is 5-0 over his last nine playoff starts, posting a 2.88 ERA.

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This Day in Baseball
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On October 18 in Baseball History...

1910 - The Philadelphia Athletics pounded the Chicago Cubs 9-3 for a 2-0 lead in the World Series. Eddie Collins had three hits, including two doubles, and two stolen bases.

1950 - Connie Mack, at age 87, retired as manager of the Philadelphia Athletics after 50 years, and Jimmy Dykes was named to replace him. Mack, together with Ben Shibe, founded the Athletics in 1901.

1960 - Instituting a mandatory retirement age of 65, New York Yankee co-owners Dan Topping and Del Webb relieve Casey Stengel (1,149-696) as manager.
1967 - The AL approves the Athletics' shift to Oakland. Kansas City is promised a new team by 1971. When Senator Stuart Symington and Kansas City Mayor Ilus Davis threaten action against the move, AL President Joe Cronin reopens talks, and the expansion deadline is moved forward to 1969.

1972 - With runners at second and third and a 3-2 count, the A's fake an intentional walk and strike out Johnny Bench looking in Game Three. Blue Moon Odom fans 11, but Cincinnati's Jack Billingham is the 1-0 winner as the Reds win their first game of the World Series.

1973 - The Mets' Jerry Koosman and Tug McGraw combined to three-hit the Oakland A's and take 3-2 lead in the World Series.

1977 - Reggie Jackson hit three consecutive home runs to lead New York to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angles Dodgers and give the Yankees the World Series title in six games. Jackson drove in five runs, and all three shots came on the first pitch.

1988 - Mark McGwire's home run off Jay Howell in the bottom of the ninth gives Oakland a 2-1 win in Game Three of the World Series.

1992 - Ed Sprague's two-run home run in the ninth inning off Jeff Reardon in Game Two gives Toronto a 5-4 win over Atlanta and evens the World Series.

1997 - The first World Series game ever played in Florida belongs to the Marlins. Moises Alou and Charles Johnson smack back-to-back home runs against Cleveland's Orel Hershiser to make a 7-4 winner of Livan Hernandez in Game One.

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**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 09:59 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Colorado at NY Rangers
The Avalanche look to build on their 6-2 record in their last 8 meetings in New York. Colorado is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Avalanche favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+105). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18

Game 51-52: NY Islanders at Toronto (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.732; Toronto 12.994
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-180); Over

Game 53-54: Colorado at NY Rangers (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.077; NY Rangers 10.632
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+105); Under

Game 55-56: Ottawa at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.784; Pittsburgh 11.511
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+150); Under

Game 57-58: Dallas at Tampa Bay (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.491; Tampa Bay 12.272
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-130); Over

Game 59-60: St. Louis at Chicago (8:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.164; Chicago 13.450
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-155); Under

**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 10:00 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, October 18

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NY ISLANDERS (2-1-0-2, 6 pts.) at TORONTO (4-0-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/18/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 12-47 ATS (+97.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 5-15 ATS (-10.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 84-101 ATS (-69.1 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 125-123 ATS (-78.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 4-4 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-4-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.7 Units)

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COLORADO (3-2-0-0, 6 pts.) at NY RANGERS (1-1-0-1, 3 pts.) - 10/18/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 14-6 ATS (+21.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 75-54 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 41-63 ATS (-27.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 143-192 ATS (-79.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 112-145 ATS (-98.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 2-0-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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OTTAWA (1-3-0-1, 3 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/18/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 17-9 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 12-15 ATS (-9.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 7-7 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-7-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.3 Units)

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DALLAS (4-0-0-0, 8 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (3-1-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/18/2010, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 1-1-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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ST LOUIS (2-1-0-1, 5 pts.) at CHICAGO (3-2-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/18/2010, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 61-28 ATS (+16.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 110-107 ATS (+236.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
CHICAGO is 15-16 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-6 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-6-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 10:01 AM

NHL
Write-Up

Monday, October 18

Hot Teams
-- Maple Leafs are 4-0 this season, outscoring foes 16-9.
-- Colorado is 3-2 this season, 2-2 on road.
-- Penguins won three of their last four games.
-- Dallas is 4-0 this season (three wins in OT/SO). Lightning won three of their first four games.
-- Blackhawks won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Islanders lost first two road games, 2-1/3-2ot.
-- Rangers won last two games, 6-4/4-3ot.
-- Senators lost four of their first five games.
-- Blues lost first two road games, 4-3/3-2so.

Totals
-- Last three Toronto games went over the total.
-- Four of five Colorado games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-3 in last eleven Ottawa-Pittsburgh games.
-- Three of first four Lightning games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Chicago games went over the total.

Series Records
-- Rangers won last two games vs Colorado, 6-1/3-1.
-- Islanders won three of last four games against Toronto.
-- Penguins beat Ottawa in six games in playoffs LY; last two games went to OT.
-- Lightning lost 4-3 in OT at Dallas, in last series meeting.
-- Blackhawks won five of last seven games vs St Louis.

**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 10:05 AM

NHL

Monday, October 18

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLORADO vs. NY RANGERS
Colorado is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Rangers
Colorado is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 7 games
NY Rangers are 2-5-1 SU in their last 8 games ,when playing at home against Colorado

7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. TORONTO
NY Islanders are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Ottawa

7:30 PM
DALLAS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Tampa Bay is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing Dallas

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

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Colorado Avalanche at New York Rangers (-125, 5.5)

The New York Rangers dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the streaking Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, but the lost point was the least of their worries by the time they left Madison Square Garden.

Captain Chris Drury made his return to the lineup only to break the same finger he had broken in preseason and will be out another six weeks. What’s worse is that the club also lost sniper Marian Gaborik for 2-4 weeks when he was crunched against the boards and separated his shoulder.

“It was a hit from behind, for sure,” Gaborik told reporters. “I tried to stay out for the power play, but it was getting worse and worse. I got the puck and at one point tried to make a play, but I knew something’s wrong, not just a little bruise."

As a result, New York’s top line will likely be made up of Artem Anisimov centering Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan – not exactly household names.
Rangers coach John Tortorella said that he didn’t expect any call-ups from the minors for Monday’s game, hoping that Erik Christensen (groin) would be set to go. Todd White is expected to make his Rangers debut, as well.

Pick: Avalanche

Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins (-170, 5.5)

Things are looking better for the Ottawa Senators, but they still head into Monday’s game trying to avoid a third straight loss.

The Sens are coming off a pair of one-goal losses, the most recent of which being a 4-3 loss to Montreal on Saturday. The game was tied at three before Tomas Plekanec scored at the 16:41-mark of the third.

“For whatever reason, we just stopped pressuring their defense,” Ottawa coach Cory Clouston told reporters after the game. “We started cheating on our breakouts. We refused to just get pucks in deep and forecheck. We just gave them too much momentum. Basically, the ice became slanted in one direction.”

The Senators, who are averaging only two goals a night, also have to get a lot more pucks to the net. They were outshot 40-19 by Montreal and average only 26.6 shots per game – 28th in the NHL.

Pick: Penguins

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**Udog** · 10-18-2010, 11:29 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, 10/18/2010

NY ISLANDERS at TORONTO, 7:00 PM ET
NY ISLANDERS: 12-47 SU in a road game where the total is 5.5
TORONTO: 26-12 UNDER at home off a win in OT

COLORADO at NY RANGERS, 7:00 PM ET
COLORADO: 14-6 SU after a non-conf. game
NY RANGERS: 38-61 SU off 3 or more BB overs

OTTAWA at PITTSBURGH, 7:00 PM ET
OTTAWA: 17-9 SU off a division game
PITTSBURGH: 6-14 SU off a win by 2 goals or more over a division rival

DALLAS at TAMPA BAY, 7:30 PM ET
DALLAS: 0-8 SU off 2 or more BB home wins
TAMPA BAY: 5-0 SU off a road loss against a division rival

ST LOUIS at CHICAGO, 8:30 PM ET
ST LOUIS: 8-1 OVER off 2 or more consecutive road losses
CHICAGO: 28-15 OVER after a 2 game unbeaten streak

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes 10/18 (MLB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes 10/18 (MLB, NHL, Misc.)

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