Announcement

**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 01:19 AM

Saturday's betting tips: Wolfpack on ATS run vs. 'Noles

Who’s hot

NCAAF: N.C. State is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 meetings with Florida State.

NCAAF: The over is 7-2-1 in the last 10 Iowa-Minnesota games.

NHL: The road team is 16-5 in the last Ottawa-N.Y. Rangers meetings.

CFL: BC is 6-2 ATS in its last eight meetings.

Who’s not

NCAAF: Florida is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games against winning teams.

NCAAF: San Diego State is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS win.

NHL: The Kings are 9-22-2 in their last 33 visits to Phoenix.

CFL: Saskatchewan is 2-6 ATS in its last eight home games.

Key stat

15 – That’s how many passes Vanderbilt has intercepted this season, tied for the most nationally. The Commodores are 9.5-point home underdogs against No. 8 Arkansas. The Razorbacks lead the SEC with 322 passing yards per game, but junior QB Tyler Wilson is coming off a 13-of-28 performance against Ole Miss.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Georgia Tech, a 3.5-point home dog against No. 6 Clemson, won’t have starting center Jay Finch (lower leg) to block Tigers nose guard Brandon Thompson, a projected first-round NFL pick. Finch was injured on the first play from scrimmage last week at Miami, and the interior blocking suffered. Nick McRae is a serviceable backup but not at Finch’s level.

Game of the day

No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners at No. 12 Kansas State Wildcats (13.5, 58.5)

Notable quotable

"I definitely expect to be more involved. My involvement with this offense hasn't changed since the beginning of the season, I don't want Cam [Cameron] and them to feel like they've got to force me the ball. I'm not that kind of guy. My carries come when the whole offense has success. I look forward to having that success. We're not going to ignore the fact it happened. We didn't execute I don't want to make it seem like I'm begging for carries. At the same time, I do know when we're getting first downs I touch the ball." – Ravens RB Ray Rice to the Carroll County Times. Rice carried the ball just eight times for 28 yards in Monday’s loss at Jacksonville. Baltimore is a 12.5-point favorite Sunday vs. Arizona.

Notes and tips

Buffalo is technically the home team when the Bills play the Redskins in Toronto on Sunday. But the Rogers Centre doesn’t feel like home to Buffalo. The Bills, installed as 6-point favorites, are 0-3 since they signed a five-year, $78 million deal with Toronto-based Rogers Communication in 2008 to play one home game in Toronto each year. "It's not a home game," safety George Wilson said. "The fan support in Toronto is a night-and-day difference from what we have in Buffalo (at Ralph Wilson Stadium). For the most part, it's a show. You see just as many jerseys for the opposing teams as you do the Bills. They cheer for any big play regardless of whichever team makes it."

North Carolina, a 6.5-point home favorite over Wake Forest, should benefit from the return to health of RB Giovani Bernard. He was limited to 11 carries in last week’s loss to Clemson due to a hip injury. “Gio is more healthy this week than he was last week,” interim Tar Heels coach Everett Withers said. Bernard averages 101.4 rushing yards per game, leading all freshmen nationally.

Two Arizona defensive backs, including starting CB Shaquille Richardson, are suspended for Saturday night’s game at Washington. Two more DBs are suspended for the first half. CB Cortez Johnson and S Tra'Mayne Bondurant, both freshmen, likely will start against Washington’s dangerous offense. The Huskies average 421 total yards and nearly 35 points. They are favored by 4.5 points.

**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 01:21 AM

CFL
Dunkel

Week 18

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

Game 293-294: Hamilton at Saskatchewan (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hamilton 111.950; Saskatchewan 107.267
Dunkel Line: Hamilton by 4 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Hamilton by 6; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (+6); Under

Game 295-296: Edmonton at BC (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 112.615; BC 123.075
Dunkel Line: BC by 10 1/2; 46
Vegas Line: BC by 4 1/2; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BC (-4 1/2); Under

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

Game 297-298: Calgary at Montreal (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 113.071; Montreal 116.536
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 3 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: Montreal by 4 1/2; 56
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+4 1/2); Over

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 18

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Saturday, October 29

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HAMILTON (8 - 8) at SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 12) - 10/29/2011, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 88-61 ATS (+20.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
HAMILTON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in October games over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all games this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) off a division game this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) in games played on turf this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in October games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) off a loss against a division rival this season.

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

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EDMONTON (10 - 6) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (9 - 7) - 10/29/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 68-94 ATS (-35.4 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in home games versus division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-4 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-4 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Sunday, October 30

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CALGARY (9 - 7) at MONTREAL (10 - 6) - 10/30/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home games in October games since 1996.

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

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CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 18

Hamilton (9-7) @ Saskatchewan (4-12)-- Roughriders are in tank, losing last five games (0-5 vs spread) by average score of 31-8; they got waxed 33-3 (+2) at Hamilton way back in Week 3. Riders are 2-6 at home this year, losing last two home games 42-5/29-18. Hamilton lost four of last five road games- they're 2-3 as a favorite this season, 1-0 as a road fave. Under is 12-2 in Roughriders' last 14 games, 4-0 in Hamilton's last four. Saskatchewan is 3-10 vs spread as an underdog.

Edmonton (10-6) @ BC Lions (9-7)-- Lions won two of three this year vs Eskimos, losing 33-17 (+2.5) on road in Week 3, then winning 36-1 in Week 8, game that started Lions on their hot streak. Eskimos lost 33-24 (+5.5) four weeks ago in previous visit here. BC had 8-game win streak snapped last week; they're 3-4 as home favorite, but did win last three at home, by 22-9-2 points. Under is 9-3 in Lions' last 12 games. Edmonton won three of last four road games; they're 4-2 as a road underdog.

Calgary (9-7) @ Montreal (10-6)-- Alouettes (+1) lost 38-31 at Calgary in Week 8; they've won four of last five games but failed to cover four in a row- they're 2-5 in last seven as a favorite. Stampeders lost last three on road, by 19-2-2 points, after winning first five road games this year. Weird that Calgary is 9-7 but has only been an underdog twice this year, and both of those games were decided by two points. Five of last seven Montreal games stayed under total.

CFL

Week 18

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Trend Report
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Saturday, October 29

3:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Hamilton is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Hamilton's last 11 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games at home
Saskatchewan is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

10:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Edmonton is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing British Columbia
Edmonton is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
British Columbia is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
British Columbia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Edmonton

Sunday, October 30

1:00 PM
CALGARY vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Calgary is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
Montreal is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Calgary

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CFL

Week 18

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Canadian Bacon: Week 18 CFL odds and picks
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Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Roughriders (+6.5, 50)

The Tiger-Cats played like a Grey Cup contender last week in a 42-10 mauling of the B.C. Lions, ending the Lions’ eight-game winning streak. The quarterback duo of Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter seems to be working as they both had 116 passing yards last week. Hamilton hasn’t said who will start against Saskatchewan, but both will likely see some action.

Meanwhile, wideout Chris Williams was back at practice this week and could play, but the Tiger-Cats will be without LB Jamall Johnson and CB Woodny Turenne.
The Roughriders are just looking to end the season on a positive note. Darian Durant and Andy Fantuz are both out for the rest of the season.

Pick: Hamilton

Edmonton Eskimos at B.C. Lions (-4.5, 49)

If you’re only watching one game this weekend, make sure it’s this one. The Eskimos are on top in the West and a win would secure first place and a bye week before hosting the division final. The Lions could derail that plan and prolong the debate for another week with a win.

As mentioned, B.C. saw its winning streak snapped last week and also suffered a number of injury casualties – including Akeem Foster.They brought back veteran receiver Ryan Thelwell and acquired LB Neil McKinlay.

Travis Lulay has led Edmonton to three straight wins and sits second in most QB statistics next to Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo. But don’t forget who is in third place in most of those categories: Edmonton’s Ricky Ray.

Pick: B.C.

Calgary Stampeders at Montreal Alouettes (-4.5, 56)

The Alouettes’ unity is being questioned. Running back Brandon Whittaker leads the CFL but feels he could get more touches. Wideout Kerry Watkins has been dropping too many balls and is still complaining the offense is too focused on slotbacks Jamal Richardson and S.J. Green.

The Alouettes spoiled a golden opportunity to secure first place in the east by collapsing in the fourth quarter against Winnipeg last week and now coach Marc Trestman is being scrutinized by some of his players.

The Stampeders, who stand third in the West, must win to keep hopes of hosting a playoff game in November. Drew Tate, who has been taking over a struggling Henry Burris at pivot, should be able to exploit the weaknesses of the Alouettes secondary especially with the return of Ken-Yon Rambo (Achilles).

Pick: Calgary

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**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 01:32 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, October 29

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OTTAWA (4-5-0-0, 8 pts.) at NY RANGERS (3-2-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 18-5 ATS (+12.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 17-6 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 71-103 ATS (-86.2 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 5-3-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.3 Units)

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FLORIDA (5-3-0-0, 10 pts.) at BUFFALO (5-3-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 13-7 ATS (+21.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 16-22 ATS (-10.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 1-8 ATS (-10.6 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 4-11 ATS (-13.4 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 6-3 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 6-3-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (7-2-0-2, 16 pts.) at TORONTO (5-2-0-1, 11 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 284-288 ATS (-62.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 21-12 ATS (+7.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 11-1 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 19-6 ATS (+9.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 69-76 ATS (-45.5 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
TORONTO is 87-110 ATS (-87.6 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-3-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.8 Units)

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BOSTON (3-5-0-0, 6 pts.) at MONTREAL (2-5-0-2, 6 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 0-4 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 0-4 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 11-19 ATS (-14.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 17-8 ATS (+9.0 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 13-7 (+10.3 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 13-7-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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SAN JOSE (4-3-0-0, 8 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (3-4-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 153-124 ATS (+24.1 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 2-0-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.2 Units)

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CAROLINA (3-3-0-3, 9 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (5-3-0-1, 11 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-1 (+5.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 7-1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

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WINNIPEG (2-5-0-1, 5 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (4-3-0-2, 10 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 61-48 ATS (+111.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 32-23 ATS (+8.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 235-323 ATS (+699.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 102-160 ATS (-69.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 11-1 (+10.9 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 11-1-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)

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ANAHEIM (4-3-0-1, 9 pts.) at NASHVILLE (3-4-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 101-88 ATS (+2.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 154-104 ATS (+273.2 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 53-43 ATS (+96.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 12-19 ATS (-7.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 9-5 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 9-5-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.9 Units)

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DETROIT (5-2-0-0, 10 pts.) at MINNESOTA (3-2-0-3, 9 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-2 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-2-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.1 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (4-2-0-1, 9 pts.) at DALLAS (7-2-0-0, 14 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 14-30 ATS (-19.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 7-2 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 7-2 ATS (+4.7 Units) first half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 35-24 ATS (+10.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 159-100 ATS (+19.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 2-2 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 2-2-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

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COLUMBUS (1-7-0-1, 3 pts.) at CHICAGO (5-1-0-2, 12 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 34-57 ATS (+97.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 61-128 ATS (+240.5 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 25-61 ATS (+102.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 12-28 ATS (+43.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 230-261 ATS (+511.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 115-137 ATS (-67.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-4-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.7 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (5-2-0-1, 11 pts.) at PHOENIX (3-3-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 99-84 ATS (-16.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 179-152 ATS (+23.3 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 121-116 ATS (+282.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 20-8 ATS (+9.3 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-11 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 7-6-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)

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WASHINGTON (7-0-0-0, 14 pts.) at VANCOUVER (4-5-0-1, 9 pts.) - 10/29/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 109-152 ATS (-61.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 7-13 ATS (-15.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 2-0-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 01:33 AM

NHL

Saturday, October 29

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Hockey Night In Canada: NHL betting preview
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Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs (100, 5.5)

Surely CBC hoped this would be the night that Sidney Crosby returned to action. That’s not going to happen, and probably won’t for a long while. In the interim, you do have a dandy here with two first-place teams which have just four losses between them.

Crashing the garden party

New York was certainly abuzz for the hometown Rangers Thursday night. The last team to host a regular season game this year because of renovations to Madison Square Garden, New York was eager and amped to give the crowd something to cheer about.

Well, the resurgent Maple Leafs made sure that didn’t happen. Toronto cruised to a 4-2 win that wasn’t nearly as close as the score indicated.

Malkin makes an impact

Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin returned to action in time for a home-and-home series with the Islanders this week, and it showed. Malkin, who had some knee soreness, had six shots, an assist and won the second game with a shootout goal at home Thursday night.

The Penguins swept the two-game set and now sit comfortably ahead of the rest of the league with 18 points. Imagine how good they’ll be when Crosby returns.

Numbers in net

In the preseason, Toronto coach Ron Wilson was quick to point out how much depth the Maple Leafs had in net, and so far, so good.

Jonas Gustavsson started against the Rangers and the Flyers on the road, in place of James Reimer, who is recovering from a whiplash injury, and stopped 54 shots.

History

Consider the over. The last 10 times Toronto has appeared on Hockey Night in Canada, eight of the games have gone over. And in their last 21 games versus the Penguins, the Maple Leafs have posted a 16-4-1 mark over. The two teams split four games last season.

Washington Capitals at Vancouver Canucks (-115, 5.5)

It wasn’t going to last forever. As great a start as the Capitals are off to, they were going to lose sometime. But maybe it’s better off for us all. A 2-1 loss in Edmonton Thursday may just be what Washington needs to refocus and get ready for this clash of titans in the national nightcap.

Missing Mike

Washington defenseman Mike Green missed the Oilers game after suffering an ankle injury in Saturday’s victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

Green, one of those on-again, off-again superstars that make the Capitals such a crapshoot in the postseason, is definitely on to start this year. He has three goals, six points and is plus-2.

It's a heck of a pace to keep up, especially if he's still a tad hobbled when he returns.

Sluggish start continues

When most teams suffer a hangover from playing in the Stanley Cup Finals the season before, it usually means they won the big silver mug. For Vancouver, it's been lose-lose. Not only did they fall to Boston in seven games back in June, they have stumbled out of the gate this season as well.

As the Capitals stroll into town, the Canucks are a game under .500 and lost back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday by a combined 6-2, to Edmonton and St. Louis respectively. They've been shut out three times already and are just 2-3 at home.

Waiting on Ryan

As expected, Canucks forward Ryan Kesler has taken it slow in his return from hip surgery. Kesler has played in just five games and has one goal. After a career season, in which he posted 41 goals and 73 points, it appears like a repeat season is out of the question.

It's early of course, but Kesler, who underwent the surgery in August, has had just one game in which he's posted four or more shots. This comes a season after he posted 30 of those games.

History

Christian Ehrhoff, now with Buffalo, had two points as the Canucks defeated the Capitals, 4-2, in their only meeting in Washington last year. Vancouver has posted three straight unders this season and four in its last five games.

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NHL

Saturday, October 29

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Ice picks: Saturday's best NHL bets
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Florida Panthers at Buffalo Sabres (-185, 5.5)

The Panthers arrive in Buffalo trying to shake off a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Ottawa on Thursday. Florida lost on a rebound shot with 2.5 seconds left.

The game supplied more evidence that the Panthers are prone to sloppy play in their end.

The Sabres, meanwhile, got two power-play goals in their 4-2 win over Columbus on Thursday, breaking out of a 1-for-17 slump with the man advantage.

"We went out early yesterday with the coaching staff and talked about it and figured stuff out," said Brad Boyes, who had a power-play goal and an assist. "All five guys on the power play have to be cohesive, and we did that."

The over is 5-0 in these teams’ last five meetings in Buffalo, and 7-3 in the last 10 meetings overall.

Pick: Over

Anaheim Ducks at Nashville Predators (-115, 5)

The Ducks snapped a three-game winless streak with a 3-2 win at Minnesota on Thursday as Teemu Selanne totaled three assists.

They got two power-play goals after entering the game ranked 25th in that department.

"It breeds confidence in the players because they feel good about themselves,” coach Randy Carlyle said. “They're not frustrated by the penalty killing or frustrated from a bad pass. All that goes away when you score.”

Now the Ducks continue their seven-game road trip in Nashville, which just got its first home win since last year’s playoffs. The Preds knocked off the Lightning 5-3 on Thursday with a season-high offensive output.

However, Nashville was outshot for the ninth time in nine games this season.

And the Preds don’t usually handle success well: they’re 3-8 in their last 11 games following a win.

Pick: Ducks

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**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 01:36 AM

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

**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 09:36 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

NFL trends with Week 8 bearing down on us.........

-- Ravens are 33-8-1 as a non-divisional home favorite.

-- Rams are 9-19 in last 28 games as a home underdog.

-- Lions failed to cover last nine games as a road favorite.

-- Miami covered 14 of last 20 games as a road underdog.

-- Philadelphia won its last 12 post-bye games (9-3 vs spread).

-- Over is 15-2 in Detroit's last 17 games vs AFC teams.

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

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random thoughts from the desert......

13) Umpire Jerry Layne worked the plate for both Games 1-7 of World Series, meaning that someone thinks Layne is the best umpire in the big leagues. That somebody probably doesn't live in Texas, since Rangers are now 1-7 last eight times Layne worked the plate in a Texas game, and the Cardinals are 9-2 last 11 times he worked the plate for their games.

I'm not implying anything, just providing statisitics. You decide.

12) Arthur Rhodes has been in the big leagues 21 years; the first batter he got out in the majors was Gary Pettis, on 8/21/91. Pettis is now first base coach for the Rangers. Pettis' nephew plays for the St Louis Rams.

11) Weird to hear that the last time Ron Washington addressed his team as a group was back in June. Guess he doesn't believe in meetings.

10) Philadelphia Flyers scored eight goals Thursday....and lost 9-8 to the Winnipeg Jets. Highest scoring NHL game since 1996.

9) Former players who work for ESPN are complaining loudly that the NFL has become too soft. Wonder if the commissioner will listen.

8) Memo to Houston Cougars; Letting your star QB throw nine TDs in a 73-34 game against a hideous opponent doesn't make your team look any better. Makes you look like bullies.

7) Underdogs are 10-1 vs spread in WAC games this season.

6) Boise State has asked about joining Big West in all sports but football, so they can join the Big East in football; Hawai'i is going to be doing that next year, which is why Boise asked. Looks like the Big East is going to add Central Florida, Houston and SMU, for better or worse. Don't think Boise will traumatize georgraphy teachers everywhere by moving east.

By the way, Hawai'i will be in the Big West in all sports except football; they'll be an independent in football, not joining the Big East.

5) Auburn scored 34.3 ppg in its four non-league games (3-1); they have scored 14.3 ppg in splitting their first four SEC games.

4) Underdogs covered Arizona's last seven visits to play at Washington; Wildcats are 3-4 SU, with all four losses by 4 or less points.

3) Lousiville's star freshman Wayne Blackshear is out for the year after he hurt his shoulder in practice. Big blow for Rick Pitino's Cardinals.

2) Strikes me as odd that Jerry West/Billy Beane, two of the better execs in pro sports, both avoid watching their teams' games. West's life story sounds very sad; I'll have to get his book and check it out. You'd think a guy as successful as West would have a terrific life.

1) Our thoughts and prayers go out to a couple of D-I basketball coaches, Billy Kennedy of Texas A&M and Mike Montgomery at Cal, both of whom have had medical problems since last season ended.

**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 09:45 AM

NHL

Saturday, October 29

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. NY RANGERS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ottawa's last 10 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
NY Rangers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of the NY Rangers last 23 games when playing Ottawa

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Montreal is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston

7:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina

7:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. BUFFALO
Florida is 4-10-1 SU in its last 15 games ,when playing on the road against Buffalo
Florida is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games
Buffalo is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. TORONTO
Pittsburgh is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 11 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. NY ISLANDERS
San Jose is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Islanders are 1-5-2 SU in their last 8 games ,when playing at home against San Jose
NY Islanders are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Jose

7:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. TAMPA BAY
Winnipeg is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Winnipeg is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

8:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. NASHVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
Nashville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. MINNESOTA
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing Detroit

8:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey

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

9:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. PHOENIX
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 9 games at home

10:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. VANCOUVER
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Vancouver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
Vancouver is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home

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**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 10:01 AM

NHL
Dunkel

New Jersey at Dallas
The Devils look to take advantage of a Dallas team that is 3-9 in its last 12 games as a favorite of -110 to -150. New Jersey is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Devils favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

Game 51-52: Ottawa at NY Rangers (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.158; NY Rangers 10.799
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+135); Under

Game 53-54: Florida at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.022; Buffalo 12.498
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-185); Over

Game 55-56: Pittsburgh at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.979; Toronto 11.331
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-120): Over

Game 57-58: Boston at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.047; Montreal 11.336
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+105); Under

Game 59-60: San Jose at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.228; NY Islanders 10.490
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-140); Under

Game 61-62: Carolina at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 10.457; Philadelphia 11.174
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 63-64: Winnipeg at Tampa Bay (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 10.655; Tampa Bay 11.249
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-170); Over

Game 65-66: Anaheim at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.198; Nashville 11.159
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-105); Under

Game 67-68: Detroit at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 10.872; Minnesota 11.683
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 69-70: New Jersey at Dallas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 12.460; Dallas 11.427
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+110); Under

Game 71-72: Columbus at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.855; Chicago 12.370
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-220); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-220); Over

Game 73-74: Los Angeles at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 13.004; Phoenix 11.831
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-130); Under

Game 75-76: Washington at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.866; Vancouver 11.987
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-115); Over

**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 12:13 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Saturday, October 29

OTTAWA at NY RANGERS, 3:00 PM ET
OTTAWA: 0-6 SU off 3 straight 1 goal victories
NY RANGERS: 18-5 SU off loss by 2+ goals

FLORIDA at BUFFALO, 7:00 PM ET
FLORIDA: 13-7 SU on Saturday
BUFFALO: 4-11 SU at home after scoring 4+ goals

PITTSBURGH at TORONTO, 7:00 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 11-1 SU in Saturday road games
TORONTO: 0-8 SU at home off road win

BOSTON at MONTREAL, 7:00 PM ET
BOSTON: 17-2 SU after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
MONTREAL: 26-45 SU off division win by 1 goal

SAN JOSE at NY ISLANDERS, 7:00 PM ET
SAN JOSE: 21-8 SU off road win
NY ISLANDERS: 0-8 SU after scoring 2 goals or less 4 straight games

CAROLINA at PHILADELPHIA, 7:00 PM ET
CAROLINA: n/a
PHILADELPHIA: n/a

WINNIPEG at TAMPA BAY, 7:00 PM ET
WINNIPEG: 0-6 SU at Tampa Bay
TAMPA BAY: 34-22 SU playing 3rd game in 5 days

ANAHEIM at NASHVILLE, 8:00 PM ET
ANAHEIM: 21-11 SU off win by 1 goal
NASHVILLE: 12-19 SU at home if the total is 5 or less

DETROIT at MINNESOTA, 8:00 PM ET
DETROIT: n/a
MINNESOTA: n/a

NEW JERSEY at DALLAS, 8:00 PM ET
NEW JERSEY: 5-15 SU Away off BB road games
DALLAS: 20-9 SU off division loss

COLUMBUS at CHICAGO, 8:30 PM ET
COLUMBUS: 5-23 SU off road loss
CHICAGO: 28-10 SU Playing on back to back days

LOS ANGELES at PHOENIX, 9:00 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 31-22 SU Away off road game
PHOENIX: 2-11 SU at home win by 2+ goals

WASHINGTON at VANCOUVER, 10:00 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 7-13 SU after scoring 1 goal or less
VANCOUVER: 46-18 SU off an Under

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 10-29-2011, 04:23 PM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, October 29

Hot teams
-- Senators won last four games, the last three by one goal each.
-- Buffalo won six of its first nine games.
-- Penguins won their last five games, allowing six goals. Toronto won four of its first five home games.
-- Montreal won its last two games 5-1/2-1 after losing previous six.
-- Sharks won last four games, outscoring foes 15-8.
-- Lightning won three of their last four games.
-- Dallas Stars won four of their first five home games.
-- Blackhawks are 5-3 in their last eight games.
-- Los Angeles won five of its last six games.
-- Washington won seven of its first eight games.

Cold teams
-- Rangers are 3-5 in their first eight games.
-- Panthers are 2-3 in their last five games.
-- Boston lost six of its first nine games.
-- Islanders lost last four games, outscored 14-5.
-- Carolina lost three of its last four games.
-- Flyers lost four of last five games, losing last game 9-8.
-- Winnipeg lost four of its five road games.
-- Ducks lost three of last four games, but won three of last four on road.
Nashville lost three of its four home games.
-- Minnesota lost four of its last five games. Red Wings lost their last three games 7-1/4-1/4-2.
-- Blue Jackets are 0-5 on the road, outscored 21-9.
-- Coyotes lost three of their first five home games.
-- Vancouver lost three of its first five home games.

Totals
-- Over is 7-3 in Ottawa games this season.
-- All three Sabre home games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-2 in last eleven Pittsburgh-Toronto games.
-- Seven of first nine Boston games stayed under total.
-- Three of last four Islander games stayed under total. Three of last four San Jose games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Carolina games stayed under total. Five of six Flyer home games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2 in Jets' last seven visits to Tampa Bay.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in Anaheim's road games.
-- Three of last four Detroit games went over the total. Under is 4-1-1 in last six Minnesota games.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Dallas games.
-- All five Columbus road games went over the total.
-- Seven of Kings' last eight games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Vancouver games stayed under total.

Series records
-- Senators won their last three visits to Manhattan.
-- Sabres won last three games vs Florida, 3-2/4-2/4-0.
-- Penguins won three of last four visits to Toronto.
-- Bruins lost five of last seven visits to Montreal.
-- Islanders lost four games in row vs San Jose, outscored 11-4.
-- Flyers won nine of last ten games against Carolina.
-- Tampa Bay won its last eleven games against the Jets.
-- Predators eliminated Anaheim in six games in playoffs last spring.
-- Red Wings won six of last seven games against Minnesota.
-- Road team won last four New Jersey-Dallas games.
-- Blackhawks won three of last four games against Columbus.
-- Kings won last three games vs Phoenix: 1-0/3-2/2-0.
-- Canucks won three of last four games against Washington.

Announcement

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 10/29 (NHL, CFL, Misc.)

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 10/29 (NHL, CFL, Misc.)

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