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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 07:54 AM

Monday’s betting tips: Chargers set to can Turner?

Who’s hot

NFL: The under is 6-0 in Jacksonville’s last six Monday night games.

NHL: The New York Rangers as 12-2 in their last 14 overall.

NHL: Pittsburgh has won seven of its last eight home games.

NCAAB: Florida state is 8-3-1 against the spread in its last 12 home games.

Who’s not

NFL: San Diego has dropped six straight against the number.

NHL: Washington has lost its four road games.

NHL: Tampa Bay is 5-23 in its last 28 games in Ottawa.

NCAAB: Providence is just 3-9 against the spread in its last 12.

Key stat

1 – Just one of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ games have played over the total this season. The average total for their games so far this year is 38.9 and oddsmakers have a 39-point total on the board for Monday’s game.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Alexander Semin, Washington Capitals – Semin missed Saturday’s game against Ottawa with a shoulder injury and is considered questionable for Monday’s contest against Florida. Semin is struggling through a rotten year with just five goals and 10 points in 23 games.

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears - Forte exited Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter with a right knee injury. Initial reports said Forte suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament and could be sidelined for two to four weeks.

That would leave the Bears down their two most important offensive players (QB Jay Cutler there other) in next week's game against the Broncos.

The early line has the Tebows giving 3.5 points to the visiting Bears.

Game of the day

San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars (3, 39)

Notable quotable

‘‘It’s still young in the season, and we’re a young team, and it’s important to keep that in mind. But it’s important for our players to know they have to grow up. Hopefully, we can impose our will a little more next time.’’ – DePaul coach Oliver Purnell after his club rallied from a 17-point deficit in the second half to take the lead over Mississippi, only to miss a couple free throws in the final minute to lose 70-68 as a 1-point favorite.

Notes and tips

Chargers head coach Norv Turner will be fired at season's end, the San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting. Sources close to team president Dean Spanos say he feels he has "no choice" but to cut ties with Turner, who has been at the helm since 2007. The report also suggests the team is leaning toward dismissing general manager A.J. Smith, as well. It has been a difficult season for San Diego, which sits tied for last place in the AFC West with a 4-7 mark. The Chargers have dropped six straight games heading into Monday’s date with Jacksonville, but more than 68 percent of *********** Consensus bettors were backing the Bolts as of Thursday evening.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to start Jonas Gustavsson in goal Monday night when they visit the Rangers. Gustavsson has had an up-and-down year and was shelled for five goals in his last start, but he was terrific at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, helping Toronto to a 4-2 win with 28 saves. He’s 8-5 on the year with a 2.97 goals against average.

The courting of NBA free agents is expected to begin on Monday at 10 a.m. ET, according to an ESPN.com report. The reports states that teams were notified Saturday that they would be allowed to begin communicating with players - and free agents - on Monday. The start of NBA training camps is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 9. A 66-game season will open on Christmas Day. Teams have not been allowed to contact their players despite owners and the players' union agreeing in principle to a new collective bargaining agreement last week. Players have, however, been allowed to return to team facilities to take part in voluntary workouts. Tyson Chandler, Nene, Marc Gasol and David West are believed to be the most sought-after free agents.

**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 07:57 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Rams fired their football coach Sunday; sadly, it was Colorado State and not the St Louis Rams. Steve Fairchild is now unemployed.

-- Florida Gators are 6-6; their coach is Will Muschamp, who had never been a head coach before this year. His salary? $3,221,000. Yikes.

-- Arkansas State is 10-2; its coach, Hugh Freeze earned $151,660 this season. The coordinators at LSU both make $750,000 a year.

-- Cincinnati coach Butch Jones turned down the Illinois job, making him the first person in months willing to stay in the Big East.

-- South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier makes $2,828,000; considering the stadium in Columbia seats 80,000+, and the Gamecocks weren't too good before Spurrier got there, he more than earns his money.

-- Texas Longhorns are 12-12 the last two years; Mack Brown is highest paid coach in the country, making $5,193,500. Something tells me those who fund his paychecks aren't very happy these days.

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

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

13) How the course of history hinges on one thing: the Miami Dolphins' team doctor wouldn't OK Drew Brees' right shoulder a few years back, so he signed with the Saints instead of Miami. If he signed with Miami, the Saints would likely still suck, Nick Saban wouldn't be coaching Alabama, he'd still be coaching the Dolphins. If if if if if if........

12) Brees has now thrown a TD pass in 39 consecutive games. Record is 47 straight games, set by Johnny Unitas 50 years ago. If Brees breaks the record, it'll happen in Week 5 next season.

11) Vikings' coach Leslie Frazier continues to flunk game management; in Sunday's game, score is tied with 1:09 left, Denver has the ball on Vikings' 5-yard line. Only chance Minnesota has to win the game is to let Denver score and then get the ball back and try to score themselves. NFL teams do not miss 20-yard field goals indoors. How does Frazier not know this?

Jason Garrett didn't fare much better out in Arizona, somehow letting 25 seconds run off the clock when Dallas had two timeouts and ball on the Arizona 31. When they lined up for the game-winning FG, Garrett called timeout; later he said it was so the field goal team didn't have to rush the kick, but the kicker made the first try, missed the one that counted.

Guess they don't teach clock management at Princeton.

10) Packers have now won 18 games in a row (13-5 vs spread). Tuesday, they'll be selling 250,000 shares of stock for $250 apiece, which are really cool souvenirs but a horrible investment, since they don't appreciate. Easy way for Green Bay raise a quick $62,500,000. Must be nice.

9) Hard to believe that TJ Yates is the first North Carolina QB to start an NFL game. Ever.

8) Texans' coach Gary Kubiak was once a ballboy for the Houston Oilers, when Bum Phillips was head coach; now 30 years later, Bum's son Wade is defensive coordinator for Kubiak's team, which is playoff-bound.

7) Jets were down 16-13 with 5:00 left in Washington, but scored three TDs in last 4:49, gaining a total of 85 yards on the three drives. Redskins look good at times, but then you realize Rex Grossman is their QB.

6) Arizona Cardinals have now won four straight overtime games against the Cowboys. Dallas still leads the NFC East because the Giants lost.

5) Carolina Panthers have a rookie QB, a rookie head coach and scored 11 offensive TDs in their last three games. Rams have 11 TDs all season, so no lame excuses about having a new offensive coordinator. If you've got good coaches who develop players, it shows up on Sunday afternoons. It also shows up if you don't have good coaches.

4) Six TDs were scored this week on defense/special teams; all six teams won their game, Denver and Green Bay by three points each.

3) Favorites are 6-8 this week, home teams 8-6, over is 7-6-1.

2) Miami Dolphins have now won four of their last five games, winning last three home games, outscoring their opponents 89-31. Oakland scored TDs on its last two drives Sunday, ending a streak of 31 drives that Fish didn't allow a touchdown at home. Pretty impressive for a 4-8 team.

1) 40 years ago, a 40+-year old kicker/backup QB named George Blanda rallied the Raiders to either a win or a tie six weeks in a row, one of the truly great streaks in NFL history. Very similar to what Tim Tebow does every week now, except Tebow is 20 years younger, he doesn't kick, but he sure can run. He is 6-1 as a starting QB, but there are still very smart football people who swear he's no good. An interesting discussion.

**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:03 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, December 5

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ST JOHNS (4 - 4) at DETROIT (3 - 6) - 12/5/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOHNS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
ST JOHNS is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
ST JOHNS is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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BROWN (4 - 5) at PROVIDENCE (6 - 2) - 12/5/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PROVIDENCE is 79-108 ATS (-39.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
PROVIDENCE is 79-108 ATS (-39.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
PROVIDENCE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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WI-MILWAUKEE (7 - 1) at DEPAUL (4 - 2) - 12/5/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 134-100 ATS (+24.0 Units) after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DEPAUL is 1-0 against the spread versus WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
DEPAUL is 1-0 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ELON (5 - 2) at UNC-GREENSBORO (2 - 6) - 12/5/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ELON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ELON is 3-1 against the spread versus UNC-GREENSBORO over the last 3 seasons
ELON is 3-1 straight up against UNC-GREENSBORO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ARKANSAS ST (3 - 4) at AUSTIN PEAY (0 - 9) - 12/5/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
AUSTIN PEAY is 42-63 ATS (-27.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

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

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IDAHO ST (2 - 5) at BOISE ST (6 - 1) - 12/5/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO ST is 112-154 ATS (-57.4 Units) in all games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 112-154 ATS (-57.4 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 33-56 ATS (-28.6 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
BOISE ST is 76-51 ATS (+19.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOISE ST is 1-0 against the spread versus IDAHO ST over the last 3 seasons
BOISE ST is 1-0 straight up against IDAHO ST over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLESTON SO (5 - 2) at FLORIDA ST (5 - 3) - 12/5/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

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

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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:06 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, December 5

Detroit is naming its court after Dick Vitale tonite; they're off to terrible 1-6 start vs D-I opponents, scoring 61.7 ppg in last three games. Titans are making just 26.8% from arc. St John'slost four of last five games, as they've got whole new team from LY. Red Storm is 1-4 vs teams ranked in top 150, beating Lehigh by 5. Big East teams are 10-15-1 in games where spread is 5 or less, 10-11-1 on road. Horizon teams are 5-10.

Providence won six of last seven games vs Brown, winning last four by 19-24-16-27 points; Friars are 6-2, but have only one win by more than 11 points (87-65 over #335 Fla A&M). Brown is 4-5 after losing by 21 at Iowa Saturday, but they did upset URI at home last week. Last three Brown losses are all by 13+ points. Ivy League road underdogs are 9-7, 3-4 if they're getting 10+. Big East double digit home faves are 9-16.

DePaul is 4-2 after tough 70-68 home loss to Ole Miss last week; they're ranked #319 in nation in defensive rebounding, not good- Blue Demons' last four games were all decided by 6 or less points. Milwaukee is 7-1 but hasn't beaten anyone ranked higher than #184; they lost at Michigan State by 13. Big East single digit home favorites are 4-9-1 vs spread; Horizon road underdogs of 12 or less points are 4-8.

Austin Peay is already 0-9; this is just their second home game. AP has played five top 100 teams, but they're also shooting just 23.5% outside arc. Arkansas State is 1-3 on road, but won at St Bonaventure last week after being down 13 at half. OVC home teams are 3-6 vs spread in non-divisional games; Sun Belt road underdogs are 21-14 vs spread, 3-4 if they're getting 5 or less points.

Boise State won last four games vs Idaho State by 9-32-8-12 points; LY was first time in years teams didn't meet. Bengals lost last two visits to Boise by 9-8 points. Idaho State is 1-5 vs D-I teams, 0-3 on road, but they only lost by 4 at Oklahoma, so they must have some talent. Boise is 5-1 vs D-I teams, with four wins by 14+ points. Big Sky double digit road underdogs are 9-6 vs spread; MWC home favorites are 15-12, 6-6, if laying double digits.

Elon won its last three games vs NC-Greensboro by 5-15-9 points, but LY's 80-65 win here was their first in last five visits. Elon is 4-2 against D-I teams, with all four wins by 7 or less points, and only losses against UMass/NC State. Spartans are 1-6 vs D-I teams, losing last three by 22-14-4 points. Teams are making 45% from arc against them. SoCon home teams are 7-4 vs spread in conference play; home dogs are 2-0.

**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:12 AM

NCAAB

Monday, December 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
HAMPTON vs. FORDHAM
No trends available
Fordham is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home
Fordham is 3-20 SU in its last 23 games

7:00 PM
BROWN vs. PROVIDENCE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brown's last 6 games when playing on the road against Providence
Brown is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Providence is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Providence's last 6 games when playing at home against Brown

7:00 PM
ST. JOHN'S vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. John's last 5 games on the road
St. John's is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN vs. FLORIDA STATE
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida State's last 5 games
Florida State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
ALBANY vs. SIENA
No trends available
Siena is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Albany
Siena is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Albany

7:00 PM
ELON vs. UNC GREENSBORO
Elon is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against UNC Greensboro
Elon is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against UNC Greensboro
UNC Greensboro is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games at home
UNC Greensboro is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Elon

8:00 PM
ARKANSAS STATE vs. AUSTIN PEAY
Arkansas State is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Austin Peay is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home
Austin Peay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO vs. SAMFORD
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Samford's last 6 games at home
Samford is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home

8:30 PM
SE MISSOURI STATE vs. CENTRAL ARKANSAS
SE Missouri State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of SE Missouri State's last 5 games on the road
No trends available

9:00 PM
IDAHO STATE vs. BOISE STATE
Idaho State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Idaho State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boise State
Boise State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Idaho State
Boise State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

9:00 PM
WISC-MILWAUKEE vs. DEPAUL
Wisc-Milwaukee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wisc-Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
DePaul is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
DePaul is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:15 AM

NCAAB

Monday, December 5

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College funds: Monday's best NCAAB bets
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St. John's at Detroit (+1.5, 144)

With its recent run against non-conference ranked opponents coming to an end, St. John’s hopes to get back on track against Detroit on Monday. The Red Storm lost 81-59 at No. 1 Kentucky last Thursday.

Detroit fought back from a 14-point deficit with just over eight minutes remaining, but ultimately fell short against Horizon Conference rival Cleveland State on Saturday, 66-61.

Freshman guard Moe Harkless has carried the Red Storm so far, leading the team in points (14.4 per game), rebounds (7.1), blocks and steals. St. John’s is shooting 39.4 percent in its four losses and 50.2 percent in its four victories.

Expect the Johnnies underclass to come through against Detroit on Monday.

Pick: St. John's -1.5

Charleston Southern at Florida State (-18.5, 135)

After being beaten at its own game, Florida State is wounded and angry. The short-handed Seminoles will try to take out their frustrations on visiting Charleston Southern on Monday.

Florida State, picked to finish third in the ACC, were outmuscled by Michigan State in the Big Ten/ACC challenge. They’ll try to bounce back against the Buccaneers, whom they are 5-0 against. Florida State rolled to a 78-41 victory in 2008.

The Buccaneers have won five straight and their latest victory was the most impressive. Charleston Southern shot 61 percent (42 of 69), including 13 of 22 from beyond the arc in a 114-81 win over VMI on Saturday.

Charleston Southern won't find it as easy scoring from the field against the 'Noles.

Pick: Under

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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:18 AM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, December 5

Hot teams
-- Rangers won their last five games, scoring 21 goals.
-- Bruins won 13 of their last 14 games. Pittsburgh won four of five.
-- Panthers won six of their last nine road games.
-- Chicago won four of its last five games. Coyotes won seven of their last ten road games.

Cold teams
-- Maple Leafs lost their last two games, 6-3/4-1.
-- Tampa Bay lost five of its last seven games. Ottawa lost three of its last four home games.
-- Washington lost four of its last five games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Toronto games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-4 in Boston's last fifteen games.
-- Over is 8-4 in Lightning's last dozen road games.
-- Under is 3-0 in Washington games since the coaching change.
-- Four of last five Phoenix games stayed under the total.

Series records
-- Rangers won three of last four games against Toronto.
-- Penguins won five of last seven games against Boston.
-- Lightning lost five of last six visits to Ottawa.
-- Panthers lost 10 of last 13 games against Washington.
-- Coyotes lost three of last four games against Chicago.

Back-to-Back
-- None.

**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:27 AM

NHL

Monday, December 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. NY RANGERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
Toronto is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing Toronto

7:30 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. FLORIDA
Washington is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games at home

8:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:29 AM

NHL

Monday, December 5

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Ice picks: Monday's best NHL bets
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Tampa Bay Lightning at Ottawa Senators (-115, 5.5)

It’s probably just a matter of time before the Tampa Bay Lightning come around.

They fell apart in the third period of Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers, giving up three in the final frame in their third consecutive loss.

"Last year, we won most of our games in overtime or by one goal and right now we are losing them for the reasons we are not taking care of those details on a consistent basis," head coach Guy Boucher told reporters. "Some games we do, some games we don't; some periods we do, some periods we don't.”

That’s what is killing Lightning backers right now. Tampa sits 26th in the league’s money standings having dropped almost 10 units for its supporters already.

The Lightning need this one as they open up a four-game road trip. After Ottawa they head to Long Island before a couple of tough ones at MSG in Philly.

Pick: Lightning

Phoenix Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks (-150, 5.5)

The Phoenix Coyotes have dropped two straight and are now staring down a tough three-game road trip as they head to Nashville and Detroit after this matchup.

The Blackhawks are going to give them some major problems too. Chicago is coming off an impressive 5-2 win at St. Louis that saw the club click on two of its three power play opportunities. The Blackhawks’ depth is really starting to show through at this point in the season.

They have four players with 26 or more points right now with captain Jonathan Toews’ 15 goals and 29 points leading the way.

“He’s been a pretty dynamic player over the last stretch of games,” coach Joel Quenneville told reporters. “Every game we see it: He just keeps getting better over the course of a season.”

With Toews rolling and the Blackhawks riding a 6-2 run in their last eight home games, we’re comfortable eating a bit of chalk in this matchup.

Pick: Blackhawks

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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:31 AM

NHL

Monday, December 5

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Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL bets
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Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.

HOT TEAM: Philadelphia Flyers

Defenseman and captain Chris Pronger is again out for a good little bit, this time with a shoulder injury, but the Flyers just keep rolling along without him. While the Penguins, and the return of Sidney Crosby, and the surging Rangers get more publicity out of the Atlantic Division, Philadelphia is quietly building a ton of momentum and seems primed for a stellar season.

In a 24-hour span out West on Friday and Saturday, the Flyers defeated the Ducks and Coyotes by a combined score of 8-5. In those two games, they were 5-for-12 on the power play. Philadelphia has now won eight of the last 10 games, and with 33 points, the Flyers are tied for second place with the equally hot Rangers, which incidentally should set up a heck of a Winter Classic in Philadelphia on Jan. 2.

But for the here and now, forward Claude Giroux has 15 goals and 32 points, goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov has a .900 save percentage, and veteran free-agent signee Jaromir Jagr is taking a regular shift and has posted eight goals headed into Wednesday’s game against Buffalo. You always have a hefty price to deal with at the window when it comes to the Flyers, but for the time being, they are worth it.

COLD TEAM: Carolina Hurricanes

Paul Maurice is out, Kirk Muller is in, but these days, it doesn’t seem to matter who is coaching these Hurricanes. With either man behind the bench, they’ve been a solid fade.

Muller took over on Monday, hours after Maurice had been let go, and in his first year as an NHL head coach anywhere, Muller certainly has a hill to climb. The Hurricanes are underachieving up front, and lack depth on defense. Carolina lost to the Penguins, 3-2, on Saturday, and it was the Hurricanes’ fifth straight regulation defeat, and third since Muller took over.

Since Nov. 1, Carolina has just four victories, and forward Eric Staal has just five goals on the season. He’s still doing the little things -- he won 15 faceoffs against Pittsburgh, for instance -- but it’s abundantly clear that as Staal goes, so go the Hurricanes. And right now, they’re going nowhere fast.

OVER PLAY: New Jersey Devils

What has the league come to? To think that the New Jersey Devils, the NHL standard for successful, stingy defensive hockey for nearly 20 years, have now become one of the best over buys in the game is tough to fathom.

But such is life when goaltender Martin Brodeur is pushing 40, and the two legendary Scotts -- Niedermayer and Stevens -- on the back line are long, long gone. The Devils, who may not make the playoffs for the second straight season, are weak on defense, and have gone over, as a result, in three straight games.

Over the last 10 games and headed into Tuesday’s tilt at Toronto, New Jersey has gone over the total in seven of them. And Brodeur, in fact, was even pulled in the Devils’ 4-2 loss to Minnesota on Friday.

Perhaps they figure it all out soon enough, and first-year coach Pete DeBoer gets the troops to clamp down on defense. But at this point in the season, you what your statistics say you are, and right now, the Devils can’t stop the puck.

UNDER PLAY: Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles is probably not where it thought it’d be at this juncture. The new-look, star-studded Kings are doing OK, with 13 wins through Saturday. But surely, especially after the offseason addition of Mike Richards from the Flyers, they were hoping for more.

But with Richards and his 11 goals on injured reserve right now, things are quiet in Los Angeles, and unders have come along for the ride. Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Montreal was the Kings’ fourth straight under and kept an overless streak alive at seven games.

Headed into Tuesday’s game against rival Anaheim, the Kings are a terrific 12-6 under, the best mark of its kind in the league. They can play defense, they can stop the puck, and with some banged-up forwards on the roster, it’s a decent recipe for unders, moving forward.

SURVEYING THE SCHEDULE:

** The Blackhawks posted the rare two-wins-in-two-nights deal on Friday and Saturday, defeating the Islanders and Blues, and for their trouble, they have some rest headed their way. Chicago plays Phoenix on Tuesday, but it’s just one of three games in a 10-day span ending on Dec. 7. Expect some fresh legs come Dec. 8, when they take on the Islanders in New York.

** The Senators are loaded up this week, as they will play four games in a six-day span beginning on Monday. Ottawa opens the stretch against Tampa Bay at home, and will also play Washington, New Jersey and Vancouver. With 12 wins through Saturday, Senators fans have to still be pleasantly surprised with this club, but it’s a week like this where things could change in a hurry.

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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 08:59 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Brown at Providence
The Bears look to take advantage of a Providence team that is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games as a favorite of 7 to 12 1/2 points. Brown is the pick (+12 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Friars favored by only 10. Dunkel Pick: Brown (+12 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Game 741-742: St. John's at Detroit (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 58.747; Detroit 55.880
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 3; 140
Vegas Line: St. John's by 1; 143 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-1); Under

Game 743-744: Brown at Providence (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brown 44.272; Providence 54.039
Dunkel Line: Providence by 10; 147
Vegas Line: Providence by 12 1/2; 143 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brown (+12 1/2); Over

Game 745-746: WI-Milwaukee at DePaul (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 57.712; DePaul 59.280
Dunkel Line: DePaul by 1 1/2; 139
Vegas Line: DePaul by 3 1/2; 136 1/2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (+3 1/2); Over

Game 747-748: Elon at NC-Greensboro (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 50.824; NC-Greensboro 44.648
Dunkel Line: Elon by 6; 141
Vegas Line: Elon by 2 1/2; 145 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (-2 1/2); Under

Game 749-750: Arkansas State at Austin Peay (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.520; Austin Peay 53.621
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 5; 132
Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 3 1/2; 128
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (-3 1/2); Over

Game 751-752: Idaho State at Boise State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 47.065; Boise State 62.183
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 15; 135
Vegas Line: Boise State by 18; 139
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (+18); Under

Game 761-762: Charleston Southern at Florida State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charleston Southern 50.790; Florida State 72.454
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 21 1/2; 140
Vegas Line: Florida State by 18; 135
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-18); Over

**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 09:34 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Phoenix at Chicago
The Coyotes look to build on their 6-2 record in their last 8 games as a road underdog. Phoenix is the pick (+135) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+135). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Game 51-52: Toronto at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 12.572; NY Rangers 11.240
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+140); Over

Game 53-54: Boston at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 12.330; Pittsburgh 12.645
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135); Under

Game 55-56: Tampa Bay at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.741; Ottawa 10.013
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-105); Over

Game 57-58: Washington at Florida (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.609; Florida 11.640
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-125); Under

Game 59-60: Phoenix at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.952; Chicago 10.727
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+135); Under

**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 11:53 AM

NHL
Long sheet

Monday, December 5

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TORONTO (14-10-0-2, 30 pts.) at NY RANGERS (15-5-0-3, 33 pts.) - 12/5/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 15-7 ATS (+23.5 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 15-7 ATS (+7.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 8-1 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
NY RANGERS are 8-1 ATS (+6.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
TORONTO is 122-117 ATS (+256.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TORONTO is 10-5 ATS (+17.5 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 83-84 ATS (+190.1 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 287-293 ATS (+613.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 43-65 ATS (-34.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 26-40 ATS (-39.7 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 124-158 ATS (-141.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 6-3 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 6-3-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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BOSTON (16-7-0-1, 33 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (16-7-0-4, 36 pts.) - 12/5/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 23-12 ATS (+10.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 46-24 ATS (+13.3 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-1 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 11-1 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 10-16 ATS (-17.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-3 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-3-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.4 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (11-12-0-2, 24 pts.) at OTTAWA (12-11-0-3, 27 pts.) - 12/5/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 86-170 ATS (+310.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 236-326 ATS (-112.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 103-163 ATS (-68.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
OTTAWA is 34-40 ATS (-37.2 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-4 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 4-4-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY 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=-0.3 Units)

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WASHINGTON (13-11-0-1, 27 pts.) at FLORIDA (14-8-0-4, 32 pts.) - 12/5/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 127-149 ATS (+295.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 118-145 ATS (-44.2 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
FLORIDA is 99-147 ATS (+275.4 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
FLORIDA is 3-12 ATS (-10.6 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 10-3 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 10-3-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

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PHOENIX (13-9-0-3, 29 pts.) at CHICAGO (16-8-0-3, 35 pts.) - 12/5/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 292-315 ATS (-41.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
PHOENIX is 108-91 ATS (+15.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 23-17 ATS (+44.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 282-252 ATS (+23.8 Units) first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 26-18 ATS (+45.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-2 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHOENIX is 7-2 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-4 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 12-05-2011, 12:32 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, December 5

TORONTO at NY RANGERS, 7:00 PM ET
TORONTO: 4-0 SU off a road loss
NY RANGERS: 8-1 SU after a win by 2+ goals

BOSTON at PITTSBURGH, 7:00 PM ET
BOSTON: 17-7 SU in road games after a win by 2+ goals
PITTSBURGH: 7-1 SU after playing BB road games

TAMPA BAY at OTTAWA, 7:30 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 30-22 SU as an underdog
OTTAWA: 1-7 SU in home games after allowing 3+ goals 4 straight games

WASHINGTON at FLORIDA, 7:30 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 47-19 SU off a home win
FLORIDA: 3-18 SU off a road win

PHOENIX at CHICAGO, 8:00 PM ET Versus
PHOENIX: 17-7 SU off a home loss by 2+ goals
CHICAGO: 11-17 SU off a road win

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 12/5 (NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 12/5 (NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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