The Bum's NHL Regular and Stanley Cup Playoff's Best Bets !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Ducks (0-0) at Oilers (0-0)

Date: April 21, 2013 8:30 PM EDT


Win or lose the rest of the way, the Anaheim Ducks know they will be part of the postseason. Lately, though, they haven't looked like they belong there.

Anaheim will try to avoid a season-high fifth straight defeat Sunday night when they play the first of back-to-back road games against the Edmonton Oilers, who have lost nine straight at home in this series.

After finishing 15 points out of a playoff spot a year ago, the Ducks (27-11-6) have locked up a postseason berth and are second in the Western Conference behind Chicago, which has clinched the No. 1 seed. They could wrap up the Pacific Division title as early as Sunday, if they win this game while San Jose and Los Angeles both lose in regulation.

Anaheim, though, is winless since capping a 5-1-1 run with a 2-1 home win over Edmonton (17-19-7) on April 8. The Ducks, whose lone Pacific title came during their Stanley Cup-winning season in 2006-07, are five points ahead of the Kings and Sharks with four games left for all three.

Coach Bruce Boudreau's team, held to five goals during its four-game skid, opened a four-game road trip with Friday's 3-1 loss to Calgary

"We're certainly not going to (win the division) playing the way we did the first two periods," Boudreau said after the Ducks went scoreless for the first 56 minutes. "I couldn't have cared less if we were playing a midget team or the Russian national team. We needed the win and that should have been motivation enough."

Perhaps a visit to Rexall Place would put the Ducks in a better frame of mind. They're undefeated in nine straight there, limiting the Oilers to 15 goals, since a 5-1 loss Nov. 30, 2007.

If Edmonton can't earn at least one point in this matchup and Columbus picks up one visiting the Sharks on Sunday night, the Oilers will be eliminated from playoff contention for a seventh straight season. That would be a bitter pill to swallow after a season-best five-game winning streak March 26-April 3 put them right in the playoff mix.

Playoffs or not, the Oilers still want to end on a positive note after finishing with the league's worst or second-worst record in each of the last three seasons.

"We don't want the Edmonton Oilers picking in the top five (of the draft)," coach Ralph Krueger said after the Oilers ended a season-worst six-game slide with Friday's 4-1 win at Colorado. "Let's move up in the standings and get out of that bottom group. We still have goals. We want to get points."

That could be difficult, though, with Anaheim in town on Sunday and Monday before Chicago arrives for a game Wednesday. Edmonton has been outscored 12-5 in its last three on home ice.

"You've got to show your fans you care and show each other you care," forward Jordan Eberle said Thursday after ending a six-game scoring drought with a goal and two assists. "You want to finish well and feel good about yourself as a team."

The Ducks feel the same, but at least they control their playoff fate.

"There has to be a sense of urgency and a sense of we have to work hard to get it done," said defenseman Sheldon Souray, a former Oiler.

Anaheim hasn't dropped five in a row since an 0-6-1 slide Nov. 13-27, 2011. It is 12-2-0 in its last 14 versus Edmonton.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Stars (0-0) at Kings (0-0)

Date: April 21, 2013 9:00 PM EDT


As good as the Los Angeles Kings have been at home, they would surely like to gain home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

It hasn't helped when they've faced the Dallas Stars lately.

Dallas has handed the Kings half of their regulation home losses and can boost its postseason hopes Sunday night by winning in Los Angeles for the fifth straight time.

Though they could be eliminated from the Pacific Division chase with a regulation loss Sunday and a win by first-place Anaheim, the Kings (24-14-5) have already clinched a playoff berth. They are tied with San Jose for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and home-ice advantage to open the postseason.

"We're still looking for home ice," defenseman Matt Greene said. "We've got to keep eating up points and go into the playoffs playing well."

Greene returned Friday after missing 42 games following back surgery and helped Los Angeles limit Columbus to 21 shots in a 2-1 victory.

"That's the best way to get back into it - in a playoff atmosphere," Greene said.

It was the fifth consecutive home win for the Kings, who have allowed five goals in that span. They're 17-4-1 at Staples Center this season, but two of those losses came to Dallas last month as Jaromir Jagr totaled three goals.

No West team has won even its last two games in Los Angeles other than the Stars, who have won four straight there. The only time they've had a longer road winning streak against their division rival was a six-game run 1997-2000.

Dallas (22-19-3) also is the only team to beat Los Angeles more than twice this season, having won three of four meetings.

"Unfortunately, some of (our top players) have not played very well against Dallas this year," Kings coach Darryl Sutter said after a 5-1 road loss to the Stars on April 9 in the teams' last matchup.

Jonathan Quick wasn't in net for the Kings' only victory in the season series but yielded 11 goals in the three losses.

Since matching a season high for goals allowed in the loss at Dallas last week, Quick has gone 3-0-1 with a 1.44 goals-against average.

Dallas has a tougher road to the postseason, currently two points back of the West's eighth and final playoff spot with four games remaining.

The Stars have lost two of three games after winning five straight and are coming off Friday's 2-1 defeat in St. Louis.

"We just have to keep battling and play well the next game," goalie Kari Lehtonen said. "We're still in this - we just have to play a little better."

It was Lehtonen's second game after missing three due to a groin injury suffered in the first period against the Kings. He has a 1.86 GAA in this season series.

Ray Whitney has scored in all three games he's played versus Los Angeles this season, including two goals in the last meeting. He went pointless Friday to snap a six-game point streak during which he had four goals and six assists.

Kings defenseman Drew Doughty has five goals in the past seven games after scoring one through the first 37.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Columbus at San Jose
The Blue Jackets look to take advantage of a San Jose team that is 3-10 in its last 13 games when playing with 2 days rest. Columbus is the pick (+150) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jackets favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+150). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

Game 1-2: Florida at Boston (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 9.540; Boston 11.188
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-280); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-280); Under

Game 3-4: New Jersey at NY Rangers (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.872; NY Rangers 11.663
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-185); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+165); Over

Game 5-6: Calgary at Minnesota (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.444; Minnesota 11.129
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-230); 5
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+190); Under

Game 7-8: Carolina at Tampa Bay (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 9.988; Tampa Bay 10.678
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-160); 6
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-160); Over

Game 9-10: St. Louis at Colorado (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.944; Colorado 10.607
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-160); Under

Game 11-12: Columbus at San Jose (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.003; San Jose 11.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+150); Over

Game 13-14: Anaheim at Edmonton (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.268; Edmonton 11.632
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+100); Over

Game 15-16: Dallas at Los Angeles (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.859; Los Angeles 12.017
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-200); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-200); Under
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[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 21

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FLORIDA (13-24-0-6, 32 pts.) at BOSTON (26-11-0-5, 57 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 13-30 ATS (+52.4 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 13-30 ATS (+52.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 157-138 ATS (-55.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BOSTON is 8-12 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-2 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (16-17-0-10, 42 pts.) at NY RANGERS (23-17-0-4, 50 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 16-27 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 16-27 ATS (-14.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 39-17 ATS (+16.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 34-25 ATS (+61.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 30-20 ATS (+50.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 83-108 ATS (-74.2 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 88-89 ATS (-44.3 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 95-98 ATS (-63.3 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 184-186 ATS (-98.5 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 101-104 ATS (-62.1 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 47-70 ATS (-33.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 10-10 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 10-10-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.9 Units)

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CALGARY (18-22-0-4, 40 pts.) at MINNESOTA (24-17-0-3, 51 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 81-49 ATS (+17.8 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 18-7 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-4 ATS (+6.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 13-28 ATS (+46.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-7 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 9-7-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.5 Units)

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CAROLINA (17-23-0-3, 37 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (17-23-0-4, 38 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 50-75 ATS (+128.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 23-37 ATS (-18.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 4-13 ATS (-11.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-4 ATS (+12.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 14-5 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-27 ATS (-15.2 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 262-353 ATS (+787.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 17-27 ATS (+45.2 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 11-5 (+6.5 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 11-5-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
12 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.4 Units)

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ST LOUIS (26-16-0-2, 54 pts.) at COLORADO (14-23-0-7, 35 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 14-30 ATS (-19.4 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 95-103 ATS (-98.8 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
COLORADO is 7-31 ATS (+47.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 14-30 ATS (+54.5 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-3 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 6-3-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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COLUMBUS (21-17-0-7, 49 pts.) at SAN JOSE (24-13-0-7, 55 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 24-63 ATS (+117.2 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
SAN JOSE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
SAN JOSE is 108-68 ATS (-7.5 Units) in April games since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 40-49 ATS (+108.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 29-34 ATS (-25.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 29-30 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 7-15 ATS (-18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 4-13 ATS (-13.8 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 70-73 ATS (-55.3 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 5-5 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 5-5-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.0 Units)

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ANAHEIM (27-11-0-6, 60 pts.) at EDMONTON (17-19-0-7, 41 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 6-20 ATS (+29.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 80-56 ATS (+16.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 42-32 ATS (+79.9 Units) in road games on Sunday games since 1996.
EDMONTON is 73-133 ATS (-75.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 16-27 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 19-41 ATS (+73.4 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 7-2 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 7-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.0 Units)

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DALLAS (22-19-0-3, 47 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (25-14-0-5, 55 pts.) - 4/21/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 64-61 ATS (+126.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 165-168 ATS (+360.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
DALLAS is 8-4 ATS (+13.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
DALLAS is 22-17 ATS (+41.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-8 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 8-8-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.0 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, April 21

Hot teams
-- Rangers won four of their last five games. Devils won last two games, 3-0/6-2, after losing previous ten games.
-- Flames won five of their last seven games.
-- Blues won three in row, nine of their last eleven games.
-- Blue Jackets won five of their last six games. Sharks won four of last five.
-- Dallas Stars won six of their last eight games. Kings won three of last four.

Cold teams
-- Florida lost its last seven games, outscored 32-13. Bruins lost their last four games, scoring seven goals.
-- Minnesota lost seven of its last ten games.
-- Hurricanes lost 17 of their last 19 games. Tampa Bay lost seven of last eight.
-- Avalanche lost 16 of their last 20 games.
-- Anaheim lost its last four games, scoring five goals. Oilers lost six of last seven.

Totals
-- Four of last five Florida games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine New Jersey games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Calgary games.
-- Five of last seven Carolina games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-0-1 in last nine St Louis games.
-- 13 of last 17 Columbus-San Jose games stayed under total.
-- Under is 9-2-1 in last dozen Anaheim games.
-- Over is 12-5-1 in last eighteen Dallas games.

Series records
-- Bruins won eight of last ten games with Florida.
-- New Jersey won four of last five games with the Rangers.
-- Minnesota won four of last five games with Calgary.
-- Lightning won nine of last twelve games with Carolina.
-- Blues lost ten of last thirteen games with Colorado.
-- Blue Jackets won last three games with San Jose, outscoring them 16-5.
-- Ducks won 12 of last 14 games against Edmonton.
-- Kings lost six of their last eight games with Dallas.

Back-to-backs
-- Panthers are 1-5 if they played the day/night before. Boston is 2-4.
-- Devils are 3-6 if they played the day/night before.
-- Carolina is 4-1 on road if it played the night before.
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[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, April 21

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Trend Report
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12:30 PM
FLORIDA vs. BOSTON
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against Florida

3:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. NY RANGERS
New Jersey is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games

6:00 PM
CALGARY vs. MINNESOTA
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Calgary is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary

6:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. TAMPA BAY
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Carolina's last 8 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Tampa Bay's last 17 games when playing Carolina
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. SAN JOSE
Columbus is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Jose is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Jose's last 13 games when playing Columbus

8:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. COLORADO
St. Louis is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Colorado
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
Colorado is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing St. Louis

8:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim

9:00 PM
DALLAS vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Dallas's last 14 games on the road
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 10 games when playing at home against Dallas
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, April 21

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Around the rink: Sunday's NHL betting notes
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Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins (-287, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Jacob Markstrom (FLA), Tuukka Rask (BOS)

Boston, which trails the Northeast Division-leading Montreal Canadiens by two points, has gone 0-3-1 since posting a 5-4 victory over the New Jersey Devils on April 10. Florida, which has a league-low 32 points, enters with a five-game losing streak. The Panthers have been outscored 27-8 during the skid and 17-5 over the first three games of their four-game road trip. Florida lost each of its first two meetings with Boston this season by 4-1 scores. The under is 9-0 in the Panthers’ last nine times playing the second half of a back-to-back.

New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers (-173, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Martin Brodeur (NJ), Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)

New Jersey is 10th in the Eastern Conference, six points behind eighth-place New York with four games remaining. The Devils avoided elimination Saturday as they overcame an early two-goal deficit and posted a 6-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. The Rangers are trying to hold off the Winnipeg Jets, who are just one point out of eighth. New York has discovered its offensive touch as it has outscored its opponents 14-5 over its last two games - both victories. The Devils are 4-1 in the last five meetings.

Carolina Hurricanes at Tampa Bay Lightning (-150, 6)

Probable starting goaltenders: Justin Peters (CAR), Anders Lindback (TB)

The Lightning have struggled since a promising start, except when they have met the Carolina Hurricanes. The Lightning will vie for a five-game sweep of their Southeast Division rival when they host the Hurricanes on Sunday. Tampa Bay has outscored the Hurricanes 18-4 – with three of the four victories coming on the road. The under is 9-2 in the Hurricanes’ last 11 vs. Southeast foes.

Calgary Flames at Minnesota Wild (-216, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Miikka Kiprusoff (CGY), Niklas Backstrom (MIN)

After earning two victories on a three-game road trip, the Minnesota Wild return home where they have not won in four contests (0-3-1). Calgary is 1-1-2 against the Wild and Minnesota won its one previous home game against the Flames 2-1 in overtime on Feb. 26. Calgary dropped a 4-3 decision at home to the Wild on Monday. The under is 5-1 in the Flames’ last six road games.

St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche (+142, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Brian Elliott (STL), J.S. Giguere (COL)

St. Louis, which is one point out of fourth place, vies for its fourth straight victory on Sunday when it visits the Colorado Avalanche in the opener of a home-and-home. The Avalanche are buried in last place in the West and have won only four times in their last 20 games (4-13-3). But Colorado has dominated St. Louis at the Pepsi Center, winning the last seven meetings at home - including a 1-0 victory on Feb. 20 in the only matchup this season. The under is 14-2-2 in the Blues’ last 18 overall.

Columbus Blue Jackets at San Jose Sharks (-163, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ), Antti Niemi (SJ)

The Sharks will try to avoid being swept of the three-game season series by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus won the first two meetings with San Jose, both at home, and has outscored the Sharks 16-5 in capturing the last three overall matchups. The home team has won four straight in the all-time series, scoring six goals on three occasions.

Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers (+109, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Jonas Hiller (ANA), Devan Dubnyk (EDM)

Edmonton, which is 0-7-2 in its last nine home games against the Ducks. has not defeated Anaheim at Rexall Place since Nov. 30, 2007. Anaheim is 0-3-1 following a 2-1 home victory against Edmonton on April 8. The Ducks hold a five-point lead on Los Angeles and San Jose in their division, but their offense has gone quiet in recent games. Anaheim has been limited to one goal in each of its last four regulation losses and has managed more than two tallies just once in its last seven contests. The under is 4-0-1 in the Ducks’ last five overall.

Dallas Stars at Los Angeles Kings (-177, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Kari Lehtonen (DAL), Jonathan Quick (LAK)

With points in their last four games (3-0-1), the Los Angeles Kings have home-ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs in their sights. The Kings secured a berth in the postseason on Saturday after Vancouver skated to a 2-1 shootout victory over Detroit. Dallas, which sits two points out of a share for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, defeated the Kings 2-0 in Los Angeles on March 21 and took two of three contests in the Lone Star State to win the season series. The Kings are a mere 7-7-2 against divisional opponents, while the Stars are 10-5-1.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, April 21

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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.

For the week of April 15-20

Hot team

Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0 SU)

The Penguins have skated to six consecutive victories and are clearly the team to beat in the East even without Sidney Crosby. Pittsburgh has a favorable schedule down the stretch and will play three likely non-playoff teams (Buffalo, New Jersey, Carolina) in its last four games.

Cold team

Florida Panthers (0-3 SU)

The Panthers are in the league basement thanks to a five-game losing streak. Florida has been outscored 28-8 during the drought and has a tough matchup with the Bruins in Boston on Sunday.

Best over play

New York Rangers (3-0 over/under)

The Rangers are fighting for their playoff lives in the East and their offense has responded with impressive back-to-back outbursts. New York has tallied a total of 14 goals in wins over Buffalo and Florida. The Rangers can eliminate the Devils from playoff contention with a win over their Atlantic rivals on Sunday.

Best under play

St. Louis Blues (0-3 over/under)

Brian Elliott has been standing on his head for the Blues and under bettors are cashing in. St. Louis is 0-8-1 O/U in its past nine contests and has allowed a miniscule 1.11 goals per game during the run. The Blues play the first game of a home-and-home series in Colorado on Sunday.

Surveying the schedule:

- The Dallas Stars are two points out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference heading into action Sunday. Wins won’t be easy to come by for the Stars down the stretch as all four of their remaining games are against potential playoff-bound teams (Kings, Sharks, Blue Jackets, and Red Wings).

-The Ottawa Senators fell 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night to slide to seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. Clinching a playoff berth won’t be easy for the Senators, who have games remaining against the Penguins, Capitals, Flyers and Bruins.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/20/13 6-*7-*1 46.15% -*1090 Detail
04/19/13 1-*6-*1 14.29% -*2980 Detail
04/18/13 11-*9-*0 55.00% +*930 Detail
04/17/13 3-*3-*2 50.00% +*385 Detail
04/16/13 10-*5-*1 66.67% +*2590 Detail
04/15/13 10-*4-*0 71.43% +*3245 Detail
04/14/13 3-*3-*0 50.00% -*15 Detail
04/13/13 10-*11-*1 47.62% -*750 Detail
04/11/13 8-*8-*2 50.00% +*65 Detail
04/10/13 7-*2-*1 77.78% +*1940 Detail
04/09/13 8-*10-*0 44.44% -*1570 Detail
04/08/13 6-*4-*0 60.00% +*760 Detail
04/07/13 9-*6-*1 60.00% +*915 Detail
04/06/13 9-*8-*1 52.94% +*350 Detail
04/05/13 8-*4-*0 66.67% +*2270 Detail
04/04/13 11-*9-*0 55.00% +*975 Detail
04/03/13 7-*3-*0 70.00% +*1975 Detail
04/02/13 8-*5-*1 61.54% +*940 Detail
04/01/13 7-*8-*3 46.67% -*685 Detail

Totals 142-*115-*15 55.25% +10250

Sunday, April 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Florida - 12:30 PM ET Boston -276 500
Boston - Under 5.5 500

New Jersey - 3:00 PM ET New Jersey +159 500 POD # 4
NY Rangers - Under 5 500

Carolina - 6:00 PM ET Tampa Bay -150 500
Tampa Bay -Over 6 500

Calgary - 6:00 PM ET Calgary +201 500 POD # 1
Minnesota - Over 5 500

Columbus - 8:00 PM ET San Jose -163 500
San Jose - Over 5 500

St. Louis - 8:00 PM ET St. Louis -154 500
Colorado - Under 5 500 POD # 3

Anaheim - 8:30 PM ET Edmonton +109 500
Edmonton - Under 5 500

Dallas - 9:00 PM ET Dallas +174 500 POD # 2
Los Angeles - Over 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Jets (0-0) at Sabres (0-0)

Date: April 22, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


The Winnipeg Jets' stellar homestand boosted their playoff chances, but they still have plenty of work to do over their final three games to secure a postseason berth.

For the second straight year, the Buffalo Sabres will be watching the playoffs from home.

Winnipeg looks to improve its postseason chances by earning a sixth straight victory over host Buffalo on Monday night.

The Jets followed a season-worst four-game losing streak by going 5-0-1 on their homestand, which concluded Saturday with a 5-4 shootout loss to the New York Islanders.

Winnipeg (23-19-3) trails the New York Rangers by one point for the Eastern Conference's last playoff spot and Washington by three for the Southeast Division lead.

The Jets, who play at Washington on Tuesday, have only qualified for the postseason once - in 2006-07, when the franchise was located in Atlanta.

``I think it's a point gained (rather than a point lost),' coach Claude Noel said. "We could've gotten none and we got one, so let's move forward and try and win the next game. We're not doing the math, we're just trying to win. Guys know what's at stake."

Captain Andrew Ladd, who has four goals and 10 assists during a seven-game point streak, believes Winnipeg is in the right frame of mind heading down the stretch.

"We're going to stay positive and focus on Buffalo now," Ladd said. "It's easy to sit there and dwell on what we could've done, but we don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves."

The Jets have outscored the Sabres 15-5 while holding Buffalo to one goal in each of the last five meetings, including a 2-1 win Feb. 19 and a 4-1 victory April 9.

Ladd has scored in each of the last four matchups, and the Sabres will look to slow him down after having their three-game winning streak snapped with an 8-4 loss to the Rangers on Friday.

Buffalo (19-20-6), which fired longtime coach Lindy Ruff one day after falling to the Jets in February, will not be in the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons.

"It hasn't been easy," leading scorer Thomas Vanek said. "We've stuck with it, but ultimately we weren't good enough."

Interim coach Ron Rolston became angry at his press conference following Friday's loss despite the team having played well in its previous three games.

"Of course it's disconcerting," Rolston said. "Do you think I'm not concerned about it? Of course it's disconcerting. We lost a game we should have won. We didn't have it, and there's no excuse."

Ryan Miller had another poor performance, allowing four goals on 14 shots before being pulled and was booed by the home crowd. He has a 4.24 goals-against average over his last four starts and a 3.06 GAA while losing his last four versus Winnipeg.

"He's done a lot for this franchise," Vanek said. "Fans are entitled to whatever they want. Personally, I give him a pat on the back. He's won us a lot of hockey games."

It's unclear if Miller or Jhonas Enroth will get the nod in this contest, though the Jets could start Ondrej Pavelec in net.

Pavelec is 5-0-1 with a 2.26 GAA over his last six and has a 1.00 GAA while winning his last five starts versus Buffalo.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Penguins (0-0) at Senators (0-0)

Date: April 22, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


After clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pittsburgh Penguins can turn their attention to getting healthier in time for the start of the playoffs.

The Ottawa Senators still have plenty to play for as they look to solidify their playoff standing with a statement victory over the surging Penguins on Monday night in Ontario.

While Pittsburgh (34-10-0) isn't likely to hurry back some of its key banged-up players, the team hopes to keep playing well after wrapping up home-ice advantage for the first three rounds with a 3-2 victory at Boston on Saturday.

Riding a six-game winning streak, the Penguins haven't appeared to skip a beat despite the continued absence of its top offensive weapons.

NHL scoring leader Sidney Crosby has missed eight games with a broken jaw and winger James Neal has missed five because of a concussion. Reigning league MVP Evgeni Malkin has also missed three contests with a shoulder injury.

"These types of races usually come down to the last game, last two games," coach Dan Bylsma said, "and to be able to clinch the division and now clinch the conference this early says a lot for our team and how we've played through this shortened season with different types of injuries."

Now the Penguins look to sweep the season series from the Senators for the first time since winning all six games in 1995-96.

After having its four-game winning streak stopped in a 4-1 home loss to Toronto on Saturday, Ottawa (23-15-6) has a great deal at stake as it looks to avoid a third loss to the Penguins.

With just four games remaining, the Senators are engaged in a tight battle with the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets for the final two playoff spots in the East. They're also one point behind the sixth-place New York Islanders.

Despite getting off a season-high 50 shots, Ottawa managed only a Jakob Silfverberg second-period goal on Saturday.

"When you have 50 shots and one goal you can go back and look at it and maybe there's too many shots from the perimeter and not getting to the good second chances and rebounds," center Zack Smith said.

Colin Greening, who scored the team's lone goal in a 2-1 home shootout loss to the Penguins on Jan. 27, may be able to help the team get back on track in this contest.

Greening has three goals and four assists in his last five in this series, but has scored just once in his last eight games overall.

While Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has a 1.44 goals-against average in the two wins over the Senators, backup Tomas Vokoun - who had 38 saves on Saturday - is 2-8 with a 3.60 GAA lifetime at Ottawa.

Brenden Morrow, acquired from Dallas on March 24, has helped pick up the scoring slack in Crosby's absence with five goals and eight points over his last five games.

Pascal Dupuis had a six-game point streak (3 goals, 7 assists) snapped against the Bruins. He scored a first-period goal in a 4-2 home win in this series on Feb. 13.

Pittsburgh has won 21 of 23 by a 78-50 margin and has scored 25 goals during its current six-game run.

Ottawa's Craig Anderson, who had a three-game winning streak snapped against the Maple Leafs, is 3-3-0 with 2.01 GAA in six starts since returning from an ankle injury.

Anderson, though, has lost four of five with a 3.54 GAA versus Pittsburgh.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Coyotes (0-0) at Red Wings (0-0)

Date: April 22, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


The Phoenix Coyotes and Detroit Red Wings have met in the postseason twice in the last three years. Now they're both trying to reach this year's playoffs.

Seeking some much-needed points, the Coyotes will try to build on a win and earn their first victory at slumping Detroit in nearly 2 1/2 years Monday night.

Phoenix (19-17-8) and Detroit (20-16-8) met in a pair of first-round series in 2010 and 2011 with the Red Wings winning both, but the clubs are outside of playoff contention with time running short.

Detroit is attempting to extend a team-record, 21-year postseason run while the Coyotes are trying to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive time.

"We're just trying to stay alive right now. Guys are working and desperate," Phoenix coach Dave Tippett said. "We need to run the table. If we don't get points in every game, we don't have a chance to make the playoffs. The players are playing accordingly.

"We want to keep ourselves alive going into a huge game against Detroit."

Phoenix helped itself with a 3-2 shootout win at Western Conference-best Chicago on Saturday, ending an 0-1-2 skid. Mike Smith made 36 saves through overtime in his return after missing two games with a lower-body injury. He intends on playing in Phoenix's final four games.

"We're fighting for our lives. That extra point is huge and I think we deserve it," said defenseman David Schlemko, who had the shootout winner.

The Coyotes, 2-0-2 in their last four road games, will next try to come away with two points at Detroit for the first time since Oct. 28, 2010. They've dropped five straight there, including two in the 2011 playoffs.

The Red Wings, though, have gone 1-2-3 in their last six and 3-5-3 in 11, a stretch that includes a 4-2 loss in Phoenix on April 4. Detroit is 1-3-2 in its last six home games, and plays three of its final four at Joe Louis Arena.

"We don't care how our (home) record is now," captain Henrik Zetterberg told the team's website. "We know we got to win games to get into the postseason. Of course, we're happy to be at home than on the road, but we got to go in and focus on Monday."

The Red Wings are averaging 1.73 goals in their last 11 games after registering 2.67 per contest in their first 33. They got their only score in a 2-1 shootout loss in Vancouver on Saturday in the final seconds of the first period.

"We have to find a way to score more goals," coach Mike Babcock said. "We will just continue to work hard."

The teams have split their two games this season, both in Phoenix. Detroit won 3-2 on March 25 with Jonas Gustavsson stopping Lauri Korpikoski's late penalty shot.

Jimmy Howard will likely be in net and he might want to keep a close eye on Martin Hanzal, who has eight goals and an assist in his last eight regular-season games against the Red Wings. He had a goal and an assist in the win earlier this month.

Detroit star forward Pavel Datsyuk's 57 career points versus Phoenix are his most against any opponent outside the Central Division and fourth-most against any team. Datsyuk, though, has just one goal in his last nine regular-season matchups and two goals in his last 11 overall contests.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Ducks (0-0) at Oilers (0-0)

Date: April 22, 2013 9:30 PM EDT


The Anaheim Ducks are on the verge of clinching their first division title in six years.

The Edmonton Oilers have insured they'll be missing out on the playoffs for a seventh straight season.

The Ducks look to sweep a two-game trip to Edmonton and clinch the Pacific Division on Monday night.

Anaheim (28-11-6) snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Oilers on Sunday. The Ducks, who have a five-point lead over Vancouver and Los Angeles for second place in the Western Conference, can capture the division with a win or a regulation loss by the Kings on Tuesday at Minnesota.

"It was a step closer to where we want to be," Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf said. "There are still mistakes that we need to eliminate going into the playoffs, but this was a much-needed win and one that I felt we deserved. It's all about playing the right way going into the playoffs."

The Ducks' only other division crown - which came in 2007 - proved to be a launching pad for bigger success as the franchise won its only Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, with a seventh loss in eight games, the Oilers' playoff drought becomes the league's longest as Toronto has clinched a spot in the postseason to end its own nine-year dry spell.

Edmonton (17-20-7) hasn't appeared in the playoffs since losing Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup finals to Carolina.

"To have another season where we're out of the playoffs, another season where we're playing meaningless games at the end of the year, is very frustrating," Taylor Hall said. "It's something we're not proud of."

Hall gave the Oilers a good start Sunday, scoring his 15th goal only a minute in. But from there they allowed three unanswered goals.

"It's been extremely tough on me," captain Shawn Horcoff said of repeatedly missing out on the postseason. "We made some steps and at least this year we got some meaningful games in, gave ourselves a chance to get in, but it fell off as of late."

Cam Fowler, Kyle Palmieri and Corey Perry scored for Anaheim, with Perry's goal marking the third time this season he's scored in consecutive games.

It was also another strong performance for goalie Jonas Hiller, who stopped 27 shots. Hiller has a .925 save percentage over his last six starts while going 3-2-1, surrendering two or fewer goals five times.

"It's great to win again after what has been happening for the last little while," Hiller said. "We knew that we needed to play better, but sometimes it is not that easy. Tonight I think that everybody worked a little harder and that made the difference."

For the Oilers to avoid losing their 11th straight home game in the series, they'll likely have to be more disciplined. They've given up a power-play goal in six of eight games but the chances they've supplied opponents has been a bigger issue as they're averaging 9.3 penalty minutes per game over that span. Anaheim was 1 for 5 on the power play Sunday with Fowler scoring on the advantage.

Edmonton also received more discouraging injury news Sunday with the announcement that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss the rest of the season as he likely needs shoulder surgery. Forwards Ales Hemsky, Eric Belanger and Lennart Petrell are already likely to miss the remainder of the year.

Anaheim has won 13 of the teams' last 15 meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blackhawks (0-0) at Canucks (0-0)

Date: April 22, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


Both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vancouver Canucks are in the playoffs, but each team knows it still has work to do heading into Monday night's game at Rogers Arena.

The Blackhawks (34-5-5), who have already clinched the Central Division and the West's top seed, can earn their first Presidents' Trophy since 1991 with a win Monday and a Pittsburgh regulation loss at Ottawa. Chicago carries an 11-game point streak (9-0-2) into this contest after a 3-2 shootout loss at home to Phoenix on Saturday night, but did find solace in having its power-play unit contribute two goals for a second straight game - both scored by defenseman Brent Seabrook.

"I like the power play, we had good motion, good movement, good options," coach Joel Quenneville said with his team 4 for 7 the last two games after failing to convert any of the 19 chances the previous nine games. "(Seabrook) one-time, (Seabrook) in the slot, a couple nice feeds as well.

"It's nice to see some finished product. That's definitely been a sore point for a stretch of games here, It was nice to have something positive to come out of it on the power play side."

The next step will be carrying that man-advantage success to the road, where Chicago is scoreless in six chances spanning its last four games. That spotty special-teams play hasn't hurt the Blackhawks, who have posted three consecutive road shutouts - a streak of 180 minutes and 33 seconds entering a game in which they expect to be challenged.

"There's a lot of intensity, a lot of emotion," Quenneville said. "We know it's going to be competitive, the pace is always frantic and it makes for a great game."

Chicago is trying to become the first team to post four consecutive shutouts away from home since the Phoenix Coyotes accomplished the feat Jan. 2-9, 2004. The three straight outside the Windy City match a Blackhawks record established Jan. 8-13, 1931.

Extending that streak will be difficult as Vancouver (25-13-7) bears down on the Northwest title. The Canucks secured a playoff spot Saturday night with a 2-1 shootout victory over Detroit that also extended their home winning streak to a season-high seven games.

"It's nice to finally get that check mark,' goaltender Cory Schneider said. "You're never in until you're in. This Western Conference is so competitive, and it seems like everyone wants to win it and everyone goes on a run at some point.

"So to get into the playoffs is our first goal and, hopefully, we can go a step further now and clinch our division. So we're just going to try to put our heads down and keep going.'

Vancouver is chasing Anaheim for the No. 2 spot in the West and would finish no worse than third if it wins the Northwest.

Schneider has been dominant in backstopping Vancouver's home win streak, posting a 0.84 goals-against average with three shutouts and a .970 save percentage in the seven victories.

"He has been playing great for us for a long time now, and that's what we come to expect from him," Alex Burrows said of Schneider. "That's the play he is able to bring every night and we'll need that down the stretch.'

The teams traded shootout victories in February, with the home team winning both. Chicago won the most recent meeting 4-3 on Feb. 19, with Andrew Shaw beating Schneider for the game-winner.

Corey Crawford, who lost 2-1 at Vancouver on Feb. 1, likely will make his third straight start in net for the Blackhawks with Ray Emery nursing a lower-body injury.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Phoenix at Detroit
The Coyotes look to take advantage of a Detroit team that is coming off a 2-1 loss to Vancouver and is 1-7 in their last 8 games after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Phoenix is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+130). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, APRIL 22

Game 51-52: Winnipeg at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 11.135; Buffalo 11.571
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+100); Under

Game 53-54: Pittsburgh at Ottawa (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.942; Ottawa 11.647
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-120); Over

Game 55-56: Phoenix at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 12.102; Detroit 11.100
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+130); Under

Game 57-58: Anaheim at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.984; Edmonton 10.644
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-125); Under

Game 59-60: Chicago at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.690; Vancouver 12.749
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-120); Over




NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, April 22

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WINNIPEG (23-19-0-3, 49 pts.) at BUFFALO (19-20-0-6, 44 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 188-142 ATS (+17.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
BUFFALO is 191-173 ATS (+378.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 6-4 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 6-4-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (34-10-0-0, 68 pts.) at OTTAWA (23-15-0-6, 52 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 34-10 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-10 ATS (+18.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-3 ATS (+12.0 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak this season.
PITTSBURGH is 12-2 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-7 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 37-43 ATS (-40.2 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 77-80 ATS (-74.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 6-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.4 Units)

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PHOENIX (19-17-0-8, 46 pts.) at DETROIT (20-16-0-8, 48 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 25-5 ATS (+16.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-6 ATS (+7.8 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-48 ATS (-14.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-19 ATS (-17.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 10-4 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 10-4-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.1 Units)

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ANAHEIM (27-11-0-6, 60 pts.) at EDMONTON (17-19-0-7, 41 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 80-56 ATS (+16.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 73-133 ATS (-103.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 21-44 ATS (+79.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 16-27 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 7-2 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 7-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.0 Units)

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CHICAGO (34-5-0-5, 73 pts.) at VANCOUVER (25-13-0-7, 57 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 60-29 ATS (+13.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 72-39 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 34-10 ATS (+18.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
CHICAGO is 34-10 ATS (+18.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 323-338 ATS (+714.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 205-188 ATS (-94.5 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 9-8-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 22

Hot teams
-- Winnipeg won five of its last six games. Sabres won six of their last nine games, five of last six at home.
-- Penguins won their last six games, scoring 25 goals. Ottawa won four of its last five.
-- Vancouver won its last seven home games. Blackhawks won seven of last eight games.

Cold teams
-- Red Wings lost five of their last six games. Phoenix lost three of last four.
-- Oilers lost seven of their last eight games. Anaheim lost four of its last five.

Totals
-- Last five Winnipeg-Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 13-4-1 in last eighteen Pittsburgh games.
-- Under is 5-0-2 in last seven games for both Detroit/Phoenix.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Anaheim games.
-- Under is 12-4-2 in last eighteeen Vancouver games.

Series records
-- Jets won their last five games against Buffalo.
-- Penguins are 3-4 in their last seven visits to Ottawa.
-- Red Wings won eight of last ten games with Phoenix.
-- Ducks won 13 of their last 15 games against Edmonton.
-- Blackhawks lost three of last four visits to Vancouver.

Back-to-backs
-- Ducks are 6-3 if they played night before, 3-2 if they won. Edmonton is 2-4 if they played night before; this is first time they've been at home for a back/back.




NHL

Monday, April 22

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. BUFFALO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Winnipeg is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix

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

9:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Edmonton's last 9 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim

10:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. VANCOUVER
Chicago is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Vancouver is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vancouver's last 8 games at home