The Bum's October's NHL POD's-News-Trends-Stats !

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NHL
Dunkel

NY Islanders at Nashville
The Predators look to build on their 7-1 record in their last 8 games versus the Islanders. Nashville is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Predators favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-120). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Game 51-52: Boston at Columbus (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 12.599; Columbus 11.085
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-125); Under

Game 53-54: Edmonton at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 11.342; Toronto 10.330
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+145); Over

Game 55-56: Philadelphia at Detroit (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.754; Detroit 10.812
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+150); Under

Game 57-58: Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 13.226; Tampa Bay 11.720
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-130); Over

Game 59-60: Colorado at Washington (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.422; Washington 10.657
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+115); Under

Game 61-62: Buffalo at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 10.573; Chicago 12.084
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-240); Over

Game 63-64: NY Rangers at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.343; St. Louis 11.287
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 65-66: NY Islanders at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 10.356; Nashville 11.864
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-120); Under

Game 67-68: Dallas at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.286; Minnesota 12.623
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-145); Under

Game 69-70: Montreal at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 12.329; Vancouver 11.084
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+115); Under

Game 71-72: Ottawa at San Jose (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.256; San Jose 13.178
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-180); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Saturday, October 12

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Trend Report
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2:00 PM
BOSTON vs. COLUMBUS
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Columbus
Columbus is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Columbus's last 13 games at home

7:00 PM
COLORADO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games at home
Washington is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home

7:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. TORONTO
Edmonton is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Edmonton is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 8-15-1 SU in its last 24 games ,when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. TAMPA BAY
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. CHICAGO
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Buffalo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
Chicago is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. MINNESOTA
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games when playing at home against Dallas
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. NASHVILLE
NY Islanders are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games on the road
NY Islanders are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Nashville is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games

8:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Rangers are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road
NY Rangers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
St. Louis is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home

10:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. VANCOUVER
Montreal is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver
Vancouver is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
Vancouver12-5-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing Montreal

10:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. SAN JOSE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing San Jose
Ottawa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Ottawa

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, October 12

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Edmonton - 7:00 PM ET Edmonton +160 500 POD # 1
Toronto - Over 5.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:00 PM ET Detroit -195 500
Detroit - Under 5.5 500

Pittsburgh - 7:00 PM ET Pittsburgh -145 500
Tampa Bay - Over 5.5 500

Colorado - 7:00 PM ET Colorado -105 500
Washington - Over 5.5 500

Buffalo - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -270 500
Chicago - Under 5.5 500

NY Rangers - 8:00 PM ET St. Louis -240 500
St. Louis - Over 5 500

NY Islanders - 8:00 PM ET NY Islanders -110 500
Nashville - Over 5 500

Dallas - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -180 500
Minnesota - Over 5 500

Montreal - 10:00 PM ET Vancouver -135 500
Vancouver - Under 5.5 500

Ottawa - 10:00 PM ET San Jose -195 500
San Jose - Over 5.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Coyotes (3-2) at Hurricanes (2-1)

Date: October 13, 2013 1:00 PM EDT


The Phoenix Coyotes seem to like their chances no matter who is in net, and the feeling is mutual for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Each club could use some extra offensive punch to back their goaltenders, though, as the Coyotes conclude a five-game road trip in Sunday's matinee against the Hurricanes.

Mike Smith, in his third season with Phoenix (3-2-0) and the clear No. 1 netminder, started the team's first four games and most recently made 28 saves in a 4-2 victory over Detroit on Thursday as the Coyotes snapped a two-game skid.

Friday's contest with Philadelphia was the club's third in four nights, and coach Dave Tippett elected to start Thomas Greiss, who made 36 saves in a 2-1 victory in his first start for Phoenix.

"We're fortunate to have great goaltending," captain Shane Doan said. "We've had great goaltending here the last few years. We count on that big time and (Greiss) just stepped in and that was unbelievable."

Smith has stopped 75 of 79 shots while winning his last two starts against the Hurricanes - both in 2011 - and he'll likely be back in net Sunday. Greiss' performance Friday, though, helped support a fatigued Coyotes team.

Phoenix has scored two or fewer goals three times during the trip while going 1 for 12 on the power play.

"They come off (the ice) and you say they're up again, and they kind of look at you, `You sure?'" Tippett said.

The Coyotes could get another tough challenge to end the trip no matter who is in goal for Carolina (2-1-2), which already has played four one-goal contests on the young season.

Cam Ward made 36 saves Friday, but the Hurricanes fell 2-1 in a shootout after failing to score until Jeff Skinner's power-play goal with 5:54 remaining in the third period.

Anton Khudobin made 30 saves in Thursday's 3-2 victory over Washington and has won both of his starts while posting a 1.50 goals-against average.

Coach Kirk Muller has been pleased with both goaltenders, and he hasn't made a decision who he plans to start in this contest. Ward is 3-1-0 with a 2.73 GAA in his last four against the Coyotes, while Khudobin has yet to face them.

"We have two guys that are giving us a chance to win every night," Muller told the team's official website. "They're playing well, and they can stay that much more healthy and rested. Right now, it's a good issue with our team."

Carolina has scored two or fewer goals in four of its five contests, though it has been battling injuries. Forward Elias Lindholm is day to day with an upper-body injury, and defenseman Justin Faulk will be a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury.

Defenseman Mike Komisarek saw his first action of the season in Friday's contest.

"It's a grind, and you have to be ready each night to jump in and contribute," Komisarek said. "If we're going to have success this season, we're going to need everyone chipping in each and every night."

The return of Tuomo Ruutu, who missed the first 29 games last season after hip surgery and played just 17 total, could help boost the offense. Muller said the veteran might play Sunday after being sidelined by a lower-body injury.

"As soon as he feels he is fit to go (he'll play)," Muller said.

Carolina has lost four of its last five home matchups with Phoenix.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Kings (3-2) at Panthers (2-3)

Date: October 13, 2013 3:00 PM EDT


Finally playing on home ice seemed to inspire the Florida Panthers, but facing one of the league's top goaltenders likely will present another tough challenge.

Florida looks to build off a solid offensive performance as it hosts Jonathan Quick and the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.

The Panthers (2-3-0) began their season playing four road games and were outscored 16-3 while dropping the final three contests. They kicked off a stretch of playing eight of nine at home, though, by scoring four of the game's last five goals in Friday's 6-3 win over Pittsburgh.

"It was a big night for us, a big character win against a very good team," said Kris Versteeg, who had a goal and an assist. "So we're excited about that."

Though coach Kevin Dineen would like to see more consistency as the season progresses, he was pleased with his team's performance after a tough road stretch.

"It was better (Friday)," Dineen said. "We've been riding a roller coaster and that's a bad way to do an 82-game season - good, bad, good, bad. We're looking for a little stability to it."

Tomas Fleischmann had a goal and three assists, while Brad Boyes scored twice and added his first assist of the season. Boyes has scored in three straight games.

"Right now I'm definitely feeling good," said Boyes, a 40-goal scorer in 2007-08 with St. Louis. "It's about opportunities and when you get them, capitalize on them. That's something when things go well and you're scoring the goals like I was in years past, you're getting those bounces and pucks are finding you. It's been good that it's been happening so far."

The Panthers may have a more difficult time finding the back of the net Sunday against Quick, who is coming off a 27-save effort in Friday's 2-1 shootout win over Carolina.

Quick, the leading candidate to start for Team USA in the upcoming Sochi Olympics, stopped all three shootout attempts.

"He's a top-class goalie, and he showed it," winger Dwight King said.

King scored short-handed and Jeff Carter had the shootout winner for Los Angeles (3-2-0), which has won two straight after dropping its previous two.

The Kings had a prime opportunity to win in overtime, but they failed to convert a 4-on-3 power play. They've gone 2 for 11 with the man advantage in their last three contests.

"That needs a little work," Carter said. "But we ended up with two points. It's never easy coming all the way out here (to the East Coast)."

Los Angeles' last trip to face the Panthers didn't go well, falling 3-1 on Feb. 9, 2012, to end a seven-game winning streak in the series. Quick was pulled in that contest after allowing two goals on 11 shots, but he's 3-1-0 with a 2.14 goals-against average in four career starts against Florida.

Panthers goaltender Tim Thomas is recovering from a strained groin suffered in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Philadelphia. Jacob Markstrom has started the last two games, giving up six goals before being pulled in the third period of Thursday's 7-2 loss to Tampa Bay but bouncing back to make 36 saves Friday.

Scott Clemmensen also is on the roster and made four saves in relief of Markstrom on Thursday. It's unclear who will be in net for this contest.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Senators (1-1) at Ducks (3-1)

Date: October 13, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


In one of this summer's biggest offseason trades, the Anaheim Ducks sent four-time 30-goal scorer Bobby Ryan to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a package centered around up-and-coming forward Jakob Silfverberg.

While Ryan has played well for the Senators in the early going, Silfverberg has shined a bit brighter.

Silfverberg looks to lead the Ducks to a fourth consecutive victory Sunday night when they host his former team.

After recording 19 points in 48 games during his 2012-13 rookie season with Ottawa (1-1-2), Silfverberg has greatly surpassed expectations with the Ducks (3-1-0). He has already posted a team-leading four goals and an assist, becoming the third player in franchise history to score four times in his first four games, joining Teemu Selanne in 1996 and Daniel Winnik last season.

"I've been fortunate to play with two great players," Silfverberg, who turns 23 on Sunday, said of linemates Mathieu Perreault and Selanne. "They're so good at one-on-one battles and at finding me. I've been lucky so far and it's a matter of keep shooting the puck."

Silfverberg scored twice while Winnik and Dustin Penner added a goal and an assist as the Ducks cruised to a 6-0 win over the New York Rangers in Thursday's home opener. Perreault, Corey Perry and Selanne chipped in with two assists apiece.

"We want to build up a lot of confidence at the start of the season," said Silfverberg, whose team has outscored opponents 13-5 during a three-game run. "We can't get satisfied. We got to keep pushing harder."

Ryan, meanwhile, has two goals and two assists in his first four games with Ottawa. The left winger scored again Saturday, but the Senators suffered their first regulation loss 3-2 at San Jose after getting outshot 50-23, including 24-5 in the third period.

"I thought for a lot of the 5-on-5 time we did a good job," Ryan said. "Not early but we found our way. We did a lot of good things, just not enough to win."

Robin Lehner matched a franchise record with 47 saves in his season debut for Ottawa, which has dropped three straight (0-1-2).

The Senators could go back to No. 1 goalie Craig Anderson, who made 35 saves in a season-opening 1-0 win at Buffalo before allowing eight goals in his last two games.

Anderson is 2-6-0 with a 3.34 goals-against average against the Ducks, posting a 4.37 GAA in losing three consecutive matchups.

Anaheim's Jonas Hiller, who stopped all 34 shots against the Rangers, is 2-0-0 with a 1.44 GAA. He has also thrived in three career starts against the Senators, winning each while compiling a 1.62 GAA.

The Ducks are 9-1-1 in their last 11 matchups against the Senators, including four wins in the 2006-07 Stanley Cup Finals.

Perry has totaled six goals and six assists during an eight-game point streak versus Ottawa, including playoffs.

Senators defenseman Joe Corvo, who was scratched after being hit in the eye by a puck in the morning skate, is uncertain to play Sunday. Penner is unlikely to be available for the Ducks due to a lower-body injury.

After this contest, Ottawa concludes a season-opening six-game road trip against Phoenix on Tuesday.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Devils (0-2) at Jets (2-3)

Date: October 13, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


The New Jersey Devils have yet to pick up a victory, but playing well in long stretches during close defeats has prevented them from getting discouraged.

The Winnipeg Jets, meanwhile, have regressed following a strong start.

Both clubs looks to end their respective skids as the Jets host the Devils on Sunday night.

New Jersey missed the postseason for the second time in three years in the lockout-shortened 2013 campaign after playing in the 2012 Stanley Cup finals, then had to cope with the sudden departure of star Ilya Kovalchuk to the KHL.

The Devils (0-2-3) are going through a difficult adjustment period and are winless through five games for the first time since the 1981-82 season when the franchise was known as the Colorado Rockies. The only worse start in franchise history was a nine-game winless stretch to begin its inaugural 1974-75 season as the Kansas City Scouts.

"Obviously we want to get wins and we're not getting them, but the last thing we need to do is really get frustrated or overanalyze it," captain Bryce Salvador said.

There are some positives, though. Damien Brunner, signed to a two-year contract Sept. 24 after spending last season with Detroit, has a team-best three goals, and New Jersey has scored first in each of its last four contests.

Brunner assisted on Adam Henrique's first-period goal Friday, but the Devils fell 3-2 at Calgary on a goal with 2:43 to play. They dropped their previous three contests in a shootout or overtime.

"We just made some mistakes and it cost us," forward Jaromir Jagr said. "We had the lead every game except the first game against the Penguins. We've got to learn to play with the lead."

Winnipeg (2-3-0) hasn't had a lead to protect recently. It last led at the end of the first period last Sunday in a 3-2 loss to Anaheim, its first defeat after opening with back-to-back wins.

The Jets then fell 2-1 at Minnesota on Thursday before allowing three first-period goals in Friday's 4-1 loss to Dallas.

"We're five games in and it's still very early and we know what we have in this room," said forward Evander Kane, who has gone without a point in four of five games. "I don't think we're panicking. It's just frustrating."

Ondrej Pavelec made 27 saves, and coach Claude Noel said his team can't continue having breakdowns in front of him.

"We can't make those kind of mistakes and expect that our goaltending's going to save us like it has in the previous games," Noel said after Winnipeg allowed two power-play goals in a game for the third time. "We should have been smarter and we should have been better in those areas."

The Jets again will be playing on limited rest Sunday, as it marks their third game in four nights. Noel was pleased how the team responded playing on a second straight night Friday, though.

"We just played with a lot more vim and vigor if you will," Noel said. "If we had a game like (Thursday) again (Friday), that would really be a big concern of mine because we really were empty (Thursday).

Winnipeg went 2-0-1 against New Jersey last season with Pavelec posting a 1.62 goals-against average. He's 5-3-3 with a 2.26 GAA lifetime versus the Devils.

It's unclear if Cory Schneider or veteran Martin Brodeur will be in net for New Jersey, though Brodeur has won his last five starts against the Winnipeg franchise with a 1.57 GAA.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/12/13 14-*5-*1 73.68% +*4175 Detail
10/11/13 8-*4-*0 66.67% +*1300 Detail
10/10/13 11-*8-*1 57.89% +*25 Detail
10/09/13 2-*4-*0 33.33% -*1250 Detail
10/08/13 11-*4-*1 73.33% +*3175 Detail
10/07/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*900 Detail
10/06/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2300 Detail
10/05/13 9-*13-*0 40.91% -*3225 Detail
10/04/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2700 Detail
10/03/13 6-*7-*3 46.15% -*1000 Detail
10/02/13 3-*3-*0 50.00% -*85 Detail
10/01/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*735 Detail

Totals 72-*64-*6 52.94% -*2050


Sunday, October 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Phoenix - 1:00 PM ET Carolina -130 500

Carolina - Over 5.5 500

Los Angeles - 3:00 PM ET Los Angeles -145 500

Florida - Under 5.5 500

New Jersey - 8:00 PM ET Winnipeg -120 500

Winnipeg - Under 5.5 500

Ottawa - 8:00 PM ET Anaheim -140 500

Anaheim - Under 5.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/13/13 7-*1-*0 87.50% +*2850 Detail
10/12/13 14-*5-*1 73.68% +*4175 Detail
10/11/13 8-*4-*0 66.67% +*1300 Detail
10/10/13 11-*8-*1 57.89% +*25 Detail
10/09/13 2-*4-*0 33.33% -*1250 Detail
10/08/13 11-*4-*1 73.33% +*3175 Detail
10/07/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*900 Detail
10/06/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2300 Detail
10/05/13 9-*13-*0 40.91% -*3225 Detail
10/04/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2700 Detail
10/03/13 6-*7-*3 46.15% -*1000 Detail
10/02/13 3-*3-*0 50.00% -*85 Detail
10/01/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*735 Detail

Totals 79-*65-*6 54.86% +800


Monday, October 14

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Edmonton - 7:00 PM ET Washington -185 500

Washington - Over 6 500

Minnesota - 7:30 PM ET Minnesota -145 500

Buffalo - Under 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

San Jose at St. Louis
The Blues look to build on their 7-1 record in their last 8 games against the Sharks. St. Louis is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Blues favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15

Game 1-2: Buffalo at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.498; NY Islanders 10.312
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 3-4: Minnesota at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.356; Toronto 12.760
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-150); Over

Game 5-6: Vancouver at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.690; Philadelphia 10.160
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-115); Under

Game 7-8: Edmonton at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 11.735; Pittsburgh 10.868
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-240); 6
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+200); Over

Game 9-10: Chicago at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 10.511; Carolina 11.549
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+135); Under

Game 11-12: Columbus at Detroit (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.563; Detroit 12.909
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 13-14: Los Angeles at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.565; Tampa Bay 12.578
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 15-16: San Jose at St. Louis (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.047; St. Louis 12. 563
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-130); Under

Game 17-18: Florida at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.422; Nashville 11.908
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-160); Under

Game 19-20: Montreal at Winnipeg (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.722; Winnipeg 11.969
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+100); Over

Game 21-22: Dallas at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 10.402; Colorado 12.741
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 2 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 23-24: Ottawa at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.497; Phoenix 10.531
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+120); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, October 15

Hot teams
-- Maple Leafs won five of their first six games. Minnesota won its last three games, giving up one goal in each game.
-- Penguins won four of their first five games.
-- Chicago is 3-2 in first five games, with last four decided by one goal.
-- Kings won last three games, allowing four goals. Lightning won three of last four games.
-- San Jose won its first five games, outscoring opponents 24-7. Blues won their last four games, outscoring foes 19-7.
-- Canadiens won three of their last four games.
-- Red Wings won four of their first six games. Blue Jackets won their first two games on foreign ice, allowing three goals.
-- Colorado won its first five games, allowing four goals.
-- Coyotes won last three games, allowing six goals.

Cold teams
-- Buffalo is 0-7 this season, outscored 18-7. Islanders lost three of their last four games.
-- Flyers lost five of their first six games. Vancouver lost its last two games, both 4-1.
-- Edmonton lost five of its first five games.
-- Hurricanes lost three of their last four games.
-- Panthers losrt four of their last five games. Nashville is 2-3 in its first five games.
-- Winnipeg lost three of its last four games.
-- Dallas split its first four games, scoring nine goals.
-- Senators lost their last four games, allowing 16 goals.

Series records
-- Maple Leafs won their last two games with Minnesota, 3-0/4-1.
-- Islanders lost four of last five games with Buffalo.
-- Road team won four of last six Vancouver-Philly games (3-3 overall).
-- Penguins won four of its last five games with Edmonton.
-- Blackhawks won three of last four games with Carolina.
-- Kings won last two games with Tampa Bay, allowing one goal.
-- Blues won six of last seven games with San Jose.
-- Predators won four of last five games with Florida.
-- Jets lost five in row, eight of last nine games with Montreal.
-- Columbus won four of last five games with the Red Wings.
-- Stars won six of last nine games with Colorado.
-- Home side won five of last six Ottawa-Phoenix games.

Totals
-- Last two Minnesota-Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Islander-Sabre games stayed under the total.
-- Five of six Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Five of six Oiler games, last three Pittsburgh games went over the total.
-- Last four Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Los Angeles games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four St Louis games went over the total.
-- Under is 3-1-2 in last six Nashville games.
-- Last four Winnipeg games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Columbus-Detroit games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Colorado games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Phoenix games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, October 15

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. NY ISLANDERS
Buffalo is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Buffalo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Buffalo
NY Islanders are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. CAROLINA
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Chicago's last 17 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games
Carolina9-2-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago

7:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games on the road
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Pittsburgh's last 24 games at home
Pittsburgh is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TORONTO
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Toronto
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 13 games at home

7:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. PHILADELPHIA
Vancouver is 5-16-1 SU in its last 22 games ,when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Vancouver

7:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. DETROIT
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Columbus is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Detroit is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Columbus

8:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. NASHVILLE
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
Nashville5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Florida

8:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. WINNIPEG
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games on the road
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Winnipeg's last 25 games at home

8:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. ST. LOUIS
San Jose is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Jose's last 10 games
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of St. Louis's last 19 games at home

9:00 PM
DALLAS vs. COLORADO
Dallas is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Dallas's last 18 games on the road
Colorado is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 11 games when playing at home against Dallas

10:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. PHOENIX
Ottawa is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Ottawa is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Ottawa

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 15

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BUFFALO (0-6-0-1, 1 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (2-2-0-1, 5 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 3-3 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 3-3-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

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MINNESOTA (3-1-0-2, 8 pts.) at TORONTO (5-1-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 130-135 ATS (-19.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TORONTO is 6-16 ATS (+22.5 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 59-75 ATS (-52.6 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1996.
TORONTO is 95-118 ATS (-68.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

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

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VANCOUVER (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (1-5-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 56-75 ATS (-33.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 134-84 ATS (+25.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 66-43 ATS (+21.3 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-63 ATS (-57.6 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

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

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EDMONTON (1-4-0-1, 3 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (4-1-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 161-122 ATS (+19.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 1-0-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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CHICAGO (3-1-0-1, 7 pts.) at CAROLINA (2-2-0-2, 6 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 247-278 ATS (-114.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 126-145 ATS (-60.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 1-0-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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COLUMBUS (2-2-0-0, 4 pts.) at DETROIT (4-2-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 6-5 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 6-5-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.9 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (4-2-0-0, 8 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (3-2-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 1-0-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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SAN JOSE (5-0-0-0, 10 pts.) at ST LOUIS (4-0-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 12-4 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 158-129 ATS (+23.1 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 147-110 ATS (+28.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 10-2 (+7.6 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 10-2-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.6 Units)

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FLORIDA (2-4-0-0, 4 pts.) at NASHVILLE (2-3-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 262-302 ATS (-94.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 1-0-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.2 Units)

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MONTREAL (3-2-0-0, 6 pts.) at WINNIPEG (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 34-57 ATS (+92.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 3-11 ATS (-10.0 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 7-18 ATS (+25.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-1 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-1-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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DALLAS (2-2-0-0, 4 pts.) at COLORADO (5-0-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-3 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-3-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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OTTAWA (1-2-0-2, 4 pts.) at PHOENIX (4-2-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/15/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 131-151 ATS (-55.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 292-262 ATS (-57.5 Units) first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 192-165 ATS (+23.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

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

[StarDust Bum]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Spot bets are a classic handicapping practice that has proven profitable no matter what sport you’re betting. Whether it’s a team looking past this week’s opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots.

Letdown spot

Missouri shook up the SEC landscape with a 41-26 beating of Georgia Saturday. The Tigers capitalized on two interceptions and two fumbles against the Bulldogs, picking up the program’s biggest victory since moving to the SEC. That notable win has the Tigers primed for a letdown in Week 8.

Mizzou is back in Columbia this weekend, hosting the Florida Gators as a slight home underdog. The Gators are off a tight loss to LSU and come into Saturday with bad intentions. Florida boasts one of the best defenses in the land and could feast on an offense missing its key cog, with Tigers QB James Franklin out with a separated shoulder.

Lookahead spot

Earlier this NFL season, before Pittsburgh and Minnesota made the trip to London, England, we pointed out that the last 12 teams to play in London (2007-2012) were a combined 5-7 SU and 4-8 ATS in the week previous to making the trip to England. The Steelers and Vikings followed suit and failed to cover in the week before jumping the pond, both losing SU and ATS in Week 3.

Now, with the last 14 teams combining for a 4-10 ATS mark the week before leaving for London – 28.5 winning percentage – eyes are on the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6 of the season. The Niners and Jags, who tangle in Wembley Stadium on Oct. 27, are in lookahead mode this Sunday. San Francisco is a 4-point road favorite in Tennessee while Jacksonville is getting 9.5 points at home to San Diego in Week 7.

Schedule spot

The Vancouver Canucks hit the bricks for the majority of the month, starting in Philadelphia Tuesday night. The Canucks are on a seven-game road run which has them playing four games this week to open this chunk of schedule.

Vancouver has split its first two road games of the season, losing at San Jose and squeaking out an overtime win at Calgary. The Canucks travel across the country for games against the Flyers, Sabres, Penguins, Blue Jackets, Islanders, Devils and Blues. That’s a tough test for a team still finding its form under a new head coach.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sabres (0-6) at Islanders (2-2)

Date: October 15, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


Looking to extend their points streak at home, the New York Islanders should be feeling confident about snapping their first skid of the season.

That's because the Buffalo Sabres are simply trying to avoid the worst start in franchise history.

Behind productive captain John Tavares, the Islanders hope to get back on track by earning points in their ninth straight regular-season home game Tuesday night against the winless Sabres.

New York (2-2-1) opened the season 2-0-1 before falling 3-2 in Chicago on Friday and 3-2 in Nashville a night later.

Despite the loss Saturday, Tavares - third in the MVP voting last season after a 28-goal season - continued to shine with his third goal in as many games.

Tavares also has five goals and five assists in seven career home meetings with the Sabres (0-6-1).

Now the Islanders appear to be in good position to avoid losing three straight in regulation for the first time in 29 games, including last postseason. They're 6-0-2 in their last eight regular-season home games, outscoring opponents 29-11 over that stretch.

Tavares has played a leading role with five goals and five assists during this run at home. He finished with a pair of scores - one on the power play - in a 6-1 win over Phoenix last Tuesday before New York hit the road.

The Islanders have converted 3 of 8 chances on the power play at home, but are 0 for 7 with a man advantage on the road after coming up empty in their three opportunities against the Predators.

"We had a four-minute power play that didn't generate much, which is not good enough,' Tavares said. "We have to find a way to get better in those areas at those times in the game.'

Although the Sabres have killed 20 of 23 penalties, they've struggled mightily on the attack with two power-play goals in 25 opportunities and a franchise-worst seven scores overall through seven games.

With its 2-1 loss to Minnesota on Monday, Buffalo matched the team record set in 1990-91 and 1999-2000 by going winless in its first seven contests.

"You're not going to win many games scoring one goal,' Sabres coach Ron Rolston said. "We need our top six to step up.'

Thomas Vanek, who led the team with 20 goals and 41 points last season, has two scores and four points. The left wing has two goals and two assists in his last four meetings with the Islanders.

The Sabres likely will face goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, who has started four of New York's five games. Nabokov, 2-1-1 with a 2.17 goals-against average, is 3-2-1 with a 1.82 GAA in his last six starts against the Sabres.

Buffalo's Ryan Miller is expected to be back in net after getting Monday off in favor of Jhonas Enroth, who made 18 saves against the Wild.

Miller has a .941 save percentage despite dropping his first four starts. He's posted a 2.13 GAA while helping the Sabres take four of the last five meetings with the Islanders.