The Bum's NHL Season Long Thread POD's - Stats - Trends - News !

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NHL
Dunkel

Vancouver at Anaheim
The Canucks come into tonight's matchup against the Ducks with a 6-14 record in their last 20 games against Pacific Division opponents. Anaheim is the pick (-165) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-165). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5

Game 51-52: Winnipeg at Pittsburgh (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 10.484; Pittsburgh 12.054
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-230); Over

Game 53-54: Nashville at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.663; Carolina 10.504
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+115); Under

Game 55-56: Vancouver at Anaheim (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.247; Anaheim 12.309
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-165); Under

Game 57-58: Tampa Bay at Edmonton (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.169; Edmonton 11.386
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+120); Over

Game 59-60: San Jose at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.555; Chicago 12.989
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150); Over




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, January 5

Hot teams
-- Penguins won 15 of their last 18 games.
-- Carolina won its last three games, all by one goal.
-- Sharks won five of their last seven games. Chicago won six of its last nine.
-- Lightning won seven of their last nine games.
-- Ducks won 12 of their last 13 games.

Cold teams
-- Winnipeg lost five of its last six road games.
-- Predators lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Edmonton lost four in row, eight of its last ten games.
-- Canucks lost last three games, scoring six goals.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Pittsburgh games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-1-2 in last eight Nashville games.
-- Five of last six San Jose games went over total.
-- Seven of last eight Edmonton games went over total.
-- Five of last seven Vancouver games stayed under total.

Series records
-- Penguins won nine of last eleven games with Winnipeg.
-- Carolina won its last two games with Nashville, 4-3/5-2.
-- Blackhawks won six of last seven games with San Jose.
-- Home side won five of last six Tampa Bay-Edmonton games.
-- Ducks won six of last eight games with Vancouver.




NHL

Sunday, January 5

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. PITTSBURGH
Winnipeg is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Winnipeg is 3-17 SU in its last 20 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

7:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. CAROLINA
Nashville is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Nashville is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing Nashville

8:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Chicago
San Jose is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
Chicago is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games

8:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. EDMONTON
Tampa Bay is 8-14-2 SU in its last 24 games ,when playing Edmonton
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games at home
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

8:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. ANAHEIM
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Vancouver's last 20 games when playing Anaheim
Vancouver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Anaheim's last 10 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Anaheim is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, January 5

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WINNIPEG (19-20-0-5, 43 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (30-12-0-1, 61 pts.) - 1/5/2014, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 1-17 ATS (+24.9 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-13 ATS (+30.0 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 13-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games after a division game this season.
WINNIPEG is 8-2 ATS (+5.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
WINNIPEG is 20-11 ATS (+32.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-2 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-2-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)

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NASHVILLE (18-18-0-6, 42 pts.) at CAROLINA (17-16-0-9, 43 pts.) - 1/5/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 105-81 ATS (+19.1 Units) in January games since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 11-6 ATS (+18.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CAROLINA is 9-29 ATS (+52.4 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 2-1-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

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VANCOUVER (23-13-0-7, 53 pts.) at ANAHEIM (30-8-0-5, 65 pts.) - 1/5/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 0-6 ATS (-9.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 30-13 ATS (+45.6 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 14-0 ATS (+14.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ANAHEIM is 12-3 ATS (+7.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
ANAHEIM is 191-183 ATS (+420.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 168-164 ATS (+369.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 91-90 ATS (+200.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 4-3 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 4-3-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.4 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (25-12-0-4, 54 pts.) at EDMONTON (13-26-0-5, 31 pts.) - 1/5/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 77-57 ATS (+17.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 25-16 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 16-5 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
EDMONTON is 13-31 ATS (-27.7 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 14-27 ATS (+48.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 4-20 ATS (+31.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 3-19 ATS (+30.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 2-0-0 straight up against EDMONTON 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 (26-10-0-6, 58 pts.) at CHICAGO (29-7-0-8, 66 pts.) - 1/5/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 13-25 ATS (-14.8 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 18-4 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 126-87 ATS (+27.4 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 83-47 ATS (+20.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-2 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-2-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Sunday, January 5

Winnipeg at Pittsburgh, 1:05 ET
Winnipeg: 20-11 SU after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game
Pittsburgh: 10-16 SU after 2 consecutive division games

Nashville at Carolina, 7:05 ET
Nashville: 21-12 SU off a road loss
Carolina: 9-29 SU after a division game

Vancouver at Anaheim, 8:05 ET
Vancouver: 0-6 SU second half of the season
Anaheim: 14-0 SU in a home game where where the total is 5.5

Tampa Bay at Edmonton, 8:05 ET
Tamapa Bay: 9-2 SU after playing 2 consecutive road games
Edmonton: 1-10 SU as a home underdog

San Jose at Chicago, 8:05 ET
San Jose: 13-27 SU in road games when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
Chicago: 21-5 SU when playing their 3rd game in 5 days

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Sunday, January 5

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Winnipeg - 1:00 PM ET Winnipeg +222 500 *****
Pittsburgh - Over 5.5 500

Nashville - 7:00 PM ET Nashville +118 500 *****
Carolina - Over 5.5 500

San Jose - 8:00 PM ET San Jose +142 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chicago - Over 5.5 500

Tampa Bay - 8:00 PM ET Tampa Bay -139 500
Edmonton - Under 5.5 500

Vancouver - 8:00 PM ET Anaheim -159 500
Anaheim - Under 5.5 500

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Preview: Stars (20-14) at Islanders (14-22)

Date: January 06, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


The New York Islanders' struggles this season mainly can be attributed to their inability to win regularly on home ice.

They'll seek only their second home victory in the past seven weeks as they look to deal the Dallas Stars a third straight defeat Monday night.

New York (14-22-7) sits in last place in the Metropolitan Division and has the fewest home wins in the Eastern Conference. It is 1-5-4 in its last 10 at Nassau Coliseum, with Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over Chicago the lone victory.

That victory extended the Islanders' overall winning streak to a season-best three before they fell 3-2 to Carolina on Saturday.

"We had too many guys that were nonchalant," coach Jack Capuano said. "We didn't have all 20 guys. We can't have nights like that."

Kyle Okposo, who scored the winner against the Blackhawks, had his career-best eight-game point streak end.

'We gave them all three of their goals,' Okposo said. 'We had a lot of chances, had our opportunities, that's for sure."

Captain John Tavares scored, and Thomas Vanek had a goal for the second straight game to give him four along with seven assists during his eight-game point streak.

'We have some bad breakdowns,' Tavares said. 'We made it too easy for them. We didn't make them earn it.'

Dallas also attributed its latest defeat to breakdowns, finishing with 17 giveaways in Saturday's 5-1 loss to Detroit.

'They had a lot of odd-man rushes,' forward Shawn Horcoff said. 'It wasn't the type of game we want to play. We want to be quick in transition, but we can't be giving away pucks like that. We can't be giving up quality shots."

The Stars (20-14-7) didn't get many quality chances of their own despite outshooting Detroit 45-27. They went 0 for 7 on the power play after scoring with the man advantage in their previous three contests.

'There was a couple that I thought we could have had better traffic in front of (the net)," coach Lindy Ruff said. "We missed the net on some. We would play well, be down in their end and then give up the puck and they'd go down and score.'

Dallas has lost two straight following a 5-0-2 stretch, and now it may be without defenseman Aaron Rome for the next week. Ruff said Rome has an upper-body injury after he exited Saturday's game in the second period.

Dan Ellis gave up three goals on 13 shots in the first period before being replaced by Kari Lehtonen, who stopped 12 of 14 shots. Lehtonen entered that contest having gone 4-1-2 with a 2.24 goals-against average over his previous seven outings.

Lehtonen is 1-1-1 with a 5.12 GAA over his last four starts against the Islanders, but hasn't faced them since 2010. The Stars have won five of the last six matchups with New York, though the teams haven't met since 2011.

Evgeni Nabokov made 27 saves for the Islanders in their last contest, and he could be in net for this one. Nabokov is 3-2-0 with a 2.02 GAA over his last five starts.

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Preview: Blue Jackets (18-20) at Rangers (21-20)

Date: January 06, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


The New York Rangers knew after a woeful effort Friday night they'd have to quickly move on. That resulted in a performance they won't want to forget about any time soon.

The Rangers look to build on their highest-scoring game of the season Monday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, though they'll have to contend with the return of reigning Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky.

New York (21-20-2) won two of its first three on a five-game road trip, but started the new year on a sour note by giving up the game's first four goals in a 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Friday.

The Rangers concluded their trip in Toronto on Saturday with a performance much more to their liking. The league's fourth-lowest scoring team coming in scored the game's first five and finished with a season-high 50 shots in a 7-1 rout of the Maple Leafs.

"It was huge for us," goaltender Cam Talbot told the league's official website. "We had to finish strong. We came out flying tonight. The guys got the first goal and never looked back. We played sound defensively as well. Tonight we took care of both ends (of the ice) and that's why we got the result we did."

It's unclear if Talbot or Henrik Lundqvist will be between the pipes Monday, but it's quite clear who has given New York a better chance to win lately. Talbot has allowed one goal in three of his last four starts to improve to 9-3-0 with an Eastern Conference-best 1.66 goals-against average this season.

Talbot relieved Lundqvist on Dec. 12 at Madison Square Garden after the former Vezina winner gave up three goals to the Blue Jackets in 11:10. Talbot stopped 13 of 14 shots in that 4-2 loss, and made 32 saves in a 4-2 win at Columbus on Nov. 7.

'I've always just kind of started as a backup and then started playing more games, so I've been in these situations before and you learn from every situation you're in,' Talbot said.

While the Rangers play their lone home game in a 17-day stretch, the Blue Jackets (18-20-4) will look to conclude their four-game road trip with a second win.

Curtis McElhinney stopped all 34 shots in a 2-0 win at Phoenix on Thursday, but goaltending has been an issue in the other two games. McElhinney struggled in a 5-3 loss at Colorado on Tuesday and couldn't hold a two-goal lead in a 6-2 loss at St. Louis on Saturday.

Those six goals were all scored in a stretch of 26:10 starting in the middle of the second period.

'We played a 20-minute game, tonight,' coach Todd Richards said. 'They made a push and got their game to another level and we were unwilling to do that. They played a real simple game. We stopped skating. Our compete level wasn't nearly good enough. Body language wasn't good coming off the ice.

'Eventually there has to be a response. I didn't like the way we reacted to it."

Though Richards was mostly concerned with his skaters, he'll have a familiar face in net Monday for the first time since Dec. 3. Bobrovsky has missed 12 games with a strained groin but is expected to start against the Rangers.

Bobrovsky, however, is 0-4-1 with a 2.99 GAA in his last five starts versus New York.

Rangers winger Rick Nash didn't record a point against the Jackets on Dec. 12 in his first game against his former team, the beginning of an 11-game stretch in which he's scored only once.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Panthers (16-20) at Canadiens (24-14)

Date: January 06, 2014 7:30 PM EDT


While they're near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the Florida Panthers have been surprisingly successful on the road of late.

They've also proved adept at beating the Montreal Canadiens.

The Panthers look for their third win over the Canadiens in less than a month Monday night in Montreal.

Florida (16-20-6) currently sits ahead of only two teams - Buffalo and the New York Islanders - in the East and is in front of just the Sabres in the Atlantic Division. The Panthers, though, have managed to add to their point total lately by going 2-0-1 to wrap up a five-game homestand.

After allowing the New York Rangers to rally for a shootout win Tuesday, Florida prevented Nashville from pulling off the same feat Saturday. The Predators scored two goals in the final 5:08 of regulation - the tying one with 47.1 seconds to go - but Tim Thomas, Tomas Kopecky and Jonathan Huberdeau helped the Panthers come away with a 5-4 shootout victory.

"The main thing for our team is that we're moving forward, that we continue to go in the right direction," coach Peter Horachek said.

The Panthers will seek their seventh win in 11 road games when they open a three-game trip Monday. Florida began its most recent trek - a four-gamer - with a 2-1 win over Montreal on Dec. 15 and only a 5-2 loss to Winnipeg on Dec. 20 kept it from a sweep.

The Panthers also topped the Canadiens 4-1 on Dec. 29 at home. Scott Clemmensen earned his second victory over Montreal (24-14-5) this season and improved to 8-1-0 with 1.78 goals-against average in 10 career matchups.

Thomas, the team's usual starter, missed both games against the Canadiens with a groin injury. With Florida having two days off after this game, Thomas might get to face Montreal this time and make his third straight overall start.

He's stymied the Canadiens in recent seasons, going 9-4-0 with a 1.83 GAA in the past 14 matchups, including seven in the 2011 playoffs while with Boston.

The Canadiens scored 13 goals during a recent 4-5-0 stretch that included the two losses to Florida, but have matched that total in their last three games. Montreal, though, has given up 17 goals in its past four contests.

"I think what's most important right now is that we get some consistency in our game," defenseman Douglas Murray said.

Following a 6-4 win in Dallas on Thursday, the Canadiens lost for the third time in their past four home games two days later, 4-3 in overtime against Ottawa. Carey Price gave up all three goals in regulation in the first 14:04.

The Senators scored the winner on the power play 58 seconds into the extra session after P.K. Subban was called for a hooking penalty late in regulation. The Canadiens' star defenseman and coach Michel Therrien criticized the call.

'It seems like it's personal to me because it has nothing to do with the game. Based on the standard of penalties, I don't see a penalty there at all," Subban said.

The Canadiens' Max Pacioretty has eight goals and three assists in his last 10 contests but has been held without a point in his last four against the Panthers.

Florida's Brad Boyes has two goals and three assists in his last three games and six assists in his last five versus Montreal.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Flames (14-21) at Avalanche (26-11)

Date: January 06, 2014 9:00 PM EDT


Nathan MacKinnon is in the midst of the best stretch of his young career, helping the Colorado Avalanche get their homestand off to a solid start.

Colorado seeks a fourth consecutive win while looking to deal the struggling Calgary Flames a fifth straight defeat Monday night.

MacKinnon, selected with the No. 1 overall pick in July's draft, has four goals and an assist as the Avalanche (26-11-4) have gone 3-0-1 on their seven-game homestand. The 18-year-old scored twice to become the youngest player in franchise history with a multigoal game in Saturday's 4-3 victory over San Jose.

MacKinnon has 12 goals and 14 assists to lead all rookies in points.

"A little bit, when it gets announced on the Jumbotron," MacKinnon said when asked if he thinks about the rookie scoring race. "But that's not my focus."

Colorado may have lost some of its focus after letting a four-goal lead dwindle to one before holding on. Semyon Varlamov finished with 30 saves, including a few big ones down the stretch.

"We obviously don't want to let them back in the game like that," MacKinnon said. "Thankfully we hung on to get the win. (Varlamov) really bailed us out, like he usually does when we get the win. It was a very intense last couple of minutes but thankfully we managed to hang on."

Paul Stastny had two assists as nine different players recorded a point Saturday.

"Everybody is pushing hard," coach Patrick Roy said. "Everybody wants to give ourselves a chance to make the playoffs."

Varlamov is 6-0-4 with a 2.14 goals-against average in his last 11 appearances, and he could be in net against a Calgary team that has totaled one goal during its four-game losing streak.

The Flames (14-21-6) fell 2-0 against Tampa Bay on Friday, getting blanked for the third time during their skid. Their only goal in that stretch came from rookie Sean Monahan in Tuesday's loss to Philadelphia.

"We're not good enough. We've got to find a way to generate more," captain Mark Giordano said. "Every mistake right now is magnified because we're not scoring goals. We're wasting pretty good efforts from our goaltenders."

Karri Ramo made 27 saves Friday after Reto Berra lost the previous three contests despite a 2.08 GAA. The Flames are 0 for 10 on the power play during their losing streak after failing to convert on five in the last contest.

Defenseman Dennis Wideman returned after missing 16 games with a broken hand.

"It's extremely frustrating," winger Lee Stempniak said. "We definitely feel like we're letting the goaltenders down. They've played great. Every game, they've kept us in it and given us a chance. It's definitely a disappointing feeling for the 18 skaters out there letting them down."

It's unclear who will start in net for Calgary in this contest, but Ramo has gotten the nod in each of the first two meetings. He made 23 saves but lost 4-2 on Nov. 8, then stopped 22 shots in a 3-2 defeat Dec. 6.

Ryan O'Reilly had a goal and an assist in the first meeting for the Avalanche, while MacKinnon scored in the second contest. Jean-Sebastien Giguere has been in net for both meetings, while Varlamov is 3-4-0 with a 2.65 GAA in his career against the Flames.

[StarDust Bum]

Pucking the Trends: NHL's weekly betting news and notes


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 Dec. 29-Jan. 4:

Hot team

St. Louis Blues (4-0 SU)

Things haven't been better in Bluesville, with St. Louis riding a five-game winning streak and looking like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender as the season reaches its midway point. The Blues reeled off four straight victories last week, including back-to-back one-sided home wins over the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets. With St. Louis ranked second in the league in goals and third in goals-against, the Blues are firing on all cylinders as they prepare for their three-game jaunt through Western Canada beginning Tuesday in Edmonton.

Cold team

Washington Capitals (0-4 SU)

The Capitals have long been considered one of hockey's streakiest teams, and last week was an extension of a serious cold stretch that kicked off just before Christmas. Washington looked flat offensively in losses in Buffalo and Ottawa, then endured a number of defensive struggles in defeats at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild. The Capitals have five days to mull over their latest loss before they hit the ice in Tampa Bay, followed closely by home contests against Toronto and Buffalo.

Best Over play

Montreal Canadiens (3-0-1 O/U)

The Canadiens have been one of the league's best Over plays since the middle of December, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Normally one of the most defensively responsible teams in hockey, Montreal has surrendered four or more goals in four consecutive games and five of the last seven to slip to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Struggling netminder Carey Price and the Montreal defense will look to get back on track this week with home games against Florida and Chicago and a visit to Philadelphia.

Best Under play

Buffalo Sabres (0-3-1 O/U)

Buffalo bolstered its spot as the best Under play in the NHL, nearly putting together a perfect week as it continues its march toward a historic goal shortage. The Sabres enter Sunday with just 74 goals through its first 42 games of the season, a whopping 22 fewer tallies than the 29th-ranked Calgary Flames. Buffalo has scored more than two goals just once in its last seven games, but could find some success this week with home games against Carolina and Florida - two teams that rank in the lower half in goals-against in the East.

Surveying the schedule:

The Ottawa Senators used a four-game winning streak to climb into eighth place in the East, but staying there could prove difficult. Coming off a 4-3 overtime victory in Montreal, the Senators conclude their four-game road trip with games in Colorado, Nashville and Minnesota. Ottawa is a reasonable 8-8-3 away from Scotiabank Place so far this season, but is a dismal 3-9-3 versus the Western Conference and remains one of the more generous teams in the league at 3.1 goals against per game.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, January 6

Dallas at NY Islanders, 7:05 ET
Dallas: 11-2 against the money line as a road favorite of -200 or less
NY Islanders: 3-9 against the money line as a home favorite

Columbus at NY Rangers, 7:05 ET
Columbus: 43-32 SU after a blowout loss by 4 goals or more in their previous game
NY Rangers: 5-11 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less

Florida at Montreal, 7:35 ET
Florida: 6-11 SU after allowing 4 goals or more
Montreal: 6-3 SU off a home loss

Calgary at Colorado, 9:05 ET
Calgary: 16-14 SU in road games after scoring 2 goals or less in 4 straight games
Colorado: 73-85 SU after a home game where both teams score 3 or more goals

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Dallas at NY Islanders
The Stars look to bounce back from a 5-1 loss to Detroit as they visit an Islanders team that is 1-9 in its last 10 home games. Dallas is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JANUARY 6

Game 1-2: Dallas at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 12.542; NY Islanders 11.190
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+100); Over

Game 3-4: Columbus at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.944; NY Rangers 12.585
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-155); Under

Game 5-6: Florida at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.788; Montreal 10.553
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-180); 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+160); Over

Game 7-8: Calgary at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.239; Colorado 11.738
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-200); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, January 6

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DALLAS (20-14-0-7, 47 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (14-22-0-7, 35 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 92-76 ATS (+170.9 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
DALLAS is 178-115 ATS (+39.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 19-10 ATS (+29.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 14-29 ATS (-21.4 Units) in all games this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 4-13 ATS (+19.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 3-12 ATS (+16.8 Units) after a division game this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 6-15 ATS (+26.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 1-1-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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COLUMBUS (18-20-0-4, 40 pts.) at NY RANGERS (21-20-0-2, 44 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 7-12 ATS (-7.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NY RANGERS are 174-179 ATS (-108.5 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 99-107 ATS (-61.4 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 87-92 ATS (-50.7 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 94-101 ATS (-69.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 2-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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FLORIDA (16-20-0-6, 38 pts.) at MONTREAL (24-14-0-5, 53 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 85-104 ATS (-56.0 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-3 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-3-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.2 Units)

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CALGARY (14-21-0-6, 34 pts.) at COLORADO (26-11-0-4, 56 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 26-15 ATS (+51.0 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 8-1 ATS (+6.5 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 208-191 ATS (-142.1 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-6-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, January 5

Hot teams
-- Islanders won three of their last four games.
-- Rangers won five of their last seven games.
-- Colorado won its last three games, allowing seven goals.

Cold teams
-- Dallas Stars lost three of their last four games.
-- Blue Jackets lost three of their last four games.
-- Florida lost four of its last six games. Canadiens lost three of last four.
-- Calgary lost eight of its last nine games.

Totals
-- Five of last six Islander home games stayed under.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Columbus games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Florida games.
-- Last four Calgary games stayed under the total.

Series records
-- Islanders lost four of their last five games with Dallas.
-- Rangers won four of their last five games with Columbus.
-- Panthers are 2-0 vs Montreal this season, winning 2-1/4-1.
-- Avalanche won six of last eight games with Calgary.




NHL

Sunday, January 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. NY RANGERS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games
Columbus is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. NY ISLANDERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Dallas is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games at home
NY Islanders are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Dallas

7:30 PM
FLORIDA vs. MONTREAL
Florida is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Montreal
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Montreal's last 14 games when playing at home against Florida

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. COLORADO
Calgary is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Calgary is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing Calgary


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NHL

Sunday, January 5

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Pucking the Trends: NHL's weekly betting news and notes
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For the week of Dec. 29-Jan. 4:

Hot team

St. Louis Blues (4-0 SU)

Things haven't been better in Bluesville, with St. Louis riding a five-game winning streak and looking like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender as the season reaches its midway point. The Blues reeled off four straight victories last week, including back-to-back one-sided home wins over the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets. With St. Louis ranked second in the league in goals and third in goals-against, the Blues are firing on all cylinders as they prepare for their three-game jaunt through Western Canada beginning Tuesday in Edmonton.


Cold team

Washington Capitals (0-4 SU)

The Capitals have long been considered one of hockey's streakiest teams, and last week was an extension of a serious cold stretch that kicked off just before Christmas. Washington looked flat offensively in losses in Buffalo and Ottawa, then endured a number of defensive struggles in defeats at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild. The Capitals have five days to mull over their latest loss before they hit the ice in Tampa Bay, followed closely by home contests against Toronto and Buffalo.


Best Over play

Montreal Canadiens (3-0-1 O/U)

The Canadiens have been one of the league's best Over plays since the middle of December, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Normally one of the most defensively responsible teams in hockey, Montreal has surrendered four or more goals in four consecutive games and five of the last seven to slip to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Struggling netminder Carey Price and the Montreal defense will look to get back on track this week with home games against Florida and Chicago and a visit to Philadelphia.


Best Under play

Buffalo Sabres (0-3-1 O/U)

Buffalo bolstered its spot as the best Under play in the NHL, nearly putting together a perfect week as it continues its march toward a historic goal shortage. The Sabres enter Sunday with just 74 goals through its first 42 games of the season, a whopping 22 fewer tallies than the 29th-ranked Calgary Flames. Buffalo has scored more than two goals just once in its last seven games, but could find some success this week with home games against Carolina and Florida - two teams that rank in the lower half in goals-against in the East.


Surveying the schedule:

The Ottawa Senators used a four-game winning streak to climb into eighth place in the East, but staying there could prove difficult. Coming off a 4-3 overtime victory in Montreal, the Senators conclude their four-game road trip with games in Colorado, Nashville and Minnesota. Ottawa is a reasonable 8-8-3 away from Scotiabank Place so far this season, but is a dismal 3-9-3 versus the Western Conference and remains one of the more generous teams in the league at 3.1 goals against per game.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, January 6

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Dallas - 7:00 PM ET NY Islanders -102 500
NY Islanders - Under 5.5 500

Columbus - 7:00 PM ET NY Rangers -153 500
NY Rangers - Over 5 500

Florida - 7:30 PM ET Florida +157 500 *****
Montreal - Under 5 500

Calgary - 9:00 PM ET Colorado -195 500
Colorado - Over 5.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, January 7

Hot teams
-- Carolina won its last four games, all by one goal. Sabres won last five home games.
-- Islanders won four of their last five games. Toronto won three of last four.
-- Flyers won seven of their last nine games.
-- Sharks won six of their last eight games.
-- Lightning won seven of its last ten games.
-- Blues won their last five games, scoring 22 goals.
-- Penguins won eight of their last ten games.
-- Anaheim is 13-1 in its last 14 games. Bruins won five of their last seven.

Cold teams
-- New Jersey lost three of last four home games.
-- Predators lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Winnipeg lost its last three games, allowing 14 goals.
-- Flames/Coyotes both lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Edmonton lost four of its last five games.
-- Canucks lost their last four games, scoring nine goals.
-- Kings lost five of last six games. Minnesota lost last four away games, outscored 19-8.

Totals
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Carolina games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Toronto games.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Philly games.
-- Five of last seven San Jose games went over total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Lightning games.
-- Four of last five Calgary games stayed under total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine St Louis games.
-- Seven of last nine Pittsburgh games went over total.
-- Last three Anaheim games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Minnesota games.

Series records
-- Sabres lost four of last five games with Carolina.
-- Islanders won three of last four visits to Toronto.
-- Devils won nine of last eleven games with Philly.
-- Predators won five of last seven games with San Jose.
-- Jets won their last four games with Tampa Bay.
-- Flames won five of last seven games with Phoenix.
-- Blues won six of last seven games with Edmonton.
-- Penguins won last three games with Vancouver, last two in SO.
-- Bruins won last two games with Anaheim, both by 3-2 scores.
-- Wild lost three of last four visits to Staples Center.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, January 7

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. BUFFALO
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Buffalo's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games

7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. TORONTO
NY Islanders are 7-17-1 SU in their last 25 games ,when playing on the road against Toronto
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Toronto17-7-1 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against NY Islanders

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games

8:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. NASHVILLE
San Jose is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games when playing at home against San Jose
Nashville is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Jose

8:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. WINNIPEG
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Tampa Bay is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Winnipeg is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. PHOENIX
Calgary is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 11 games at home
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Calgary

9:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. EDMONTON
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis

10:00 PM
BOSTON vs. ANAHEIM
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Anaheim is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Anaheim is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing at home against Boston

10:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. VANCOUVER
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Vancouver's last 15 games
Vancouver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LOS ANGELES
Minnesota is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Boston at Anaheim
The Ducks host the Bruins tonight looking to build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games against Eastern Conference teams. Anaheim is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7

Game 51-52: Carolina at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 10.327; Buffalo 11.957
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-115); Under

Game 53-54: NY Islanders at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 12.213; Toronto 9.988
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+145); Over

Game 55-56: Philadelphia at New Jersey (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.430; New Jersey 12.877
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-130); Over

Game 57-58: Tampa Bay at Winnipeg (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.836; Winnipeg 10.850
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+100); Under

Game 59-60: San Jose at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.143; Nashville 10.458
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-160); Under

Game 61-62: Calgary at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.210; Phoenix 10.397
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+165); Over

Game 63-64: St. Louis at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 13.119; Edmonton 10.386
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 2 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-175); Under

Game 65-66: Pittsburgh at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.054; Vancouver 10.687
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-105); Over

Game 67-68: Boston at Anaheim (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.378; Anaheim 12.908
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-135); Over

Game 69-70: Minnesota at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.999; Los Angeles 10.804
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-180); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+160); Under