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  • Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 10/8 (MLB, NHL, CFL, Misc.)

    Trends and Indexes

    Wednesday, October 8

    Good Luck on day #281 of 2014!

    At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of MLB, NHL and CFL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

    NOTE:
    As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
    Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
    Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.


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    Matchup Links

    MLB Matchups

    MLB Previews

    MLB Hot or Not

    MLB Umpires

    MLB Trends

    MLB Weather


    NHL Matchups

    NHL Injuries

    NHL Hot and Not


    CFL Matchups

    CFL Stats Center

    CFL Hot or Not

    CFL Trends

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    NASCAR Schedules

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  • #2
    Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

    NFL trends for Week 6.......

    -- Indianapolis covered its last nine divisional games.

    -- Patriots covered three of their last 12 road games.

    -- Tennessee is 0-8 vs spread in last eight away games.

    -- Seattle covered 12 of its last 16 home games.

    -- Steelers are 3-8 in last 11 games as a road favorite.

    -- Denver is 13-5 in last 18 games as single digit favorite.

    **********

    Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........

    13) Must’ve been fun to be in Oxford, MS Saturday night, especially when they paraded the goal posts from the football field down Main Street after Ole Miss beat Alabama. Rebels go to Texas A&M Saturday after Aggies got drilled in Starkville; tough job for Ole Miss coaches to get ready for that game after such a big win.

    12) Hugh Freeze is the Ole Miss football coach; had forgotten that he was the high school coach in book/movie The Blind Side. Read last night that Ole Miss got a new basketball practice facility; the father in The Blind Side, Sean Touhy, played PG for Ole Miss and does some TV work for the Memphis Grizzlies. He helped fund the practice facility. It’s a small world in some of these college communities.

    11) I like to watch ESPN and FOX on Thursday/Friday to get insights on the week’s college games, but I was disappointed listening to Brian Griese/Mark May in the studio last week, when May picked LSU to beat Auburn and Griese laughed, telling the host “You can tell when he doesn’t believe one of his picks” then explained how. If guys are going on TV and making up stuff just so the two experts disagree for the sake of argument, then they’re wasting my time. I want honest opinions, not contrived “disagreements”. Not good.

    10) Tom Brady is 3-2 in Super Bowls; the five games were decided by a total of 16 points.

    9) There are five D-I basketball teams who have been D-I for long time and have yet to play in an NCAA tournament: Army, Citadel, Northwestern, St Francis (NY), and William & Mary.

    8) Russell Wilson ran ball for 122 yards Monday night, most ever by a QB in the 699-game history of Monday Night Football. Seattle has a huge edge with its salary cap, not having to pay Wilson yet; they have a big-time QB making less than $1M. That’s going to change after this season.

    7) Why are Old Dominion and Rice in the same conference? Texas Tech and West Virginia? Maryland and Nebraska? Tulane and UConn? How do kids learn geography these days?

    6) They’re adding 5-on-5 scrimmages to the NBA Draft Combine next spring. My question is this: How could you have a combine without watching guys play 5-on-5 basketball? What genius came up with that idea? Oy. At least it is fixed now.

    5) There are 15 basketball teams in the ACC this winter, which is too many; an odd number is untenable. 7 of those 15 teams used to play in the Big East. An ACC without Maryland is just weird.

    4) NL playoff games are on FOX Sports 1, a station not everyone gets. Guy I know is a Dodger fan and has to go out to watch the games. What is baseball thinking about hiding their playoff games? Does partnering with FOX help baseball?

    3) FOX actually has a camera imbedded in the ground in front of home plate in the Dodger series, in fair territory. It provides some interesting shots; wonder how much it costs if the camera gets hit by a ball or stepped on and breaks?

    2) When John Lackey got traded to St Louis, he wanted to wear number 41, but reliever Pat Neshek already had the number. Negotiations ensued, with Lackey finally getting #41, and Neshek getting a Babe Ruth-autographed baseball.

    That has to be worth some serious money. Well, serious money for me, maybe not for them.

    1) If you care about such things, 13 of 16 NFL primetime games have gone over the total so far this season.

    Comment


    • #3
      NHL Pacific Division betting preview: Kings reign, but don't count out Coyotes

      Here's a comprehensive look at teams to watch for betting purposes in the NHL's Pacific Division:

      Favorite
      Los Angeles Kings (+180)


      The Kings enter the season as the defending champions and return the core of that team as favorites to win the Pacific crown. Few teams in the NHL boast Los Angeles' incredible depth, with Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik and Jeff Carter leading a balanced offense and Drew Doughty guiding one of the league's stingiest defenses. Jonathan Quick is working his way back from wrist surgery, but should be full strength soon and remains an elite goalie.

      Value Underdog
      Vancouver Canucks (+800)


      New goaltender, same challenge. Ryan Miller will be called upon to lead the Canucks back to glory and it won't be an easy task given there's little offensive depth behind the Sedin-led first line while the blueline faces similar issues beyond Alex Edler, Kevin Bieksa and Dan Hamhuis. But the Sedins are a potent combo punch, newcomer Radim Vrbata has a strong track record on the offensive end and Miller is capable of stealing games by himself.

      Live Long Shot
      Arizona Coyotes (+1,000)


      The Coyotes often get overlooked by preseason pundits, only to emerge as pleasant surprises year after year. Don't be surprised to see the same thing happen in 2014-15. Arizona bolstered its offense with the addition of Sam Gagner, while the defensive tandem of Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Keith Yandle ranks among the best in the NHL. Mike Smith remains a star in net and gives the Coyotes a chance to win every night. Here's your division sleeper.

      Over Team
      Anaheim Ducks


      Fans at the Honda Center should see their fair share of high-scoring affairs this season. The Ducks enter the campaign as the reigning NHL scoring leaders, and have added Ryan Kesler to a Top 6 that already includes elite threats Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Cam Fowler leads an offensive-minded defense corps while the goaltending troika of Frederik Andersen, Jason LaBarbera and John Gibson may struggle to keep pucks out of the net.

      Under Team
      Calgary Flames


      The Flames may wind up in better position this season than they did in 2013-14, but it won't be because of an increase in scoring. Calgary's offense remains unproven and will likely see 2014-15 as more of a transition period as the young players become more accustomed to one another. The biggest area of improvement comes in goal, where Jonas Hiller takes the reins of a Calgary back-end that should finish better than its 24th-place showing last season.

      Comment


      • #4
        NHL
        Dunkel


        San Jose at Los Angeles
        The Kings open the regular season tonight against a San Jose team that is 1-10 in its last 11 games in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

        WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8

        Game 1-2: Montreal at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)

        Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 13.109; Toronto 11.542
        Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 6
        Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-120); 5 1/2
        Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+100); Over

        Game 3-4: Philadelphia at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
        Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 10.865; Boston 13.204
        Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 2 1/2; 5
        Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-180); 5 1/2
        Dunkel Pick: Boston (-180); Under

        Game 5-6: San Jose at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
        Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.429; Los Angeles 12.876
        Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1 1/2; 6
        Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-135); 5
        Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-135); Over

        Game 7-8: Vancouver at Calgary (7:30 p.m. EST)
        Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.612; Calgary 10.203
        Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1 1/2; 5
        Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-115); 5 1/2
        Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-115); Under




        NHL
        Long Sheet

        Wednesday, October 8


        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        MONTREAL (56-33-0-10, 122 pts.) at TORONTO (38-36-0-8, 84 pts.) - 10/8/2014, 7:05 PM
        Top Trends for this game.
        MONTREAL is 14-7 ATS (+21.3 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

        Head-to-Head Series History
        TORONTO is 5-4 (+1.7 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
        TORONTO is 5-4-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
        8 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.1 Units)

        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        PHILADELPHIA (45-34-0-10, 100 pts.) at BOSTON (61-23-0-10, 132 pts.) - 10/8/2014, 7:35 PM
        There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

        Head-to-Head Series History
        BOSTON is 4-1 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
        BOSTON is 4-1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
        3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)

        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        SAN JOSE (54-26-0-9, 117 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (62-36-0-10, 134 pts.) - 10/8/2014, 10:05 PM
        There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

        Head-to-Head Series History
        LOS ANGELES is 12-9 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
        LOS ANGELES is 12-9-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
        9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.9 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        VANCOUVER (36-35-0-11, 83 pts.) at CALGARY (35-40-0-7, 77 pts.) - 10/8/2014, 10:05 PM
        Top Trends for this game.
        VANCOUVER is 36-46 ATS (-18.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

        Head-to-Head Series History
        VANCOUVER is 9-1 (+7.8 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
        VANCOUVER is 9-1-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
        5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




        NHL
        Armadillo's Write-Up

        Wednesday, October 8


        Hot teams
        Not a lot to go on this early in the season, but after a week or so, we'll have good knowledge in this space every day until the Stanley Cup is hoisted next spring.

        Cold teams

        Series records
        -- Montreal won five of last seven games against the Maple Leafs; Canadiens won five of last seven visits to Toronto.
        -- Bruins won three in row, 13 of last 16 games against Philly.
        -- Kings beat San Jose 4-3 in playoffs LY, after being down 3-0; Sharks lost ten of their last 11 visits to Staples Center.
        -- Canucks won their last seven games with Calgary.

        Totals
        -- Eight of last nine Montreal-Toronto games went over total.
        -- Last four Bruin-Flyer games went over the total.
        -- Over is 5-1 in last seven San Jose-Los Angeles games.
        -- Over is 3-1-1 in Canucks' last five visits to Saddledome.




        NHL

        Wednesday, October 8


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        Trend Report
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        7:00 PM
        MONTREAL vs. TORONTO
        Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
        The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
        Toronto is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games
        The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal

        7:30 PM
        PHILADELPHIA vs. BOSTON
        Philadelphia is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing Boston
        The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Boston
        Boston is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Philadelphia
        The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

        10:00 PM
        SAN JOSE vs. LOS ANGELES
        San Jose is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
        The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Jose's last 7 games when playing Los Angeles
        Los Angeles is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against San Jose
        Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

        10:00 PM
        VANCOUVER vs. CALGARY
        Vancouver is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
        Vancouver is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games on the road
        Calgary is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Vancouver
        Calgary is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver


        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




        NHL

        Wednesday, October 8



        Canucks listed as slight road faves vs. Calgary

        The 2013-14 NHL season was not a kind one for the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, but they'll each have a clean slate for the 2014-15 campaign which kicks off featuring a battle of the two clubs in Calgary Wednesday.

        The new-look Canucks are opened as slight -102 road faves for the matchup at Guts.com. As of 1:07 p.m. AST Tuesday, that line has since moved to -106.


        Leafs open as home faves against Habs

        The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens in an Original Six clash to kick off the 2014-15 NHL season Wednesday.

        Guts.com opened the Leafs as -128 home favorites Early Tuesday morning. At 12:57 p.m. AST Tuesday it dropped to -123, before moving back up to -127 faves just 10 minutes later.


        Book opens Bruins as heavy favorites vs. Flyers

        The Boston Bruins, fresh off finishing first overall in the Eastern Conference in 2013-14, are getting early respect from oddsmakers in their first game of the 2014-15 season against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden.

        Guts.com opened the B's as -192 faves versus the Broad St. Bullies early Tuesday morning. That line has gone up to -200 since 1:17 p.m. AST.


        Flyers struggling mightily in Beantown

        The Philadelphia Flyers invade TD Garden for a season-opening date with the Boston Bruins Wednesday - an arena that hasn't been exactly friendly territory for the Broad Street Bullies.

        The Flyers are just 1-6 in their last seven games in Boston. From a totals standpoint, the two clubs have been a boon for Over bettors, as the Over has gone 4-0 in their last four matchups.


        Kings owning Sharks at Staples Center

        The San Jose Sharks travel south and face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings in the first night of NHL action Wednesday, and trends are showing the Kings have been dominating their state rivals at the Staples Center.

        San Jose is an ugly 1-10 in their last 11 games in Los Angeles. The two California-based clubs have been keeping the scorekeepers busy in recent games, as the Over has gone 5-1-1 in their last seven matchups.


        Over bettors profiting in Habs-Leafs tilts

        It's a new NHL season, and front and center on opening night Wednesday is an Original Six rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.

        Last season, the two clubs participated in quite a few high-scoring games. The Over has gone a perfect 5-0 in their last five meetings.
        Last edited by Udog; 10-08-2014, 07:27 AM.

        Comment


        • #5
          NHL

          Wednesday, October 8


          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          NHL Opening Night betting preview
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs (-110, 5.5)

          A surprising run to the Eastern Conference final last season has only served to raise expectations for the Montreal Canadiens, who open the 2014-15 campaign with a visit to the archrival Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. The opposite holds true for the Maple Leafs, who are attempting to erase the memory of a stunning collapse that derailed their postseason hopes. "We're back to square one now," Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin said. "Even though we reached the conference final, it means nothing."

          Montreal rode an 11-3-1 finishing kick into the postseason and carried the momentum to playoff-series victories over Tampa Bay and Presidents' Trophy-winning Boston before succumbing to the New York Rangers. Conversely, the Maple Leafs staggered to the wire by dropping 12 of their last 14, but coach Randy Carlyle was quick to note: "I think there is one thing that makes people forget about all those things. It's called winning." Both clubs overhauled their roster with the Canadiens saying goodbye to captain Brian Gionta and Toronto bringing in Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan as team president.

          TV:
          7 p.m. ET, TVA Sports, Sportsnet

          POWER RANKINGS:
          Canadiens (-168), Maple Leafs (-150)

          ABOUT THE CANADIENS (2013-14: 46-28-8, 3RD IN ATLANTIC):
          Montreal's Stanley Cup chances ended in Game 1 of the conference final due to an injury to Carey Price, who recorded six shutouts and posted career-best totals for save percentage (.927) and goals-against average (2.32). Former Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban, who signed an eight-year, $72 million extension in the offseason, and Andrei Markov anchor a defense that permitted 204 goals - the third-lowest total in the East - but questions abound about an offense that produced only 215 tallies. With Max Pacioretty coming off a 39-goal campaign. Montreal is seeking more production from new acquisition PA Parenteau and 2012 No. 3 overall pick Alex Galchenyuk, who was limited to 65 games last season.

          ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (2013-14: 38-36-8, 6TH IN ATLANTIC):
          When starting netminder Jonathan Bernier went down with an injury, Toronto followed suit by dropping eight in a row - including five started by backup James Reimer en route to the 2-12-0 finish. Captain Dion Phaneuf heads a defense that was shredded for 265 goals - the fifth-highest total in the league - and will be banking on second-year blue-liner Morgan Rielly and veteran newcomer Stephane Robidas to stabilize the unit. While the Maple Leafs scored more than three goals only once in their last 14 games, offense is not a problem with Phil Kessel (37 goals) and James van Riemsdyk (30) leading the way - although more is expected from David Clarkson after a disastrous first season in Toronto.


          Philadelphia Flyers at Boston Bruins (-184, 5.5)

          The Boston Bruins won the Presidents' Trophy last season and were poised for a return trip to the Stanley Cup final before falling victim to a spirited rival. After a premature exit in the second round, the Bruins look to begin the new season on a high when they host the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday. Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask (36-15-6, league-high seven shutouts) and two-time Selke Trophy recipient Patrice Bergeron (team co-leader with 30 goals) return to a Boston club that won 54 games in 2013-14 while also outscoring the Flyers 15-6 during a three-game regular-season sweep.

          "We have to get off to a good start," Bergeron said. "We have to establish a connection with all the new players and make sure we're dialed in and that we definitely need to carry on what we've accomplished already." Philadelphia stumbled out of the blocks last season, costing then-coach Peter Laviolette his job while the team sputtered to a franchise-worst 1-7-0 start. Captain Claude Giroux (team-high 58 assists, 86 points) eventually found his way out of a scoring slump to become a finalist for the Hart Trophy while leading the Flyers into the playoffs, where they fell in seven games to the rival New York Rangers in the first round.

          TV:
          7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN

          POWER RANKINGS:
          Flyers (-143), Bruins (-198)

          ABOUT THE FLYERS (2013-14: 42-30-10, 3RD IN METROPOLITAN):
          Suspect goaltending has been the primary talking point for decades on end in the City of Brotherly Love, although Steve Mason did an admirable job quieting the conversation. Mason's 33 wins matched his career high that was set during his Calder Trophy-winning season in Columbus, although he'll likely be under the gun with veteran Kimmo Timonen diagnosed with blood clots in his leg and lungs while Michael Del Zotto and Nick Schultz were the only additions to the blue line. With Jakub Voracek (62 points) and Wayne Simmonds (team-leading 29 goals) coming off career years, new general manager Ron Hextall opted to deal the talented Scott Hartnell to the Blue Jackets for R.J. Umberger, who began his career in Philadelphia.

          ABOUT THE BRUINS (2013-14: 54-19-9, 1ST IN ATLANTIC):
          Boston saw two key departures during the offseason as veteran Jarome Iginla (30 goals) shuffled off to Colorado via free agency and defenseman Johnny Boychuk was dealt to the New York Islanders on Oct. 4. Loui Eriksson, who only scored 10 goals during his first season in Boston, will replace Iginla on the team's vaunted second line with Milan Lucic and David Krejci (team-leading 50 assists and 69 points). Speaking of Krejci, he is nursing an undisclosed injury and is questionable for Wednesday's season opener.


          Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames (+102, 5.5)

          Despite their overall struggles last season, the Vancouver Canucks had no problem against the Calgary Flames. Vancouver looks to continue the trend with a new bench boss as they visit their Pacific Division rival Wednesday in the season opener for both teams. The Canucks won all five meetings with the Flames in 2013-14, needing overtime in the first matchup in Calgary and a shootout in their initial contest in Vancouver while outscoring the Flames 16-8 overall.

          The John Tortorella era in Vancouver lasted just one campaign as the ascerbic coach was fired in May and replaced by Willie Desjardins, who won Coach of the Year honors in the Western Hockey League before guiding the American Hockey League's Texas Stars to the Calder Cup championship last season. Bob Hartley enters his third season behind Calgary's bench in search of the club's first playoff appearance since 2008-09. The veteran coach is in the final year of his contract but insists his status will not affect the team. "I'm fine with it and it will not be a distraction," Hartley said.

          TV:
          10 p.m. ET, RSN, TVA2

          POWER RANKINGS:
          Canucks (-140), Flames (+105)

          ABOUT THE CANUCKS (2013-14: 36-35-11, 5TH IN PACIFIC):
          Tortorella was not the only casualty as a result of Vancouver's disappointing season, as general manager Mike Gillis also was dismissed while veteran center Ryan Kesler - who led the team with 25 goals - and defenseman Jason Garrison were traded to Anaheim and Tampa Bay, respectively. The Canucks received Nick Bonino, blue-liner Luca Sbisa and a handful of draft picks in the deals and also added grit by acquiring Derek Dorsett from the New York Rangers. Also joining Vancouver via free agency over the summer were former Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller and Radim Vrbata, who reached the 20-goal mark for the fourth time in his career while with Arizona in 2013-14.

          ABOUT THE FLAMES (2013-14: 35-40-7, 6TH IN PACIFIC):
          Calgary also has a new veteran goaltender as it signed Jonas Hiller to a two-year contract after the Swiss netminder spent his first seven NHL seasons with Anaheim. The Flames produced some promising young forwards last campaign in rookie Sean Monahan (22 goals) and Joe Colborne (10 tallies, 18 assists) and hoped to add another this season in Sam Bennett, but the fourth overall pick in this year's draft is battling a shoulder injury that may require surgery. "I had problems with this shoulder last year," the 18-year-old said. "I didn't think anything of it. I played through it all year. ... We're not 100 percent sure what it is right now." Youngster Johnny Gaudreau made the roster after appearing in one game last season, and the Flames hope he can add instant offense as 2013-14 leading goal scorer Mike Cammalleri (26) moved to New Jersey via free agency.


          San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings (-136, 5.5)

          The Los Angeles Kings made history at the expense of the San Jose Sharks en route to winning their second Stanley Cup title in three years. After rallying from a three-game deficit to shock the Sharks in last season's first-round series, the Kings look to start the 2014-15 campaign on the right foot when they host their Pacific Division rivals on Wednesday. "We've got basically the same team," Conn Smythe Trophy winner Justin Williams said. "I feel our hunger is going to be exactly where it needs to be because we've felt what it tasted like to have it and to have it taken away from us."

          A sour taste has resonated in the mouths of the Sharks, who became the fourth team in NHL history to see a commanding 3-0 lead go by the wayside. "It's a low point," forward Joe Pavelski said of the team's exit. "We (need to) look at ourselves in the mirror and see what we're about." The reflection will offer a different view of the team's blue line as Brad Stuart was traded to Colorado while fellow defenseman Dan Boyle traveled the free-agent route to the New York Rangers, leading to Brent Burns (career-high 22 goals) once again returning to his natural position while Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun will have added responsibilities.

          TV:
          10 p.m. ET, NBCSN

          POWER RANKINGS:
          Sharks (-194), Kings (-199)

          ABOUT THE SHARKS (2013-14: 51-22-9, 2ND IN PACIFIC):
          General manager Doug Wilson stressed a "tomorrow's team" approach for the new season, and with that came the demotion from captain for Joe Thornton. The veteran amassed 65 assists and 76 points last season and likely will center a line with 41-goal scorer Pavelski and second-year upstart Tomas Hertl, who shined to begin the 2013-14 season before an injury took some steam out of his sail. Antti Niemi remains the unquestioned starting goaltender after winning a career-high 39 games last campaign, but second-year netminder Alex Stalock is expected to see an increase in workload this season.

          ABOUT THE KINGS (2013-14: 46-28-8, 3RD IN PACIFIC):
          The key ingredient to Los Angeles' success has been coach Darryl Sutter's commitment to a stifling defense. Stud blue-liner Drew Doughty quarterbacks a heavy-hitting blue-line corps that will need to overcome veteran Willie Mitchell's departure to Florida. Jonathan Quick, who won the William Jennings Trophy after posting a rail-thin 2.07 goals-against average, surpassed Rogie Vachon's franchise-leading win total last season and needs one more shutout to match him in that category.


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