Cnotes53 2017 NHL Best Bets-News-Trends-Thru The Stanley Cup ! !

[Cnotes53]

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 20

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DALLAS (38-27-0-8, 84 pts.) at WASHINGTON (41-24-0-7, 89 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 72-83 ATS (-31.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 14-38 ATS (+52.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 2-8 ATS (-8.2 Units) in March games this season.
DALLAS is 5-16 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 10-26 ATS (+39.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 31-48 ATS (-19.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 166-96 ATS (+267.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-14 ATS (+5.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 48-25 ATS (+17.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 11-3 ATS (+7.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 193-224 ATS (-76.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 41-51 ATS (-39.5 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 3-2-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

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COLUMBUS (40-28-0-5, 85 pts.) at NY RANGERS (32-32-0-8, 72 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 7-5 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 7-5-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.0 Units)

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EDMONTON (31-36-0-5, 67 pts.) at CAROLINA (31-30-0-11, 73 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 32-41 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 9-22 ATS (-14.0 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 11-18 ATS (-9.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
EDMONTON is 14-25 ATS (-12.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 11-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CAROLINA is 31-41 ATS (-24.9 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 13-21 ATS (-16.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 12-25 ATS (+37.5 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 7-16 ATS (-9.2 Units) after a division game this season.
CAROLINA is 23-33 ATS (-11.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 13-19 ATS (-12.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 14-20 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 3-2 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 3-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (41-26-0-5, 87 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (30-32-0-10, 70 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-3 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-3-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (37-25-0-11, 85 pts.) at DETROIT (26-35-0-11, 63 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 254-263 ATS (-88.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 413-370 ATS (-123.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-14 ATS (+6.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 26-46 ATS (-38.4 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 21-33 ATS (+56.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 0-9 ATS (+12.2 Units) in March games this season.
DETROIT is 115-139 ATS (-124.8 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
DETROIT is 7-22 ATS (+32.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DETROIT is 7-20 ATS (+33.2 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
DETROIT is 100-118 ATS (-88.7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-2 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 6-2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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TORONTO (43-22-0-7, 93 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (49-19-0-4, 102 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 8-4 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 8-4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.1 Units)

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FLORIDA (36-27-0-7, 79 pts.) at OTTAWA (26-34-0-11, 63 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 10-32 ATS (+54.5 Units) in road games after shutting out their opponent in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 180-208 ATS (-78.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
OTTAWA is 49-50 ATS (-7.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 50-47 ATS (+102.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 26-26 ATS (+59.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 36-23 ATS (+61.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 22-16 ATS (+6.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
OTTAWA is 97-77 ATS (-4.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
OTTAWA is 9-17 ATS (-12.0 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-6 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-5-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (40-27-0-6, 86 pts.) at WINNIPEG (43-19-0-10, 96 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 4-4 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 4-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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COLORADO (39-25-0-8, 86 pts.) at CHICAGO (30-34-0-9, 69 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 40-33 ATS (+79.1 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 81-63 ATS (+148.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
COLORADO is 21-14 ATS (+36.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 18-13 ATS (+34.5 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
COLORADO is 24-21 ATS (+50.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLORADO is 16-12 ATS (+31.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
COLORADO is 18-12 ATS (+32.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CHICAGO is 30-44 ATS (-22.2 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 12-24 ATS (-22.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 20-24 ATS (-20.7 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-15 ATS (-11.8 Units) after a division game this season.
CHICAGO is 12-25 ATS (-13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 4-7 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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VANCOUVER (25-38-0-9, 59 pts.) at VEGAS (46-21-0-5, 97 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
VEGAS is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 2-0-0 straight up against VANCOUVER 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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NEW JERSEY (37-27-0-8, 82 pts.) at SAN JOSE (40-23-0-9, 89 pts.) - 3/20/2018, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 4-1 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 4-1-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)

 

[Cnotes53]

NHL (PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Toronto at Tampa Bay - Tuesday March 20, 2018

The Maple Leafs head to Tampa Bay tonight to face the Lightning and come into the contest with a 13-6 record in their last 19 games versus Eastern Conference opponents. Toronto is the pick (+155) according to Dunkel, which has the Maple Leafs favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+155).

TUESDAY MARCH 20, 2018

Dallas
@
Washington
Game 51-52
March 20, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Dallas
10.186
Washington
12.289
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Washington
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington
(-150); Over

Columbus
@
NY Rangers
Game 53-54
March 20, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Columbus
11.440
NY Rangers
12.357
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: NY Rangers
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Columbus
-155
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers
(+135); Over

Edmonton
@
Carolina
Game 55-56
March 20, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Edmonton
10.143
Carolina
11.562
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Carolina
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Carolina
-155
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina
(-155); Over

Pittsburgh
@
NY Islanders
Game 57-58
March 20, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Pittsburgh
9.663
NY Islanders
11.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: NY Islanders
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Pittsburgh
-160
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders
(+140); Under

Philadelphia
@
Detroit
Game 59-60
March 20, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Philadelphia
11.888
Detroit
9.803
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Philadelphia
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Philadelphia
-145
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia
(-145); Over

Toronto
@
Tampa Bay
Game 61-62
March 20, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Toronto
12.001
Tampa Bay
10.596
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Toronto
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Tampa Bay
-175
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto
(+155); Over

Florida
@
Ottawa
Game 63-64
March 20, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Florida
11.998
Ottawa
10.871
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Florida
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Florida
-135
6
Dunkel Pick: Florida
(-135); Under

Los Angeles
@
Winnipeg
Game 65-66
March 20, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Los Angeles
10.910
Winnipeg
12.849
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Winnipeg
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Winnipeg
-180
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg
(-180); Under

Colorado
@
Chicago
Game 67-68
March 20, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Colorado
12.244
Chicago
10.827
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Colorado
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Chicago
-110
6
Dunkel Pick: Colorado
(-110); Under

Vancouver
@
Vegas
Game 69-70
March 20, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Vancouver
8.856
Vegas
11.630
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Vegas
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Vegas
-280
6
Dunkel Pick: Vegas
(-280); Over

New Jersey
@
San Jose
Game 71-72
March 20, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: New Jersey
12.089
San Jose
11.291
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: New Jersey
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: San Jose
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey
(+130); Over

 

[Cnotes53]

Tuesday?s 6-pack

Conferences with 3+ teams but no wins in an NCAA tournament:

1981 Pac-10 (0-3)

1985 Pac-10 (0-4)

1989 SEC (0-5)

1990 WAC (0-3)

2004 Mountain West (0-3)

2018 Pac-12 (0-3)


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

Tuesday?s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but?..

13) First of all, thanks to Ken Thomsen for having me on his excellent sports talk show last night from Las Vegas. Sportsxradio is well worth your time for knowledge about sports, with emphasis on the gambling side of it; it is on from 10-12 every weeknight here in the East.

12) Sports is big business; read today that when Florida Gulf Coast made the 2013 Sweet 16, applications to attend FGCU went up 27.5% the next year.

When Butler made two Final Fours under Brad Stevens, applications went up 50%, so UMBC is expecting a boost to their coffers this coming year. Their online store did more sales Saturday than they did in the previous year combined.

11) Penny Hardaway will be introduced as the new basketball coach at Memphis today; Tigers won 21 games under Tubby Smith this year, but obviously the big-$$$ boosters wanted things to change, so they changed. Hardaway has been coaching a high school team in Memphis, a really good team, so the thought is that this opens the door for Memphis HS recruits to stay home.

10) Looks like Vikings @ Eagles is the NFL season opener September 6. Defending Super Bowl champ almost always opens the following season with a Thursday night home game.

9) Eight NFL quarterbacks will make more $$$ than Tom Brady this coming season; four of the eight have never won a Super Bowl.

8) Red Sox-New York will play two AL East games in London in June 2019, as baseball tries to suck every last dollar out of other countries now. Think A?s-Seattle open next season in Japan for first time since 2012. I?m not a fan of all this, but no one asked me.

7) Look up JReidDraftScout on Twitter; there is an interesting 140-second clip on there of the interview Carson Wentz had with the Eagles at the 2016 NFL Combine. They showed him clips of some of his college plays and asked him to explain what he saw and why he did what he did on that particular play. Interesting stuff.

6) Did lot of research on Nevada coach Eric Musselman Sunday; his dad Bill was also a really good coach, in college and the pros. He once went 48-6 as coach of a CBA team here in Albany. When Bill Musselman was coaching the Virginia Squires in the ABA (1976), he once played his whole starting lineup the whole 48:00. Imagine someone doing that today?

5) Was doing some fantasy baseball research Monday; Cincinnati OF Scott Schebler hit .215 in 393 PA vs righties LY, but with 38 walks. he hit .271 vs lefties, but with only one walk in 135 PA vs southpaws. One walk in 135 PAs? A .290 OB% vs lefties is no bueno.

4) Arizona Diamondbacks put a humidor in their stadium this year, hoping to make baseballs less ?happy? with the goal to reduce the amount of home runs hit there this season. They did this in Colorado a few years ago and it worked a little bit.

3) Oklahoma State 71, Stanford 65? Chippy game where host Cowboys came back in 4th quarter to extend their season.

2) Utah 95, LSU 71? I turned this game on and it was 31-9 Utah; guess LSU kids weren?t too excited about playing in high altitude.

1? Get well soon to Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue, who has taken a medical leave of absence after leaving three games with an unknown illness. Hopefully he?ll be back soon.

 

[Cnotes53]

TUESDAY, MARCH 20
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

EDM at CAR 07:00 PM
EDM +140
U 5.5

PIT at NYI 07:00 PM
NYI +185
U 6.5

CLB at NYR 07:00 PM
CLB -135
U 5.5

DAL at WAS 07:00 PM
DAL +120
O 5.5

FLA at OTT 07:30 PM
FLA -150
U 6.0

PHI at DET 07:30 PM
PHI -170
U 5.5

TOR at TB 07:30 PM
TOR +145
U 6.5

LA at WIN 08:00 PM
LA +150
U 5.5

COL at CHI 08:30 PM
CHI +110
O 6.0

VAN at VEG 10:00 PM
VAN +280
O 6.0

NJ at SJ 10:30 PM
SJ -165
U 5.5

 

[Cnotes53]

Lightning erase 3-goal deficit, rally past Maple Leafs 4-3
March 21, 2018

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Alex Killorn broke a tie midway through the third period and the Tampa Bay Lightning scored the final four goals to rally past the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh and Nikita Kucherov also scored as Tampa Bay reached 50 wins for the second time in franchise history. Yanni Gourde had two assists for the Atlantic Division leaders, who moved five points ahead of second-place Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made 27 saves and set a Lightning record with his 41st victory of the season.

James van Riemsdyk scored twice for Toronto, which fell to 28-2-2 when leading after two periods. Fredrik Andersen returned after missing two games with an upper-body injury and stopped 21 shots.

The Lightning played the final two periods without forward Ryan Callahan, who exited at 16:04 of the first favoring his right arm and shoulder area.

AVALANCHE 5, BLACKHAWKS 1

CHICAGO (AP) - Nathan MacKinnon had two assists, extending his point streak to a career high-tying 13 games, and Colorado beat Chicago.

Alexander Kerfoot scored twice and Semyon Varlamov made 44 saves as Colorado won for the fifth time in six games and improved to 8-1-3 in their last 12. Mikko Rantanen and Tyson Barrie each had a goal and an assist, and Erik Johnson added an empty-netter.

The Avalanche (40-25-8) snapped a tie with Anaheim for the top spot in the Western Conference wild-card race and moved within two points of Minnesota for third place in the Central Division.

Chicago (30-35-9) lost for the sixth time in seven games. Defenseman Brent Seabrook scored his fifth goal of the season for the Blackhawks, and Anton Forsberg made 35 stops in his first start since he was pulled in the first period of Thursday night's 6-2 loss at Winnipeg.

The last-place Blackhawks were eliminated from postseason contention with the loss. They had made the playoffs in nine straight seasons, winning three Stanley Cups.

CAPITALS 4, STARS 3

WASHINGTON (AP) - John Carlson scored with five minutes remaining to help Washington beat Dallas and extend its lead atop the Metropolitan Division.

T.J. Oshie, Matt Niskanen and Alex Ovechkin also scored for Washington, which leads the tight Metropolitan by four points over Pittsburgh and Columbus. The Capitals are on pace for their third consecutive division title and playoff appearance with nine games remaining.

Carlson's goal tied him with the Stars' John Klingberg for the NHL lead among defensemen with 61 points. It was also a dagger to Dallas' fading playoff hopes. The Stars finished their road trip 0-4-2 and sit outside the final playoff position in the Western Conference and could need 14 of a possible 18 points before the end of the season to get in.

Braden Holtby stopped 24 of the 27 shots he faced.

BLUE JACKETS 5, RANGERS 3

NEW YORK (AP) - Artemi Panarin had three goals and an assist, Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves and Columbus extended its winning streak to nine games with a victory over New York.

Markus Nutivaara and Alexander Wennberg also scored for the Blue Jackets, who have surged into playoff position in the Eastern Conference. It is Columbus' longest winning streak since its 16-game run last season from Nov. 29, 2016, to Jan. 3, 2017.

Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad scored power-play goals and Kevin Hayes had a short-handed goal for the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves in his first start since March 10 against Florida.

ISLANDERS 4, PENGUINS 1

NEW YORK (AP) - Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech scored in the first period and New York went on to beat Pittsburgh.

Anders Lee had a goal in the third period and Jordan Eberle added an empty-netter to help the Islanders snap a three-game skid with just their second win in 13 games (2-7-4).

Christopher Gibson, pulled in his last start after giving up five goals on 12 shots against Washington last Thursday, stopped 36 shots and has both wins for New York during its recent stretch.

Conor Sheary scored for Pittsburgh, which was 5-1-1 in its previous seven but fell four points behind first-place Washington in the tight Metropolitan Division. Columbus pulled into a tie with the Penguins for second at 87 points - Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker over the Blue Jackets.

Matt Murray, returning after missing nine games due to a concussion, finished with 36 saves for the Penguins.

RED WINGS 5, FLYERS 4, SO

DETROIT (AP) - Frans Nielsen scored his NHL-record 22nd shootout winner and Detroit edged Philadelphia to end its 10-game losing streak.

Dylan Larkin scored twice, Luke Glendending had a goal and Evgeny Svechnikov got his first in the NHL for the Red Wings. Jimmy Howard made 27 saves through overtime and stopped all three attempts he faced in the shootout.

Sean Couturier, Matt Read, Shayne Gostisbehere and Travis Konecny scored for the Flyers. Ex-Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek was pulled after allowing three goals on 19 shots.

JETS 2, KINGS 1, OT

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) - Kyle Connor scored his second goal of the game 1:37 into overtime to lift Winnipeg over Los Angeles losing Patrik Laine to a lower-body injury.

Connor fired the winner past goalie Jack Campbell to help the Jets set a franchise record for wins at 44 (44-19-10). Winnipeg had 43 wins in 2014-15, and the Atlanta Thrashers hit the same mark in 2006-07 before the franchise relocated in 2011.

Laine was helped down the tunnel to the dressing room about a minute and half into the second period. He wasn't putting any weight on his left foot after blocking a shot by Kings defenseman Alec Martinez that hit him in the lower leg.

The injury halted the sophomore forward's 15-game point streak (18 goals, eight assists). That was the longest active streak in the NHL and a record for a teenager.

PANTHERS 7, SENATORS 2

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) - Jared McCann had a goal and two assists to lead Florida while Ottawa captain Erik Karlsson sat out following the death of his son.

The team announced the death of Karlsson's son before the game. Erik and Melinda Karlsson were married last year and announced in November they were expecting their first child in the spring. The team released a statement offering its ''collective thoughts and prayers'' and requested privacy for the family.

Keith Yandle, Nick Bjugstad, Evgeni Dadonov, Jamie McGinn and Frank Vatrano each had a goal and an assist for Florida. Colton Sceviour had the other goal while James Reimer made 33 saves.

Patrick Sieloff and Marian Gaborik scored for the Senators, who lost their second straight. Craig Anderson started in goal but was replaced by Mike Condon after allowing four goals on 17 shots. Condon made 19 saves.

OILERS 7, HURRICANES 3

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Leon Draisaitl had a goal and three assists and Edmonton rode three-goal first period to a victory over Carolina.

Drake Caggiula, Matt Benning and Ryan Strome scored in a span of 4:24 in the opening period after Carolina jumped to a 1-0 lead, and Edmonton led the rest of the way. Pontus Aberg, Yohann Auvitu and Jesse Puljujarvi also scored as the Oilers got six goals on their first 22 shots. Cam Talbot made 30 saves for Edmonton.

Brock McGinn, Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen scored for the Hurricanes, who have lost six of eight. Scott Darling allowed three goals on his first nine shots and six on 22 but was left in the game. He finished with 23 saves.

SHARKS 6, DEVILS 2

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Jannik Hansen scored his first goal of the season and fellow fourth-liners Eric Fehr and Barclay Goodrow also scored to help San Jose beat New Jersey for its season-high fifth straight win.

Logan Couture added his 30th goal, and Joe Pavelski and Mikkel Boedker also scored to give the second-place Sharks a four-point lead over Los Angeles in the Pacific Division with one game in hand.

Brent Burns added three assists and Martin Jones made 26 saves.

The scoring barrage by San Jose spoiled Cory Schneider's return to net for the Devils. Schneider allowed four goals on 14 shots before getting pulled midway through the second period of his first start since March 8. Schneider has lost 11 starts in a row since his last win for the Devils on Dec. 27.

Taylor Hall got his 32nd goal and Blake Coleman also scored for the Devils, who lead Florida by one point for the final Eastern Conference wild card. The Panthers have two games in hand.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4, CANUCKS 1

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Jonathan Marchessault scored his 23rd goal and Vegas defeated Vancouver.

Cody Eakin, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Tomas Tatar also scored for the Golden Knights, who rank second in the league with 245 goals.

The Canucks have dropped seven straight since losing 21-year-old rookie star Brock Boeser to a potential season-ending back injury.

Marc-Andre Fleury played just one period but was credited with the victory after making seven saves to improve to 27-11-3. The 14-year veteran took over sole possession of 12th place on the NHL's career wins list with 402.

Malcolm Subban took over in net at the start of the second, making his first appearance since Feb. 2. It was unclear why Fleury exited the game, although he took a shot from Brandon Sutter off the mask midway through the first. Subban made 22 saves.

The Canucks got a goal from Sutter, and Jacob Markstrom stopped 24 shots while losing his fifth straight start.

 

[Cnotes53]

SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY MARCH 21, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Arizona Coyotes Buffalo Sabres KeyBank Center
7:00 PM Montreal Canadiens Pittsburgh Penguins PPG Paints Arena
8:00 PM Boston Bruins St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center
9:30 PM Anaheim Ducks Calgary Flames Scotiabank Saddledome


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


February Record:
TOTALS:..........107 - 96......52.70%...+116.75

March NHL Record:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/20/2018 8-13-1 38.10% -25.75
03/19/2018 5-4-0 55.56% +7.00
03/18/2018 4-7-2 36.36% -17.00
03/17/2018 6-12-1 33.33% -31.50
03/16/2018 8-4-0 66.67% +23.25
03/15/2018 6-9-0 40.00% -16.00
03/14/2018 4-4-0 50.00% +2.50
03/13/2018 6-7-1 46.15% +11.75
03/12/2018 7-7-0 50.00% +5.50
03/11/2018 3-3-0 50.00% +2.25
03/10/2018 5-11-0 31.25% -30.50
03/09/2018 2-5-0 28.57% -16.00
03/08/2018 6-11-0 35.29% -24.25
03/07/2018 3-2-0 60.00% +6.50
03/06/2018 4-10-0 28.57% -33.50
03/05/2018 6-4-0 60.00% +17.50
03/04/2018 3-8-0 27.27% -27.00
03/03/2018 4-2-0 66.66% +13.50
03/02/2018 9-6-0 60.00% +25.00
03/01/2018 ......8-6-1....... 57.14%.... +12.75

Totals............106 -- 137.....43.62%.....-94.00

 

[Cnotes53]

Wednesday?s 6-pack

Current odds to win the college basketball national title:

3-1: Villanova

7-2: Duke

7-1: Gonzaga

8-1: Kansas, Kentucky

10-1: Michigan

12-1: Purdue

15-1: West Virginia

25-1: Clemson, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

40-1: Florida

50-1: Nevada, Kansas State, Loyola

60-1: Syracuse

Quote of the Day
?If you can?t spot the sucker in your first half-hour at the table, then you are the sucker.?
Mike McDermott, from the movie Rounders

Wednesday?s quiz
What actor played Teddy KGB in the poker movie Rounders?

Tuesday?s quiz
John Calipari went 72-112 as the head coach NBA?s Nets.

Monday?s quiz
Bernard King co-starred with Gabe Kaplan in the 1979 basketball movie Fast Break.

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

Wednesday?s List of 13: Mid-week musings??..

13) Memphis Tigers were down to 4,000 season tickets this season; they claim their program lost $4.7M this year, which is why they named Penny Hardaway basketball coach Tuesday.

Not great being a struggling college team in a city where there is also an NBA franchise.

12) Shortly after that, the first domino fell: 4-star PG Alex Lomax got out of his commitment to Wichita State and signed on with Memphis? he played for Hardaway in high school.

If Penny Hardaway dominates recruiting in talent-rich Memphis, the Tigers will be back in the NCAAs soon. Hardaway won three state titles in his brief career as a high school coach.

11) Dodgers lost 3B Justin Turner with a broken left wrist, after he was hit by a pitch. That?ll put him out for 4-6 weeks. Will they move Logan Forsythe to 3B and platoon Taylor/Utley at 2B?

10) Alex Cobb signed a 4-year deal with the Orioles; lot of teams could?ve used him.

9) If you?re betting games in Las Vegas this week, go to SouthPoint Casino- they?re offering bets at -$105 instead of the normal $110, so if you go 7-5 on $100 bets, you win $175 instead of $150. Plus its a good casino with good pizza and a very good ice cream stand on the way out the door.

8) Ole Miss signed Middle Tennessee State coach Kermit Davis; his salary goes from $750K to $2.5M. Davis? dad was the coach at Mississippi State a long time ago; he is very good.

7) Jacksonville State?s campus was hit hard by a tornado in Alabama Monday night; the Gamecocks? hoop team is still playing- they?re at North Texas tonight.

6) ESPN signed former NFL coach John Fox as a studio analyst; will be interesting to see what he has to say. When he was coaching the Panthers, he got Carolina to the Super Bowl with Jake Delhomme as his quarterback.

5) Graduate transfer QB Gardner Minshaw moves from East Carolina to Washington State; he threw for 2,140 yards LY, with 16 TD?s, 7 INTs. Before he heads to Pullman, the young man is being tutored by Hal Mumme, the father of the Air Raid offense, who is OC at Jackson State these days. Playing for Mike Leach is good for a quarterback.

4) Shohei Ohtani is 3 for 28 batting in spring training? I started to call it hitting, but 3-28 isn?t hitting, it is batting. Angels may have been sold a bill of goods with Ohtani being a 2-way player- they gave CJ Cron away to Tampa Bay to make room for Ohtani?s bat.

3) On April 17, Oakland A?s are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their move to Oakland- they?re playing the White Sox that night, and admission is free. Team got 300,000 requests for tickets for that night.

In 1968, the A?s sold out their home opener; they had 5,700 fans the next night. Probably won?t be a whole lot different this year, on April 18.

2) Back in the early 70?s, Austin Peay (pronounced Pee) had a really good player named James (Fly) Williams; he played in the ABA for a season after that. Prolific scorer.

Austin Peay fans had a great chant: ?The Fly is Open. Let?s go Peay!!!?

1? Underrated gambling day today; first round of the Match Play golf tournament, with 32 matches going on. Kind of like a country club version of March Madness. Kind of.

 

[Cnotes53]

In the Crease - Week 25
March 21, 2018

STREAKY TEAMS

Wins and Losses Streak Over/Under Streak

Columbus 9-0 past nine games overall Carolina Over 5-0 past five games overall
Nashville 14-0-1 past 15 games overall N.Y. Islanders Over 4-1 past five games overall
Vancouver 0-7 past seven games overall Vancouver Over 4-0 past four games overall

Motor City Madmen

The Detroit Red Wings knocked off the Philadelphia Flyers by a 5-4 score in a shootout on Tuesday night, snapping a six-game losing streak in regulation, and a 0-9-1 skid in 10 outings from Feb. 28-March 18. Despite the victory at Little Caesars Arena, the Flyers are still looking for their first taste of victory on the road since Feb. 25. It won't be easy, as they hit the road for Toronto on Saturday, and Montreal on Monday. Perhaps their best chance at a road victory will be when they travel to meet the Sabres on March 29, a team already eliminated from the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.

Over And Out

The 'over' has connected in four of the past five outings for the Blues, as St. Louis is averaging 5.2 goals per game during the five-game span. It's a stark contrast from the previous eight-game span from Feb. 16-March 8 when the 'under' went 6-1-1. It's been a season of runs for the over and under for St. Louis, so it's rather surprising that the over/under is exactly 36-36 overall on the season. They will host the Bruins on Wednesday night, and the 'under' is 4-1 in the past five road games for Boston, and 7-3 in their past 10 against Western Conference clubs. The under is 7-0 in the past seven for St. Louis against the Atlantic Division, and 8-1 in the past nine against the Eastern Conference. However, in this series the 'over' has hit in six of the past seven meetings.

Looking Ahead

Wednesday, March 21

It's a short slate on Wednesday night. We already covered the total above for the Bruins-Blues battle, but who will come away victorious and with two points. The B's have picked up victories in 39 of their past 54 overall, and they're 19-8 in the past 27 road outings. Boston has also picked up victories in seven of their past 10 against teams with a winning record, while going 5-2 in their past seven against Western Conference foes. For what it's worth, the B's are 6-0 in the past six games on Wednesdays. The Blues have won four of their past five overall, and they're 7-2 in their past nine against Eastern Conference sides. However, they're 0-5 in the past five on two days of rest. And while the B's are just 8-18-1 in the past 27 meetings, Boston is 5-2 in their past seven trips to St. Louis while the road team has cashed in four of the past five meetings overall.

Thursday, March 22

The Panthers and Blue Jackets weren't looking terribly sharp earlier in the season, but both sides are rolling toward playoff berths in the Eastern Conference. It's hard to decide which team has been hotter. Florida picked up a 7-2 win in Ottawa on Tuesday night, continuing their road trip with a second win in as many outings. The Panthers are also 11-2-1 across their past 14 outings dating back to Feb. 22. The last time these two sides met, the Blue Jackets came away with a 3-2 win in a shootout in Ohio's capital city. Columbus also buried Florida by a 7-3 score back on Nov. 2 in Sunrise. The Blue Jackets have been bludgeoning everyone lately, posting nine consecutive wins since their most recent setback on March 2. The Blue Jackets are averaging 4.2 goals per game over the winning streak.

Vegas and San Jose will hook up for the third time of the season. The Sharks are looking for revenge after suffering a 5-3 loss at home against the Golden Knights on Feb. 8, and 5-4 in overtime back on Nov. 24 in the first battle in Vegas. Both of the previous meetings have ended in 'over' results. Early in the season San Jose was almost an automatic 'under' result, but the over is a perfect 5-0 in the past five, and 8-2 in the past 10 overall. The Sharks are coming off a seven-goal performance against the Devils on Tuesday, and San Jose is averaging 5.4 goals per game across the past five to almost take care of the over themselves during the span.

Friday, March 23

The early matchups on Friday aren't terribly attractive, but the Ducks and Jets meeting at MTS Centre in Winnipeg might serve as a playoff previous. This will be the first meeting this season north of the border after the two teams split the earlier meetings in Southern California. The Jets won 4-1 on the road back on Nov. 24, and Winnipeg suffered a 4-3 setback in a shootout on Jan. 25. In three straight meetings in Winnipeg, and five of the past six meetings in Manitoba have resulted in one-goal battles.

Saturday, March 24

The Senators head south to Raleigh looking to get things right. After showing signs of life with an inexplicable Sunshine State sweep on March 12-14 in Tampa and Florida, and a 3-2 overtime win against contender Dallas on Feb. 16, the Senators have dropped two in a row. That includes a 7-2 beating in Canada's capital city in a revenge game for the Panthers on Tuesday. Ottawa will be looking for revenge after suffering a 2-1 loss in Carolina in the first and only meeting between the clubs on Jan. 30. The Senators have dropped four straight trips to Raleigh since a 2-1 overtime victory March 17, 2015. That's also the last time a road team has won in this series, as the home team is 7-0 across the past seven meetings.

Los Angeles and Edmonton will do battle in Northern Alberta on Saturday night, and the Oilers hope to use their newfound offense to bludgeon the Kings. The Oil were slick for seven goals on Tuesday night in Raleigh against the Hurricanes, and Edmonton looks for a point in their seventh game in the past nine. Edmonton won 4-3 in Los Angeles back on Feb. 24, but the Kings won the previous two, including a 5-0 win on Jan. 2 in the first meeting in Canada. Last season the Oilers won all three regular-season battles at home.

 

[Cnotes53]

NHL

Wednesday, March 21

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARIZONA @ BUFFALO
Arizona is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
Buffalo is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Arizona

MONTREAL @ PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Montreal's last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal

BOSTON @ ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games at home

ANAHEIM @ CALGARY
Anaheim is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Anaheim's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Calgary's last 13 games when playing at home against Anaheim

 

[Cnotes53]

Pro Hockey Trend Report

ARIZONA (24-37-0-11, 59 pts.) at BUFFALO (23-37-0-12, 58 pts.) - 3/21/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 24-49 ATS (+91.1 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 28-19 ATS (+49.3 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 233-232 ATS (+469.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
ARIZONA is 18-14 ATS (+35.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 23-50 ATS (+73.6 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 2-13 ATS (+17.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 4-1 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 4-1-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

MONTREAL (26-35-0-12, 64 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (41-27-0-5, 87 pts.) - 3/21/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-2 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-2-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

BOSTON (45-17-0-9, 99 pts.) at ST LOUIS (39-28-0-5, 83 pts.) - 3/21/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-2 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 3-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ANAHEIM (37-24-0-12, 86 pts.) at CALGARY (35-29-0-10, 80 pts.) - 3/21/2018, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 7-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 550-439 ATS (+38.3 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 247-195 ATS (+35.2 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 22-13 ATS (+7.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ANAHEIM is 133-129 ATS (+279.6 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 11-2 ATS (+8.7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games this season.
CALGARY is 5-10 ATS (-9.7 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
CALGARY is 23-33 ATS (-11.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-14 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 12-20 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 1-6 ATS (-6.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 14-3 (+11.3 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 14-3-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)

 

[Cnotes53]

NHL (PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Anaheim at Calgary - Wednesday March 21, 2018

The Ducks head to Calgary tonight to face the Flames (15-17-3 at home) and come into the contest with a 2-5 record in their last 7 road games versus a team with a losing home record. Calgary is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-115).

WEDNESDAY MARCH 21, 2018

Arizona
@
Buffalo
Game 1-2
March 21, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Arizona
9.162
Buffalo
10.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Buffalo
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Buffalo
-125
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo
(-125); Over

Montreal
@
Pittsburgh
Game 3-4
March 21, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Montreal
9.518
Pittsburgh
11.016
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Pittsburgh
-230
6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh
(-230); Over

Boston
@
St. Louis
Game 5-6
March 21, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Boston
11.423
St. Louis
12.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: St. Louis
by 1
3
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: St. Louis
-110
5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis
(-110); Under

Anaheim
@
Calgary
Game 7-8
March 21, 2018 @ 9:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Anaheim
10.210
Calgary
11.739
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Calgary
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Calgary
-115
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary
(-115); Over

 

[Cnotes53]

Metropolitan Division madness gets contenders playoff-ready
March 21, 2018

The bruises on Travis Konecny's legs are marks of Metropolitan Division hockey.

In the third period of a crucial late-season divisional game, the undersized Philadelphia Flyers forward got in the way of not one but two slap shots from Washington Capitals defensemen. The two points from the victory made it all feel better.

''It's that time of year when those shots are crucial to make sure they're not getting to your goaltender,'' Konecny said. ''I have a feeling that's the way the body is going to feel from here on out.''

Konecny's not the only one feeling it down the stretch in a division where the top five teams are separated by just nine points with two and a half weeks remaining in the season - and they could all make the playoffs.

Washington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Columbus and New Jersey play six more games against each other down the stretch, too. A postseason with Metropolitan first- and second-round series is sure to bring knock-down, drag-out showdowns with not much separating these teams.

''It kind of depends on the timing of when you play each other,'' Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald said. ''Obviously you want to finish strong and have a good finish to the season.''

With the Florida Panthers 11-2-1 in their past 14 games, all the contending Metro teams save for the Capitals and Penguins can't even feel safe. It's why Philadelphia captain Claude Giroux said, ''Right now we're just trying to get into the playoffs.''

That kind of desperation has paid off for the streaking Blue Jackets, who have won nine in a row to solidify themselves. Five of those victories have come against teams currently in playoff position.

''It's great preparation,'' Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. ''Every game's like a playoff game for us.''

Teams can lose three of seven playoff games and stay alive. That might not be the case the rest of the regular season for the Blue Jackets, Devils and Flyers, and it's no sure bet the Capitals win the division for the third consecutive year.

Beating the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night as the Penguins fell flat in a loss to the New York Islanders could wind up making a big difference.

''These are big points now,'' Capitals defenseman John Carlson said. ''Everyone can see how tight the race is and everybody kind of jockeying for position. You've got to collect them when you can.

A far cry from winning the Metro by seven points last year and by 16 in 2015-16, the Capitals are playing meaningful games in March and April, something that could help them in the playoffs after three consecutive second-round exits.

''I hope so,'' fourth-year coach Barry Trotz said. ''It's going to help not only us, it's going to help Philly, it's going to help all the teams who are in that when you have to play at that level.''

The second half of the season was loaded up with divisional games. That means whoever wins the Atlantic between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins will potentially face a battle-tested Metropolitan team. And for the Metropolitan first-, second- and third-place teams, familiarity breeds contemptuous playoff hockey.

''When you have meaningful games down the stretch, that's usually a good stepping stone into playoffs,'' MacDonald said. ''The intensity ramps up and the importance of each game, each shift and each play gets further under the microscope, it makes it that much better for us to be able to be in these situations to be able to adapt to it.''

JONES-ING

Columbus is a serious playoff threat in large part because of Seth Jones' development into a do-it-all No. 1 defenseman at age 23. Jones leads the Blue Jackets in ice time at 24:47 per night and is second on the team with 35 assists and 49 points.

''He's elite among the NHL defensemen the way he can join the rush, the way he can skate the puck out of the zone,'' said Kekalainen, who acquired Jones from Nashville for Ryan Johansen two years ago. ''I think his transition game's gotten quicker. I think he's assumed a lot more power-play responsibility this year.''

DONATO TIME

When Ryan Donato was leading the United States in goals and points at the Olympics, dad, former NHL forward and Harvard coach Ted didn't want to say when the 21-year-old forward would make the jump to the NHL. Turns out it was as soon as Harvard's season ended as the Bruins signed Donato on Sunday, plugged him in on the second line Monday and watched him record his first goal and assist.

''We have some injuries, we're at the point in the season where every game has a lot on the line and I think his being able to go over and have success at the Olympics this year really started to jumpstart his thought process that he was ready for the next challenge,'' Bruins GM Don Sweeney said. ''I think that sort of gave Ryan a glimpse of what he was capable of doing, albeit he knows that the challenge will be that much greater at the National Hockey League level and certainly coming down the stretch.''

DID YOU KNOW?

Ottawa defenseman Patrick Sieloff is the first player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career games while playing for different teams. His first goal was April 9, 2016 with Calgary and his second came Tuesday against Florida.

GAME OF THE WEEK

The NHL-leading Nashville Predators visit the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday night for their final meeting before what could be a preview of a Central Division second-round series. Runners-up: Kings at Colorado and Vegas at San Jose on Thursday; New Jersey at Pittsburgh, Friday.

LEADERS (through Tuesday)

Goals: Alex Ovechkin (Washington) 44; Assists: Blake Wheeler (Winnipeg), 62; Points: Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay), 94; Wins: Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay), 41; Goals-against average (min. 40 games played): Marc-Andre Fleury (Vegas): 2.18; Save percentage (min. 40 games played): Pekka Rinne (Nashville), 0.931.

 

[Cnotes53]

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MON at PIT 07:00 PM
MON +245
U 6.0

ARI at BUF 07:00 PM
O 5.5

BOS at STL 08:00 PM
STL +100
O 5.5

ANA at CAL 09:30 PM
ANA -135
U 5.5

 

[Cnotes53]

Crosby has highlight goal, 700th assist
March 21, 2018

PITTSBURGH (AP) Sidney Crosby ignited a rally with a highlight-reel goal and became the third active player with 700 assists in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night.

Crosby scored his 24th goal when he knocked a pass from Jake Guentzel out of the air, deflected it toward the front of his stick and smacked it by Carey Price to tie it at 3 late in the second period.

Derick Brassard put the Penguins in front to stay, beating Price early in the third.

Guentzel had a goal and two assists. His 21st goal of the season came off an assist from Crosby, the 700th of Crosby's career. Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist also scored, and Casey DeSmith made 27 saves.

Jonathan Drouin, Nikita Scherbak and Jacob de la Rose scored for the Canadiens. They have lost nine of their last 10 games. Price made 34 stops in his first start in a month due to a concussion.

BLUES 2, BRUINS 1, OT

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Jaden Schwartz scored his second goal of the game 30 seconds into overtime to lift St. Louis past Boston.

Schwartz skated up the middle and fired a shot past Anton Khudobin. The Blues won for the fifth time in six games to move within a point of the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

Jake Allen made 21 saves to improve to 24-21-2.

Ryan Donato scored for Boston. The Bruins clinched a playoff spot and moved within four points of Tampa Bay for the Eastern lead.

COYOTES 4, SABRES 1

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Clayton Keller had two assists to break the Arizona record for points by a rookie in the Coyotes' victory over Buffalo in a matchup of the NHL's two worst teams.

Rookie Dylan Strome scored in his first game after being called up from the minors. Derek Stepan had a goal and assist, and Richard Panik and Max Domi, with an empty-netter, also scored. Antti Raanta stopped 29 shots to improve to 12-4-4 in his past 20 starts.

Keller, Arizona's 2016 first-round draft pick, extended his points streak to six games, in which he has two goals and five assists. He has 55 points, one more than Peter Mueller had in setting the rookie team record in 2007-08. And Keller has 35 assists, one more than teammate Max Domi had in his rookie season two years ago. Arizona improved to 13-5-2 in its past 20, and earned its 61st point in leaving Vancouver alone at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Jordan Nolan scored for Buffalo,

 

[Cnotes53]

SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY MARCH 22, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Arizona Coyotes Carolina Hurricanes PNC Arena
7:00 PM Florida Panthers Columbus Blue Jackets Nationwide Arena
7:00 PM New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers Wells Fargo Center
7:00 PM Tampa Bay Lightning New York Islanders Barclays Center
7:30 PM Edmonton Oilers Ottawa Senators Canadian Tire Centre
7:30 PM Washington Capitals Detroit Red Wings Little Caesars Arena
8:00 PM Toronto Maple Leafs Nashville Predators Bridgestone Arena
8:30 PM Vancouver Canucks Chicago Blackhawks United Center
9:00 PM Los Angeles Kings Colorado Avalanche Pepsi Center
10:00 PM Vegas Golden Knights San Jose Sharks SAP Center at San Jose


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


February Record:
TOTALS:..........107 - 96......52.70%...+116.75

March NHL Record:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/21/2018 3-4-0 42.86% -6.50
03/20/2018 8-13-1 38.10% -25.75
03/19/2018 5-4-0 55.56% +7.00
03/18/2018 4-7-2 36.36% -17.00
03/17/2018 6-12-1 33.33% -31.50
03/16/2018 8-4-0 66.67% +23.25
03/15/2018 6-9-0 40.00% -16.00
03/14/2018 4-4-0 50.00% +2.50
03/13/2018 6-7-1 46.15% +11.75
03/12/2018 7-7-0 50.00% +5.50
03/11/2018 3-3-0 50.00% +2.25
03/10/2018 5-11-0 31.25% -30.50
03/09/2018 2-5-0 28.57% -16.00
03/08/2018 6-11-0 35.29% -24.25
03/07/2018 3-2-0 60.00% +6.50
03/06/2018 4-10-0 28.57% -33.50
03/05/2018 6-4-0 60.00% +17.50
03/04/2018 3-8-0 27.27% -27.00
03/03/2018 4-2-0 66.66% +13.50
03/02/2018 9-6-0 60.00% +25.00
03/01/2018 ......8-6-1....... 57.14%.... +12.75

Totals............109 -- 141.....43.60%.....-100.50

 

[Cnotes53]

Thursday?s 6-pack

Over/under win totals for baseball season

? Philadelphia Phillies, 77.5

? Texas Rangers 76.5

? San Diego Padres 73.5

? Tampa Bay Rays 73.5

? Cincinnati Reds 73.5

? Kansas City Royals 67.5

Quote of the Day

?I grew up in California and I had an aunt that lived in Central California. And when she?d drive to see us, she would stop at the fruit stands on the side of the road, and she?d get these big trays of strawberries. And she?d bring them up to our house, and she would put them into our refrigerator. And every time the refrigerator door was opened, the smell of strawberries would permeate the room. And I could not stand it. And since then, I?ve never eaten a strawberry. The thought of a strawberry is just ? terrible for me.?
Tom Brady

Thursday?s quiz
What is the capital of Kansas?

Wednesday?s quiz
John Malkovich played Teddy KGB in the poker movie Rounders.

Tuesday?s quiz
John Calipari went 72-112 as the head coach NBA?s Nets.

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

Thursday?s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud??

13) It is likely that three NFL teams will start their 6th different Opening Day QB in six years when they open the season in September.

Vikings will be starting newly-signed Kirk Cousins; Houston and Cleveland have dealt away their Week 1 starting QB from last year, so Deshaun Watson will go for Houston if healthy and who knows what the Browns will do at QB, but it?ll be someone new.

It is really hard to win when you have no continuity; Vikings are strong at every other position, but their decision to let Case Keenum walk after he played so well LY will be highly scrutinized. Houston seems set at QB for the next decade if they can keep Watson healthy.

12) Dodgers won 40 more games than the Giants last year, which is eye-opening. San Francisco adds Longoria/McCutchen this year, but neither one of them pitches, although Bumgarner was not healthy last year, and now he is, so that?ll help.

Once your nucleus of talent gets old, it is tough to re-boot and stay a contender without a total rebuild. Will be interesting to follow the Giants this season.

11) Damn, the Red Sox hit only 168 homers last year, least in the AL. My A?s hit 234 and they were a bad baseball team. Will JD Martinez help that correct their power shortage?

10) Speaking of Boston, they?ve got $30M of dead money on their payroll this year, most in the major leagues? Rusney Castillo and Pablo Sandoval account for all of that.

9) Three NFL teams proposed a rule that would limit the amount of early games a western team can play during the regular season. Under the proposal, no team would be scheduled ?to play more than three away games with a scheduled kickoff time prior to 1:00 p.m. in the time zone of their home stadium (without consent).?

For instance, during the 2017 season, the 49ers played five road games that kicked off at 1pm ET, which feels like a 10am game to them. Couple years ago, the Rams played a 9:30am game in England, which is a 6:30am start if you?re on West Coast time.

8) Cubs? 1B Anthony Rizzo has been hit with 70 pitches the last three years, seven more than anyone else in the major leagues during that time.

7) Graceland 83, LSU-Alexandria 80? NAIA national title game drew 6,377 fans in Kansas City, as Graceland, from Lamoni, IA won the championship. Tough loss for Alexandria, which lost in the national semifinals by a basket last year.

6) Louisville sent interim basketball coach David Padgett packing; he?ll be fine eventually, but where do the Cardinals go from here?

If you?re Chris Mack, do you really leave your alma mater (Xavier) for a job where the team is likely to go on probation? Louisville might be a lucrative job, but the fanbase is spoiled and the chances of winning right away are almost nil, which won?t please the fanbase.

5) Western Kentucky 92, Oklahoma State 84? Hilltoppers are headed to New York City for the NIT semifinals next week- they won at USC, then 46 hours later, won in Stillwater, OK. Not an easy thing to do.

4) This made me feel old; Bobby Orr turned 70 this week.

For my 9th birthday, friend of my parents gave me a subscription to Sports Illustrated; the first issue that came in the mail had Bobby Orr on the cover and I became a huge Bruins fan- their loss in OT in Game 7 of the ?79 Stanley Cup semifinals remains one of my saddest moments as a sports fan.

Got to meet Bobby Orr at a minor league baseball game in the mid-80?s; nice man with really bad knees. He was playing in a celebrity softball game and he purposely hit fly balls so he didn?t have to run.

Do a search on Bobby Orr rushing the puck and you?ll see a guy who revolutionized the sport; he was so exciting to watch. Hard to believe he is 70 years old; to me, he?ll always be the guy flying thru the air after scoring the game-winning goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Happy birthday!!!!

3) There are no instant replays in spring training baseball games; I?m pretty sure the umpires have adopted a ?When in doubt, call him out!!? mentality.

2) This is the 11th year in a row the defending national champ in March Madness didn?t make it to the Sweet 16.

1? Combined seeds for the teams in the Sweet 16 this year is 85, the highest total since 2000.

 

[Cnotes53]

NHL

Thursday, March 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARIZONA @ CAROLINA
Arizona is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
Arizona is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona

FLORIDA @ COLUMBUS
Florida is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing on the road against Columbus
Columbus is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Columbus is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

TAMPA BAY @ NY ISLANDERS
Tampa Bay is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing NY Islanders
Tampa Bay is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Islanders's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Islanders's last 5 games

NY RANGERS @ PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Rangers's last 5 games
NY Rangers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games

WASHINGTON @ DETROIT
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 9 games at home
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Washington

EDMONTON @ OTTAWA
Edmonton is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Edmonton
Ottawa is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

TORONTO @ NASHVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Nashville is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
Nashville is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home

VANCOUVER @ CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Chicago's last 25 games at home

LOS ANGELES @ COLORADO
Los Angeles is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Los Angeles is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Colorado is 16-2 ATS in its last 18 games at home

VEGAS @ SAN JOSE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vegas's last 5 games on the road
Vegas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Jose's last 5 games


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


NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 22

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

ARIZONA (25-37-0-11, 61 pts.) at CAROLINA (31-31-0-11, 73 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 25-49 ATS (+91.8 Units) in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 27-65 ATS (+124.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 35-43 ATS (+98.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 19-14 ATS (+36.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 31-42 ATS (+73.2 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 13-22 ATS (-18.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 11-17 ATS (-8.0 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CAROLINA is 11-18 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CAROLINA is 1-7 ATS (-8.5 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CAROLINA is 13-20 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 14-21 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 3-2-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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

NY RANGERS (32-33-0-8, 72 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (37-25-0-12, 86 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 11-22 ATS (+34.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 2-13 ATS (+21.3 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NY RANGERS are 128-122 ATS (+265.0 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-61 ATS (-15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 7-4 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 7-4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

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

FLORIDA (37-27-0-7, 81 pts.) at COLUMBUS (41-28-0-5, 87 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 17-4 ATS (+11.5 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 25-7 ATS (+17.3 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 23-16 ATS (+6.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 4-4 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 4-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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

TAMPA BAY (50-19-0-4, 104 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (31-32-0-10, 72 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 11-13 ATS (-13.5 Units) after a division game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 383-420 ATS (-128.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 33-21 ATS (+54.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 51-23 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 6-1 ATS (+4.9 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 9-15 ATS (+24.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-4 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 9-4-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.1 Units)

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

WASHINGTON (42-24-0-7, 91 pts.) at DETROIT (27-35-0-11, 65 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 3-12 ATS (+15.6 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
WASHINGTON is 167-96 ATS (+19.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-8 ATS (+7.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
DETROIT is 19-43 ATS (+70.8 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-3-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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

EDMONTON (32-36-0-5, 69 pts.) at OTTAWA (26-35-0-11, 63 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 33-41 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 15-25 ATS (-11.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 3-13 ATS (-12.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
EDMONTON is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
OTTAWA is 49-51 ATS (-8.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 32-27 ATS (+64.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 26-46 ATS (-33.6 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 97-78 ATS (-5.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
OTTAWA is 100-109 ATS (-79.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 5-16 ATS (+24.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
OTTAWA is 7-16 ATS (+26.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-1 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 4-1-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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

TORONTO (43-23-0-7, 93 pts.) at NASHVILLE (48-14-0-10, 106 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-1 (+4.4 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-1-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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

VANCOUVER (25-39-0-9, 59 pts.) at CHICAGO (30-35-0-9, 69 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 25-48 ATS (+90.4 Units) in all games this season.
VANCOUVER is 22-56 ATS (+104.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 4-19 ATS (+31.6 Units) after a division game this season.
VANCOUVER is 39-66 ATS (+112.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 14-33 ATS (+52.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 30-45 ATS (+81.8 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 12-25 ATS (-23.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 4-16 ATS (+24.3 Units) after a division game this season.
CHICAGO is 13-25 ATS (-13.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CHICAGO is 356-357 ATS (+788.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 2-10 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 4-4 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-4-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.7 Units)

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

LOS ANGELES (40-27-0-7, 87 pts.) at COLORADO (40-25-0-8, 88 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 38-43 ATS (-24.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 13-23 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 41-33 ATS (+75.2 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 22-14 ATS (+6.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 25-21 ATS (+48.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLORADO is 17-12 ATS (+32.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
COLORADO is 19-12 ATS (+34.3 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLORADO is 19-18 ATS (+40.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-4 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 4-3-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

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

VEGAS (47-21-0-5, 99 pts.) at SAN JOSE (41-23-0-9, 91 pts.) - 3/22/2018, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
VEGAS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 2-0-0 straight up against SAN JOSE 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)

 

[Cnotes53]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, March 22


Arizona @ Carolina

Game 51-52
March 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
9.626
Carolina
11.127
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Carolina
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Carolina
-170
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Carolina
(-170); Under

NY Rangers @ Philadelphia

Game 53-54
March 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
12.224
Philadelphia
10.867
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Rangers
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-220
6
Dunkel Pick:
NY Rangers
(+180); Under

Florida @ Columbus

Game 55-56
March 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida
12.915
Columbus
11.566
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Columbus
-140
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida
(+120); Under

Tampa Bay @ NY Islanders

Game 57-58
March 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
12.197
NY Islanders
10.780
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-180
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-180); Under

Washington @ Detroit

Game 59-60
March 22, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
9.824
Detroit
11.268
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-170
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+150); Over

Edmonton @ Ottawa

Game 61-62
March 22, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Edmonton
9.955
Ottawa
11.378
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
-120
6
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(+100); Under

Toronto @ Nashville

Game 63-64
March 22, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
00.000
Nashville
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto

Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
( );

Vancouver @ Chicago

Game 65-66
March 22, 2018 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Vancouver
8.652
Chicago
10.606
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
-185
6
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-185); Over

Los Angeles @ Colorado

Game 67-68
March 22, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
11.900
Colorado
10.544
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(+100); Over

Vegas @ San Jose

Game 69-70
March 22, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Vegas
00.000
San Jose
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Vegas

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vegas

Dunkel Pick:
Vegas
( );

 

[Cnotes53]

Starting goaltenders battle physical and mental fatigue
March 22, 2018

Behind the mask is a mind filled with a web of a thousand thoughts, worries and a singular focus of what it takes to win a game.

Then the next game, then the one after that.

''There is no shut-off for a goaltender,'' retired goalie Brian Boucher said. ''The mind doesn't shut off.''

A starting NHL goaltender bears a burden unlike any position in hockey and few others in sports, and the resulting pressure builds up over the course of a season. By this time of year, with the playoffs on the horizon, No. 1 goalies have grinded through almost six months of work and are battling fatigue that threatens to derail their team's hopes.

Andrei Vasilevskiy of Tampa Bay is going through it for the first time while Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals is used to it by now. Goalies of all ages have no choice but to manage the physical and mental hurdles.

''It's one of those things that you've got find ways to make sure you're prepared and ready to play every game,'' Holtby said. ''As a goaltender, there's not much room to take nights off.''

It's worse for the goalies whose teams can't afford to start a backup. Boucher started the final 13 games for Philadelphia in 2010 to help them make the playoffs, Jonathan Quick started 20 of the final 21 games for the Los Angeles Kings when they tried to make a furious push to make it in 2015 and Kari Lehtonen could be counted on to play the final nine games of the Dallas Stars' season now as they claw for a spot.

''You'll go through the whole night thinking about tomorrow, show up to the rink in the morning thinking about tonight and then you show up to the game thinking about the game,'' said Boucher, now an analyst for NBC Sports. ''Not until that horn goes off at the very end can you finally go, `Whew,' and take a deep breath and hopefully it's in a celebration with your teammates. .... You have a shower, you feel good about things, you go home, you kind of decompress and then the next day it starts again: the butterflies, the nerves, the thinking about your opponent. And that's the mental fatigue that comes into it.''

That's what Vasilevskiy is dealing with at age 23, 58 starts into his first season as the full-time starter and the league leader in victories.

''Tiredness is something that I probably never faced before,'' he told The Tampa Bay Times.

The same goes for Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who is between the pipes for meaningful games and on the cusp of his first playoff appearance. Jets goaltending coach Wade Flaherty talks to Hellebuyck almost daily about what he needs to be successful, and the staff pays careful attention to making sure the 24-year-old is good to go.

Coach Paul Maurice said the Jets are aware of the balance between rhythm and rest but aren't holding Hellebuyck back.

''There's a fatigue component that a No. 1 goaltender also has to embrace,'' Maurice said. ''He has to learn how to play when he doesn't feel 100 percent right because that's basically going to be his life.''

Winnipeg has been able to give Hellebuyck blocks of two or three days completely off, a rarity for top goalies this time of year. The Nashville Predators have a big enough lead atop the Central Division that they can afford to lighten Pekka Rinne's workload down the stretch, which could be a huge benefit.

''I like thinking outside the box,'' former goalie Martin Biron said. ''You may have a Friday-Saturday game, have a Tuesday game, have a Thursday game. You can play your starter on Friday-Saturday and not play him on Tuesday so he gets Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (off) and then he gets ready for the weekend again for the Thursday. There's a lot more days to be able to decompress and really think about how to reset and re-prepare.''

Holtby got a 10-day reset from a month-plus of struggles as Philipp Grubauer started four games in a row. Having a reliable backup is a luxury Washington has - and Holtby doesn't like taking days off, either. Toronto starter Frederik Andersen recently joked that he's more tired of being asked if he's tired than he is from facing the most shots in the league.

Practice shots, warmups, travel and mental and physical preparation are also part of the wear and tear. Analyst Justin Goldman of The Goalie Guild said those can be spaced out over weeks and months.

''Anything you can do to get a little bit of extra sleep over the course of the season is absolutely monumental when it comes time for the playoff push,'' Goldman said.

Biron, who started 59 games for Philadelphia in 2007-08 and backed up Henrik Lundqvist when the New York Rangers realized the ''King'' needed more time off, figures 60 is the perfect number for a starter. For someone like Vasilevskiy who can't afford to learn and wait for next year, Boucher said he hopes a more relaxed market like Tampa Bay helps now and the rush of the playoffs gets him through the grind in a few weeks.

''I think Vasilevskiy's going to be fine just because you watch his physical attributes, they're through the roof,'' Boucher said. ''So the physical side doesn't look like it's an issue. Now it's his time to shine.''

 

[Cnotes53]

THURSDAY, MARCH 22
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NYR at PHI 07:00 PM
NYR +185
O 6.0

FLA at CLB 07:00 PM
U 5.5

ARI at CAR 07:00 PM
ARI +175
O 5.5

TB at NYI 07:00 PM
NYI +170
O 6.5

WAS at DET 07:30 PM
WAS -200
O 5.5

EDM at OTT 07:30 PM
OTT +125
O 6.0

TOR at NAS 08:00 PM
TOR +140
U 6.0

VAN at CHI 08:30 PM
VAN +150
O 6.0

LA at COL 09:00 PM
LA +105
U 5.5

VEG at SJ 10:00 PM
SJ -150
O 6.0