Friday Night Free Hockey Picks

Free Pro Hockey Picks – October 28

Friday NHL Picks: Detroit to stop San Jose streak, Carolina to bounce back against Chicago

The Central Division rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks takes centre stage on Friday night as the Red Wings look to bounce back after two defeats when they host the San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks aim to stay ahead of the Red Wings with a win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings 7:30 pm EDT 

Betting Analysis: After a slow start to the season – one win in the first four games – the Sharks seemingly found their mojo with a 4-3 win over New Jersey Devils last Friday and haven’t looked back since. Now riding a three-game winning streak, capped on Tuesday night with a 3-1 away victory over the Nashville Predators, the San Jose Sharks will aim to make if four in a row at the hallowed Joe Louis Arena.

The Sharks can upset the Red Wings at home because…

The San Jose Sharks 4-3-0 (Road: 3-1-0) have been better on the road than they have been at home, where they are a measly 1-2-0 on the season, but bearing in mind that they were an excellent road team last season, this traveling form is just a continuation of where they left off.

Don’t be fooled by their overall record, which puts them 20thoverall in the league and 11th overall in the Western Conference.  Clearly, through the last three games, the Sharks have been playing as a bona fide playoff contender.
In the off-season, the offensive line was revamped and although the Sharks started the season with a 6-3 win over Phoenix, this frontal makeover needed time to really gel – case-and-point: three straight losses following the victory over Phoenix. Since then, they won three in a row and Joe Pavelski leads the team with 8 points (six goals and two assists) while Joe Thornton nips at his heels with six points (1 goal and five assists), four of which were gained in the last four games. Right wing Martin Havlat is yet to score for his new team but has three assists; surely, it’s only a matter of time before the talented Czech finds his scoring arm.

Detroit Red Wings can win because…

Jimmy Howard is reportedly back and assumed to be starting the game on Friday – a fact that has to inject confidence into their odds to win over the Sharks. Howard has been flawless so far, with a 4-0-0 start for the Red Wings and a solid 1.72 GAA and .933 save percentage.

True, the Red Wings are on a two-game losing streak going into Friday’s game but that’s entirely down to journeyman goalie Ty Conklin, who was called to duty when Howard had to rush to his wife’s bedside for the birth of their son James on Sunday.

Now that Howard appears to be back, why bring up ancient history. No need to talk about those disgusting defeats. I mean, why talk about the 7-1 debacle against the Washington Capitals or the subsequent inexplicable 4-1 defeat to a winless Columbus Blue Jackets when it’s down to Conklin being in net. Wipe the slate clean and start over with the Red Wings as deserved home favourites.

Pick: Expect the Red Wings to play better than they did in front of Conklin with Howard back in the posts and to take the win. The San Jose Sharks are not a team to go down without a fight, so I expect it to be a close game, one or two-goal margin. Finally, when two offensive-minded and big-hitting teams battle for the win the game could easily go ‘Over’ on the totals.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Betting Analysis: The Carolina Hurricanes take an unimpressive 3-3-3 mark on the season into their next game, a clash against the former Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, who boast a solid 5-1-2 mark, which includes a (shootout) win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night that saw them move ahead of the Red Wings in the Central Division.

The Canes might win because…

The Carolina Hurricanes have see-sawed their way through the first nine games of the season, losing the first three, winning the next three and losing the last three. If this trend were any indication they are due to start another three-game winning streak. Of course, such an unequivocal approach can’t be taken to hockey betting or, for that matter, to a team’s form.  
Then there is home form, which is typically a plus for any side. In the Canes case, it amounts to a 1-1-1 mark on the season. Let’s face it, that is rather mediocre and hardly revealing of what is to come down the stretch.

The Chicago Blackhawks must win because…

The Blackhawks are enjoying top spot in the Central Division right now and while it is early in the season it is the best spot to be in and don’t they know it. Last year, they barely squeaked into the playoffs and we all know how that run ended. Speaking of which, is it any surprise that the Blackhawks welcomed back on to the roster 2010 Stanley Cup winning teammates Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd?

Pick: You can bet the Blackhawks will be looking to maintain the edge in their division by going for the win in Carolina. The way the Canes have been playing is not going to inspire any fear in the audacious Blackhawks. Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Dave Bolland and Jonathan Toews have been racking up the points at will, combining for 33 in total and I don’t even think this will be a tight game. Look for the Blackhawks to blow out the Canes; take the Over.

Boston Ties the Series at 2

***BREAKING NEWS

The Boston Bruins have tied the series at 2 games a piece.

Updated Odds to win the Stanley Cup:

Boston +155
Vancouver -190

The Vancouver Canucks slipped 2-1 in the series following a resounding thumping at the TD Garden on Monday night but in spite of the setback, they remain the runaway faves to win the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins meanwhile revived their bid after steamrolling the Canucks 8-1 and now they will look to ride the wave as they attempt to send the series level 2-2 back to Vancouver.
In terms of betting on which team will win the Stanley Cup, the Canucks are listed as the hot faves at -375 while the Bruins are tipped at +275.

Yet, as the NHL finals are heading into game 4 of the series, bookies are pricing the Vancouver Canucks as the significant puppies tipped at +100 while tipping the Bruins at a hot, solid fave price of -120. This is rather interesting.

The second period in Game 3 proved to be a turning point in the series as a hit by Aaron Rome that levelled Nathan Horton sparked the Bruins to life and after which they didn’t look back.

The score tells one story but the reality is a bit different. The Bruins did everything right and the Canucks everything wrong. Perhaps the Canucks were a little complacent, overconfident even. As well, a little luck went the way of the Bruins as they benefited from two own goals.

Many pundits are drawing similarities between this series and the opening series when a similar hit by Raffi Torres in the opening round of the playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks saw the Canucks, up 3-0, nigh lose the series before clinching the win in the deciding seventh game.

While there are similarities, there are differences as well and it is too soon to start panicking or jumping off the Vancouver bandwagon, evinced by the futures market to win the Stanley Cup.
During that series, Roberto Luongo came under harsh criticism, the blame placed entirely on his shoulders and his team unravelled in the wake of his existential crisis.

 I don’t believe this is the same situation because between the Canucks and Blackhawks was a deep-seeded rivalry, a history of disappointment and failure. Twice the Canucks had lost to the Blackhawks in the playoffs and rather badly so it was bound to be a heated and topsy-turvy series.

In the end, the Canucks persevered and advance into the next round, and since that crucial opening series they haven’t looked back.

As far as the Bruins are concerned, while they are the underdogs they were always going to win a game. I mean, they got to the final didn’t they and they have a Vezina Trophy goalie that is just as good as Luongo is.

Winning at home was important for them and the challenge for them will be to carry the momentum into the next game. Vancouver is rattled but they were the best team this season and they know that one defeat is not the be all end all of the series.

NHL FREE PICKS: Vancouver to win the Stanley Cup

NHL Future Betting Odds – Canucks To Win It All

With the Stanley Cup finals a few weeks away, who has the best chances of winning sports oldest and most revered trophy?  The NHL future betting odds have the Vancouver Canucks as the favorite after beating the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks and the stingy Nashville Predators.

Stanley Cup Betting Odds:
Vancouver Canucks +175
Boston Bruins + 250

The dominance of the Canucks all season can be described on every aspect of the game; they were the best squad on both sides of the ice. 

Vancouver was the highest scoring team in the regular season recording a league leading 265 goals mark. On defense the Canucks were as impressive allowing just 185 goals. The next best team was the Nashville Predators, who the Vancouver Canucks just sent to the golf course.

Vancouver’s best player by far has been center Ryan Kesler who is leading the Finals in points with 15.  After being held scoreless in the open round, Kesler has exploded with 5 goals in the series against the Predators.

Goaltender Roberto Luongo also has bounced back from a shaky first series and made crucial saves against the pesky Predators.  Luongo will have to play his best games in the weeks to come.

In the Eastern Conference the Boston Bruins are the best bet to go to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Boston and Vancouver are the best teams left in the mix, but the best bet to win Lord Stanley’s Cup are the Vancouver Canucks.

Can Tampa Bay or Boston Stop Vancouver?

Before the weekend descends upon us the complete billing for the Stanley Cup finals will be revealed. At the time of writing, only one finalist is known: the Western Conference champions Vancouver Canucks. It remains to be seen whether Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning will join the Canucks in the best-of-seven-games race for the Stanley Cup (they are set to decide a spot in the final on Friday 27 May) but that missing detail shouldn’t preclude hockey fans eager to flex their betting muscles from some early, heady speculation.

BREAKING NEWS – Stanley Cup Finals Schedule released:

Wednesday, June 1
Stanley Cup finals Game 1: Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Saturday, June 4
Stanley Cup finals Game 2: Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Monday, June 6
Stanley Cup finals Game 3: Vancouver at Boston or Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET (Versus)

Wednesday, June 8
Stanley Cup finals Game 4: Vancouver at Boston or Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET (Versus)

Friday, June 10
Stanley Cup finals Game 5 (if necessary): Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Monday, June 13
Stanley Cup finals Game 6 (if necessary): Vancouver at Boston or Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Wednesday, June 15
Stanley Cup finals Game 7 (if necessary): Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

What we already know: Vancouver Canucks are in the finals

The Vancouver Canucks have come through on the predictions made on their behalf with panache and a soupcon of drama (ulcer-inducing, if you are a diehard fan).

Vancouver ousted archrivals and defending Stanley Cup champions Chicago Blackhawks, the tenacious Nashville Predators and the hard-checking San Jose Sharks to earn their first visit to the Stanley Cup finals since 1994, when a Pavel Bure-inspired Canucks gave it their all only to lose a heartbreaking game 7 and thus, ol’ Uncle Stanley to the New York Rangers.  

Now, for the second time in franchise history the Canucks will bid for the Stanley Cup and if pre-playoff market predictions, which had the Canucks installed as the runaway juggernauts for the coveted trophy, were any indication, smart money has to be on them to win irrespective of who their opponent might be. Simply put: the Canucks were the best team in the league, finishing on a club-defining 117 points, courtesy of a season high record 54-19-9. And in a perfect world, the best team wins.

Well, it’s not always that simple. But the fact they were the so-called best this season lends them certain advantages and considerations in the broad spectrum of the competition.

Being the top team, NUMERO UNO, in the NHL alone guarantees home-ice advantage to start a series in the NHL Playoffs for the duration of their campaign, which now reaches the ultimate stage, as it so happens. And such a boon can be huge because not only does the series start at home but it also finishes at home when it comes down to the wire, to the nail-biting, nerve-wracking game seven that will decide it once and for all.
As far as the playoffs are concerned, Vancouver totted up a 12-6-2 record. Over this 18-game stretch, the Canucks registered with a 2.78 goals per game average and a 2.56 goals against average. Nothing to write home about but, then again, those numbers are skewed largely by the brouhaha with the Blackhawks, an opening series that went seven games and saw the Canucks oscillate from euphoric highs to epic bouts of Luongo-esque depressions before recovering by the skin of their teeth. 

In the Western Conference semi-finals and finals though, the Canucks significantly tidied up their act and played some of their best hockey, which was nowhere more evinced than in the increasing winning efficacy of each series – from seven games to dispatch the Blackhawks, followed by six to dismiss the Predators, to needing only five to send the Sharks packing. Now, I am no mathematician but do I sense a sweep coming on?

In the interest of hockey and enthusiasts and fans that love the verve and swagger of the game, a sweep – though nothing to balk at indeed (nor am I dismissing it entirely) – let’s face it, would be somewhat anticlimactic. But I don’t need to tell you that. Realistically, it’s not likely, as both the Bruins and Bolts have shown spirit and heart throughout the playoffs that it would be a complete turnaround by either to fold so, like a deck of cards. No, expect that whichever team advances to give the Vancouver Canucks a right battle royale.

Bruins or Bolts, does it even matter?

Interestingly, on paper very little separated these two in the regular season. Both finished with 103 points on a 46-25-11 mark and in the goals for category both teams are comparable: Tampa scored 247 while Bruins scored one less. Where the Bruins have the edge is on defence as they allowed fewer goals 195 to Tampa’s 240.

All this amounted to one difference: that is, for Boston it was enough to clinch the Northeast Division while for Tampa it only earned them second place in the Southeast Division behind the Washington Capitals –not that that matters anymore after the still-somewhat-hard-to-believe sweep of the Capitals in the Eastern Conference semi-finals by Tampa preceded by an even more astonishing feat against the Pittsburgh Penguins. If there is one thing the Bolts have impressed upon us in these playoffs: it’s to never count them out!

As far as the Bruins are concerned, they were always the team to watch in the Eastern Conference, in my humble opinion –even if the markets didn’t quite price them as the top dogs in the East.

In the playoffs, the similarities continue in many ways as the Bruins have an 11-6-0 mark while the Bolts have an 11-6-1 mark. Goals for and against are commensurate as well and the list continues….

What all this means is two things a) both have a legitimate shot to reach the Stanley Cup finals and b) whichever team makes it, in no uncertain terms they pose an almost similar threat to the Canucks.

Who will win the Stanley Cup Finals?

As far as the Canucks are concerned, they’ve always maintained that it doesn’t matter which team comes up against them in the race because no matter who tries to stare them down, they’ll still play their game. And so it follows that it won’t make a difference to them whether it is the Bruins or Bolts that emerge on Friday. And I dare say it won’t matter to the bookmakers either because they’ve been riding the Canucks bandwagon since the beginning. To put a finer point on it: the Vancouver Canucks are the next Stanley Cup champions. They were the hot bet to start the playoffs and they remain the hot bet to finish the playoffs in winning style.

NHL FREE PICKS: Vancouver Canucks to win Stanley Cup in seven games!

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San Francisco vs. Baltimore Serves Up Just Desserts

San Francisco vs. Baltimore Could Be Possible Title Game Preview

The fans at M&T Bank Stadium – and gridiron gamblers across the globe – will be treated to what promises to be a thrilling Week 12 Pro Football Thanksgiving Day affair when the Baltimore Ravens (7-3 SU, 5-4-1 ATS, 8-2 O/U) host the San Francisco 49ers (9-1 SU, 9-0-1 ATS, 5-5 O/U) in a matchup of two teams with legitimate conference title hopes.

San Francisco at Baltimore
Thursday, Nov. 24, 8:20 PM ET

NFL Odds
Baltimore Ravens -3
Over/Under 38.5

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco has won a whopping eight consecutive games, including its dominating 23-7 recent win over Arizona as a 10-point favorite to move to a bankroll-boosting 8-0 ATS during their eight-game winning streak.

The Niners have topped the 20-point plateau in each of the last two games while going over that figure six times in the last eight games. However, it’s not the team’s defense that has been most impressive.

Frisco’s defense has been absolutely overwhelming this season despite ranking just 23rd against the pass. The Niners are ranked first against the run, holding its opponents to a paltry 73.9 rushing yards per game while also ranking first in points allowed by holding their opponents to just 14.5 points per contest.

Now, let’s take a look at some key trends for the Niners coming into this matchup.

49ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November.

49ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.

49ers are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

49ers are 9-4-2 ATS in their last 15 games as a road underdog.

49ers are 13-6-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

The Under is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games overall.

The Under is 9-4 in 49ers last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has won three of its last four games including its hard-fought 31-24 win over AFC North division rival Cincinnati as a 7-point home favorite in Week 11.

As is usually the case every year with the Ravens, Baltimore has used its overpowering defense to generally smother its opponents en route to victory.

Baltimore is ranked fourth in total yards allowed, seventh against the pass, fifth against the run and a stellar third in points allowed per game (17.6).

Unfortunately, the Ravens haven’t been doing very well when it comes to covering the spread lately. Baltimore is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games and 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games as a favorite.

Here is a look at some more of the Ravens’ key trends.

Baltimore is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.

Ravens are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Ravens are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home favorite of 0.5-3.0.

The Over is 4-0 in Baltimore’s last 4 games overall.

The Over is 4-1 in the Ravens’ last 5 home games.

Analysis: This game has the look of a ‘classic field goal game’ just waiting to happen – and I’m fairly certain this contest is going to come down to the game’s final possession or two.

Having said that, I just don’t trust the Ravens very much this season, particularly after seeing how they’ve pulled the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine three times this season, following its pair of wins over Pittsburgh and solid victory over Houston.

San Francisco has been rock-solid on both sides of the ball – and Baltimore’s losses to Tennessee, Jacksonville and Seattle tell me that the Ravens could very well fail to show up for this huge matchup.

In the end, I like Frisco to cover the NFL betting line by pushing the 49ers hard for the outright win!

NFL Free Pick: San Francisco 49ers Plus the Points

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Boston Focuses on Playing a Full 60 Minutes in Game 2

The final round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs officially got underway last night at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver and to the utter delight of the home crowd – they went berserk – the Canucks took a 1-0 series lead on a goal by Raffi Torres in the dying seconds of the third period, just when the game, deadlocked and scoreless, seemed almost certain to go into overtime.

Vancouver Canucks were the betting faves in both the to win the Stanley Cup and to win Game 1. This sends them with even better odds into the second home game on Saturday night and sees their odds shorten in the futures market.

In Game 1 the first two periods, you’d be hard pressed to find a difference between the pair and credit goes to Boston entirely for playing an excellent road game. They played the Canucks tight and had ample opportunities to nudge ahead. In the third period however Boston did let up a bit and that’s when Vancouver took over, its depth showing up the Bruins and capitalizing with a soupcon of luck on a lone shot that beat Tim Thomas.

Going into Game 2, the Bruins have everything to play for yet and should come out with even more punch. It’ll be important for them to put the opening game behind them, prevent it from becoming a defining moment in the series. After all, going into the series they were the betting underdogs.

The challenge for the Canucks will be to keep a level head in Game 2 after the euphoric ending to another epic at Rogers Arena. Coming down from such a huge high is not easy but the Canucks have managed to keep it cool throughout the playoffs, taking each and every game in stride. They might be the hot faves in online hockey betting markets but they know better than anybody that the next game is going to be even bigger in the broad spectrum of the series.

Who is the next Stanley Cup Winner?

As far as the markets are concerned, Vancouver Canucks are the runaway faves to win the Stanley Cup, now tipped upwards of -500. The Bruins, following the loss in Game 1, have moved beyond the +300 mark.

But game 1 was a tight game, in which both teams showed plenty of potential. Arguably, the main battle came down to goaltending, the fierce contest between the two Vezina Trophy candidates – Tim Thomas and Roberto Luongo. Now, Luongo has one “W” in his column but you can’t exactly say he outplayed Thomas when it was just the one shot that beat the Bruins net minder can you?

Game 2 is pivotal to the broad spectrum of this final series because there is a huge difference between levelling 1-1 and being down 0-2 before returning to Boston. Thomas is a big-time player and I expect he’ll do his best to outshine Luongo and get his team back into the series. It’s what he’s done for his boys throughout the playoffs so it would be hardly surprising if he does it in the next game.

Vancouver has more depth and quality in both offense and defence than the Bruins have and that is an area that they’ll need to capitalize on if they want to win the Cup. I don’t doubt that they do but if Game 1 were any indication, they really need to up the ante. I mean, they simply can’t sit back on their laurels and leave it to the goalies to duke it out and decide the series because, in that case, I believe Thomas to be psychologically steadier than Luongo is, especially the deeper the series goes. To put a finer point on it: the Vancouver Canucks, who were the best offense and defence in the NHL this season, need to show up en tandem in Game 2 and onwards if they hope to win their first-ever Stanley Cup.

NHL Free Picks: Take Vancouver Canucks to win Stanley Cup

Miami vs. Dallas is Second on Schedule, But First For Bettors

Miami vs. Dallas Clash in Middle Thanksgiving Game

Both Dolphins and Cowboys look to extend winning streak to four straight on Thanksgiving

But something is going to have to give at Cowboys Stadium on Thursday. And if NFL betting lines are a barometer of what is to come, Dallas, who went to press as the seven-point favourites and have been received positively by the betting public, is where smart money is in Thursday’s Thanksgiving pro football battle.

Miami Dolphins @ Dallas Cowboys

Match Time: 4:15 PM EST, Thursday November 24, 2011
Venue: Cowboys Stadium
Broadcaster: CBS

NFL Betting Line: (Live Betting will be available from kickoff)
Miami Dolphins +7  -120 +250 44 O-110 U-110 17½ O-125 U-10
Dallas Cowboys -7  +100 -300 44 O-110 U-110 24½ O-125 U-105

Miami Preview (3-7, Road: 1-4): An abysmal start to the NFL season with seven straight defeats had just about everybody – from pundits to NFL fans – writing off the Dolphins. Yet, all of a sudden, they find themselves on a three-game winning streak, seeking a fourth win in a row which would mark their longest winning streak in three years.

This crucial, potentially season-saving, turning of the corner is largely credited to Matt Moore, who notched six TD passes and just one interception while recording a 118.6 QB rating over the course of this winning stretch. Against Buffalo last Sunday, Moore lit up the field, completing 14 of 20 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns in the 35-8 thumping of the Bills.

Recent Form and Trends to consider for Miami: The Dolphins are 4-0 against the spread in the last four games including 3-0 SU wins this month. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of their last 5 games on the road as well as in their last 5 games overall; they are 4-1 SU in the last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas.

Dallas (6-4, Home: 4-1): The Dallas Cowboys are enjoying contrasting fortunes; they are in a decidedly better place than the Dolphins: in a first-place tie with the New York Giants in the NFC East on the back of a three-game winning run ahead of their clash with the Dolphins.
Most impressively, the Cowboys have been firing at all cylinders, outscoring opponents 94-44, forcing nine turnovers while committing just one. Things almost came undone against the Washington Redskins however, when an ill-timed touchdown was given up in the dying seconds of regulation time allowing the Redskins to force overtime. In the end, the Cowboys recovered to take the game 27-24 in OT.

Recent Form and Trends to consider: Dallas is 2-1 ATS in their most recent home games, including 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home; The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas’s last 5 games when playing at home against Miami; The total has gone OVER in 11 of Dallas’s last 14 games at home; and when playing outside the division are 5-5.

NFL Betting Verdict: All things being considered the Dallas Cowboys do appear to be the better bet in this clash. Home advantage has been significant this season for the Cowboys who aside from a narrow 34-30 defeat at home to Detroit haven’t lost a game at Cowboys Stadium. In two of their last three home games, they’ve held opponents to single digits (Buffalo and St. Louis) while outscoring all three opponents (the aforementioned and Seattle) by 101-27.

Miami has improved this month, no doubt about it. But expecting this improvement to translate into a major upset win over the Dallas Cowboys is a long shot bet. The Cowboys passing game is 6th overall in the league compared to Miami’s 25th ranking and their rushing game is tenth overall to Miami’s 15th overall ranking. Moore is playing lights out right now but Tony Romo is an experienced quarterback, up there in the rankings (99.4 passer rating).

Granted, the Cowboys were a little lackadaisical against the Redskins, winning by the skin of their teeth in overtime, and that could have some bettors sceptical, if not nervous, about the upcoming clash with the Dolphins. By the same token, that game should be taken as incentive for the Cowboys to come out of the blocks with intent and purpose this time around, and take this game away from the Dolphins in the early goings.

Team Records:
Miami:  3-7 SU, 4-6 ATS, 1-9 OU, 19.3 OFF, 18.6 DEF
DALLAS: 6-4 SU, 4-5-1 ATS, 5-5 O, 25.0 OFF, 20.6 DEF

Injuries:
Miami: Marlon Moore WR, Roberto Wallace WR, Chad Henne QB, Lydon Murtha T
Dallas Cowboys: David Buehler K, Bill Nagy C, Raymond Radway WR

Hockey Season Heats Up On Friday Night

Hockey Friday Night Preview

Pro Hockey Betting is back at BetUS Sportsbook as the 2011-2012 season picks up its pace. On Friday night, two standout games are on the menu: Carolina at Buffalo and San Jose at Anaheim.

Carolina (1-2-1) (Road 0-1-1) vs. Buffalo (2-0-0) (Home 1-0-0)

NHL Betting Analysis: The Hurricanes are off to a slow start this season with a 1-2-1 record ahead of Friday’s clash against Buffalo, a team that is enjoying contrasting fortunes having won their first two games, bursting out of the NHL season gates with verve and swagger to win convincingly in each.

The Hurricanes are looking to return to the playoff picture this season after missing three in a row, but they are not off to a positive start, which can become an issue while playing in a tough Southeast Division. In fact, Carolina has lost to division rivals Tampa Bay and Washington already this season, the two teams that decided supremacy in the Southeast Division last season.

Carolina opened the season by taking a 5-1 thrashing from the Lightning at home. The next day, while an improved Hurricanes side showed up in the nation’s capital they still lost in overtime (4-3) to the Capitals. It is early in the season yet and many things can change but there is no underestimating the importance of division rivalries and if the Canes fail to measure up to the Bolts and Capitals this early in the season, the question that must be asked (and will continue to be asked if the trend persists): what chance do they have of a playoff spot, really?

On the Upstate New York side, new owner Terry Pegula left no doubt about his intentions when he took over the Sabres, coming out of the pocket to keep several stalwarts from absconding on free agency and beef up his team with new acquisitions, such as former Canuck Christian Erhoff and young gun Ville Leino (Flyers).

So far, the first two games are a positive indictment of his shrewd wheeling and dealing in the off-season. Opening night for the Buffalo Sabres saw them thrash the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 in Helsinki before flying down to Berlin to route the Los Angeles Kings 4-2.

NHL Betting Verdict: Although last season the pair split four meetings evenly, from this early vantage point, one has to like what the Sabres offer. The ‘Under’ is worth a look where these two teams are concerned; last season, all four games went under.

San Jose (1-0-0) vs. Anaheim (1-1-0)

NHL Betting Analysis: The Sharks and Ducks are set to renew their rivalry on Friday night. After fighting for first place in the Pacific Division most of last season, the same can be expected this year. The pair finished a point apart in the standings but San Jose took four out of six meetings with the Ducks last year, so it is hard not to overestimate the importance of any meeting between the teams.

Anaheim opened the season with a 4-1 defeat against Buffalo, in Helsinki, Finland; the following day they rebounded with a 2-1 shoot-out win over the Rangers in Stockholm. Having played their NHL season opening two games in Europe, the Ducks next play at home on Friday night, gaining only five days (or so) to acclimatize to their surroundings and recover from jetlag.

That’s not a whole lot of reprieve after a gruelling opening weekend, playing back-to-back games in neighbouring countries on the other side of the Atlantic Pond. This gives the San Jose Sharks, who have only played one game to date, a home NHL season opener at that, an edge over the Anaheim Ducks for their first of many clashes this season. 

The Sharks hosted the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday night, treating them to a 6-3 thumping in the Shark Tank, to the delight of home fans. The win was a complete team effort with all four lines scoring, power-play hitting the mark and newbies falling in-line with the game plan. Thomas Greiss, who was making his first NHL appearance since March, 2010, made 26 saves.

NHL Betting Verdict: These teams know each other well as long-time division rivals. There should be few surprises, even if it is a new season. Home-advantage is diluted by this to a certain extent.

Anaheim is 1-1-0 ahead of Friday’s clash but both games were played in Europe and the unfamiliar surroundings together with travel have to be considered a factor in the lopsided results. The Sharks, on the other hand, played only one game, a winning performance granted but not necessarily indicative of what is to come.

Based on the Sharks’ strong start and record last season over the Ducks one would have to give them the slight edge, however if Corey Perry, one of the offensive leaders last season and a game-changing player, gets going then he could swing the game for the home team.

Best bet on this game, hands down, is the Over; four of the six games last season went over, proving the strength is in the offense where these teams are concerned and if it’s clicking, it’s a scoring bonanza.

NHL Free Picks: Anaheim Ducks to win, Over on the team totals.

Week 12 Trio of Free Football Picks

Week 12 Free Football Picks

Week 11 wasn’t a disaster with a 1-1-1 record.  Week 12 could be more difficult as three of the biggest games of the week will be played on Thanksgiving Day.

But we’re used to turning potential red lemons into green, lemonade profits, aren’t we?  At least, that’s what we’re going to do in Week 12.  And, besides, when the Monday night contest is a good old-fashioned Southern showdown between old Big Easy money, Eli Manning and the G-Men, and new Big Easy money, Drew Brees and the Saints, things can’t be that bad.

Check out a trio of Week 12 of Football action below.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals

When:  Nov. 27 at 1:00 pm EST

Betting Line:  Cincinnati -9, Total 37.5   

Analysis: The Bengals have been ATS covering machines this season, going 7-2-1, and I’ve actually been all over them throughout the season, but being favored by 9 points over a decent squad like the Cleveland Browns is asking too much. Cleveland’s D is ranked first against the pass, allowing only 166.5 yards per game. Cincy QB Andy Dalton proved last week against the Ravens that, as well as he’s played this season, he’s still a rookie in tossing three picks. Yes, Cincinnati’s D is terrific and Cleveland’s offense is horrible, but the Browns are good at turning a game into a field position contest meaning that the Bengals, by eating up clock with running back Cedric Benson, won’t blow open this matchup.    

Pick:  Cleveland to cover

Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders

When:  Nov. 27, 4:05 pm EST

Betting Line:  Oakland -4.5, Total 41.5

Analysis:  On paper it looks like the Raiders should cover this game with ease, right?  Oakland goes into this contest having won two straight and looking good in doing it against the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings. Wait…in their 27-21 victory over the Vikings Oak-Town beat Minny without RB Adrian Peterson, who only got 6 carries in the game, and with a rookie QB in Christian Ponder. Chicago’s man replacing Cutler, Caleb Haine, has a plethora of weapons on offense, and the Bears won’t need to do much in order to beat the Raiders’ straight-up.  I actually like the Bears on the moneyline but the odds haven’t come out yet.  Chicago’s D should shut down the Raiders’ offense, or at least keep it under control, while Lovie Smith and Mike Martz will rally the Chicago offense.  All is not lost in Chi-Town and the men from Oakland are due for a letdown.  I’m with Da Bears.     

Pick:  Chicago

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints

When:  Nov. 28 at 8:30 pm EST

Betting Line:  New Orleans -7, Total 51.5

Analysis:  The Saints could very well get on a roll towards the end of the season, but I’m not comfortable giving up 7 points to a Giants squad that has to be wondering what happened to them this past Sunday night. Well, I know what happened. Because Eagles’ running back LeSean McCoy tore up the NYG defense in the first game earlier this season, the Giants decided to commit to stopping the run. Vince Young, filling in for starter Michael Vick, is a serviceable pocket-passer and he showed it by continually hitting the open receiver against the Giants’ D. NYG figures to go back to their solid, pass defending ways against the New Orleans Saints. The Giants, in most games, allow only 281.4 passing yards per game.  The Saints might want to counter the G-Men’s pass defense by giving the ball to Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas. New Orleans will score, but so will the Giants. The Saints’ D is giving up 22.8 points per game and Giants’ QB Eli Manning is due for a hot game after producing three straight QB ratings of 84.5 or less in his last three outings. 

Pick:  New York Giants to cover

3-Wager Parlay

** 6 to 1 Payout

Cleveland +9
Chicago +4.5
New York Giants +7

$100 Investment = $600

Can Vancouver Carry the Hopes of a Nation?

We’re down to the NHL’s version of the final four as Vancouver battles San Jose in the West in a meeting of perennial underachievers, while Boston clashes with Tampa Bay in the East without their best players. It has been a phenomenal Stanley Cup playoffs so far, and you can expect the drama and skill levels to increase as players get closer to the grand prize. Here is a look at how the odds are breaking it down.

Vancouver (+115): It should be no surprise that the Presidents’ Trophy winners are the favorites after defeating Chicago and Nashville, and they’re off to a good start after coming back to beat the Sharks in Game 1 at home. Still, how confident can you be in goaltender Roberto Luongo, especially after he gifted a goal to San Jose’s Joe Thornton in the series opener?

Boston (+325): The Bruins got run out of their building in Game 1, but they bounced back in a big way with a 6-5 win in Game 2. While you can’t underestimate the loss of Patrice Bergeron to a concussion, which robs the Bruins of their best player, rookie forward Tyler Seguin exploded in Game 2 with four points (two goals, two assists). Bergeron is one of the best two-way players in the NHL, he’s arguably the best faceoff player left in the postseason, and you can put him out in any situation. He says he is recovering nicely, and if he can get back in the lineup, the Bruins will have an even stronger opportunity to advance to the Stanley Cup finals and win it. 

Tampa Bay (+350): The Lightning are no joke, and after dismantling the Bruins in Game 1 on the road they had won eight straight games, spanning matchups with Pittsburgh and Washington as well. Goaltender Dwayne Roloson is a frontrunner for the Conn Smythe, and while we all know about Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, the Lightning have been getting goals from a number of different sources, notably Sean Bergenheim, who has eight.

San Jose (+475): The Sharks were badly outplayed in the third period of their 3-2 loss in Game 1 as they were outshot 13-7 and allowed two goals in a span of 1:19, but all is not lost in San Jose, who got good games from Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture. Goaltender Antti Niemi kept the Sharks in the game, and he has experience against the Canucks from his time in Chicago, a team that was (and likely still is) Vancouver’s nemesis for the past two years in the playoffs, and he outplayed Luongo in Game 1. They’re a very good team at home, so if they can manage to go back to San Jose with a split after Game 2, it’s going to be a very tight series.

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