Free Picks: Service Plays for Thursday January, 31

DUNKEL INDEX

Arizona State at Washington State
The Cougars look to take advantage of an Arizona State team that is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 road games. Washington State is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Cougars favored by 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-3)

Game 505-506: Drexel at George Mason (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 53.150; George Mason 60.907
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 7 1/2; 127
Vegas Line: George Mason by 5 1/2; 122
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-5 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Hofstra at James Madison (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 46.867; James Madison 57.346
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (-9 1/2)

Game 509-510: Connecticut at Providence (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 63.379; Providence 64.238
Dunkel Line: Providence by 1; 139
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 1; 135 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+1); Over

Game 511-512: Illinois at Michigan State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 62.447; Michigan State 74.030
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 11 1/2; 129
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 8 1/2; 133
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-8 1/2); Under

Game 513-514: UL-Monroe at Florida Atlantic (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 43.809; Florida Atlantic 52.586
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 9
Vegas Line: Florida Atlantic by 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (-8)

Game 515-516: Middle Tennessee State at Florida International (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 63.764; Florida International 56.717
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 7
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+8 1/2)

Game 517-518: New Mexico State at Texas State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 61.474; Texas State 53.210
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (-7 1/2)

Game 519-520: North Texas at UL-Lafayette (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 50.010; UL-Lafayette 50.486
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette 2
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (+2)

Game 521-522: South Alabama at Arkansas State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 52.227; Arkansas State 61.572
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (-8)

Game 523-524: Denver at TX-San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 62.365; TX-San Antonio 51.874
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Denver by 8
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8)

Game 525-526: WI-Green Bay at Illinois-Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 58.723; Illinois-Chicago 55.064
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 1
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (-1)

Game 527-528: Penn State at Iowa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 53.576; Iowa 66.421
Dunkel Line: Iowa by 13
Vegas Line: Iowa by 15
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (+15)

Game 529-530: Troy at Western Kentucky (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 45.097; Western Kentucky 58.940
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 14
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-11 1/2)

Game 531-532: Butler at St. Louis (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 66.536; St. Louis 66.586
Dunkel Line: Even; 127
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 2 1/2; 122 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (+2 1/2); Over

Game 533-534: Arkansas at Alabama (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 60.117; Alabama 68.282
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 8; 128
Vegas Line: Alabama by 6; 132 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-6); Under

Game 535-536: Arizona at Washington (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 68.462; Washington 64.962
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 3 1/2; 142
Vegas Line: Arizona by 5 1/2; 137 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5 1/2); Over

Game 537-538: Oregon State at California (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 55.641; California 65.157
Dunkel Line: California by 9 1/2; 138
Vegas Line: California by 7 1/2; 144 1/2
Dunkel Pick: California (-7 1/2); Under

Game 539-540: BYU at Pepperdine (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 65.534; Pepperdine 53.957
Dunkel Line: BYU by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 11
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-11)

Game 541-542: Portland at Santa Clara (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 49.057; Santa Clara 64.683
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+17 1/2)

Game 543-544: Hawaii at UC-Riverside (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 51.842; UC-Riverside 48.170
Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Hawaii by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (-1 1/2)

Game 545-546: San Jose State at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 44.920; Seattle 54.258
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle by 6
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-6)

Game 547-548: Utah State at Idaho (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 52.292; Idaho 59.311
Dunkel Line: Idaho by 7
Vegas Line: Idaho by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (-5 1/2)

Game 549-550: CS-Northridge at CS-Fullerton (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 48.884; CS-Fullerton 55.585
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+8 1/2)

Game 551-552: Gonzaga at Loyola Marymount (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 69.718; Loyola Marymount 54.602
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 15
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola Marymount (+16 1/2)

Game 553-554: Arizona State at Washington State (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 61.339; Washington State 65.961
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-3)

Game 555-556: Georgia Southern at Furman (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 46.524; Furman 48.856
Dunkel Line: Furman by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Furman by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Furman (-1 1/2)

Game 557-558: Wofford at The Citadel (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 48.387; The Citadel 41.677
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 5
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (-5)

Game 559-560: Loyola-MD at Canisius (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 55.654; Canisius 61.761
Dunkel Line: Canisius by 6
Vegas Line: Canisius by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (-4 1/2)

Game 561-562: Iona at Niagara (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 59.577; Niagara 61.286
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Niagara by 1
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-1)

Game 563-564: Marist at St. Peter's (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 43.049; St. Peter's 44.191
Dunkel Line: St. Peter's by 1
Vegas Line: St. Peter's by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marist (+3 1/2)

Game 565-566: Elon at NC Greensboro (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 50.538; NC Greensboro 50.413
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Elon by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+2 1/2)

Game 567-568: Samford at Davidson (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 45.895; Davidson 62.981
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 17
Vegas Line: Davidson by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+18 1/2)

Game 569-570: IPFW at NE-Omaha (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: IPFW 47.570; NE-Omaha 43.202
Dunkel Line: IPFW by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: IPFW by 2
Dunkel Pick: IPFW (-2)

Game 571-572: Weber State at North Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 55.601; North Dakota 49.770
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 6
Vegas Line: Weber State by 7
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota (+7)

Game 573-574: UMKC at North Dakota State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UMKC 41.497; North Dakota State 59.109
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UMKC (+19 1/2)

Game 575-576: Morehead State at Belmont (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 52.331; Belmont 70.443
Dunkel Line: Belmont by 18
Vegas Line: Belmont by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Belmont (-16 1/2)

Game 577-578: Eastern Kentucky at Tennessee-Martin (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 53.882; Tennessee-Martin 45.389
Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 10
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee-Martin (+10)

Game 579-580: Tennessee Tech at Tennessee State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 43.036; Tennessee State 56.161
Dunkel Line: Tennessee State by 13
Vegas Line: Tennessee State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (-10 1/2)

Game 581-582: South Dakota at South Dakota State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota 48.048; South Dakota State 65.551
Dunkel Line: South Dakota State by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: South Dakota State by 16
Dunkel Pick: South Dakota State (-16)

Game 583-584: Sacramento State at Southern Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 47.608; Southern Utah 47.766
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Southern Utah by 2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+2)

Game 585-586: Montana State at Eastern Washington (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 42.565; Eastern Washington 47.761
Dunkel Line: Eastern Washington by 5
Vegas Line: Eastern Washington by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Washington (-2 1/2)

Game 587-588: Idaho State at Northern Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 41.745; Northern Colorado 48.776
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 7
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (+8 1/2)

Game 589-590: Montana at Portland State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 50.723; Portland State 47.517
Dunkel Line: Montana by 3
Vegas Line: Montana by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (+5 1/2)

Bruce MarshallFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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San Jose St. vs. SeattleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: San Jose St.FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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True, San Jose hasn’t won a game (5 straight) since top scorer G James Kinney (20.6 ppg) was suspended earlier this month, and the Spartans also have no covers last four. We’re hoping that new Spartan AD Gene Bleymaier keeps this disciplinary development in consideration when deciding the fate of capable and personable HC George Nessman, whose job is reportedly on the line. But Nessman’s notorious scheming might be enough to make the points work vs. low-variance Seattle, another WAC entry in whose games the homecourt edge doesn’t seem to matter (road teams are 8-1 vs. the line last nine Redhawks games). Cam Dollar’s Seattle doesn’t get enough offense from its backcourt (former juco Prince Obasi the top-scoring G at a mere 8.5 ppg).

Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Arkansas vs. AlabamaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: ArkansasFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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When the Razorbacks visit Tuscaloosa to take on the Tide in a SEC clash Thursday night Arkansas will take the floor looking to avenge a pair of losses suffered against Alabama last season. The Hogs are also 6-0 ATS in this series when playing off a SU favorite loss. With Bama looking ahead to a triple revenge rematch with Vanderbilt and just 2-6 ATS when laying points in games before clashes with the Commodores, the points become the play here tonight. We recommend a 1-unit play on Arkansas.

Art AronsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh vs. NY RangersFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: PittsburghFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh is coming off its most embarrassing loss of this season and quite some time really. I fully expect the team to bounce back here one of the biggest stages in New York.
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The Penguins have won five straight in this series and certainly have the Rangers’ number of late. Pittsburgh has outscored the blue shirts 22-8 over the span.
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Evengi Malkin has five goals and five assists in the winning streak over New York.
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The Rangers have admittedly played a lot better since their slow start but were dealt a heavy blow when Ryan Callahan went down during the win over the Flyers. The Rangers Captain is the heart and soul of the team will be needed when facing a very talented squad in the Penguins.
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Pittsburgh is just too well coached and talented of a team to lose not bounce back with a good effort after the poor performance against the Islanders. Take Pittsburgh as the underdog to win straight up.

Jesse SchuleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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NY Islanders vs. New JerseyFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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I had the under in the Devils last game in Boston, and I had the following to say: "At the age of 40, it would only be natural for Martin Brodeur to show a noticeable decline in his play. Well, Marty might just be unnatural, because he's still getting the job done as well as any net-minder in the league. Brodeur is 3-0-1 with a 1.69 GAA average so far this season
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As it turned out, Brodeur didn't even get the start, as Marty got the night off, and Johan Hedberg came in and did an excellent job in his place. Hedberg stopped 27 of 28 shots, and he was 5 minutes away from recording a shutout against the Boston Bruins, until Boston tied it late, eventually winning in a shootout 2-1. While Hedberg was brilliant, I would be shocked if Marty didn't get the start at home on Thursday versus the Islanders.
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New York is coming off a shocking blowout win over Pittsburgh, with Evgeni Nabokov slamming the door on the high flying Penguins. Nabokov made 37 saves, and it wasn't until 18:51 of the 3rd period that Pittsburgh broke up his shutout bid. The Islanders went on to win the game 4-1 despite being out-shot 38-24.
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The Islanders have been fantastic with their special teams play so far this year, especially with their penalty killing. New York has killed off 95% of their short-handed situations so far this season. They have also been great on the power-play, but tonight they face a Devils team that ranks top 5 in the NHL in penalty killing, and they have allowed the fewest goals of any NHL team so far.
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Tight checking low scoring games have been New Jersey's M.O. for more than a decade, and with a total of 5.5, the UNDER looks good in Jersey on Thursday.

David ChanFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh vs. NY RangersFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: OverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh is 3-3, and is coming off a listless 4-1 loss to the Islanders on the 29th. It's interesting to note though that the Pens have seen the total go "over" the number in 21 of their last 37 after a loss by two goals or more in their previous contest.
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New York is 3-3, and is coming off a 2-1 win over Philadelphia on the 29th.
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Note though that the Rangers have in fact seen the total go "over" the number in 30 of their last 53 divisional contests.
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Three of these teams last five vs. each other have gone "over" the posted number, including the last three in a row. And that of course includes their game on January 20th when the Penguins won 6-3 in the Big Apple.
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All signs point to another high-scoring affair; consider a second look at the "over" in this one!

Jimmy BoydFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Gonzaga -16FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Gonzaga is an elite team at 19-2 who outscores their opponents by 16.3 ppg. On the road they have more than delivered, going 9-1 with a 11 point margin of victory. In conference play this team has steam rolled to a 6-0 record and an average wing of 14 ppg.
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Loyola on the other hand is just 8-12 on the year and 1-6 in conference play, losing by 10.5 ppg. They are definitely below average and are getting less points than they should be against a Gonzaga team that is neither in a letdown spot or a situation to look passed them. I'll lay the big number here tonight.
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You want to take double digit road favorites who allow 64 points or less per game after allowing 25 points or less in the first half of their last game. These teams are 177-103 (63.2%) since 1997.

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Utah St. +5½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Utah St has an RPI Edge here over Idaho as they are ranked 136 to 171 for Idaho who is 0-4 this year vs teams ranked from 100 to 150, so we cant lay points with a stat like that. Utah St is also a solid 24-3 straight up vs losing teams, including 6-0 this season. They have won 3 of 4 off 3 or more losses. Idaho is 1-7 ats at home and has lost 5 of 7 vs winning teams. They are 18-63 long term vs teams who play good defense and allow 65 or less and 1-4 with road loss revenge. Look for Utah St to at the very least cover the spread in this one.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Troy at Western Kentucky
Pick: TroyFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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If you're a trend player, you might well be looking to side with Western Kentucky tonight. This has been a huge home court series, the Hilltoppers are a solid 8-2 in the host role this season, and they were able to squeeze out a win at Troy in the initial meeting this season. But right at the moment, I actually think Troy is the better team. The Trojans have won two in a row, and they should be fired up to avenge the narrow home loss. But the main impetus for this opinion is just how awful Western Kentucky has been lately. Look at this set of numbers from the last three games they've played. 4/16/17, 8/21/17, 7/16/18. Those are assists/FG's/turnovers. What it indicates is a team that isn't running anything good on offense, and that also can't take care of the basketball. Long story short, not a team to be trusted laying doubles. I'm taking what looks like a generous number with Troy.

Jim Feist

Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder

Memphis plays another road game and the defense went to sleep the last game, allowing 100 points at slow-paced Philly. The Grizzlies are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. They take on an Oklahoma City squad that can play any style, tops in the NBA in points scored, 16th in points allowed and third in field goal shooting defense, just .432% allowed. The Thunder is 26-12-3 ATS in their last 41 vs. the Western Conference and 14-5-1 ATS against a team with a winning record. Play Oklahoma City!

WunderdogFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Edmonton at San JoseFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Under 5.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The San Jose Sharks have sure come out ready to play after the long delay. They have been impressive every time out, and are off to a 6-0 start. The Sharks have allowed just 10 goals through their six games, and have been growing in confidence with each win, as they have allowed just three scores in their last three games, or 1 per contest. Edmonton has also played very well, recording four wins in their first six games. They have played tight in front of the net, and have now held three of their last four opponents to a single goal. The Oilers have a long track record of snuffing out good opponent attacks, as they are now 39-18-2 to the UNDER in their last 59 vs. a winning team. The Sharks are no strangers to doing the same, now at 6-1-1 to the UNDER in their last eight vs. teams over .600. The last 12 meetings here show 8-3-1 to the UNDER as well. Only one way to go here, so the UNDER gets the call.

Charlie ScottFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Butler vs. Saint LouisFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: ButlerFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Whenever Butler is an underdog, it's in the bettors best interst to give Butler a second look. Butler is 6-0 ATS their last 6 games, and when their underdogs their 7-1 ATS, winning 6 of those games straight up. Throw in that Butler has plenty of experience in close games in the final minutes, Plus a Big edge in Coaching.

Sean MurphyFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Edmonton vs. San JoseFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Oilers have gained a reputation for being a high-scoring, but defensively-challenged team, yet their results so far this season indicate otherwise. Four of their first six games have totaled five goals or less, and Edmonton has scored more than three goals in a game only once. While they're undoubtedly loaded with young talent, they've had a bit of a tough time producing five-on-five, and I'm not convinced that's going to change in San Jose on Thursday. Edmonton could go with backup Nikolai Khabbibulin between the pipes for the first time tonight, but I think there's a better chance we'll see them ride the hot hand of Devan Dubnyk, as he looks to avenge his worst showing of the season against these same Sharks. We can expect San Jose to play a more disciplined defensive game after getting outshot 30-18 by Anaheim on Tuesday night. The Sharks still rallied to win that game 3-2 in a shootout, but it wasn't their best performance by any means. San Jose has been one of the best defensive teams in hockey so far this season, allowing just 10 goals in six games. It's interesting to note that three of those goals allowed came against the Oilers, but that was a unique game, as the Sharks found the back of the net six times in the first period before cruising the rest of the way. I've brought it up before, and I'll mention it again here - Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi is playing some of the best hockey of his career right now, and should turn in another solid effort on Thursday night. Both teams have plenty of firepower, but that's no different than last season, when the two sides topped out at five goals in both meetings here in San Jose.

SPORTS WAGERS
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SAN JOSE -½ -110 over EdmontonFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Regulation only. The Oilers are coming off a 2-1 OT win in Phoenix last night in what was a physically draining game. They'll now play the second game of back-to-backs and their third game in four days. This kinds of scheduling will be common this year but that doesn’t mean it will be easy for teams to adjust to. We've seen so many clubs including Boston, Ottawa and Los Angeles among others look rather ordinary playing in these situations and we can't expect the Oilers to be any different, especially against the Sharks at the Tank.
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San Jose is flying with six wins in as many games while outscoring the opposition 26-10. This is a rested and motivated team that can't wait to get back on the ice to keep this thing going. No defense in the league has been better than the Sharkies’ has and only the Lightning has scored more times. Sharks coach Todd McLellan was unhappy with his teams' performance on Sunday when they were outshot 30-18 by the Ducks and had to rally to win it. He insisted they'll be better tonight and that's not good news for the Oilers, a team that is 2-12-2 against San Jose since 2009.
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BOSTON -½ -105 over BuffaloFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Regulation only. The first coaching change of the year could take place in Buffalo. Lindy Ruff has seemingly been there forever and the team is not responding. Mired in a four-game losing streak (it should be five, as they were lucky to beat Toronto on Jan 21), these Sabres are a team in trouble. They're the only club to lose to Washington, they have numerous injuries and they have just 11 goals in their past five games. Asking them to turn things around here against the red-hot Bruins is unreasonable.
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Boston is a true power. As if getting Nathan Horton back healthy wasn't enough, the Bruins also have a star on the horizon in 6'5” defenseman Doug Hamilton, the 9th pick in the June draft. Six games into his career, the kid looks like he's been here for years, making crisp and effective passes out of the zone and playing strong defensively too. Tuukka Rask is 4-0 in net with a 1.97 GAA and .932 save percentage. Boston went 4-1-1 against Buffalo last year after winning the Cup the previous season. This year the B's are much more healthier and focused and should have little trouble disposing of these underachievers again.
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FLORIDA +106 over WinnipegFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Regulation only. The Jets are off to a nice 3-2-1 start. They've won three of four with only loss occurring over that span being a close one in Montreal on Saturday night. They play in Tampa Bay tomorrow night and could get caught sandwiched here between that one and the Habs game. Let's also not forget that they won just 14 games on the road all of last season, which was the second worst mark in the league.
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Sometimes you have to ignore the numbers and pay attention to the betting line and that's precisely the situation here. The Florida Panthers scored four goals in the first period of its season opener against Carolina. Since then, Florida has scored six times in five games and two periods. The Panthers are last in the NHL standings among the 30 teams with two points and have been outscored 23-5 in their last five games. Not pretty and very unappealing from a betting standpoint. However, the puck line strongly suggests they won't lose this one in regulation and that's the way we'll play it. In regulation time, the Jets are an enticing -½ +156. To wager on the Panthers in regulation, you would get a half puck but would have to lay -170 in order to do so and that's something very few, if any bettors will do. That's all the information we need to back them in this spot.
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NY Islanders +131 over NEW JERSEYFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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OT included. You have to hand it to the Devils. With the oldest goaltending tandem in the league and OT included. You have to hand it to the Devils. With the oldest goaltending tandem in the league and losing a key player in Zach Parise, New Jersey has not lost in regulation yet, picking up points in every game so far. However, they're coming off three OT games in a row, losing two of them. The Devils are not dominating games by any stretch and now return home after a pair of intense games in Montreal and Boston. In their season opener, the Devils played on Long Island and caught the Islanders completely flat-footed in New York's opening game. Things will not be as easy this time around.
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The Lighting are 5-1 and have scored a league-leading 29 times. Its only loss was to the Islanders in a game they were dominated in and out-shot 44-26. Since that opening night loss to these Devils, the Islanders have picked up points in four of their five games since with only regulation loss occurring in Boston. They've also scored 21 times in those five games and four or more in all of them except one. This is a live puppy that offers up tremendous value against a team that doesn't score much and that has the Penguins on deck Saturday.
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Pittsburgh +100 over N.Y. RANGERSFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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OT Included. With just one win in past four games and being overvalued in the season's first two weeks, the Penguins are under-priced for the first time and that allows us to step in. The main reason they're 1-3 over the last four games is shaky goaltending and an underperforming power-play that has one goal in 15 opportunities. Pittsburgh has not been outplayed or outworked in any game this season. Against the Islanders in that most recent 4-1 loss, they outshot New York 38-24. They've been working extensively on the PP during practice the past two games and James Neal has been moved back down low where he had great success last year. The Penguins have a 6-3 win over the Rangers already this year and they’re a hungrier bunch this time around.
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The Rangers have won three of four and it started with a signature win over the Bruins, who are off to their best start since the Bobby Orr era. However, Boston was playing its third game in four days and the game went into OT. The Rangers other two wins over that set came against the Maple Leafs in a game they trailed going to the third and a 2-1 win over the sinking Flyers. Outside of their top line, there is nothing that appealing about the Rangers and losing Ryan Callahan for some time makes their secondary lines even weaker. The Rangers many flaws can be exploited and there aren't many teams in the league better than the Penguins at doing just that.