Andrew Lange
Tulane at Wofford
Play: Wofford +3
It is early and there aren't a lot of situational plays, but here is one's that I think we can take advantage of. Tulane is a program on the rise and seemed to have taken the first step in becoming respectable – winning at home against a marquee opponent. Georgia Tech may not seem marquee, but compared to the rest of Tulane's non-conference schedule, it bordered on monumetal. Remember, the Green Wave played one of the easiest non-conference schedules in the country last year (started 12-3) but finished 1-14 when the competition stiffened. This year, a similar concept with some truly horrific opponents (five of which 328th or worse according to Ken Pom). So because Tulane played an easy schedule BUT proved itself with a home win over Georgia Tech, they are now laying points (and getting bet) for a short turnaround road game against a comparable foe. Keep in mind that in their lone road test earlier this year, Tulane beat bottom feeder Navy by two. Wofford lost pretty much every player from last year's squad and had some shaky performances in the early going but they've since settled down and have started to play better. The Terriers replaced a lot of seniors with seniors and have had an above average home court over the years. At +3 (it may go higher) I can get to the window with the home underdog.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders -111
Don’t look now but the Islanders have won 3 of their last 4 games, and even got a point in their loss which was a shootout loss in Chicago. The Islanders successful 4 game road trip included wins against New Jersey, Buffalo and Dallas. On the season the Islanders are 8-11-5, and 5-6-2 at home. Tampa Bay dropped their 4th straight game last night in Ottawa, making them just 1-5 in their last 6 road games. On the season the Lightning are 11-13-2, but are just 4-9-2 on the road. The Lightning are giving up 3.47 goals against per game on the road this year. Mathieu Garon is expected to be in net tonight – he is 5-5-1 on the season with a 2.47 GAA and .915 SV%. The Islanders will have Al Montoya in net who has been solid, with a 4-3-2 record, 2.17 GAA and .931 SV%. New York has finally gotten their top line going, with Matt Moulson’s 6 goals last week earning him “1st Star” in the NHL rankings. Tavares has recorded 5 assists in his last two games, while their third line mat Parenteau had 7 points on the 4 game road trip. The Islanders have won 5 of these two teams last 7 meetings, and have taken 7 of their last 9 at home vs Tampa Bay. Playing better hockey right now I like the Islanders to continue their success over the Lightning, and they are listed at a generous price at home. Take the New York Islanders to win tonight.
WUNDERDOG
New Jersey at Toronto
Pick: New Jersey +100
The Maple Leafs have a pretty impressive record until you look at how they have gotten to this point of the season. They got out of the gate quickly at 9-4, but have stumbled now for quite some time at two games under .500 through their last 14. The problem is easy to expose as after starting out in their first 13 games allowing 39 goals they have subsequently allowed 55 in their last 14, or just about 4 per contest. The Devils are on a four-game game skid, but they have an opportunity to get healthy here vs. the suddenly defenseless Maple Leafs, who are in a bad spot at 16-37 in their last 53 when playing for the third time in four days. Play on New Jersey in this one.