WUNDERDOG
Pittsburgh at Ottawa
Pick: Pittsburgh -130
The Ottawa Senators had a good stretch of games, but allowed 6 goals in their last outing vs. the Sabres. They will be facing a Pittsburgh team that went for 5 goals in their last outing vs. Edmonton. That puts Ottawa in a bad spot as the Senators have been a dismal 2-14 in their last 16 facing a team that scored 5+ in their last game. They are also just 6-20 in their last 26 on home ice. Pittsburgh is touting a 41-16 mark facing teams that allowed 5+ in their last game. This is a bad spot for the Senators, so I'm playing on Pittsburgh in this one.
James Madison at Davidson
Pick: James Madison +2
There is one reason why Davidson made the NIT. They're Southern Conference team with a marginal record at 17-14. They developed some brand recognition with their run in the NCAA Tournament a couple years ago. They really don't belong here. James Madison, on the other hand, clearly belongs. They're a mid-major conference and winners of 21 games and are now posted as an underdog. The Dukes have been under the radar all season long, and they have rewarded their backers with a 10-2 ATS mark playing in the role of an underdog in their last 12. The Wildcats have had over-zealous expectations since their coming out party in the big dance, but are just 21-44-3 ATS in their last 68. James Madison gets my call.