Free Picks: Service Plays for Tuesday, March 26

Jimmy BoydFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Loyola Maryland +4FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Loyola Maryland Greyhounds are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games and 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games against teams winning 60% or more of their home games. They have a great defense that has held opponents to 63.3 points per game this season. The Greyhounds have held opponents to 29.8% from beyond the three point line which is critical in this game considering Eastern Carolina averages 23 three point attempts per game.
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East Carolina has struggled against good teams recently. They are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games against teams winning 60% or more of their games and they are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 against teams with a winning record. The Pirates defense has been horrible allowing 71.7 points per game. They have allowed over 45% shooting in six of their last seven games which is unacceptable for a team that is not great at rebounding and does not force many turnovers.

Art AronsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Montreal vs. PittsburghFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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These teams have played against each other just once so far this year, and Pittsburgh would hold on to win 7-6 in a barn-burner in Montreal on March 2nd. I simply expect these division leaders to play a much tighter game in the second matchup, and for these starting goaltenders to be a lot sharper between the pipes. The Habs are 20-6-5 overall, and 11-2-2 on the road, but are coming off a 2-1 loss at Buffalo on Saturday: "We have to find ways to be resilient, even when things maybe aren't going our way," Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges assessed to reporters yesterday. "We can't get down 2-0 and hope to climb back every time." Pittsburgh is 25-8-0 overall and is 12-4-0 at home. The Penguins have won 12 straight, including a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. Montreal goaltender Carey Price has been key in his team's success this year, while Pittsburgh netminder Marc-Andre Fleury has a minuscule 0.74 GAA over his last four starts. I believe the table is set for a hard-hitting, scrappy, and low-scoring game. Consider a look at the under.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Evansville vs CanisiusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: EvansvilleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Very little to choose between Evansville and Canisius. The Golden Griffs can put the ball in the basket, so Evansville needs to clamp down on defense and try and get the hosts as many tough looks as possible. The Purple Aces are a well-coached entry and Marty Simmons has his team very enthused to keep playing as long as they can in this tournament. Jim Baron is clearly getting that same message across to his troops at Canisius. They proved that in the Youngstown State win, as the Griffs rallied from down 22 in the second half with an awesome 20-0 run, and ended up winning in overtime. But Baron admitted after the game that a huge key to the comeback was what he described as "lethargic" play by the Penguins, and that's likely what allowed the big surge back to be accomplished in the first place. That's also a key tonight, as it might be tough for Canisius to maintain the energy level after earning what amounts to a miracle win on the road. They could flatten out and relax just a bit here, and if that happens, they're probably in trouble. Home courts can be tough to overcome in these tourneys, but I make Evansville the slightly superior team and I'm going to back the Purple Aces tonight.

Jim Feist

Columbus at Vancouver
Pick: Over

Columbus has improved the offense, scoring 11 goals the last three games. Of course, the defense is still a problem, allowing 9 goals while on this 3-0 run over the total. They gave up 5 the last game in a loss and the over is 5-2 in Blue Jackets last 7 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Vancouver has plenty of offensive punch and the over is 6-2-1 in the Canucks last 9 home games. And when they face a bad team they tear it up on offense: The Over is 3-1-1 in the Canucks last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400. Play Columbus/Vancouver over the total.

Don Best ConsensusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Minnesota at DetroitFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Under is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings in Detroit. Under is 5-1 in Pistons last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 10-1-1 in Timberwolves last 12 games following a ATS loss.

Bryan PowerFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Calgary vs. ChicagoFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Chicago -1.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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This is a recommendation on the Blackhawks on the PUCK LINE, meaning I'll "lay" the -1.5. Chicago is off a rare loss last night, falling 5-4 to the Kings while Calgary pulled out a surprising win in their last game, Sunday vs. St. Louis. Take these two together and its more than reasonable to expect the Blackhawks to get back on track while beating the Flames for a 12th straight time at home....
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Calgary's struggles on the road are not specific to Chicago. While 0-10-1 their last 11 visits to the United Center, the Flames are also 0-8-1 their last nine road games overall. It's tied for the worst streak on the road in franchise history. Prior to beating St. Louis, they went 0-3 on a road swing through Dallas, Nashville and Columbus, allowing 14 goals in the process.
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Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff has one of the worst goals against averages in the entire league at 3.43 is off a rare strong showing, but that's not likely to continue here in Chicago where he's started all 11 games during the team's losing streak here with an absolutely terrible 4,54 GAA.
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Chicago already beat the Flames once this season, in Calgary, 3-2 back on February 2nd. Though they lost yesterday to the Kings, it was still a strong offensive showing for the Blackhawks as they tallied five goals. They are 10-1 this season after scoring four or more goals their previous game. I expect the 'Hawks to win big here. With the money line too high for my tastes, take them on the puck line (-1.5).

Sean MurphyFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Montreal vs. PittsburghFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: MontrealFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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I'll take a shot with the Canadiens as they look to put an end to the Penguins lengthy winning streak on Tuesday night.
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Montreal has dropped just two of its last eight games, with both of those losses coming on home ice against the Sabres - both in the role of large favorite. The shoe is on the other foot tonight, as the Habs head to Pittsburgh as a sizable underdog against the streaking Pens.
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Montreal has more than held its own on the road this season, posting an 11-2-2 record. It's worth noting that the Canadiens haven't suffered consecutive losses since losing three in a row from February 6th to 9th.
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While I have a great deal of respect for the Penguins, I'm not sure that they're deserving of such a high price tag against the team that sits just five points behind them in the Eastern Conference standings. Each of Pittsburgh's last four wins have come after trailing, and three of those victories came by a single goal - so it's not as if things have come easy for the Pens of late.
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Speaking of nothing coming easy - the last four meetings in this series have been settled in either overtime or a shootout. Pittsburgh has managed to win three of those four games. In what should be another tightly-contested game that could go either way, I'll side with the underdog Canadiens.

Jesse SchuleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Winnipeg vs. CarolinaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: CarolinaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Carolina will host Winnipeg on Tuesday, and the Canes are desperate to break out of a five game losing streak. Their poor play of late has resulted in dropping out of a playoff position, currently sitting in ninth in the Eastern Conference, just one point back of the Rangers, with a game in hand.
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Carolina hasn't been able to put pucks in the net in recent games, failing to tally more than one goal in four straight losses.
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The Winnipeg Jets head out on the road after earning just one win in a three game home stand that saw them lose consecutive games to the Washington Capitals. They were out-scored 10-1 in those two losses.
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The Jets are currently four points ahead of the Canes in the Southeast Division standings, and the Canes know they will likely have to catch Winnipeg and win the division in order to make the post-season. "Pretty much, this is the playoffs right now," Muller said. "From here on in, there won't be any chance to pause and regroup."
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Having had a lengthy rest period over the weekend, the Hurricanes should come into this game recharged, with fresh legs and plenty of energy. I expect to see, as coach Kirk Muller eluded to, a playoff type atmosphere. That means a responsible defensive brand of hockey, as opposed to a wide open style. I don't expect to see a lot of goals in this game, but when It's all said and done, I expect Carolina to be ahead on the scoreboard.

SPORTS WAGERSFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Florida +151 over TORONTOFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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OT included. The Panthers are dead last in the league with just 24 points. Realistically speaking, they have no chance of making the playoffs. Florida will play out the season under no pressure and that adds to its appeal in certain situations. This is one of them. The Panthers have given the Maple Leafs fits over the years, winning eight of the past 11 meetings while scoring four or more goals in seven of the last eight. Future franchise goaltender Jacob Markstrom is the real deal and is capable of stealing a game on his own. Wrapping up a five-game trip with two wins in four tries and an opportunity to make it a winning one, the Panthers are not going to be an easy out tonight and they catch the Leafs at a good time.
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Toronto had lost eight straight to the Bruins prior to a home-and-home series on Saturday and Monday. The Leafs picked up three out of a possible four points and even though they blew a 2-0 lead last night, they’re feeling pretty satisfied about that. After playing back-to-back against the B’s, playing its third game in four days and with Carolina and Ottawa on deck, Toronto could be trouble here. The Leafs are greatly improved but we’re not sure they’re worthy of this billing just yet, especially in a difficult spot while having no success in shootouts this entire year.
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N.Y. Rangers +102 over PHILADELPHIAFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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OT included. No question the Rangers have underachieved and have been overpriced almost the entire season. In fact, New York has been favored in 24 of its 31 games this season and it was even favored in nine straight games from Feb 26 to March 12. They have had very little value and it’s for that reason we’ve backed away from them. However, the Rangers do offer up some value here and we’ll gladly step in. New York is coming off back-to-back losses at home to Florida and Washington, the former as a -240 favorite. The Blue Shirts are clinging to the eighth and final postseason berth in the Eastern Conference and begin a crucial three-game trip here with difficult games in Ottawa and Montreal on deck. Rested and coming off back-to-back home losses to a couple of teams they were supposed to beat, the Rangers intensity level for this one figures to be sky high and one could argue that the next three games will define their season.
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As the chalk, the Flyers have little appeal. They have one regulation win over their past eight games, a 3-2 win over Buffalo on March 10. Philly has scored two goals or less in four straight and five of its past six. There is nothing the Flyers excel at, they’re slower than most teams and in three games against the Rangers this season, they’ve scored five times. Furthermore, the Flyers can’t beat this guest, having lost to them in 10 of the past 11 games and nothing suggests anything different here.
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Pass NBA & CBB

NellyFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Detroit Pistons + over Minnesota TimberwolvesFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Minnesota is just 8-27 on the road for the season and they have just three road wins since mid-December, going 3-21 after a 5-6 start in road games. Minnesota is just 2-17 in the last 19 road games, snapping a long road losing streak with a blowout win in Phoenix last week. Minnesota shot 53 percent in that game while getting 40 free throw attempts. Detroit has only won two of the last 15 games but the Pistons have mainly been on the road in recent weeks. Detroit is 15-18 in the last 33 home games and the Pistons are 7-6 ATS as a small favorite this season. This will be a sixth road game in the last eight games for the Wolves and with the Lakers and Thunder at home next on the schedule this could be an easy game to take lightly in this lost season, especially after a more prominent game with the Bulls on Sunday. The Pistons are a woeful 12-26 ATS this season against winning teams but this squad has done well against its contemporaries at the bottom of the league, going 15-13 ATS against below .500 teams including going 9-6 ATS at home in those match-ups. This team gained some confidence in the close loss against Miami and after finally getting a win Saturday and getting back home after playing six of the last seven on the road this should be a favorable situation for the Pistons.

WunderdogFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Montreal at PittsburghFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Under 5.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Penguins are on fire. They have now gone for the even dozen, as the winning streak has reached 12. A snapshot of the streak becomes revealing as to why. Pittsburgh, over their last eight games, has allowed all of 9 goals or just a tick over 1 per contest. The Canadiens' 1-goal performance in their last outing certainly doesn't bode well here. And, the fact that they have allowed 3 or less over their last eight games certainly makes the 5.5 total here look daunting to get over the top. The Penguins have played five straight at home to the UNDER, the last four of which have not seen more than 3 total goals scored. The Canadiens have made it over the top of the total just three times in their last 12 roadies vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Also, with five of the last seven in this series in Pittsburgh have fallen shy of the total. The UNDER gets the call in this one.

Freddy WillsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Play: Dallas MavericksFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Mavericks have a lot to prove as they are just 1.5 games out of the 8th seed in the West. They have been unable to beat the top tier teams all year long and that is what has separated them as a playoff team. They keep getting closer and closer and this team is just shooting the ball so well right now that I think they will win here tonight. Over their last 5 games alone they are shooting 44.4% from three point range and that’s where they can beat the Clippers. The Clippers are among the best in 2 point % defense, but are among the leagues worst in 3 point defense. They have allowed 42.4% over their last three games and 40.1% in road games this year. The Mavericks are also 18-4 ATS in their last 22 following an ATS loss.

Bruce MarshallFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Buffalo vs. Tampa BayFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Tampa BayFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Here is one of those situations where we are compelled to take a look, as the coaching change at Tampa Bay either sparks the Lightning or has no effect on a season that has gone pear shaped. Which the campaign has already done for visiting Buffalo, which canned longtime coach Lindy Ruff a few weeks ago. Now, it's Guy Boucher dumped by Tampa Bay and replaced by Jon Cooper, who had led Tampa Bay's minor league affiliate in Syracuse to the AHL's best record. Though assistants Dan Lacroix and Steve Thomas will assume coaching duties for Tuesday's game, with Cooper joining the team on Friday. Tampa Bay could use a spark after losing 11 of its last 15 games. Buffalo is 7-5-3 under its interim coach, Ron Rolston, but the Sabres power play still ranks as the NHL's worst, converting only 12.9% of the time, creating the opportunity the Lightning needs.

Will RogersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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New York vs. BostonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: BostonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Here we have two teams from the NBA's Atlantic Divison that have been going different ways of late. The Knicks enter Tuesday on a four-game win streak (are also 5-0 ATS L5) while the Celtics are 0-4 SU/ATS their last four games, a streak that began with a tough home loss to Miami eight days ago. Since then, they have dropped three straight on the road. Back at home, I look for them to get things going.
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Here are my keys to the game.
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1. Home court edge - Though it hasn't mattered in either of the two games these teams played against each other so far, I think the fact Boston returns home Tuesday is big factor. They have covered 9 of their last 10 home games, including the loss to Miami where they were a 5.5-point dog and blew a big lead. Before losing by just three points to the Knicks on January 24th, the Celtics had beaten the Knicks 11 straight times here in Boston. Though the Knicks appear to be starting to turn things around, they have lost four of six on the road.
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2. Phony Win Streak: Don't be fooled by what the Knicks have done the last four games. They've beaten Utah, Orlando and Toronto twice. None of those teams will be in the playoffs. They have shot around 52% the last three games, a number I don't see them approaching tonight against a defensive-minded Boston team.
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3. X-Factor: Over the last three seasons, Boston has gone 14-4 against the spread when playing at home & off back to back losses.