Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Nov. 6
Tampa Bay at New York Rangers (7 p.m. EST). After getting off to a record start, the New York Rangers have dropped two straight games and look to rebound against the Lightning.
STARS
Wednesday
— Ryan Getzlaf, Ducks, scored twice, including a 190-foot shot into an empty net, to lift surging Anaheim to a 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
— Jussi Jokinen, Lightning, netted two goals but Tampa Bay’s three-game winning streak was snapped with a 4-3 shootout loss at New Jersey.
SUBBING
So far, so good for Kevin Weekes and the New Jersey Devils. One day after the team learned star goalie Martin Brodeur will be sidelined for months, Weekes backstopped the Devils to a 4-3 shootout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. After allowing a shootout goal to Vincent Lecavalier, Weekes stopped Jussi Jokinen and Vaclav Prospal. He made 24 saves through overtime and earned his first win of the season (1-1).
PUT ME IN COACH
Prized Columbus Blue Jackets goalie prospect Steve Mason picked up the win in his NHL debut, holding off the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 after being tabbed for an emergency start. Manny Malhotra tipped in a rebound with 1:09 left, making the 20-year-old Mason an instant winner after he stopped 22 shots. Mason was recalled Tuesday from Syracuse of the AHL because top goalie Pascal Leclaire was still out with an ankle injury, and backup Fredrik Norrena hurt his groin during the morning skate hours before the opening faceoff.
DUCK SPLASH
Ryan Getzlaf had two goals, and Anaheim teammate Teemu Selanne netted one as they both extended their point streaks to eight games in the Ducks’ 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Selanne has eight goals and five assists during his run, and Getzlaf posted six goals and 11 assists. Getzlaf’s three-point night gave him 18 points for the season (six goals, 12 assists) moving him into a tie with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin for the NHL scoring lead. Anaheim has earned 17 of a possible 18 points in its last nine games (8-0-1).
SIGNED
The Dallas Stars signed former All-Star forward Mark Parrish on Wednesday to a one-year deal worth $500,000. The 31-year-old winger played in 66 games with the Wild last season and had 16 goals and 14 assists. Minnesota bought out the final three years of Parrish’s contract in July.
SPEAKING
“Obviously, the best goalie in the world is no longer here right now. We certainly miss him, but our strength is in numbers. We have to continue to believe in that.”—New Jersey Devils backup goalie Kevin Weekes, who beat the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday in place of injured starter Martin Brodeur— out until at least February due to an elbow injury.
EDMONTON (6-4-0-1, 13 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (6-4-0-2, 14 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 115-86 ATS (+206.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 87-45 ATS (+21.8 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
EDMONTON is 47-46 ATS (+102.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 46-36 ATS (+87.5 Units) in road games in November games since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 38-62 ATS (-25.7 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 1-0-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)
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NY ISLANDERS (4-7-0-1, 9 pts.) at ATLANTA (3-7-0-2, 8 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-4-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)
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TORONTO (5-4-0-4, 14 pts.) at BOSTON (6-3-0-3, 15 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 77-71 ATS (+160.8 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 26-46 ATS (-20.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
BOSTON is 104-105 ATS (-48.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 10-7 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 10-7-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)
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TAMPA BAY (4-3-0-3, 11 pts.) at NY RANGERS (10-5-0-1, 21 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 35-57 ATS (-24.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-52 ATS (+81.9 Units) in road games in November games since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 19-30 ATS (-14.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 14-17 ATS (-8.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 72-87 ATS (-64.6 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 21-23 ATS (-8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 6-4 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 6-4-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.7 Units)
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CAROLINA (7-3-0-2, 16 pts.) at WASHINGTON (5-4-0-2, 12 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 25-17 ATS (+47.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 11-5 ATS (+16.4 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 3-14 ATS (-13.7 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 9-7-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.6 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
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PHILADELPHIA (4-4-0-3, 11 pts.) at OTTAWA (5-5-0-2, 12 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 71-48 ATS (+17.5 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
OTTAWA is 48-50 ATS (+98.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 9-13 ATS (-11.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 0-6 ATS (+0.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OTTAWA is 0-6 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-3 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)
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MINNESOTA (7-3-0-1, 15 pts.) at COLORADO (5-7-0-0, 10 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 20-10 ATS (+30.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 97-76 ATS (+174.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
COLORADO is 66-65 ATS (-68.6 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 11-11-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.8 Units)
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NASHVILLE (6-5-0-1, 13 pts.) at CALGARY (7-5-0-1, 15 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 19-8 ATS (+9.7 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 21-12 ATS (+3.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 51-48 ATS (+115.0 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
CALGARY is 9-14 ATS (-9.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 5-4 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 5-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)
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PHOENIX (5-5-0-0, 10 pts.) at VANCOUVER (7-6-0-0, 14 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 14-11 ATS (+33.0 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 67-57 ATS (+133.2 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 13-9 ATS (+31.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-4 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 4-9 ATS (-6.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 5-3 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 5-3-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)
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ST LOUIS (5-5-0-0, 10 pts.) at SAN JOSE (11-2-0-0, 22 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 7-1 (+4.4 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 7-1-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.4 Units)
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FLORIDA (4-7-0-1, 9 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (3-6-0-2, 8 pts.) - 11/6/2008, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 198-225 ATS (-75.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 8-2 ATS (+10.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 75-97 ATS (+177.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 9-19 ATS (+29.9 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 5-22 ATS (+28.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 1-0 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 1-0-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)
7:00 PM CAROLINA vs. WASHINGTON
Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina
7:00 PM NY ISLANDERS vs. ATLANTA
NY Islanders are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the NY Islanders last 11 games
Atlanta is 7-14-1 SU in their last 22 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
7:00 PM TAMPA BAY vs. NY RANGERS
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Rangers last 11 games
7:00 PM TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
7:30 PM EDMONTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Edmonton is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Edmonton is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 6-1-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing at home against Edmonton
7:30 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. OTTAWA
Philadelphia is 4-13-5 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Philadelphia is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Ottawa is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games
9:00 PM MINNESOTA vs. COLORADO
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games at home
9:30 PM NASHVILLE vs. CALGARY
Nashville is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Calgary
Nashville is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville
Calgary is 5-12-3 SU in its last 20 games when playing Nashville
10:00 PM PHOENIX vs. VANCOUVER
Phoenix is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Phoenix is 4-15-2 SU in its last 21 games when playing Vancouver
Vancouver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Vancouver's last 13 games when playing at home against Phoenix
10:30 PM FLORIDA vs. LOS ANGELES
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games
Los Angeles is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
10:30 PM ST. LOUIS vs. SAN JOSE
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Hot teams
-- Islanders won last two games, allowing four goals, after losing their previous six contests.
-- Tampa Bay won three of last four games, losing 4th game in SO.
-- Bruins won four of their last five games.
-- Carolina won three of its last four games.
-- Senators won three of their last four games. Flyers won four of their last five games.
-- Flames won three of last four home games.
-- Canucks won three of their last four games.
-- Sharks won their last five games, allowing total of seven goals.
Cold teams
-- Edmonton lost six of its last eight games. Penguins lost three of their last four games.
-- Thrashers lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Maple Leafs are 4-8 in their last dozen games.
-- Rangers lost last two games, scoring three goals, after winning four in a row before that.
-- Washington lost its last two games, scoring one goal.
-- Colorado lost last four games, outscored 18-7. Minnesota lost three of its last four games.
-- Predators lost their last four road games, outscored 19-10.
-- Coyotes lost three of their last four road games.
-- Blues lost five of their last six games.
-- Panthers won last four games, outscored 14-6. Kings lost last five in a row, outscored 17-9.
Series Records
-- Visitor won last two Edmonton-Pittsburgh games.
-- Islanders, Thrashers split their last ten games.
-- Maple Leafs won three of last four visits to Boston.
-- Lightning lost three of last four visits to Madison Square Garden.
-- Carolina is 12-8 in last twenty games against Washington.
-- Colorado eliminated Minnesota from playoffs 4-2 last spring.
-- Senators lost three of last four games vs Philadelphia.
-- Nashville won nine of last thirteen games vs Calgary.
-- Canucks won nine of last twelve against Phoenix.
-- Sharks won nine of last ten games against the Blues.
Totals
-- Under is 6-3 in last nine Edmonton games.
-- Five of last six Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Last five Toronto-Boston games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Lightning games stayed under the total.
-- All four Washington home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Ottawa games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Colorado games all went over the total.
-- Five of last six Calgary games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Coyotes' last six games.
-- All three St Louis road games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Florida games stayed under the total.
Thursday's best NHL bets
COVERS.com
Minnesota vs. Colorado (-145, 5.5)
The Avs pulled off a five-game winning streak in the early going and hopes were higher than the Rocky Mountains in Denver. But they’ve come crashing back to Earth following a current four-game losing streak and now Colorado is trying to pull itself out of the slump.
There are two main reasons for the skid: The Avs are having trouble finishing and goalie Peter Budaj is looking average all of a sudden.
Until this point, Budaj had been playing like an All-Star, which was masking some of the Avs’ troubles defensively. But Colorado has allowed 18 goals over its last four games and we likely won’t be seeing the Slovak netminder back in the NHL’s top three weekly stars this week like we saw recently.
Besides that, Colorado has scored just seven goals during the slump. This young team needs to start getting some scoring from different sources if it wants to stop the bleeding.
Pick: Minnesota
St. Louis vs. San Jose (-260, 5)
The Sharks aren’t the team you want to face when you’re hoping to get a three-game West Coast road swing started off on the right foot. The Sharks are 11-2 this season (7-0 at home) and they sit atop the NHL standings.
St. Louis is going the opposite way with four losses in its last five games after a 4-1 start to the season. The Blues are young and still finding their groove and it’s not helping that there are some issues between the pipes.
The club is bringing four goalies on its western trip this week, thanks to some nagging injuries to Manny Legace and Ben Bishop. That means Chris Mason will likely be the starter and so far he’s a dismal 0-3 in a Blues uniform.
Pick: Sharks
NHL Forecast for November 6th
by Ron Raymond
Edmonton vs. Pittsburgh
The Oilers let one get away last night in Ohio, as they had a 4-2 lead vs. the Blue Jackets in the third period and they allowed Freddy Modin to get under their skin. In fact, by Modin running the crease, it seemed to have thrown the whole team off track, as the Oilers were in revenge mode. The Pens are 10-2 SU LY4 as a Home Favorite and they are coming off a game where they won by 3 Goals or More.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 5 Edmonton 4
NY Islanders vs. Atlanta
Big letdown spot here for the Islanders, as they are coming off a HUGE 2-1 upset win over the Rangers in their own building and they could be over confident against the inconsistent Thrashers. The Islanders are 2-9 (SU) as a Road team - Vs Non Division Opponent - With 1 day off - Coming off a 2 game winning streak.
Prediction: Atlanta 4 NY Islanders 2
Toronto vs. Boston
The Leafs can't continue to play catch up hockey and give big leads at the beginning of the game and now you're seeing the inexperience cash in. The Bruins let one slip away against this same Leafs team last month and I'm pretty sure they won't let that happen again. Leafs have the Habs on Saturday night, so look ahead spot here too for the Buds. Toronto is 3-7 SU as a road underdog before a division game the last 2 seasons.
Prediction: Boston 3 Toronto 2
Tampa Bay vs. NY Rangers
There's a pattern developing in New York, as the Rangers have a hard time getting up against teams with a losing record, as they lost to Toronto and the Islanders and barely beat the Thrashers. Tampa Bay is 7-8 SU in their last 15 trips to the Gardens and will be ready to rebound after last night?s shootout lost.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 3 NY Rangers 2
Carolina vs. Washington
Whenever you have marquee names in your line up like Ovechkin, Federov, and Backstrom, you will be getting some line value. The Caps are nowhere near the team they were in the second half of last season and the Canes get things done with hard work. The Capitals are 1-9 (SU) as a home favorite the last 5 years in November. Plus, Ward is 10-4 SU vs. Washington with 3 shutouts!
Prediction: Carolina 4 Washington 2
Philadelphia vs. Ottawa
Every team turns a corner in their season, either for the good or the bad and it looks like the Sens have turned on to let?s get going avenue! The Sens are coming off a decent road trip, won an OT thriller against the Caps in their last game and own a 9-3-3 record vs. the Flyers in their last 15 home games. When an Ottawa team is a home Fave - Total is 5.5 - After a non division game - Coming off vs. Southeast division opponent and coming off a Home win as a Favorite; the Sens are 8-2 SU in this role since ?99.
Prediction: Ottawa 5 Philadelphia 3
Minnesota vs. Colorado
Colorado is just one of those teams you really have to pick your spots when betting with them or against them and their riding a 4 game losing streak. Minnesota is one of those teams that depend too heavily on their goaltending; basically, they are the Devils of the west! Definitely one of those games you stay away from betting wise, but Backstrom is 7-1 SU vs. these Avs.
Prediction: Minnesota 3 Colorado 2
Nashville vs. Calgary
When CALGARY played as a home team - During Last 3 Years - Lost Last Game by 2 Goals; the Flames are 12-3 SU in their next game! Nashville reminds me of a baseball team with no closer, they score by comity!
Prediction: Calgary 4 Nashville 1
Phoenix vs. Vancouver
Every team has a building they wish they can skip on the schedule and for the Coyotes, that building is GM Place in Vancouver. The Coyotes are 2-12-1 SU in their last 15 trips and Vancouver is 11-5 (SU) as a Favorite last 5 Years and won their last game by 4 Goals or More.
Prediction: Vancouver 6 Phoenix 3
St.Louis vs. San Jose
Andy Murray was the National Canadians Hockey coach during the 90's and ran a great system, he might have to go back and get those work books on how to play defense with an inexperience goalie. The Blues have a goaltending issue right now and they can't be forechecking in an aggressive fashion, as team defense needs to be their first priority right now. Dangerous game for the Sharks, they might not take this Blues team serious and fall into their trap.
Prediction: San Jose 3 St.Louis 1
Florida vs. LA Kings
Ersberg looked great in his 1-0 lost to the Ducks in their last game, Terry Murray is giving him another shot tonight against the Panthers. Great angle on the Kings, they are 13-3 SU as a Home Favorite - During Last 4 Years and lost their game by 1 Goals or Less.
Prediction: LA Kings 5 Florida 3