Saturday 2-16-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:05 AM

Calgary Flames vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The Pittsburgh Penguins have responded favorably after losing four in a row and look to prevent the Calgary Flames from doing the same when the teams meet on Saturday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh can thank Matt Murray for its good fortune this week, as the two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender has turned aside 88 of 90 shots in victories over Philadelphia and Edmonton.

"(Murray is) very positionally sound -- it's an economy of motion," coach Mike Sullivan said. "... That's when Matt is at his very best, and he's certainly been very good the past couple of games." Murray made 38 saves in this previous encounter with Calgary, although the netminder admittedly was staked to a seven-goal lead after two periods in a 9-1 romp on Oct. 25. Former Penguins forward James Neal spoiled Murray's bid for a shutout by scoring with two minutes left in that contest, but departed Thursday's 3-2 shootout loss in Florida after a collision with Jayce Hawryluk. The 31-year-old Neal (lower body) has been ruled out of Saturday's tilt for the Flames, who secured a point against the Panthers to move into a tie with San Jose for first place in the Pacific Division despite falling to 0-2-2 in their last four outings.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Calgary), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE FLAMES (34-16-7): Elias Lindholm boosted his career-high point total to 65 after recording his fourth goal in six contests and denting the scoresheet for the 13th time in his last 14 games. Linemate Johnny Gaudreau set up his fourth tally in three tilts when he had a hand in Lindholm's personal-best 25th goal, boosting his team-leading totals in assists (49) and points (78). Gaudreau's 29 goals are tied for the club's top honors with Sean Monahan, who is two shy of his career-best total of 31 set in both 2014-15 and 2017-18.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (30-20-7): Pittsburgh could receive some punch along its blue line after activating offensive defenseman Justin Schultz from injured reserve, although Sullivan told reporters on Friday that the 28-year-old is a game-time decision to face the Flames. "It's up to me. When I feel I'm ready to play, I'll be in," said Schultz, who has missed past 53 games after fracturing his left leg against Montreal on Oct. 13. While the availability of Schultz is in question, former Hart Trophy recipient Evgeni Malkin is eligible to return after serving a one-game suspension for high sticking Flyers forward Michael Raffl and missing five of his previous six contests with an upper-body injury.

OVERTIME

1. Calgary captain Mark Giordano sports a team-best plus-29 rating, although he finished with a season worst-tying minus-3 in the first encounter with Pittsburgh.

2. Penguins RW Phil Kessel, who scored twice in the first meeting with the Flames, has just one assist in his last six outings to reside one point shy of 800 for his career.

3. Flames LW Matthew Tkachuk has answered an eight-game point streak by being held off the scoresheet in seven straight contests.

PREDICTION: Penguins 5, Flames 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:05 AM

Detroit Red Wings vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

Carter Hart made quite the impression during his NHL debut two months ago, turning aside 20 shots in the Philadelphia Flyers' 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Flyers, who entered that contest in last place in the Eastern Conference, are 10-1-1 in their last 12 outings heading into Saturday afternoon's opener of a home-and-home series against the visiting Red Wings.

Hart saw his personal eight-game winning streak halted in a 4-1 setback versus Pittsburgh on Monday before Philadelphia rebounded from an early deficit the following night in a 5-4 victory over Minnesota. James van Riemsdyk, who tallied twice against the Wild, collected a goal and an assist in the Flyers' 3-2 win over Detroit on Dec. 18 that improved the club to 14-0-1 in its last 15 regular-season home games against the Red Wings since Jan. 25, 1997. Detroit has answered a three-game skid with back-to-back 3-2 victories over Nashville and Ottawa, with speedy Andreas Athanasiou scoring three times in the wins to reach the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career. "It is nice to get my 20th goal, and I'm sure a lot of guys think that's a big deal, but I've never put a number on what I want to do," the 24-year-old Athanasiou said. "I just try to create as many chances as I can and try to finish some of them off."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, NHL Network, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, FS Detroit, NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (23-28-7): Dylan Larkin will look to continue his torrid play on Saturday when he skates in his 300th NHL game. The 22-year-old Michigan native set up Athanasiou's first-period goal on Thursday against the Senators to give him 13 (six goals, seven assists) of his club-best 54 points in the last 11 contests. Larkin's 30 assists are three shy of team leader Gustav Nyquist, who set up rookie defenseman Dennis Cholowski's power-play goal in the first meeting with Philadelphia.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (26-24-7): Jakub Voracek set up captain Claude Giroux's game-tying goal in the third period on Tuesday to extend his point streak to eight contests (three goals, seven assists) and provide a boost to Philadelphia's postseason aspirations in the process. "Once in a while, I look at the standings. You kind of know where you are if we win or if we lose, but more likely you look at how the other teams are playing," the 29-year-old Voracek said. "You can't afford to lose many games, that's for sure, but the way we are playing, we're pretty comfortable right now, we can sneak in somehow." Giroux, who set up van Riemsdyk's first-period tally versus Detroit in the first meeting, has recorded nine of his club-best 61 points (three goals, six assists) in his past seven games.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit G Jimmy Howard owns a 5-4-1 mark with one shutout, a 3.05 goals-against average and .902 save percentage in 10 career meetings with Philadelphia.

2. Flyers D Shayne Gostisbehere, who has eight assists in his last nine contests, scored and set up a goal in the first encounter with the Red Wings.

3. Detroit LW Jacob De La Rose, who is mired in a 16-game point drought, scored in the first meeting with Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: Flyers 3, Red Wings 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:05 AM

St. Louis Blues vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

Playing away from home has done nothing to slow down the rampaging St. Louis Blues, who are in the midst of their longest winning streak in more than 16 years. The Blues have ripped off eight consecutive victories to move into third place in the Central Division as they resume a three-game road trip with a visit to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday afternoon.

Six of the last eight victories have come on the road for St. Louis, which will be looking to win nine straight for the first time since early in the 2002-03 season. "It's an important time of the year for us," said forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who is on a spree with 12 goals in 14 games. "It's time to step up like all our leaders and everybody else in this locker room. We want to get in the playoffs, so that's what we're playing for." While the Blues have vaulted into the postseason picture, the Avalanche have been in a spiral of two-plus months that dropped them six points behind St. Louis. Colorado ended an eight-game slide (0-5-3) with a 4-1 victory at Winnipeg on Thursday, marking only its sixth win in the past 28 games (6-16-6).

TV: 3 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE BLUES (29-22-5): Tarasenko, who notched at least 33 goals in each of the past four seasons, scored twice Thursday to extend his point streak to a career-high 10 games, a span in which he has collected 17 points. In eight games since they were put together, the line of Tarasenko, Ryan O'Reilly and Brayden Schenn have erupted for 33 points. "We try to create some offense. "Sometimes from our effort, sometimes from just simple plays," said Tarasenko, who has eight goals in that span. "Brayden and Ryan are good players and when we put a puck deep, we have a chance to get it back. So that's what we try to do."

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (23-23-11): Center Dominic Toninato had a forgettable first season with Colorado in 2017-18, failing to score a goal and managing just a pair of assists in 37 games, but he finally found the net in his season debut Thursday. "It felt great getting the first one out of the way and I can just concentrate on playing my game," said Toninato, a fifth-round draft pick in 2012. "We've been struggling for that, so it was nice to get the win and hopefully we can get rolling now." Captain Gabriel Landeskog also scored Thursday, ending a six-game drought to boost his team-leading total to 30.

OVERTIME

1. Blues G Jordan Binnington won his seventh consecutive start Thursday to match a franchise rookie record.

2. Avalanche C Mikko Rantanen has four goals and 10 points in 12 games against St. Louis.

3. Blues F Robert Thomas has five assists during a four-game point streak.

PREDICTION: Blues 4, Avalanche 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:05 AM

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Arizona Coyotes Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

Auston Matthews hopes to have the opportunity to sit at his family's dinner table before feasting on the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday when the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their six-game road trip at Gila River Arena. Matthews, who has called Arizona home since he was 2 months old, scored in last year's homecoming to power the Maple Leafs to a 7-4 win on Dec. 28, 2017.

Matthews recorded his second straight three-point performance in Thursday's 6-3 win versus Vegas, with his two tallies helping the 21-year-old become the fourth-fastest player to reach the 100-goal mark in franchise history at 187 games. "It's special. I've been fortunate to play with a lot of really good players on any given night," Matthews told the Toronto Sun following his eighth multi-goal and 17th multi-point performance of the season. The Maple Leafs have won six of their last seven heading into the fifth stop of their road trip against an Arizona club that fell for the sixth time in eight outings with Thursday's 4-0 setback versus visiting St. Louis. "Obviously it's not good enough," Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson said of the team's 10-14-3 mark at home. "... It's frustrating, and especially around this time of year. Every game is so important right now and especially our homestands. It's huge for us, so we've got to find a way to win the home games."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBC, Sportsnet Ontario (Toronto), FS Arizona

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (36-18-3): Andreas Johnsson scored against the Golden Knights to record his ninth point (five goals, four assists) in his last six games before exiting the contest after being the recipient of a knee-on-knee hit from Brayden McNabb. The injury prevented the 24-year-old Johnsson from practicing the following day and led to coach Mike Babcock ruling him out versus the Coyotes. Tyler Ennis will draw back in the lineup for the first time since breaking his ankle on Dec. 22.

ABOUT THE COYOTES (25-27-5): Clayton Keller scored in the second period of Arizona's 4-2 win in Toronto on Jan. 20, marking his 11th goal of the season and his last to date. The 20-year-old has collected four of his club-best 27 assists in his last nine games to boost his team-leading point total to 38. Ekman-Larsson has just one point in eight games since setting up Keller's tally versus the Maple Leafs while Lawson Crouse has two assists in nine contests since scoring and setting up a goal against Toronto.

OVERTIME

1. Arizona C Alex Galchenyuk has scored three of his team-leading 12 goals in the last three contests.

2. Maple Leafs C John Tavares has nine points (three goals, six assists) over his last six games overall and 35 (19 goals, 16 assists) in 28 road contests.

3. The Coyotes have scored a league-low 70 goals at home this season.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 4, Coyotes 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:06 AM

Ottawa Senators vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The Winnipeg Jets have been one of the best teams on home ice in the NHL this season, but look to quickly erase their last performance at Bell MTS Place when they host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. Winnipeg suffered just its seventh regulation loss at home - the first since Dec. 29 - in an ugly 4-1 defeat against Colorado on Thursday to snap a nine-game point streak in its home rink, as the Jets simply were outplayed against a team riding an eight-game losing skid.

"We got away from simplifying our game a little bit," Winnipeg defenseman Tyler Myers told the media afterward. "But we've regrouped and bounced back before. We'll do it next game." The Jets, who are 2-3-1 in their past six games overall, get another chance against a struggling team in the Senators, who have lost seven of nine after Thursday's 3-2 setback at Detroit despite outshooting the Red Wings 42-29. "We had over 40 shots in someone else's building and held them under 30," Ottawa coach Guy Boucher told reporters afterward. "I'll take those stats every day. We just didn't capitalize on our opportunities." Ottawa sits in last place in the Eastern Conference, but looks to replicate one of its best games of the season - a 5-2 home triumph over the Jets on Feb. 9 in which forward Mark Stone scored twice.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet One, TVA

ABOUT THE SENATORS (21-31-5): Center Matt Duchene scored his fifth goal in five games Thursday, and his 11 goals (17 points) in his past 15 games has lifted him to a tie with Stone for the team lead with 26. Ottawa ranks last in the NHL in goals allowed per game (3.65), but received 44 saves from goaltender Anders Nilsson in last week's victory over Winnipeg. Stone recorded four goals and two assists during a four-game point streak that ended Thursday.

ABOUT THE JETS (36-19-3): Forward Brandon Tanev scored his career-high 12th goal Thursday, but Winnipeg - which ranks sixth in the league in scoring (3.4 per game) - failed to score more than three for the fifth time in six games. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck gave up a short-handed goal in the second period and stopped 31-of-35 shots against Colorado. Struggling forward Patrik Laine returned to Winnipeg's top power-play unit, but the Jets finished 0-for-4 with the man advantage.

OVERTIME

1. Ottawa 19-year-old F Brady Tkachuk scored his 13th goal of the season Thursday, giving him two in his past four games after scoring one in his previous 18 contests.

2. Jets D Joe Morrow suffered a lower-body injury Thursday that will sideline him for two-to-three weeks.

3. The Senators, who have won just seven games away from home this season, play the second contest of a four-game road trip Saturday.

PREDICTION: Jets 3, Senators 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:06 AM

Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The first-place New York Islanders host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday as the NHL's stingiest defense continues to stymie opponents. New York has won four of its last five games after Thursday's 3-0 road victory over Metropolitan Division-rival Columbus, allowing eight goals during that span and prompting Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella to tell reporters: "Give them credit. They have the No. 1 defensive team for a reason."

The Islanders have gone from the worst defensive team in the league (3.57 goals allowed in 2017-18) to the best this season (2.30) with a fresh approach under first-year coach Barry Trotz. Robin Lehner (31 games) and Thomas Greiss (30) have backboned the defense - combining to play all but 20 minutes in goal this season, with the latter making 31 saves on Thursday for his third shutout in six starts. "They've both been good, and we've been keeping them fresh," Trotz told reporters. "Both have responded, so there's no reason to sort of ride one when we can probably ride both of them. We'll see." The Oilers have lost three straight and nine of their last 10 games (1-7-2) after Friday's 3-1 setback at Carolina left them seven points out of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet Pacific (Edmonton), MSG Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE OILERS (24-28-5): Captain Connor McDavid (31 goals, team-high 82 points - third in the league) had his nine-game point streak snapped Friday as he was kept off the scoresheet for only the seventh time this season. Leon Draisaitl scored his club-high 34th goal of the season versus Carolina, giving him seven in his last six contests. Cam Talbot, who is 7-2-0 with a 2.53 goals-against average and .921 save percentage against New York, is expected to start after Mikko Koskinen made 24 saves on Friday in losing his fifth straight decision.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (34-17-6): All-star center Mathew Barzal (team-high 49 points) recorded an assist on Thursday after being kept off the scoresheet in the previous three games while Casey Cizikas has scored three of his 15 goals in the last two contests after tallying twice against Columbus. Josh Bailey (42 points) recorded a goal and an assist versus the Blue Jackets, giving him two of his 13 goals and two assists in the last four games. Anders Lee, who played his 400th career game on Thursday, leads the club with 18 goals but hasn't scored in his last 11 contests.

OVERTIME

1. Greiss is 4-0-1 with a .987 save percentage in his last five games.

2. New York has killed 15-of-16 penalties over its last eight games, while Edmonton hasn't scored a power-play goal (0-for-5) or allowed one (0-for-3) in its last two contests.

3. Edmonton has won four of the last five meetings, including a pair of 2-1 victories last season - one in overtime and the other in a shootout - with Talbot stopping a total of 66 shots.

PREDICTION: Islanders 3, Oilers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:06 AM

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The Tampa Bay Lightning have responded to a mini-scoring slump after the All-Star break by recording 22 goals during a four-game winning streak and look to continue their surge Saturday night when the Montreal Canadiens pay a visit. The Lightning lead the league in points (90), scoring (3.88 per game) and power-play percentage (29.8) after posting four goals in the first period of a 6-0 victory over Dallas on Thursday.

"It's a ton of fun to come to the rink every day when things are going as well as they have this year," Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos told reporters after netting two goals Thursday. "We're a group that our tendency is to have some fun and relax and enjoy ourselves. When you're doing that, you're usually playing some good hockey and playing with confidence." The Lightning, who managed seven goals in the first five games after the break despite going 2-1-2 in that stretch, own points in all eight games during February (6-0-2) and nine straight against the Canadiens (7-0-2). Montreal saw its six-game point streak (4-0-2) come to an end Thursday with a 3-1 setback at Nashville, failing to take advantage of 21 shots during the second period. "Our first period made it look like we were a team that hadn't played in four or five days. We weren't very good," Canadiens coach Claude Julien told reporters. "In the second period, we seemed to get our legs going, we seemed to find our game, but we didn't capitalize on our chances."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network; CITY, TVA, Sportsnet East (Montreal), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (31-19-7): Montreal unveiled its new fourth line as recently acquired Dale Weise and Nate Thompson joined holdover Nicolas Deslauriers to combine for six shots along with three hits Thursday. "They were good," Julien told reporters. "I thought they gave us some energy, they gave us some scoring chances. You see Weisey block a big shot, gives your team some energy, some excitement to see guys throwing themselves in front of pucks. So they did their job." Max Domi leads the team with 49 points while fellow forward Jonathan Drouin boasts nine of his 46 in the the last five games.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (43-11-4): Nikita Kucherov registered 11 of his league-leading 92 points in the last three games and is the first player in the league to reach 90 in the team's first 58 games since Alex Ovechkin (2009-10). "We weren't joking when we said we're not worried about Kuch," Stamkos told reporters of the Russian right wing, who was shut out in two games before the recent surge. ". ... When he's feeling it, it's so much fun to watch and he's a huge part of our offensive success." Center Brayden Point has eight of his 74 points in the last four games and Stamkos scored four of his 32 goals in the past three outings.

OVERTIME

1. Montreal D Shea Weber appeared in his 900th NHL contest Thursday and is two goals shy of 200 in his career.

2. Tampa Bay LW Alex Killorn scored his 12th goal of the season Thursday and needs one for 100 in his career.

3. Canadiens LW Tomas Tatar has scored in back-to-back games to push his total 18 - second on the team behind RW Brendan Gallagher (22).

PREDICTION: Lightning 4, Canadiens 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:06 AM

Dallas Stars vs. Carolina Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The Dallas Stars have fallen out of third place in the Central Division thanks in part to a less-than-successful road trip. They hope to end the five-game trek on a high note when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.

Dallas dropped to 1-2-1 on its trip after being blanked 6-0 at Tampa Bay on Thursday, a setback that - coupled with St. Louis posting its eighth straight victory - pushed the club into the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Stars captain Jamie Benn remains in search of his 20th goal of the season as he enters Saturday with a seven-game drought. Carolina returned home from a 4-1-0 road trip to record a 3-1 triumph over Edmonton on Friday. Nino Niederreiter scored twice in what was the seventh win in nine overall contests for the Hurricanes, who trail Pittsburgh by one point for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), FS Carolinas

ABOUT THE STARS (29-23-5): Defenseman John Klingberg will be in the lineup Saturday, according to The Athletic, after x-rays came back negative on an undisclosed injury that forced him out of Thursday's game. The 26-year-old Swede has recorded seven goals and 20 assists in 39 games this season, with three of his tallies being game-winners. Joel L'Esperance, a 23-year-old center, could make his NHL debut against Carolina after being recalled Friday from AHL Texas, where he recorded 27 goals and 42 points in 49 games.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (30-22-6): Sebastian Aho notched a pair of assists against the Oilers to increase his team-leading point total to a career-high 66. The 21-year-old Finn, who registered 65 points in 78 games last season, has collected three goals and 12 assists over his last 11 contests. Captain Justin Williams also set up two scores Friday, giving him 10 points in as many games.

OVERTIME

1. To make room for L'Esperance, the Stars assigned RW Denis Gurianov to Texas.

2. Niederreiter has recorded eight goals in 12 contests since being acquired from Minnesota.

3. Dallas LW Blake Comeau (upper body) is likely to return to the lineup after missing Thursday's game.

PREDICTION: Stars 4, Hurricanes 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:06 AM

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The red-hot Chicago Blackhawks are closing in on the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, emerging from oblivion and surging into contention courtesy of eight victories in their last nine games. The Blackhawks will play four of their next five games at home, beginning with Saturday night's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

After having its seven-game winning streak snapped in a 6-3 setback at Boston, Chicago responded with a 5-2 victory over New Jersey on Thursday as Patrick Kane extended his point string to 15 games. "When we all get on board with playing a certain way, we can catch teams in transition and make them vulnerable," Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton said. The Blue Jackets have been running hot and cold over the past five weeks and are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Columbus sandwiched a pair of four-game winning streaks around a five-game slide prior to Thursday's 3-0 home loss to the New York Islanders.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Columbus), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (32-21-3): Columbus will be missing some bodies up front as forwards Boone Jenner (injury) and Markus Hannikainen (illness) did not accompany the team to Chicago while forward Brandon Dubinsky (hip) was placed on injured reserve after missing his fifth consecutive game. The team dipped into the minors to add some depth by recalling forward Kole Sherwood, a native of New Albany, Ohio, who is on a tear with seven goals in the last 11 games for Cleveland of the American Hockey League. With Jenner out, captain Nick Foligno is expected to center a line of Josh Anderson and Anthony Duclair.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (24-25-9): Kane collected three more points Thursday and has scored 12 goals while setting up 22 others during his torrid stretch to shatter the franchise record set by Stan Mikita in 1967 with at least one assist in 15 consecutive games. "Sometimes I feel like I can play better, make better plays, have the puck more out there," said Kane, who has amassed 34 goals and 85 points on the season. "It's all a work in progress. Nice to produce, though, so keep going here." Brandon Saad, who had a career-high 31 goals with Columbus in 2015-16, has scored eight times in his last 14 games.

OVERTIME

1. Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has eight goals and seven assists in the last nine games.

2. Columbus F Artemi Panarin, who had 61 goals in his first two seasons with Chicago, has 35 points in 27 road games.

3. Ex-Blue Jackets C Artem Anisimov halted an 11-game goal drought in Chicago's win on Thursday night.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackets 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:07 AM

Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The San Jose Sharks saw their six-game winning streak come to an end against the defending Stanley Cup champions and look to start a new run when they host the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night. The Sharks averaged five goals during their streak before suffering a 5-1 setback against Washington on Thursday, losing at home for the first time since just before Christmas.

"They were hungrier and a little bit better than us," San Jose coach Peter DeBoer told reporters Thursday. "We had some pretty good nights in the last month, and tonight wasn't our best and we couldn't outscore our problems. ... They are a good team, and if you aren't right on, you are going to have a hard time. ... The details of our game weren't great." The Sharks have won both meetings by a combined 11-2 this season and five straight overall against the Canucks, who posted their second victory in seven games Thursday with a 4-3 shootout triumph at Los Angeles. Vancouver entered Friday in a virtual tie with Minnesota for the final wild-card spot and coach Travis Green is pleased with the experience his team is gaining after missing the playoffs the last three seasons. "You can still play in those games at this time of year, but if there's not something on the line then you don't feel pressure and it's not the same thing," Green told reporters. "For our young guys to go through this, it means a lot. We hope we make it. We hope we're there at the end. But we're learning as we go."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, CBC, CITY, Sportsnet, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet360, NBCS California (San Jose)

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (26-26-7): Defenseman Chris Tanev (ankle) returned to Vancouver for more evaluation and forward Jake Virtanen (upper body) missed Thursday's game, making it five regular skaters on the shelf. "I've talked about it before; there's no excuses," Green told the media. "Other guys step up, other guys get opportunity. ... Certain parts of the year you have to go through it and hopefully your team raises their game." Rookie center Elias Pettersson recorded seven of his team-leading 53 points in the last six games and right wing Brock Boeser scored his 20th goal Thursday before converting the shootout winner.

ABOUT THE SHARKS (34-17-7): All-Star defenseman Erik Karlsson (40 assists) is likely to miss his 10th straight game with a groin injury, but is beginning to show progress and could return to the lineup soon. Fellow blue liner Brent Burns has recorded 11 of his team-best 63 points in the last eight games, but finished with a minus-4 rating against Washington, and forward Kevin Labanc posted his fifth goal in three games. Tomas Hertl was kept off the scoresheet Thursday after recording four goals and seven points in the previous three contests while fellow forward Evander Kane has scored five times in four games.

OVERTIME

1. The Canucks are 3-for-30 on the power play in the last 11 games, but have killed off all 14 in the past four contests.

2. San Jose D Marc-Edouard Vlasic is two points shy of 300 in his career, but has gone without one the last four games.

3. Vancouver is also without Fs Sven Baertschi (concussion) and Brandon Sutter (groin) along with D Alexander Edler (concussion).

PREDICTION: Sharks 4, Canucks 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:07 AM

Nashville Predators vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 15th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/15/2019

The Vegas Golden Knights figured to have a tough time matching the success of their inaugural NHL season, when they made a stunning run to the Stanley Cup Finals before falling to the Washington Capitals. The Golden Knights will try to halt a three-game losing streak and reverse a pair of alarming trends when they host the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.

Vegas had its third straight third-period meltdown in Thursday's 6-3 loss to Toronto, which also marked a franchise-record five-game skid at home for a team that was dominant at T-Mobile Arena last season. "I can't worry about last year's team; I have to worry about this year and it's disappointing to lose at home," Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant said. "I thought we (gave) away a couple at home, but for the most part we've played some good teams and they beat us." One of those teams Gallant referred to was Nashville, which posted a 2-1 victory at Vegas on Jan. 23 and also knocked off the visiting Golden Knights 4-1 on Oct. 30. The Predators ended a three-game slide with a 3-1 home win over Montreal on Thursday to move within two points of first place Winnipeg in the Central Division.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Tennessee (Nashville), AT&T Sportsnet-Rocky Mountain (Las Vegas)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (34-21-5): Viktor Arvidsson continued his binge by scoring for the fourth time in three games to give him 12 goals in the last 13 contests, but he was more excited to see his newest teammate hit the scoresheet. Hulking forward Brian Boyle, acquired from New Jersey, scored against Montreal for his first point in five games with Nashville."He's a big body, and that's what he does," Arvidsson said of the 6-foot-6 Boyle. "He's great in front of the net. I think he's starting to learn the system, and it's still a process, but there's 20 games left so he can get even more into it, so that's great."

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (31-24-4): Vegas gave up two late goals to lose a lead in a 4-3 loss to Columbus last weekend before Arizona and Toronto each scored three unanswered third-period goals in its last two setbacks. "Obviously we're fragile right now but we still have to know we're in a hockey game there and were definitely in a position to try to win the game," forward Matt Pacioretty said after Toronto scored three times in the final 10 minutes. "That confidence wasn't there tonight and we've got to find it." William Karlsson scored his 18th goal Thursday but has tallied once in nine games versus Nashville.

OVERTIME

1. Predators C Ryan Johansen, who scored at Vegas last month, is riding a season-high six-game point streak.

2. Golden Knights G Marc-Andre Fleury has allowed 14 goals in dropping his last three starts.

3. Predators F Ryan Hartman ended a 27-game goal drought Thursday and scored twice against Vegas in October.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Golden Knights 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:07 AM

Boston Bruins vs. Los Angeles Kings Preview and Predictions 2019-02-16

NHL Predictions 16th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/16/2019

The Boston Bruins got off to a strong start on their five-game road trip and look to post their fifth straight overall victory when they visit the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. Boston extended its point streak to nine games (6-0-3) with Friday's 3-0 triumph in Anaheim, which pulled it within one point of Toronto for second place in the Atlantic Division.

Jake DeBrusk scored in his second consecutive game for the Bruins, who recorded a 5-4 overtime victory over Los Angeles at home last Saturday. Patrice Bergeron had his five-game point streak halted by the Ducks but registered a goal and two assists in the win over the Kings. Los Angeles is winless in its last three contests (0-1-2), a slide that began in Boston. The Kings, who reside in the Western Conference basement, squandered a late lead against Vancouver on Thursday and suffered a 4-3 shootout loss in the opener of their three-game homestand.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS West (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE BRUINS (33-17-8): Torey Krug has collected six assists during his five-game streak after setting up a goal Friday. The 27-year-old defenseman has notched an assist in eight of his last nine contests and is four away from posting his fourth consecutive 40-assist season. Noel Acciari scored in the win over Anaheim, ending his 16-game drought.

ABOUT THE KINGS (23-28-6): Defenseman Alec Martinez recorded a goal and an assist Thursday, giving him four points during his three-game streak. Kyle Clifford has registered five assists over his last four contests after posting two in back-to-back games. Rookie Austin Wagner has scored half of his eight goals on the season over his last four contests.

OVERTIME

1. Kings RW Dustin Brown has been kept off the scoresheet in five of his last six contests and remains one point shy of 600 for his career.

2. Boston C Sean Kuraly notched two assists Friday to give him a career-high 10 on the season and end his nine-game point drought.

3. Los Angeles has earned points in five of its last six games (3-1-2).

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Kings 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:08 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Saturday, February 16

Mercer @ E Tenn State

Game 773-774
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Mercer
47.424
E Tenn State
60.729
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
E Tenn State
by 13 1/2
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
E Tenn State
by 10 1/2
139 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
E Tenn State
(-10 1/2); Under

West Virginia @ Kansas

Game 679-680
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
West Virginia
58.800
Kansas
70.944
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas
by 12
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas
by 14
146 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
West Virginia
(+14); Over

Brigham Young @ Loyola Marymount

Game 677-678
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brigham Young
59.694
Loyola Marymount
60.266
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Loyola Marymount
by 1
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brigham Young
by 2 1/2
134 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Loyola Marymount
(+2 1/2); Over

Texas State @ AR-Little Rock

Game 675-676
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas State
56.504
AR-Little Rock
52.879
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas State
by 3 1/2
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas State
by 1 1/2
140
Dunkel Pick:
Texas State
(-1 1/2); Under

Penn State @ Purdue

Game 673-674
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Penn State
61.540
Purdue
76.204
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Purdue
by 14 1/2
132
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Purdue
by 12
139
Dunkel Pick:
Purdue
(-12); Under

Utah State @ Air Force

Game 671-672
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah State
61.629
Air Force
49.295
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah State
by 12 1/2
132
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah State
by 9 1/2
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah State
(-9 1/2); Under

VA-Commonwealth @ Dayton

Game 669-670
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
VA-Commonwealth
63.013
Dayton
65.933
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dayton
by 3
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dayton
by 1 1/2
135 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dayton
(-1 1/2); Under

Iowa State @ Kansas State

Game 667-668
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Iowa State
71.184
Kansas State
72.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas State
by 1
126
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas State
by 3
131
Dunkel Pick:
Iowa State
(+3); Under

Northeastern @ Coll of Charleston

Game 665-666
February 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northeastern
58.959
Coll of Charlesto
54.507
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northeastern
by 4 1/2
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Coll of Charlesto
by 2 1/2
141
Dunkel Pick:
Northeastern
(+2 1/2); Under

Missouri @ Ole Miss

Game 663-664
February 16, 2019 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Missouri
60.588
Ole Miss
68.101
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ole Miss
by 7 1/2
130
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ole Miss
by 9
137
Dunkel Pick:
Missouri
(+9); Under

TX-El Paso @ Southern Miss

Game 661-662
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
TX-El Paso
50.153
Southern Miss
56.596
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Southern Miss
by 6 1/2
125
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Southern Miss
by 8 1/2
130 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
TX-El Paso
(+8 1/2); Under

Valparaiso @ Drake

Game 659-660
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Valparaiso
52.656
Drake
54.151
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Drake
by 1 1/2
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Drake
by 5
135
Dunkel Pick:
Valparaiso
(+5); Over

TX-San Antonio @ Louisiana Tech

Game 657-658
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
TX-San Antonio
58.579
Louisiana Tech
55.140
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
TX-San Antonio
by 3 1/2
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisiana Tech
by 5 1/2
146 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
TX-San Antonio
(+5 1/2); Over

UAB @ Western Kentucky

Game 655-656
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UAB
49.852
Western Kentucky
58.333
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Western Kentucky
by 8 1/2
130
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Western Kentucky
by 7
137
Dunkel Pick:
Western Kentucky
(-7); Under

South Dakota @ Western Illinois

Game 771-772
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
South Dakota
45.383
Western Illinois
46.424
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Western Illinois
by 1
133
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Western Illinois
Pick
139 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Western Illinois
Under

UT-Martin @ SIU-Edwardsville

Game 769-770
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UT-Martin
42.398
SIU-Edwardsville
43.495
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
SIU-Edwardsville
by 1
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
UT-Martin
by 1
151
Dunkel Pick:
SIU-Edwardsville
(+1); Over

Grand Canyon @ Chicago State

Game 1763-1764
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Grand Canyon
58.251
Chicago State
29.175
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Grand Canyon
by 29
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Grand Canyon
by 21
142
Dunkel Pick:
Grand Canyon
(-21); Over

SC-Upstate @ Longwood

Game 1761-1762
February 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
SC-Upstate
40.729
Longwood
46.392
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Longwood
by 5 1/2
131
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Longwood
by 9
134
Dunkel Pick:
SC-Upstate
(+9); Under

Army @ Navy

Game 1759-1760
February 16, 2019 @ 2:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Army
47.535
Navy
43.878
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Army
by 3 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Army
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Army
N/A

The Citadel @ Western Carolina

Game 767-768
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
The Citadel
43.417
Western Carolina
44.794
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Western Carolina
by 1 1/2
167
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
The Citadel
by 1
165 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Western Carolina
(+1); Over

Charlotte @ Old Dominion

Game 653-654
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
46.403
Old Dominion
60.809
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Old Dominion
by 14 1/2
118
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Old Dominion
by 12 1/2
120 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Old Dominion
(-12 1/2); Under

Florida @ Alabama

Game 651-652
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida
67.922
Alabama
66.794
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 1
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Alabama
by 3 1/2
134 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida
(+3 1/2); Over

Rice @ Florida Atlantic

Game 649-650
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Rice
51.359
Florida Atlantic
52.837
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida Atlantic
by 1 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida Atlantic
by 6
147 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Rice
(+6); Over

Middle Tennessee @ Marshall

Game 647-648
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Middle Tennessee
51.468
Marshall
44.960
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Middle Tennessee
by 6 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Marshall
by 7 1/2
156
Dunkel Pick:
Middle Tennessee
(+7 1/2); Under

Miami-OH @ Western Michigan

Game 645-646
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami-OH
53.971
Western Michigan
50.563
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami-OH
by 3 1/2
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami-OH
by 5 1/2
141
Dunkel Pick:
Western Michigan
(+5 1/2); Under

North Texas @ FIU

Game 643-644
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
North Texas
54.995
FIU
49.179
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Texas
by 5
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Texas
by 2
152
Dunkel Pick:
North Texas
(-2); Over

Fordham @ Rhode Island

Game 641-642
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Fordham
45.598
Rhode Island
58.902
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Rhode Island
by 13 1/2
140
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Rhode Island
by 10 1/2
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Rhode Island
(-10 1/2); Over

Xavier @ Providence

Game 639-640
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Xavier
58.442
Providence
66.203
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Providence
by 8
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Providence
by 5 1/2
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Providence
(-5 1/2); Over

Florida State @ Georgia Tech

Game 637-638
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida State
72.019
Georgia Tech
58.084
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida State
by 14
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida State
by 6
131 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida State
(-6); Over

Indiana @ Minnesota

Game 635-636
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
61.212
Minnesota
65.589
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 4 1/2
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 3 1/2
135
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-3 1/2); Over

Coastal Carolina @ Appalachian St

Game 633-634
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Coastal Carolina
52.853
Appalachian St
50.499
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Coastal Carolina
by 2 1/2
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Coastal Carolina
by 1
155
Dunkel Pick:
Coastal Carolina
(-1); Over

Notre Dame @ Virginia

Game 631-632
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Notre Dame
61.303
Virginia
77.630
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Virginia
by 16 1/2
120
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Virginia
by 18 1/2
123 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Notre Dame
(+18 1/2); Under

Baylor @ Texas Tech

Game 629-630
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baylor
71.744
Texas Tech
73.282
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas Tech
by 1 1/2
126
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas Tech
by 7 1/2
129 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baylor
(+7 1/2); Under

Drexel @ Towson

Game 627-628
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Drexel
47.392
Towson
45.706
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Drexel
by 1 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Towson
by 1 1/2
141 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Drexel
(+1 1/2); Over

Akron @ Ball State

Game 625-626
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Akron
58.530
Ball State
56.069
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Akron
by 2 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ball State
by 3 1/2
135 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Akron
(+3 1/2); Over

Sacred Heart @ LIU-Brooklyn

Game 1757-1758
February 16, 2019 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacred Heart
47.150
LIU-Brooklyn
45.052
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacred Heart
by 2
170
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LIU-Brooklyn
by 1
162
Dunkel Pick:
Sacred Heart
(+1); Over

Texas A&M @ South Carolina

Game 623-624
February 16, 2019 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas A&M
61.178
South Carolina
67.763
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
South Carolina
by 7 1/2
139
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
South Carolina
by 4
147
Dunkel Pick:
South Carolina
(-4); Under

Oklahoma State @ Texas

Game 621-622
February 16, 2019 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma State
58.602
Texas
72.298
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 13 1/2
128
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
by 11
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-11); Under

Detroit @ Green Bay

Game 619-620
February 16, 2019 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
43.775
Green Bay
51.501
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 7 1/2
172
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Green Bay
by 4 1/2
163
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(-4 1/2); Over

Stony Brook @ New Hampshire

Game 1755-1756
February 16, 2019 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Stony Brook
50.460
New Hampshire
38.430
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Stony Brook
by 12
130
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Stony Brook
by 14 1/2
122
Dunkel Pick:
New Hampshire
(+14 1/2); Over

UMass Lowell @ MD-Baltimore Co

Game 1753-1754
February 16, 2019 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UMass Lowell
46.428
MD-Baltimore Co
52.206
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
MD-Baltimore Co
by 6
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
MD-Baltimore Co
by 4
142
Dunkel Pick:
MD-Baltimore Co
(-4); Over

Bucknell @ Holy Cross

Game 1751-1752
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Bucknell
55.254
Holy Cross
46.014
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Bucknell
by 9
140
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Bucknell
by 3 1/2
139
Dunkel Pick:
Bucknell
(-3 1/2); Over

Auburn @ Vanderbilt

Game 617-618
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Auburn
70.717
Vanderbilt
57.250
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Auburn
by 13 1/2
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Auburn
by 8
149 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Auburn
(-8); Over

Southern Illinois @ Indiana State

Game 613-614
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Southern Illinois
53.358
Indiana State
51.936
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Southern Illinois
by 1 1/2
131
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana State
by 1 1/2
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Southern Illinois
(+1 1/2); Under

Clemson @ Louisville

Game 609-610
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Clemson
70.720
Louisville
74.374
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisville
by 3 1/2
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisville
by 6 1/2
132 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Clemson
(+6 1/2); Over

George Washington @ Duquesne

Game 607-608
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
George Washington
49.029
Duquesne
55.224
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duquesne
by 6
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duquesne
by 8 1/2
140 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
George Washington
(+8 1/2); Over

North Carolina @ Wake Forest

Game 605-606
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
North Carolina
73.721
Wake Forest
57.156
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Carolina
by 13 1/2
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Carolina
by 17
156
Dunkel Pick:
Wake Forest
(+17); Over

Maryland @ Michigan

Game 603-604
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Maryland
67.235
Michigan
76.457
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan
by 9
124
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan
by 7
129
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan
(-7); Under

Oklahoma @ TCU

Game 601-602
February 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma
62.607
TCU
70.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
TCU
by 7 1/2
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
TCU
by 5 1/2
145
Dunkel Pick:
TCU
(-5 1/2); Under

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-16-2019, 11:09 AM

Big ATS edge in Big Ten rivalry, highlights this weekend's NCAA basketball odds and analysis
Monty Andrews

Michigan State has dominated the head-to-head series with the Buckeyes, going 8-3 SU and ATS in the previous 11 meetings.

Yee haw! Nevada and Wyoming will lock horns in weekend college hoops action, and over bettors will be salivating at the possibility of another barn burner between the Mountain West rivals. That matchup highlights a positively bonkers mid-February NCAA basketball schedule that includes Oklahoma looking to remain one of the top cover-under combo options in the country, and Michigan State primed to extend its recent dominance over a key rival. Here are the top games, betting trends and tips to monitor as the countdown to March Madness grows ever smaller:

Hold on to Your Saddles

The Wyoming Cowboys might not be able to hang with the 2018-19 edition of the Nevada Wolf Pack, but they'll certainly try. The Cowboys and Wolf Pack renew hostilities Saturday in a rematch of last year's incredible head-to-head encounter, won 104-103 in overtime by Wyoming. And while fans shouldn't expect another 207-point free-for-all, it's worth noting that the teams have cashed the over in seven of their previous eight meetings, with the lone under in that span finishing just 1.5 points below the final total. That said, Wyoming is averaging a paltry 66 points per game this season, good for 325th overall.

Time for a New Streak?

The most impressive cover streak in Division I has come to an end – but bettors shouldn't sleep on Sam Houston State just because the Bearkats fell short of extending their ATS run to 15 games. Sam Houston State came up short as a 4.5-point favorite in a 70-69 win over Texas A&M CC, but remains the best cover team in the country at 18-4 ATS entering Saturday's showdown with host Lamar. Not only do the Cardinals come in as one of the worst ATS teams in college hoops at a dreadful 7-14 ATS, but they've lost 13 of their previous 16 encounters with the Bearkats, who covered in their last meeting.

There likely won't be a national title celebration for the boys from Norman this season – but the Oklahoma Sooners remain the apple of bettors' eye as they look to halt a five-game losing skid Saturday afternoon against host Texas Christian. The Sooners are just 1-3-1 ATS in their last five, but that's but a minor blemish on an otherwise spectacular 16-6-3 ATS mark for the season. OU is also one of the premier under plays among elite conference teams, bringing a 9-16 O/U record into the weekend. But beware: Oklahoma is a trend-busting 1-3 ATS and 3-0-1 O/U in its last four meetings with TCU.

Advantage: Spartans

The rivalry between Michigan State and Ohio State has been one-sided, at least in recent years. And that trend looks like it might very well continue beyond the weekend as the Spartans welcome the Buckeyes to Breslin Student Events Center for a Big Ten showdown. Not only has Michigan State emerged as one of the best cover plays in the nation (18-7 ATS), it has dominated the head-to-head series with the Buckeyes, going 8-3 SU and ATS in the previous 11 meetings. And one other factor to consider: Ohio State was in action Thursday night against visiting Illinois before heading to East Lansing.

Mid-Major to Watch

Drake Bulldogs (19-7 SU, 18-5-1 ATS, 11-13 O/U): How could anyone hate the Drake? The Bulldogs have lined bettors' pockets for the majority of the season, entering Saturday's Missouri Valley Conference tilt with Valparaiso with the second-best ATS record in the nation. Drake has also been a strong straight-up profit maker of late, going 5-1-1 SU in its previous seven games as an underdog. The Bulldogs' 10-game cover streak early in the season is one of the longest of any Division I school this season.

How have the Bulldogs confounded oddsmakers? On offense, they've shot a blistering 47.5 percent from the floor (just outside the top 40 nationally) while connecting on 36.5 percent of their 3-point attempts (81st) and 73.7 percent of their free throws (68th). At the other end of the floor, Drake has made life miserable for opposing long-range shooters, limiting them to a 31-percent success rate (40th). Their Jan. 26 win over Valpo marked the first time they had held the Crusaders below 60 points.

National Title Odds

The current betting landscape sees 10 teams listed at +2,500 or better to win the national title – led, of course, by the star-studded Duke Blue Devils, who are lapping the field at +190. But who among the second tier of teams has the best shot? Four teams find themselves just outside the top 10, with Syracuse, Auburn, Marquette and Texas Tech all listed at +5,000.

Betting Trends

There doesn't appear to be a course correction coming with regard to totals outcomes. Non-overtime games finished below the number more than 56 percent of the time over the previous seven days, with all games going under at a 52.3-percent clip. The under continues to be the superior totals option for the season, connecting at a 51.9-percent rate.

Road favorites have been the darlings of the spread world yet again, making good more than 58.3 percent of the time over the previous week – the most significant edge of any ATS trend in that span. That moves away faves to 51.1 percent for the season, while all favorites have an ever-so-slight edge at 50.2 percent as we head into the middle of February.

Saturday 2-16-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Saturday 2-16-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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