Saturday 10-14-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Maple Leafs at Canadiens

Gracenote
Oct 14, 2017

The Montreal Canadiens have scored all of four goals in as many games this season and their power play has failed to convert on each of its 14 opportunities. Despite being outscored 11-2 during their current three-game skid, the Canadiens can point to the positive of holding a 14-game winning streak over the Toronto Maple Leafs heading into Saturday's tilt between the Original Six rivals at the Bell Centre.

Montreal has outscored Toronto 46-27 during the suddenly one-sided series, with the Maple Leafs' last win over the Canadiens coming on Jan. 18, 2014, and their last victory in the Bell Centre over four years ago (Oct. 1, 2013). Carey Price boasts an 11-0-0 mark with one shutout and a 1.88 goals-against average in his last 11 starts versus Toronto, but the 2015 Hart and Vezina Trophy winner has been blitzed for nine goals over his last 64 shots faced - including three in a 3-1 setback versus Chicago on Tuesday. While the Canadiens have struggled on offense, the Maple Leafs have had no such issue as they boast the top-ranked power play (8-for-24, 33.3 percent) and are averaging a staggering 5.5 goals per game. Defense is another issue and Toronto coach Mike Babcock said as much following a 6-3 setback to New Jersey. "Hockey's fair. You get what you deserve and that's what we deserved," Babcock said.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, NHL Network, CBC, TVAS

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (3-1-0): Toronto has yielded 16 goals in four games, with goaltender Frederik Andersen on the hook for all of them while seeing his save percentage plummet to .871. "We've got some mistakes to clean up and we should be ready on Saturday," the 28-year-old Dane said. "(Wednesday's loss) showed the talent won't always make up for the mistakes we make. We've got to learn to defend better." The Maple Leafs were sluggish defensively to begin last season, permitting 3.6 goals per game over the first month.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (1-3-0): Coach Claude Julien dismissed the notion that the team is attempting to "bury" Alex Galchenyuk after the 23-year-old wing was demoted to the fourth line to play alongside Torrey Mitchell and Ales Hemsky. "Alex is having a tough start," Julien said of Galchenyuk, who has yet to record a point in four games after signing a three-year, $14.7 million contract in July. "With the amount of ice time he's had on the power play and everything else, it just doesn't seem like he's getting scoring chances right now. I have to do what I have to do as a coach and it's certainly not indicative of him only because there's other guys that we think can help produce as well and they're not." Galchenyuk missed practice on Friday with flu-like symptoms, with Julien noting it's "too early" to know if he'll play versus Toronto.

OVERTIME

1. Montreal D David Schlemko, who is sidelined with a hand injury, was sent to Laval of the American Hockey League for a conditioning stint.

2. Toronto D Connor Carrick (upper body) told TSN he's feeling better and should be able to play on Saturday.

3. Canadiens D Mark Streit cleared waivers on Friday and was sent to Laval.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Toronto at Montreal

W/L TRENDS

Toronto

Maple Leafs are 4-0 in their last 4 Saturday games. Maple Leafs are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Maple Leafs are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Maple Leafs are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 9-3 in their last 12 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Maple Leafs are 8-3 in their last 11 games playing on 2 days rest. Maple Leafs are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Maple Leafs are 44-90 in their last 134 road games. Maple Leafs are 33-73 in their last 106 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 6-15 in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Maple Leafs are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.

Montreal

Canadiens are 9-3 in their last 12 vs. Atlantic. Canadiens are 6-2 in their last 8 Saturday games. Canadiens are 7-3 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Canadiens are 5-11 in their last 16 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Canadiens are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Canadiens are 1-6 in their last 7 overall. Canadiens are 0-5 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Toronto

Over is 4-0 in Maple Leafs last 4 overall. Over is 4-0 in Maple Leafs last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 5-0 in Maple Leafs last 5 Saturday games. Under is 5-1 in Maple Leafs last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Maple Leafs last 6 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 8-2 in Maple Leafs last 10 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 5-2 in Maple Leafs last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 22-9 in Maple Leafs last 31 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-4 in Maple Leafs last 13 games after allowing 8 or more power play opportunities in their previous game.

Montreal

Under is 5-0 in Canadiens last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1-2 in Canadiens last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 Saturday games. Under is 4-1-1 in Canadiens last 6 vs. Atlantic. Under is 21-7-7 in Canadiens last 35 overall. Under is 21-7-7 in Canadiens last 35 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 12-4-5 in Canadiens last 21 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 15-6-6 in Canadiens last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 9-4-3 in Canadiens last 16 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Montreal. Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings. Maple Leafs are 6-20 in the last 26 meetings. Maple Leafs are 0-8 in the last 8 meetings in Montreal.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Blues at Lightning

Gracenote
Oct 13, 2017

Two teams off to strong starts look to take another step forward as the Tampa Bay Lightning attempt to remain unbeaten at home Saturday night when they host the St. Louis Blues. The Lightning moved to 3-0-0 at Amalie Arena with one-goal wins over Washington and Pittsburgh this week while injury-hampered St. Louis won its first four contests before losing 5-2 at Florida on Thursday.

Tampa Bay has posted 18 goals - third in the league through Thursday - in four games, but allowed an average of 37.5 shots for the third-most in the league in the same span. “Those two teams, the Capitals and Penguins, are both teams we’ve had a lot of trouble with in the past couple years,” Lightning left wing Alex Killorn told reporters after recording four of his team-high six assists Thursday in the 5-4 win over Pittsburgh. “To get two wins at the beginning of the season against them in front of our home crowd, it’s huge momentum-wise. We want to keep going, keep building.” The Blues, who end a four-game road swing Saturday, gave up at least 38 shots for the third time in five games Thursday and finally paid the price as Florida recorded five consecutive goals after opening the scoring. “For me, we’ve got a chance to have a really good trip or a so-so trip” St. Louis coach Mike Yeo told reporters. “The next one is a big one. It’s always going to be about how we respond.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE BLUES (4-1-0): Vladimir Tarasenko has three goals in five games, but the All-Star wing accumulated just 12 shots in the early going and was a minus-3 in Thursday’s setback. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo continued his strong start with a pair of assists against Florida and leads the team with eight points and 24 shots on goal in the early going while left wing Jaden Schwartz is second with seven points. The Blues recalled 21-year-old Samuel Blais on Friday and sent fellow forward Tage Thompson, a former first-round pick who had zero points in three games before being scratched Thursday, to San Antonio of the American Hockey League.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (3-1-0): Captain Steven Stamkos (six points) scored his first goal of the season Thursday and leads the team with 17 shots while linemate Nikita Kucherov has scored four times in four contests. Defenseman Slater Koekkoek, who played just 3:09 in his season debut Monday against Washington, scored his first two NHL goals in the win over Pittsburgh while logging 9:44. “Last game was tough against Washington. I’m happy we got the win, but sitting there is not always easy,” Koekkoek told reporters after his 43rd NHL contest. “I was just happy to get somewhat of a regular shift and be part of shutting them down late in the game.”

OVERTIME

1. St. Louis C Paul Stastny, who posted a power-play goal Thursday, needs one point to reach 600 in his career.

2. Stamkos needs one power-play goal to pass Vincent Lecavalier (112) for first on the franchise’s all-time list.

3. The Blues have won six of the last seven meetings, but dropped a 5-2 decision in their last visit to Tampa Bay.

PREDICTION: Lightning 5, Blues 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - St. Louis at Tampa Bay

W/L TRENDS

St. Louis

Blues are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Blues are 9-2 in their last 11 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Blues are 6-2 in their last 8 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Blues are 15-6 in their last 21 road games. Blues are 25-10 in their last 35 overall. Blues are 80-34 in their last 114 Saturday games. Blues are 41-20 in their last 61 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 55-27 in their last 82 vs. Atlantic. Blues are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Blues are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 8-0 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Central. Lightning are 5-0 in their last 5 home games. Lightning are 6-1 in their last 7 overall. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Lightning are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Lightning are 37-18 in their last 55 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Lightning are 3-9 in their last 12 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

St. Louis

Over is 3-0-1 in Blues last 4 Saturday games. Under is 4-0 in Blues last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-1-1 in Blues last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 20-5-5 in Blues last 30 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-1-1 in Blues last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Blues last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Under is 4-1 in Blues last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 8-2-1 in Blues last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 9-3-4 in Blues last 16 vs. Atlantic. Under is 15-6-1 in Blues last 22 road games. Over is 5-2 in Blues last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 11-5-1 in Blues last 17 overall.

Tampa Bay

Over is 6-0 in Lightning last 6 overall. Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 games following a win. Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 home games. Over is 5-1 in Lightning last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Lightning last 5 vs. Central.

HEAD TO HEAD

Blues are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings. Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Tampa Bay. Home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Over is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Hurricanes at Jets

Gracenote
Oct 13, 2017

The Winnipeg Jets signed veteran goaltender Steve Mason as a free agent in the offseason, but the combination of solid play in net from Connor Hellebuyck and a simplistic approach has sparked two straight victories entering Saturday’s home contest with the Carolina Hurricanes. Hellebuyck made 30 saves as the Jets beat Vancouver 4-2 on Thursday, and after Mason allowed 11 goals in his first two starts, Winnipeg has settled down to win back-to-back road games.

“These last two games we’ve adjusted nicely and kept things simple,” defenseman Tyler Myers told reporters after Thursday’s game, in which he scored late in the second period. Carolina has not played since suffering a 2-1 overtime loss to Columbus on Tuesday, and kick off their first road trip of the season which includes a four-city swing. “It’s a good trip in the fact we play four good teams and we get a little bit of time in between,” Carolina coach Bill Peters told the media after Thursday’s practice. “We’ll get in the rhythm of playing.” Forward Jeff Skinner tied Tuesday’s loss with 1:25 left in regulation, but the Hurricanes finished 0-for-3 on the power play and could not capitalize on a 4-on-3 advantage in overtime.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Carolinas, Sportsnet 1, CITY (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (1-0-1): Carolina has fired 80 shots on goal through two games - including seven in overtime Monday - but is just 1-for-8 on the power play overall. Center Elias Lindholm is plus-3 through two games with two assists. Goaltender Scott Darling, who allowed the game-tying goal with 0.3 seconds left in a 5-4 shootout victory in the season opener against Minnesota, made 25 saves against the Blue Jackets.

ABOUT THE JETS (2-2-0): Forward Nikolaj Ehlers followed up his hat trick in Monday’s 5-2 victory at Edmonton by adding an empty netter Thursday to move into a tie with Mark Scheifele for the team lead in points (five). Myers (plus-6) and newly acquired defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (plus-4) have helped stabilize the defense after the Jets allowed 13 goals in losing their first two games. Hellebuyck has stopped 67-of-71 shots in his two starts.

OVERTIME

1. Carolina D Trevor van Riemsdyk sustained a concussion against Minnesota and did not travel to Winnipeg with the team on Friday.

2. Winnipeg hopes D Dustin Byfuglien (lower-body injury) will return Saturday after missing the past two games.

3. The Jets and Hurricanes split their two meetings last season - each winning on home ice.

PREDICTION: Jets 4, Hurricanes 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Carolina at Winnipeg

W/L TRENDS

Carolina

Hurricanes are 17-35 in their last 52 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Hurricanes are 17-38 in their last 55 road games. Hurricanes are 3-7 in their last 10 vs. Central. Hurricanes are 2-6 in their last 8 overall. Hurricanes are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Hurricanes are 0-4 in their last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Winnipeg

Jets are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Metropolitan. Jets are 7-0 in their last 7 games following a win. Jets are 7-0 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Jets are 6-1 in their last 7 home games. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Jets are 9-2 in their last 11 overall. Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Jets are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Carolina

Over is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 vs. Central. Over is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 vs. Western Conference. Under is 3-1-1 in Hurricanes last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 35-14-3 in Hurricanes last 52 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 5-2-1 in Hurricanes last 8 road games.

Winnipeg

Over is 5-0 in Jets last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Jets last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 17-4-2 in Jets last 23 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Jets last 8 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 20-7-2 in Jets last 29 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 19-7 in Jets last 26 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 18-7-1 in Jets last 26 games following a win. Over is 10-4-4 in Jets last 18 Saturday games. Over is 34-15-3 in Jets last 52 overall.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Winnipeg. Hurricanes are 28-12-3 in the last 43 meetings in Winnipeg.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Blue Jackets at Wild

Gracenote
Oct 14, 2017

The Minnesota Wild will have a depleted group of forwards when they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets for their home opener on Saturday, just two days after picking up a gutsy victory. The Wild, who already were without Zach Parise and Mikael Granlund due to injuries, lost fellow forwards Nino Niederreiter, Marcus Foligno and Charlie Coyle during the 5-2 triumph at Chicago on Thursday.

“We don’t mention it, because somebody’s got to step up and do the job,” Minnesota coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters. “If you sit there and pull the ‘woe is me’ thing, then you’re always getting your built-in excuse for failure. We’re a group that doesn’t ever want to have that particular thought.” The Wild will try to patch together a lineup to take on the Blue Jackets, who topped the visiting New York Rangers 3-1 on Friday for their third win in four games to start the season. Sergei Bobrovsky has been brilliant in his first three contests, turning aside 103 of the 105 shots he has faced to win each of the starts. Artemi Panarin, who was acquired from Chicago in a blockbuster deal involving Brandon Saad over the summer, scored his first goal with the Blue Jackets in Friday’s victory after posting three assists in the first three contests.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Columbus), FSN North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (3-1-0): Seth Jones and Zach Werenski, the team's top two defensemen, each recorded two points on Friday and may even take on more responsibility after blue-liner Gabriel Carlsson left the contest with an upper-body injury. Sonny Milano was kept off the scoresheet Friday but leads the team with four goals and is tied with Panarin for the top spot at four points. Brandon Dubinsky has yet to contribute a point in four games and Josh Anderson is scoreless in two contests since returning to the team after missing the preseason due to a contract holdout.

ABOUT THE WILD (1-1-1): It does not appear that Granlund (groin) and Parise (undisclosed) will be ready to play Saturday, Coyle is out 6-8 weeks with a fractured fibula, Niederreiter (high ankle sprain) could miss three weeks and Foligno (facial fracture) will be lost for at least seven days. Minnesota gained cap relief by placing Coyle on long-term injured reserve before recalling former No. 1 pick Luke Kunin to make his NHL debut on Saturday. Chris Stewart continued his strong start with two goals on Thursday to increase his team-leading totals to four tallies and five points, while Jason Zucker doubled is point total to four.

OVERTIME

1. The Blue Jackets won both meetings last season, allowing a total of two goals, and have triumphed in seven of the last nine in the all-time series.

2. Minnesota D Ryan Suter leads the team in average ice time (25 minutes, 18 seconds) and has registered 12 shots, tying him with C Eric Staal for the most on the team.

3. Columbus D David Savard has yet to record a point but leads the team with 13 shots.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Wild 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Columbus at Minnesota

W/L TRENDS

Columbus

Blue Jackets are 15-6 in their last 21 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 12-5 in their last 17 vs. a team with a losing record. Blue Jackets are 5-11 in their last 16 overall. Blue Jackets are 2-9 in their last 11 road games. Blue Jackets are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Central. Blue Jackets are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Blue Jackets are 1-8 in their last 9 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Minnesota

Wild are 3-8 in their last 11 games following a win. Wild are 5-14 in their last 19 games playing on 1 days rest. Wild are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Wild are 2-6 in their last 8 overall. Wild are 6-21 in their last 27 vs. Metropolitan. Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Wild are 2-8 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Wild are 1-5 in their last 6 Saturday games. Wild are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Wild are 0-5 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Columbus

Under is 3-1-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 15-5-1 in Blue Jackets last 21 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-3-1 in Blue Jackets last 13 road games. Over is 6-2-1 in Blue Jackets last 9 vs. Central. Under is 5-2 in Blue Jackets last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2 in Blue Jackets last 7 games following a win. Under is 20-8-1 in Blue Jackets last 29 vs. Western Conference.

Minnesota

Over is 4-0 in Wild last 4 overall. Over is 4-0 in Wild last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-0 in Wild last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 24-7-2 in Wild last 33 games following a win. Over is 10-3-3 in Wild last 16 Saturday games. Under is 16-5-2 in Wild last 23 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Over is 16-5-5 in Wild last 26 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Wild last 8 home games. Over is 11-4-1 in Wild last 16 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 8-3 in Wild last 11 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 34-15-8 in Wild last 57 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Minnesota. Under is 10-2-1 in the last 13 meetings. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Minnesota. Blue Jackets are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Avalanche at Stars

Gracenote
Oct 14, 2017

The Dallas Stars hope to begin finishing more of their abundant chances around the net when they host the improving Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. The Stars have managed just eight goals - four on the power play - in four contests to start the season despite being among the league leaders at 37.5 shots per game after registering 31 in a 4-1 loss at Nashville on Thursday.

“I’m concerned that we’re missing a number of glorious opportunities and we’re letting the other goalie outwork us,” Dallas coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters. “We’ve got three games now where we’ve made the (opposing) goalie the first star, and we need to figure that out quick.” The Stars begin a stretch during which they play three of four at home when they host the Avalanche, who are off to a promising start after recording the fewest amount of points in the league by a large margin last season. Colorado won for the fourth time in five games to start the campaign Friday, posting a 3-1 triumph against Anaheim, and Nathan MacKinnon - who left the game with an eye injury in the first period - is expected to be ready on Saturday. Defenseman Tyson Barrie has recorded two goals and two assists after scoring on Friday for the Avalanche, who have allowed just 10 goals in five contests.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), FSN Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (4-1-0): Colorado’s revamped defense has shined in the early going as veteran Erik Johnson boasts a plus-8 rating and Patrik Nemeth, who was claimed off waivers from Dallas just before the season, is plus-7 with three assists. Jonathan Bernier posted the win against Anaheim while Semyon Varlamov, who missed most of last season due to injury, is 3-0-0 with a .945 save percentage in his three starts. Sven Andrighetto, who was acquired from Montreal at the trade deadline last season and collected 16 points in 19 games, notched a pair of assists on Friday to take over the team lead with six points.

ABOUT THE STARS (1-3-0): Dallas has done a decent job limiting shots in the first four games with the defense-minded Hitchcock back at the helm, giving up 26.8 per contest, but could not hold down Nashville after scoring the first goal. All-Stars Tyler Seguin (two goals, team-high 29 shots) and captain Jamie Benn (one goal, one assist) have not broken out yet while big-ticket offseason acquisition Alexander Radulov is looking for his first goal. John Klingberg leads the team with five points (two goals, three assists) while fellow defenseman Dan Hamhuis (groin) could return to the lineup after missing the last two games.

OVERTIME

1. Dallas D Marc Methot has yet to record a point in four games with his new team, remaining one assist shy of 100 for his career.

2. Colorado rookie F Tyson Jost is expected to miss Saturday’s game with a bruised left knee, which he sustained against Boston on Wednesday.

3. The Stars have won four straight meetings with the Avalanche and six of the last seven.

PREDICTION: Stars 5, Avalanche 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Colorado at Dallas

W/L TRENDS

Colorado

Avalanche are 16-35 in their last 51 vs. Central. Avalanche are 4-9 in their last 13 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Avalanche are 27-63 in their last 90 games playing on 0 days rest. Avalanche are 15-37 in their last 52 vs. a team with a losing record. Avalanche are 8-20 in their last 28 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 2-5 in their last 7 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Avalanche are 15-39 in their last 54 road games. Avalanche are 14-38 in their last 52 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 7-19 in their last 26 games following a win. Avalanche are 7-20 in their last 27 Saturday games. Avalanche are 17-52 in their last 69 overall. Avalanche are 11-45 in their last 56 vs. Western Conference.

Dallas

Stars are 5-1 in their last 6 Saturday games. Stars are 25-9 in their last 34 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Stars are 5-2 in their last 7 home games. Stars are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Stars are 7-21 in their last 28 vs. Central. Stars are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Colorado

Over is 4-0 in Avalanche last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 7-1-2 in Avalanche last 10 Saturday games. Over is 6-1-2 in Avalanche last 9 games following a win. Under is 4-1-1 in Avalanche last 6 games after allowing 8 or more power play opportunities in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Avalanche last 5 vs. Central. Over is 13-4-5 in Avalanche last 22 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 17-6-4 in Avalanche last 27 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Under is 5-2-1 in Avalanche last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 12-5-1 in Avalanche last 18 overall. Under is 36-16-9 in Avalanche last 61 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 35-17-8 in Avalanche last 60 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.

Dallas

Under is 4-1 in Stars last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 8-2 in Stars last 10 Saturday games. Over is 7-2-1 in Stars last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 6-2 in Stars last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 19-7 in Stars last 26 home games. Over is 10-4 in Stars last 14 vs. Central.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings. Over is 23-11 in the last 34 meetings in Dallas. Avalanche are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Dallas. Avalanche are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Predators at Blackhawks

Gracenote
Oct 14, 2017

The Chicago Blackhawks will have payback on their minds when they get a visit from the Nashville Predators on Saturday night. The Blackhawks amassed a Western Conference-leading 109 points last season but their postseason hopes were quickly extinguished in the first round with a stunning four-game sweep by the eighth-seeded Predators.

Chicago, which suffered its first regulation loss at the hands of Minnesota on Thursday, leads the league with 23 goals -- a stark contrast to the postseason series against Nashville in which it managed three goals and was shut out in both home games. “I don’t know what it is about us so far, but it seems like this group is a little bit tighter than maybe the groups we’ve had in the past,” Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane said. The Predators rode the wave of their upset of Chicago to the Stanley Cup Finals, bowing to Pittsburgh in six games. Nashville opened the season with a pair of losses but has rebounded to win its last two behind three goals and five assists from Filip Forsberg.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), WGN (Chicago)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (2-2-0): Nashville features one of the top defenses in the league but could be shorthanded against the potent Blackhawks. Captain Roman Josi sat out practice Friday due to a lower-body injury that has sidelined him for the past two games and Yannick Weber had to leave Thursday's loss after taking a shoulder to the head and is listed as day-to-day. The unit received a lift from 19-year-old Samuel Girard, who scored his first NHL goal and set up another in Thursday's win.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (3-1-1): Nick Schmaltz combined with linemates Kane and Ryan Hartman for 10 points in a 10-1 romp over Pittsburgh before he suffered an upper-body injury in the next game versus Columbus. Schmaltz has missed the past three games but is expected to rejoin the lineup for Saturday's matchup. "He has a lot of speed and it makes the defense second-guess. ... It gives the guy with the puck more time with the puck. He's definitely a key part to our success," said Hartman.

OVERTIME

1. Forsberg already has four goals in four contests after not scoring his fourth until the 31st game last season.

2. Kane lit up Nashville for three goals and nine points in five regular-season matchups in 2016-17.

3. The Predators are 6-for-19 on the power play while Chicago is 4-for-15 over the last four games.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 5, Predators 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Nashville at Chicago

W/L TRENDS

Nashville

Predators are 9-2 in their last 11 vs. Central. Predators are 20-6 in their last 26 vs. Western Conference. Predators are 11-4 in their last 15 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 23-9 in their last 32 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Predators are 5-2 in their last 7 Saturday games. Predators are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Predators are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Predators are 0-5 in their last 5 road games.

Chicago

Blackhawks are 39-13 in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Blackhawks are 54-26 in their last 80 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Blackhawks are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 3-10 in their last 13 overall. Blackhawks are 2-8 in their last 10 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Blackhawks are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Blackhawks are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Blackhawks are 1-8 in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest. Blackhawks are 1-8 in their last 9 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blackhawks are 0-6 in their last 6 vs. Central. Blackhawks are 0-8 in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Nashville

Under is 7-1-4 in Predators last 12 vs. Central. Under is 4-1-1 in Predators last 6 Saturday games. Under is 7-2-3 in Predators last 12 vs. Western Conference. Over is 3-1-2 in Predators last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 16-6-5 in Predators last 27 games playing on 1 days rest.

Chicago

Over is 2-0-2 in Blackhawks last 4 Saturday games. Over is 3-0-1 in Blackhawks last 4 home games. Over is 4-0-3 in Blackhawks last 7 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 13-2-6 in Blackhawks last 21 vs. Central. Under is 5-1-3 in Blackhawks last 9 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1-3 in Blackhawks last 8 overall. Under is 7-2-6 in Blackhawks last 15 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 23-7-6 in Blackhawks last 36 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 6-2-4 in Blackhawks last 12 following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 18-6-7 in Blackhawks last 31 vs. Western Conference. Over is 8-3 in Blackhawks last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 28-11-19 in Blackhawks last 58 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Predators are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Over is 10-3-8 in the last 21 meetings. Home team is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings. Predators are 3-9 in the last 12 meetings in Chicago.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Bruins at Coyotes

Gracenote
Oct 14, 2017

The Boston Bruins have followed a stirring season-opening win over the reigning Western Conference champion with a humbling home-and-home sweep by the worst outfit of the league last season. The Bruins look to bounce back against another Western foe on Saturday as they vie for their 11th consecutive victory over the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz.

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy would like to leave his team's last two performances versus Colorado in his rear-view mirror, with a 4-0 setback in Boston on Monday being followed by a 6-3 loss two nights later at the Pepsi Center. "I'm not in the excuse making business," Cassidy said. "It's a National Hockey League game and two points are two points every night. We've just got to be more intelligent and more focused with those decisions, whether it's rust or not we've got to correct that." Arizona has plenty to correct in its own right, as it followed a home-and-home sweep by expansion Vegas with a 4-2 setback versus Detroit on Thursday. "It's not good, it's really not good," goaltender Louis Domingue said. "We'll look back at the end of the year and we're going to look at those four games and we have one point. It's not good enough. We're close, but close is far from being good enough."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, NESN (Boston), FSN Arizona

ABOUT THE BRUINS (1-2-0): Four-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron skated on his own during Thursday's practice, but is expected to miss his fourth straight game as he deals with the mysterious lower-body injury. "It doesn't look like he'll be in, but I don't want to get ahead of myself," Cassidy said. "It hurts. He's arguably our best player night in and night out. He makes people around him better and we use him in all situations." Kevan Miller was helped off the ice in practice after taking a puck off the top of his right knee, but Cassidy told reporters that the defenseman "should be fine."

ABOUT THE COYOTES (0-3-1): Domingue likely will get the nod on Saturday with Antti Raanta deemed "day-to-day" with the lower-body injury he sustained versus the Red Wings. Fellow goaltender Marek Langhamer, who has one career game of NHL experience, practiced with the team on Friday, hours after he was an emergency recall from Tucson of the American Hockey League. Clayton Keller, who was the seventh overall pick of the 2016 draft, scored both goals against Detroit and has a team co-leading four points (three goals, one assist) in four games this season and six (three goals, three assists) in seven career contests.

OVERTIME

1. Two of Arizona C Max Domi's four points this season have come on the power play (one goal, one assist).

2. The Bruins have defeated the Coyotes 10 straight times, dating to 2010 when the teams opened the season with two games in Prague, Czech Republic.

3. Arizona assigned F Emerson Etem to Tucson on Friday.

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Coyotes 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston at Arizona

W/L TRENDS

Boston

Bruins are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Bruins are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Pacific. Bruins are 12-4 in their last 16 vs. Western Conference. Bruins are 57-25 in their last 82 Saturday games. Bruins are 39-19 in their last 58 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Bruins are 2-6 in their last 8 overall.

Arizona

Coyotes are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Coyotes are 7-3 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Coyotes are 26-54 in their last 80 vs. Eastern Conference. Coyotes are 49-111 in their last 160 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Coyotes are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Coyotes are 2-6 in their last 8 home games. Coyotes are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Coyotes are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Coyotes are 0-5 in their last 5 overall. Coyotes are 0-4 in their last 4 Saturday games.

OU TRENDS

Boston

Under is 3-0-2 in Bruins last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 4-1-1 in Bruins last 6 vs. Pacific. Over is 4-1-1 in Bruins last 6 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Over is 3-1-2 in Bruins last 6 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 12-4-3 in Bruins last 19 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 12-4-3 in Bruins last 19 road games. Over is 5-2 in Bruins last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.

Arizona

Over is 4-1 in Coyotes last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 10-3 in Coyotes last 13 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 16-5-3 in Coyotes last 24 Saturday games. Over is 5-2 in Coyotes last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bruins are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Arizona. Bruins are 10-1 in the last 11 meetings. Under is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Arizona.