Saturday 10-21-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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MLB

Saturday, October 21

Trend Report

NY YANKEES @ HOUSTON
NY Yankees is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
NY Yankees is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, October 21


NY Yankees @ Houston

Game 917-918
October 21, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 18.006
Houston
(Morton) 16.609
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
N/A

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, October 21

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NY YANKEES (98 - 76) at HOUSTON (107 - 65) - 8:00 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. CHARLIE MORTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 19-32 (-13.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 107-65 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MORTON is 29-12 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 24-15 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
NY YANKEES are 53-36 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SABATHIA is 21-9 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 15-8 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 11-2 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 11-4 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 254-303 (-76.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 62-55 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 23-25 (-12.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 8-5 (+2.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SABATHIA is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
MORTON is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 8.26 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 21, 2017
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

Matchup Edge

NAS	Edge in:	NYR
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Predators at Rangers

Gracenote
Oct 20, 2017

The Nashville Predators have turned things around with defense after a rough start to the season and look to extend their point streak to six games when they visit the struggling New York Rangers on Saturday afternoon. The Predators allowed 13 goals while losing two of the first three games of the season, but limited their last four opponents to a total of four tallies after a 1-0 victory at Philadelphia on Thursday.

“After the first two, three games, I think that was the main thing, to play tighter as a team and make good decisions,” Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne told reporters. “By no means are we a defensive team. I think we play a fast game and play up and down the ice, but as a five-man unit.” The Predators will need more of the same against the hungry Rangers, who are winless in their last five games after dropping the last two in extra time. New York is permitting 3.63 goals and scoring 2.50 per contest (seven in the last two) while getting off to the worst start (1-5-2) since 1959-60. “Like (coach Alain Vigneault) told the group, we have two choices here: To feel sorry for ourselves or go out and really try to make the most of the situation,” Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist told reporters. “It’s a good thing the games are coming fast here.”

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (4-2-1): Colton Sissons had the only goal Thursday for his second of the season and Rinne made 28 saves after giving up five goals to the same Philadelphia team in the last meeting on Oct. 10. Filip Forsberg tops the team with five goals and nine points while linemate Ryan Johansen boasts four assists but has yet to hit the back of the net with only 10 shots. Nashville was scoreless on two tries with the man advantage Thursday, but is 8-for-30 overall on the power play with Forsberg collecting half the goals and veteran Scott Hartnell notching a pair.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (1-5-2): Center Mika Zibanejad is the only player to score more than two goals (five) and left wing Chris Kreider is still looking for his first while power forward Rick Nash has only one despite a team-high 34 shots. The Rangers will also need to start getting some production from forward Jimmy Vesey, who has yet to post a point in eight games with 16 shots. Lundqvist has done his best to keep his team in games, turning aside all 17 shots in the third period and overtime Thursday to allow his team to rally for a point in a 4-3 shootout loss to the New York Islanders.

OVERTIME

1. New York D Kevin Shattenkirk has a point in three straight games to share the overall team lead with seven.

2. Nashville D Yannick Weber (upper-body) is reportedly close to returning to the lineup.

3. The Rangers won both meetings by one goal last season - one in a shootout - and four of the past five.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Predators 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Nashville at NY Rangers

W/L TRENDS

Nashville

Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Predators are 13-5 in their last 18 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 9-4 in their last 13 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Predators are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Predators are 1-6 in their last 7 road games.

NY Rangers

Rangers are 21-8 in their last 29 vs. Western Conference. Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Rangers are 0-6 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Rangers are 0-8 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Rangers are 0-5 in their last 5 overall. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 Saturday games. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 home games.

OU TRENDS

Nashville

Under is 4-0 in Predators last 4 overall. Under is 5-1-1 in Predators last 7 Saturday games. Under is 4-1 in Predators last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Predators last 5 games following a win. Under is 7-2 in Predators last 9 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 17-5-4 in Predators last 26 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 11-4-2 in Predators last 17 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

NY Rangers

Over is 4-1-1 in Rangers last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Rangers last 8 vs. Central. Over is 15-7-5 in Rangers last 27 Saturday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in New York. Home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Under is 7-2-2 in the last 11 meetings. Predators are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in New York. Predators are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 1:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 21, 2017
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

EDM	Edge in:	PHI
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Oilers at Flyers

Gracenote
Oct 20, 2017

Cam Talbot was arguably the second-biggest reason for Edmonton's rise back to prominence in 2016-17 and it again appears the Oilers will go only as far as their goaltender and captain Connor McDavid take them this season as they visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday afternoon. Talbot bounced back from three straight sub-par performances with a 2-1 overtime victory in Chicago on Thursday that helped Edmonton snap a four-game losing streak.

"(Talbot) could have cracked after giving up the first on the first shot," Oilers coach Todd McLellan told reporters after Talbot yielded a soft goal to Patrick Kane. "But after that he looked more like he did most of last year, and our team looked a little better than it did the last few games. Maybe it all goes together." McDavid, however, is off to a fast start with team highs of three goals and five assists in six games, including two assists - one of the highlight reel variety - against the Blackhawks. Philadelphia lost to Nashville 1-0 on Thursday - falling to 2-1-0 on its five-game homestand - with its second loss to the Stanley Cup finalist in 10 days. The Flyers' offense continued its up-and-down start as it was shut out for the second time in seven games, but has already scored eight goals once and five goals three times.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Edmonton), NBCSN Philadelphia

ABOUT THE OILERS (2-4-0): Power forward Patrick Maroon, who scored a career-high 27 goals in 2016-17 - his first season on McDavid's line - tallied for the first time this year Thursday on an easy tap-in after McDavid's pass followed a spin-o-rama move on Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith. Talbot (2-3-0, 3.17 goals-against average), who shared the league lead with 42 victories last season, allowed 12 goals on 73 shots in his previous three games before making 30 saves Thursday to bring his season save percentage up to .901. Defenseman Matt Benning will return to the lineup after missing three games with an illness.
ABOUT THE FLYERS (4-3-0): Jakub Voracek was third in the NHL with 10 assists entering Friday but has yet to score this season. Wayne Simmonds has a club-high five goals while Valtteri Filppula has four after tallying a total of 12 last season with Tampa Bay and Philadelphia, and eight in 2015-16 with the Lightning. Jordan Weal (goal, three assists) missed Thursday's game with an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

OVERTIME

1. Flyers D Shayne Gostisbehere (goal, nine assists this season) played a career-high 25:23 on Thursday and is averaging 21:55 this season, which would be a career most.

2. Edmonton went 3-for-9 on the power play in its last two games after going 1-for-12 in its first four contests.

3. The Oilers won four of the past five meetings, including a 6-3 victory in the last encounter Feb. 16 when McDavid recorded a goal and two assists.

PREDICTION: Oilers 3, Flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Edmonton at Philadelphia

W/L TRENDS

Edmonton

Oilers are 20-8 in their last 28 games playing on 1 days rest. Oilers are 24-10 in their last 34 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 111-227 in their last 338 vs. a team with a winning record. Oilers are 99-204 in their last 303 road games. Oilers are 37-79 in their last 116 Saturday games. Oilers are 31-90 in their last 121 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Oilers are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Oilers are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Oilers are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Oilers are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Metropolitan.

Philadelphia

Flyers are 7-0 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 Saturday games. Flyers are 8-2 in their last 10 home games. Flyers are 5-11 in their last 16 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flyers are 11-25 in their last 36 vs. Pacific. Flyers are 8-21 in their last 29 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

OU TRENDS

Edmonton

Over is 3-0-1 in Oilers last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 6-1 in Oilers last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 road games. Under is 4-1-2 in Oilers last 7 Saturday games. Under is 7-2-1 in Oilers last 10 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 6-2 in Oilers last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 13-5-2 in Oilers last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 5-2 in Oilers last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 33-15-5 in Oilers last 53 games following a win.

Philadelphia

Under is 5-1 in Flyers last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 9-2-2 in Flyers last 13 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Flyers last 5 home games. Over is 4-1 in Flyers last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 10-3-1 in Flyers last 14 vs. Western Conference. Under is 19-6-1 in Flyers last 26 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 6-2 in Flyers last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Flyers last 7 Saturday games. Under is 5-2-1 in Flyers last 8 vs. Pacific.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Oilers are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings in Philadelphia. Oilers are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 21, 2017
Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

Matchup Edge

LA	Edge in:	CLB
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Kings at Blue Jackets

Gracenote
Oct 21, 2017

The Los Angeles Kings are off to their best six-game start in history and are the only NHL team without a regulation loss, but they have a major injury concern heading into their longest road trip of the season. The Kings will be without center Jeff Carter indefinitely when they begin a six-game trek against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Carter underwent a surgical procedure to repair damage to his lower left leg after he was cut by the skate of Montreal's Jeff Petry in Wednesday's 5-1 victory. “Well, it’s a big challenge,” Los Angeles coach John Stevens told reporters regarding the injury. “You’ve got a veteran guy that’s one of the captains of your team and plays in all situations. He’s one of the most dominant centermen in the league. He’s a huge part of our team, but it’s the next man up now." The Blue Jackets had their four-game winning streak snapped with a 4-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday, which also marked their first home defeat. Saturday's matchup is the second contest of a four-game homestand for Columbus, which split its last four meetings with the Kings - three of which went beyond regulation.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE KINGS (5-0-1): Carter's absence will require scoring from other players, and Los Angeles got just that on Wednesday as the trio of Adrian Kempe, Mike Cammalleri and Trevor Lewis erupted for 10 points - including Kempe's first career hat trick. "It’s been one of those things where we’ve been working on it together a little bit here over the past couple weeks," Cammalleri told reporters. "Sometimes when you get a little bit of a result, it adds to the conviction." Goaltender Jonathan Quick has yielded eight goals in his first five starts.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (5-2-0): Columbus scored on its first power-play chance in the season opener but has come up empty in 18 subsequent opportunities, failing on all three tries against Tampa Bay. “That has to get going for us - let’s not mince words here,” captain Nick Foligno told reporters. “That needs to be a big part of our success. ... We can’t panic, but there has to be a sense of urgency right now to be a difference-maker on our power play.” Boone Jenner (back) was activated from injured reserve and could make his season debut versus the Kings.

OVERTIME

1. Kings C and leading scorer Anze Kopitar has recorded 14 goals and 30 points in 33 career games against Columbus.

2. Blue Jackets G Sergei Bobrovsky is 2-4-2 with a 2.36 goals-against average versus the Kings.

3. Los Angeles is 5-for-9 on the power play over the last three games after an 0-for-16 start to the season.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 3, Kings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Los Angeles at Columbus

W/L TRENDS

Los Angeles

Kings are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 Saturday games. Kings are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Metropolitan. Kings are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Kings are 11-5 in their last 16 games playing on 2 days rest. Kings are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Columbus

Blue Jackets are 7-1 in their last 8 vs. Pacific. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Blue Jackets are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 31-13 in their last 44 home games. Blue Jackets are 13-6 in their last 19 vs. Western Conference. Blue Jackets are 39-82 in their last 121 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Blue Jackets are 3-8 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 1-9 in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU TRENDS

Los Angeles

Over is 3-0-2 in Kings last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 7-1-1 in Kings last 9 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 4-1 in Kings last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 8-2-4 in Kings last 14 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 18-5-6 in Kings last 29 road games. Over is 3-1-1 in Kings last 5 overall. Over is 3-1-4 in Kings last 8 Saturday games. Over is 3-1-1 in Kings last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 15-6-6 in Kings last 27 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 20-9-8 in Kings last 37 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Columbus

Over is 4-0 in Blue Jackets last 4 vs. Western Conference. Under is 15-3 in Blue Jackets last 18 vs. Pacific. Over is 4-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 16-5-1 in Blue Jackets last 22 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 18-7-1 in Blue Jackets last 26 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Blue Jackets last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings. Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Columbus. Kings are 16-6 in the last 22 meetings. Kings are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Columbus. Home team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 21, 2017
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

Matchup Edge

SJ	Edge in:	NYI
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Sharks at Islanders

Gracenote
Oct 21, 2017

The San Jose Sharks began the road portion of their schedule with a bang and aim for a repeat performance when they continue their five-game trip Saturday against the New York Islanders. San Jose kicked off the season with a 2-3-0 homestand before posting a 3-0 triumph at New Jersey on Friday.

Martin Jones made 28 saves for his first regular-season shutout since Nov. 21 - also against the Devils - and captain Joe Pavelski scored in his second straight game as the Sharks recorded their third win in four contests. New York returns home following a 2-2-0 road trip that concluded Thursday with a 4-3 shootout victory over the New York Rangers. Captain John Tavares scored the decisive goal in the bonus format but failed to notch a point in regulation, extending his drought to five games. The Islanders are looking to sweep the season series after registering a 3-1 win on Oct. 14 at San Jose.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN California (San Jose), MSG Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE SHARKS (3-3-0): Pavelski's goal on Friday gave San Jose four players with at least two, while Melker Karlsson and Joonas Donskoi became the ninth and 10th members of the team to tally. Defenseman Justin Braun and Joe Thornton share the club lead with three assists apiece after notching two and one, respectively, versus New Jersey. Logan Couture, who is tied for first on the team with five points, has been kept off the scoresheet in four of his last five games.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (3-3-1): Mathew Barzal had a game he'll never forget against the Rangers as he scored his first career goal in what was his ninth NHL contest. The 20-year-old center, who was the 16th overall pick in the 2015 draft, notched an assist at Los Angeles in the Islanders' previous game for his first point. The Islanders are hoping to get their power play in gear as they broke through once against the Rangers after going 0-for-20 over their first six contests.

OVERTIME

1. Tavares, who will play in his 595th game Saturday to pass John Tonelli for 16th place on the franchise list, has landed on the scoresheet in just one of his seven games this season (Oct. 7 versus Buffalo).

2. San Jose D Tim Heed has recorded an assist in back-to-back games for his first two NHL points.

3. The Islanders have scored first in only two of their first seven contests.

PREDICTION: Islanders 3, Sharks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - San Jose at NY Islanders

W/L TRENDS

San Jose

Sharks are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Sharks are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Sharks are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. Metropolitan. Sharks are 3-8 in their last 11 road games. Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win. Sharks are 1-6 in their last 7 Saturday games.

NY Islanders

Islanders are 8-2 in their last 10 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Islanders are 9-4 in their last 13 overall. Islanders are 15-36 in their last 51 Saturday games. Islanders are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

San Jose

Over is 3-0-1 in Sharks last 4 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 16-5-8 in Sharks last 29 Saturday games. Under is 3-1-1 in Sharks last 5 overall. Under is 3-1-1 in Sharks last 5 road games. Under is 16-6-4 in Sharks last 26 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 9-4-4 in Sharks last 17 games following a win. Under is 29-14-18 in Sharks last 61 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

NY Islanders

Under is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 7-0 in Islanders last 7 vs. Western Conference. Under is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 vs. Pacific. Over is 3-1-1 in Islanders last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 6-2 in Islanders last 8 home games. Under is 5-2 in Islanders last 7 games following a win.

HEAD TO HEAD

Sharks are 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings in New York.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 21, 2017
Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida

Matchup Edge

PIT	Edge in:	TB
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Penguins at Lightning

Gracenote
Oct 21, 2017

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to remain unbeaten on home ice and knock off the two-time defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins for the second time in 10 days at Amalie Arena when the Eastern Conference heavyweights meet on Saturday. The Lightning are 4-0-0 at home and have earned at least one point in six straight games overall after blanking Columbus 2-0 on Thursday.

“What I really liked (Thursday) was the defensive effort,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper told reporters after the win. “You look at the stat sheet and it says 40 shots, or whatever (43), but most of them were harmless. I thought we kept them outside.” Andrei Vasilevskiy turned aside 72-of-74 shots in two of the games on the Lightning’s recent 2-0-1 road trip and made 36 saves in the 5-4 victory over the Penguins on Oct. 12. Pittsburgh comes in on a roll as well, with five wins in its last six games after Conor Sheary broke a tie with 2:53 left in the third period for a 4-3 victory over Florida on Friday. Tampa Bay would be smart to stay out of the penalty box Saturday as the Penguins scored three power-play goals against the Panthers, including the winner, and are 9-for-21 with the man advantage in their last five contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (5-2-1): Captain Sidney Crosby scored his team-leading fifth goal Friday while Evgeni Malkin notched a tally and an assist as the two former Hart Trophy winners forged a tie for the team lead with 10 points apiece. Phil Kessel registered a pair of assists to push his season total to nine points, but the right wing remains two goals shy of 300 for his career. Matt Murray has helped the team earn at least one point in all six of his starts (5-0-1), giving up a total of seven goals in the last two, while backup Antti Niemi lost both of his outings - giving up nine tallies on 47 shots against Chicago and Tampa Bay.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (6-1-1): Rookie defenseman Mikhail Sergachev is making Tampa Bay’s decision - which comes after his ninth game - to use the first year of his three-year entry-level contract an easy one after scoring his first two NHL goals on Thursday and posting six points in eight contests. “The last couple games have been his strongest of the year,” Cooper told reporters. “He’s earning his ice time. You can see the skill.” Captain Steven Stamkos (14 points) and Nikita Kucherov (13) each have registered at least one point in every game while linemate Vladislav Namestnikov (eight) has notched one in seven of his eight contests.

OVERTIME

1. Sheary has scored three of his four goals in the last five games, including one against the Lightning.

2. Tampa Bay D Victor Hedman needs one goal to pass Dan Boyle (66) for the second-most among blue-liners in franchise history.

3. Despite the loss earlier this season, the Penguins have beaten the Lightning five of the last six times they've met - including the 2016 playoffs.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Lightning 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay

W/L TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Penguins are 76-35 in their last 111 vs. Eastern Conference. Penguins are 51-25 in their last 76 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 59-29 in their last 88 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 0-4 in their last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 6-0 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 6-0 in their last 6 home games. Lightning are 6-1 in their last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Lightning are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Lightning are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a win. Lightning are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Over is 4-0 in Penguins last 4 overall. Over is 4-0 in Penguins last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 road games. Over is 4-1-2 in Penguins last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 9-3 in Penguins last 12 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 5-2 in Penguins last 7 Saturday games. Over is 49-22-8 in Penguins last 79 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 33-15-5 in Penguins last 53 vs. Atlantic. Over is 19-9-1 in Penguins last 29 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Tampa Bay

Over is 6-1 in Lightning last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Lightning last 6 home games. Over is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 7-2 in Lightning last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 6-2 in Lightning last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 6-2 in Lightning last 8 games following a win. Over is 7-3 in Lightning last 10 overall. Under is 13-6-3 in Lightning last 22 Saturday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 22-3-1 in the last 26 meetings. Over is 12-2-2 in the last 16 meetings in Tampa Bay. Penguins are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 21, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

Matchup Edge

BUF	Edge in:	BOS
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Sabres at Bruins

Gracenote
Oct 21, 2017

The Buffalo Sabres haven't had much success thus far this season, but the little they have enjoyed has come on the road. Buffalo attempts to extend its road point streak to three games when it visits the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

The Sabres recorded their first - and only - win of 2017-18 at Anaheim on Sunday and earned a point in an overtime loss in Vegas two nights later but returned home Friday and suffered a 4-2 setback against Vancouver. Boston is continuing a four-game homestand that began Thursday with a 6-3 triumph over the Canucks. Patrice Bergeron led the way in his season debut, registering a goal and three assists after missing the Bruins' first five contests with a lower-body injury. The Bruins look to continue their recent dominance in the all-time series, as they outscored Buffalo 13-4 in sweeping last season's four-game set and are 10-1-1 in the last 12 meetings.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Buffalo, NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE SABRES (1-5-2): Kyle Okposo celebrated his 600th NHL game on Friday by recording his first point of the season - an assist on Justin Bailey's goal. The 22-year-old Bailey has tallied twice in three contests this season after needing 32 games to score two goals in 2016-17. Jacob Josefson, who has failed to notch a point in six games during his first campaign with Buffalo, was placed on injured reserve Friday with a foot injury.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (3-3-0): Bergeron had a memorable game on Thursday, hitting a milestone while also climbing up the franchise scoring list. The 32-year-old four-time Selke Trophy winner appeared in his 900th NHL contest and raised his career points total to 675 to pass Ken Hodge for seventh place in Bruins history. David Backes, who is two points shy of 500, also made his season debut versus Vancouver and logged 18 minutes, 13 seconds of ice time after missing five games with diverticulitis.

OVERTIME

1. Bruins D Adam McQuaid will miss approximately eight weeks after suffering a broken right fibula on Thursday.

2. Buffalo D Taylor Fedun was a healthy scratch on Friday after being recalled from Rochester of the American Hockey League.

3. Boston C David Krejci left Thursday's game with an upper-body injury but is expected to play against Buffalo.

PREDICTION: Bruins 6, Sabres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Buffalo at Boston

W/L TRENDS

Buffalo

Sabres are 17-35 in their last 52 vs. Eastern Conference. Sabres are 64-141 in their last 205 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 47-114 in their last 161 road games. Sabres are 2-5 in their last 7 Saturday games. Sabres are 17-46 in their last 63 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Sabres are 24-67 in their last 91 games playing on 0 days rest. Sabres are 8-23 in their last 31 overall. Sabres are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Sabres are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic.

Boston

Bruins are 7-0 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Bruins are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Bruins are 58-25 in their last 83 Saturday games. Bruins are 42-19 in their last 61 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Bruins are 2-6 in their last 8 home games. Bruins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Bruins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Bruins are 1-6 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Bruins are 0-5 in their last 5 games following a win.

OU TRENDS

Buffalo

Over is 3-0-1 in Sabres last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1-2 in Sabres last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Sabres last 5 Saturday games. Over is 6-2-1 in Sabres last 9 overall. Over is 6-2-2 in Sabres last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 15-7-2 in Sabres last 24 games playing on 0 days rest.

Boston

Under is 5-1-1 in Bruins last 7 games following a win. Over is 3-1-2 in Bruins last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2-2 in Bruins last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 9-4 in Bruins last 13 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 9-4-1 in Bruins last 14 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Boston. Under is 4-1-2 in the last 7 meetings. Sabres are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Boston. Sabres are 0-7 in the last 7 meetings.