Monday 11/2/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
Good luck on all your plays.

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[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 20:00

Tottenham

v

Aston Villa

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		2/5	4	8	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT TOTTENHAM	RECENT FORM
HWADADHDALAW​ Most recent​	0 - 1 3 - 0 2 - 0 2 - 0	HWALHLALHLAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Tottenham have drawn five league games this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Aston Villa have lost six on the bounce in the Premier League, but all bar one of those defeats have been by a single-goal margin and this could be a bit closer than the odds would suggest. Tottenham should edge their way to victory but they may have to grind it out as Spurs have failed to score more than once on six top-flight occasions this term.

RECOMMENDATION: Tottenham to win 1-0
1


REFEREE: Mike Dean STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 18:00

Chievo

v

Sampdoria

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		11/10	9/4	14/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHIEVO	RECENT FORM
HWADHDALHLAL​ Most recent​	2 - 1 0 - 1 2 - 1 0 - 0	HWALHDALHWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Sampdoria have won one of their last nine away games

EXPERT VERDICT: Three successive defeats have undermined Chievo's bright start to the season but the Verona outfit can respond with a home victory over stuttering Sampdoria. Chievo have had a very tough set of fixtures but easier games are coming up starting with the clash against Samp, who have taken just one point on the road.

RECOMMENDATION: Chievo
1

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 20:00

Palermo

v

Empoli

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		5/4	11/5	12/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT PALERMO	RECENT FORM
HLALHLAWHDAL​ Most recent​	0 - 0 2 - 0 0 - 1 2 - 2	HLALHWALHWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Palermo have won just one of their last eight fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Empoli picked up a deserved 1-1 draw away to Sampdoria on Thursday and can follow it up with another point against Palermo. Seven points from the last four games have lifted Empoli up the Serie A standings and they can offer stiff resistance to Palermo, who have recorded just one home win this season.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Champions League Tu 3Nov 19:45

Man Utd

v

CSKA Mosc.

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		8/15	10/3	6	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN UTD	RECENT FORM
ALAWADHDHD*AD​ Most recent​	3 - 3	HWAWHWHDADHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Man Utd have drawn their last three matches 0-0

EXPERT VERDICT: Manchester United have been grinding out results rather than playing anything remotely like spectacular football this season and it could be more of the same against CSKA Moscow. The reverse fixture finished in a 1-1 draw in Moscow and United may need patience to land maximum points.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw-Man Utd double result
1

 

[superbeets]

Champions League Tu 3Nov 19:45

Seville

v

Man City

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT2		2	13/5	7/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SEVILLE	RECENT FORM
ALHWADALHWAL​ Most recent​	Unknown	HWHWHWADHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Seville have won their last ten European home matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Seville usually save their best European form for their home fixtures and Manchester City face a real test in Spain. The best bet is for both teams to score - City remain a class act going forward despite their injury concerns in the striking department - and Seville have bagged in nine of their last 11 matches.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
3

 

[superbeets]

Champions League We 4Nov 19:45

B Munich

v

Arsenal

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		4/11	4	13/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT B MUNICH	RECENT FORM
HWAWALHWAWAD​ Most recent​	1 - 1 0 - 2 3 - 1 1 - 0	HWAWHWHWALAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Arsenal have scored in six of their last seven games against Bayern

EXPERT VERDICT: Arsenal stunned the Bundesliga champions in the reverse fixture at the Emirates but Bayern Munich can gain swift revenge. Bayern had enough chances to have won on matchday three despite losing 2-0 and should make more of their opportunities this time around, although Arsenal do pose a counter-attacking threat.

RECOMMENDATION: Bayern to win 2-1
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indianapolis at Carolina

When: 8:30 PM ET, Monday, November 2, 2015
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

A pair of teams that have defied preseason predictions will square off on Monday night when the Carolina Panthers put their perfect record on the line against the visiting Indianapolis Colts. Not much was expected from the Panthers after losing No. 1 wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin for the season during training camp, but they entered Week 8 as one of five unbeaten teams in the league.

"We're not satisfied with what we've done," Carolina quarterback Cam Newton said. "Is it good? Yes, but at the same time we're still trying to conquer things that people said we couldn't do, and surprising ourselves at the same time." Conversely, the Colts were considered among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl behind quarterback Andrew Luck, but the former No. 1 overall pick has battled an injured shoulder and ineffectiveness in the team's 3-4 start. Indianapolis has the good fortune to play in the weak AFC South and its only three victories have come at the expense of its division foes. The matchup with the Panthers kicks off a three-game stretch in which the Colts will face opponents with an combined 18-1 mark entering the weekend.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Panthers -7. O/U: 46.5

ABOUT THE COLTS (3-4): After having its three-game winning streak snapped in a home loss to the New England Patriots, Indianapolis turned in a clunker last week, falling behind by 27 points to visiting New Orleans before a belated rally came up short in a 27-21 setback. Luck tossed three scoring passes for the second game in a row, but he was also intercepted twice to mark the fourth time in his five starts he has thrown multiple picks. The Colts rank last in the league, allowing an average of 408.6 yards, and were gashed for 183 rushing yards by New Orleans.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (6-0): Much has been made about the relative lack of strength of Carolina's schedule, but the Panthers are coming off a pair of impressive victories, rallying from nine points down in the fourth quarter at Seattle before knocking off visiting Philadelphia 27-16 last week. A patchwork corps of wide receivers has contributed to a career-low 55.8 completion percentage for Newton, who has run for four TDs to help spark the league's top-ranked ground game (144.7 yards). The Panthers are yielding 18.3 points while ranking eight in sacks and passing yards allowed.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Colts are trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak since 2009.

2. Carolina has won a franchise-record 10 consecutive regular-season games.

3. Colts WR T.Y. Hilton had four catches for 150 yards last week, including TD receptions of 87 and 46 yards.

PREDICTION: Colts 24, Panthers 23

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Monday, Nov 2, 2015

(511) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS (512) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Take: OVER

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, November 2, 2015 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors. If there was any question that the Warriors might start the season a bit flat after winning the NBA championship last year, those doubts have been put to rest. Golden State has picked up right where they left off last season, winning! The Warriors are 3-0 both S/U and ATS to start the season with each win being double digits. In addition, the offense behind Steph Curry is once again hitting on all cylinders. The Warriors have scored 111, 112 and 134 in their three games. Meanwhile, Memphis started the season on a horrible note, losing at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers by 30 points, 106-76. They have bounced back though with a win at Indiana and then a home win last time out over Brooklyn, 101-91. The Grizzlies defense doesn't quite look up to par thus far, allowing over 100 points in two of their three games. That will be a problem tonight as they face the best offense in the NBA. The oddsmakers giving tons of respect to the Golden State defense here tonight with a 201 total. However, I look for this game to fly OVER the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Colts (3-4) @ Panthers (6-0) -- Indy is house divided with lame-duck coach; all three of its wins are vs bad division rivals, with two of three on road. Colts are 2-0 as underdogs this season, they're 5-4 in last nine games as road underdog. Carolina won four of last five series games; visitors won four of those five. Indy split pair here; last visit was in '07. Carolina is 6-0, with home wins by 7-5-11 points; they've run ball for 152.6 ypg in last five tilts. NFC South teams are 8-3 as non-divisional favorites, 5-2 at home; AFC South road dogs are 1-5. Panthers are 9-3-2 vs spread in last 14 games as home favorite; they scored 10+ points in 11 of 12 halves this season- consistent. Three of last four Carolina games went over total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 8 Essentials

Indianapolis at Carolina: While it’s looking increasingly likely that Chuck Pagano won’t be part of what the Colts do going forward, he’s still at the helm of the team most likely to come out of the NFL’s worst division. That makes this contest against undefeated Carolina very interesting. Andrew Luck simply hasn’t looked like himself and faces an elite secondary led by Josh Norman that has made a living changing game. Luke Kuechly made it back too, so the Colts will be facing the best defense they’ve seen all season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MNF - Colts at Panthers

The Panthers look to remain as one of the two undefeated teams in the NFC with a victory over the Colts on Monday night. Carolina attempts for its first 7-0 start in franchise history while trying to stretch out its slim advantage over Atlanta inside the NFC South. On the other side, Indianapolis looks to stay atop the AFC South, as a win by the Colts would actually get them to the .500 mark.

Prior to last season, there had never been a repeat champion in the NFC South since realignment back in 2002. Carolina broke through by claiming consecutive division titles in 2013 and 2014, in spite of a 7-8-1 record last season. Now, the Panthers are one win away from equaling that mark at the start of November, as Ron Rivera’s club held off the Eagles last Sunday night, 27-16 to cash as three-point home favorites. In spite of Cam Newton getting intercepted three times, the Panthers rushed for 204 yards and picked up their first home victory of at least 10 points in three tries this season.

The Colts haven’t had much luck against teams outside the AFC South, posting an 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS record. The latest loss came at home to the Saints last week, 27-21 as 5 ½-point favorites, falling behind 27-0 before putting up several late scores. Andrew Luck threw for over 300 yards for the second straight week since week since missing two games with a shoulder injury. Indianapolis has lost four of five times with Luck at quarterback, while coincidentally posting a 2-0 record with Matt Hasselbeck under center.

Carolina has covered five of six times this season, with the lone ATS loss coming in a 27-22 home victory over New Orleans in Week 3 as a 10-point favorite. The Panthers have taken care of their business against the dreadful AFC South, beating the Jaguars and Texans, which is in stark contrast to last season’s 1-2-1 record in interconference play, with the only victory coming against the Browns.

The Colts have cashed in both opportunities in the underdog role this season against Tennessee and New England, while going 0-5 ATS as a favorite. Since 2013, Indianapolis has posted a 7-6 ATS record in the underdog role, including a 1-2 SU/ATS mark against the NFC, as the Colts were dominated by the Cowboys last December, 42-7 as 3 ½-point ‘dogs.

The Panthers and Colts are meeting for the sixth time ever on Monday, as Carolina won at Indianapolis in the last matchup, 27-19 in 2011 as 3½-point favorites. This contest took place one year before the Colts drafted Luck, as Newton threw for 208 yards and rushed for a touchdown. Indianapolis finished that season at 2-14, so the Panthers winning as road favorites was expected in the transition year with Peyton Manning sidelined due to a neck injury. The Colts are making their first trip to Charlotte since 2007, as Indianapolis manhandled Carolina, 31-7 as seven-point favorites.

VegasInsider.com handicapper Joe Nelson is weary of Carolina’s strong start due to its opponents, “After a 4-0 start against teams that looked headed for tough seasons there was good reason to be suspicious of a Panthers team that had not exactly dominated its games vs. what looked like a weak schedule. A great comeback win in Seattle and a convincing Sunday night win over the Eagles provided more legitimacy to the perfect start for Carolina and more will be found out about this team the next two weeks. The Panthers still don’t have a win against a team with a winning record this season and while they won’t get that chance this week hosting the Colts, they have a huge NFC clash next Sunday hosting the Packers in what could be a matchup of 8-0 teams.”

Nelson points out that the Colts will be tested the next two weeks with contests against the Broncos and Falcons, but Indianapolis’ offense needs all the points it can get against a solid Carolina defense, “The Colts will need a strong performance against a Panthers defense that is sixth in the league in scoring defense allowing just over 18 points per game, but this remains a Panthers offense that is limited, 22nd in the league in total offense and the fourth-least productive passing offense in the league with the main defensive vulnerabilities for the Colts appearing to be against the passing game. Bank of America Stadium has provided a solid home field edge for the Panthers who are 15-6 S/U and 13-7-1 ATS at home since the start of the 2013 season under Rivera, who not so long ago seemed to be in Chuck Pagano’s position as a coach whose job was consistently rumored to be in jeopardy.”

Underdogs continue to perform well on Monday nights this season, compiling a 6-2 ATS record after the Ravens cashed as 10-point ‘dogs last week in a 26-18 setback at Arizona. Even more impressive is the 7-1 mark to the ‘under’ in these eight primetime contests, as six of those games have seen a combined 44 points or fewer scored. Since Newton arrived with the Panthers in 2011, Carolina is 2-1 SU/ATS on Monday night, including an exciting 24-20 home victory over New England two years ago. Luck owns a 1-2 SU/ATS record on Mondays with the lone win coming against the Giants last season as a short favorite.

The Colts have cashed the ‘under’ in four of seven games, including a 2-1 mark to the ‘under’ away from Lucas Oil Stadium. The Panthers have faced four of the league’s worst eight defenses so far, while Indianapolis has allowed the most yards per game in the NFL at 408 ypg. Carolina is 3-2-1 to the ‘over’ this season, but owns a 6-2-1 mark to the ‘under’ in the past nine contests at Bank of America Stadium.

The Panthers are currently listed as 6½-point favorites at most books, while the total is set at 46½. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM EST from Charlotte and can be seen on ESPN.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Indy looks to upset Carolina

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-4) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-0)

Line: Carolina -7, Total: 46.5

The Colts hope to turn their fortunes around on Monday night against their undefeated hosts, the red-hot Panthers.

Indianapolis (3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS) has struggled through the first seven weeks of the season, subverting lofty preseason expectations for the team. Meanwhile, Carolina (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS), has defied prognostication en route to amassing a perfect record through Week 7.

The Panthers have bested the Colts 4-1 all-time, including a 27-19 win in their most recent matchup in November 2011. Indianapolis is 39-23 ATS when playing a top-level team (win pct. of at least 75%), and underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points with a poor first-half defense (allowing 14+ PPG) are 68-31 ATS since 1983 when coming off a loss of six or fewer points.

Carolina is the beneficiary of several strong trends in its favor. The team is 60-25 ATS when playing bad defensive teams (giving up 24+ PPG) since joining the league in 1995, and head coach Ron Rivera is 18-8 ATS against clubs with losing records in his tenure with the Panthers.

The Colts have lost first-round draft pick WR Phillip Dorsett for 4-to-6 weeks to an ankle injury suffered in last week’s game against the Saints, and RB Josh Robinson (undisclosed), S Mike Adams (hamstring), and S Clayton Geathers (knee) are all listed as questionable.

The Panthers have placed TE Richie Brockel on the IR for the remainder of the season, and DE Mario Addison (shoulder), LB Shaq Thompson (knee), and DT Dwan Edwards (ankle) are all questionable to play Monday night.

Indianapolis has struggled on both sides of the ball this season, though even with a losing record, it has retained first place in the dismal AFC South. The team has generated just 21.0 PPG (23rd out of 32) and 351 total YPG (17th out of 32), while coughing up 15 turnovers (28th out of 32).

QB Andrew Luck has thrown the second-highest number of interceptions in the league (9), despite missing two games with a shoulder injury. The Colts have only one win with Luck under center this season, squeaking by the Titans 35-33. The team’s rushing woes in recent years have continued this season.

The running corps, led by veteran RB Frank Gore, has rushed for 655 yards (26th out of 32) on 153 attempts (30th out of 32) while finding the end zone only three times (25th out of 32). The loss of rookie WR Phillip Dorsett is yet another blow an offense that has yet to find their footing.

The Colts’ defense allows opponents to produce 24.9 PPG (20th out of 32) and a league-worst 409 YPG, while generating just seven turnovers (26th out of 32). It hasn't helped that the squad has been stranded on the field for an average of 33:10 per game or that the unit has generated only seven turnovers in seven games.
The situation couldn’t be more different for Carolina, the leader of the NFC South. In its six victories, the team has hung 27.0 PPG (6th out of 32) and 344 total YPG (22nd out of 32) on its opponents, leading the league in rushing attempts (197) and yards (868), while punching in seven touchdowns on the ground (5th out of 32).

QB Cam Newton is the team’s second leading rusher behind RB Jonathan Stewart, and has been a TD machine – throwing for nine, and running for four. TE Greg Olsen remains Newton’s go-to option (27 receptions, 439 yards, 3 TDs) in the absence of injured WR Kelvin Benjamin, leading an otherwise spotty receiving corps of veterans (WRs Ted Ginn and Jerricho Cotchery) and young talent (WRs Devin Funchess and Corey Brown). Newton is 1-0 in his career against the Colts, with the win coming in the Manning-and-Luck-less 2011 season. In that game Newton threw for 208 passing yards and zero touchdowns.

The Panthers’ defense has been sturdy, giving up just 18.3 PPG (6th out of 32) and 340 total YPG (10th out of 32). The team’s secondary has been especially resolute, allowing a league-best five touchdowns and just 235.3 passing YPG.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday Night Football Betting Preview

Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers (-6.5, 46.5)

A pair of teams that have defied preseason predictions will square off on Monday night when the Carolina Panthers put their perfect record on the line against the visiting Indianapolis Colts. Not much was expected from the Panthers after losing No. 1 wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin for the season during training camp, but they entered Week 8 as one of five unbeaten teams in the league.

"We're not satisfied with what we've done," Carolina quarterback Cam Newton said. "Is it good? Yes, but at the same time we're still trying to conquer things that people said we couldn't do, and surprising ourselves at the same time." Conversely, the Colts were considered among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl behind quarterback Andrew Luck, but the former No. 1 overall pick has battled an injured shoulder and ineffectiveness in the team's 3-4 start. Indianapolis has the good fortune to play in the weak AFC South and its only three victories have come at the expense of its division foes. The matchup with the Panthers kicks off a three-game stretch in which the Colts will face opponents with an combined 18-1 mark entering the weekend.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Panthers as 6.5-point home faves. The total is up to 46.5 from the opening 45.

INJURY REPORT:

Colts - S Clayton Geathers (Probable, knee), S Mike Adams (Probable, hamstring), LB Nate Irving (Questionable, knee), S Winston Guy (Questionable, shoulder), C Khaled Holmes (Questionable, undisclosed), RB Josh Robinson (Questionable, undisclosed), WR Phillip Dorsett (Mid Dec, ankle), RB Tyler Varga (I-R, concussion), CB D'Joun Smith (I-R, knee), DT Arthur Jones (I-R, ankle), CB Tevin Mitchel (I-R, shoulder).

Panthers - LB Thomas Davis (Probable, undisclosed), T Mike Remmers (Questionable, elbow), FB Mike Tolbert (Questionable, personal), C Ryan Kalil (Questionable, ankle), T Daryl Williams (Questionable, knee), LB Shaq Thompson (Doubtful, knee), DT Dwan Edwards (Out, ankle), DE Mario Addison (Out, shoulder), DE Frank Alexander (Out for season, Achilles), TE Richie Brockel (I-R, hamstring), DE Charles Johnson (I-R, hamstring), T Nate Chandler (I-R, knee), DE Arthur Miley (I-R, knee), WR Kelvin Benjamin (I-R, knee).

WEATHER: A 96 percent chance of rain with temperatures in the the high-50s and wind blowing across the field at around 6 mph.

POWER RANKINGS: Colts (+0.5) + Panthers (-4.0) + home field (-3.0) = Panthers -7.5

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Andrew Luck didn't complete a single pass for the first 20 minutes against the Saints and two of his three late TD passes came when the opposing cornerback fell down. Carolina finished -2 in turnover margin and ran 23 fewer plays than Philadelphia; getting gashed on the ground on Sunday Night, yet they still came away with the win and cover." Covers Expert Teddy Covers.

ABOUT THE COLTS (3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS, 3-4 O/U): After having its three-game winning streak snapped in a home loss to the New England Patriots, Indianapolis turned in a clunker last week, falling behind by 27 points to visiting New Orleans before a belated rally came up short in a 27-21 setback. Luck tossed three scoring passes for the second game in a row, but he was also intercepted twice to mark the fourth time in his five starts he has thrown multiple picks. The Colts rank last in the league, allowing an average of 408.6 yards, and were gashed for 183 rushing yards by New Orleans.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS, 3-2-1 O/U): Much has been made about the relative lack of strength of Carolina's schedule, but the Panthers are coming off a pair of impressive victories, rallying from nine points down in the fourth quarter at Seattle before knocking off visiting Philadelphia 27-16 last week. A patchwork corps of wide receivers has contributed to a career-low 55.8 completion percentage for Newton, who has run for four TDs to help spark the league's top-ranked ground game (144.7 yards). The Panthers are yielding 18.3 points while ranking eight in sacks and passing yards allowed.

TRENDS:

* Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 6-2-1 in Panthers last nine home games.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-eight percent of Covers users are backing the Panthers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

INDIANAPOLIS (3 - 4) at CAROLINA (6 - 0) - 11/2/2015, 8:30 PM

Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CAROLINA is 76-42 ATS (+29.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

INDIANAPOLIS vs. CAROLINA
Indianapolis is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Indianapolis's last 14 games
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indianapolis
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

Indianapolis at Carolina
Indianapolis: 7-0 OVER off 2 consecutive home losses
Carolina: 66-45 ATS in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CAPPERS ACCESS

Panthers
Bucks

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Stars (9-2) at Maple Leafs (1-7)

Date: November 02, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

As the soaring Dallas Stars embark on a weeklong road trip, their first stop doesn't appear to be too big an obstacle.

The Stars look to continue one of the best starts in franchise history in Monday's matchup with a Toronto Maple Leafs team still in search of the second win of the Mike Babcock era.

Dallas (9-2-0) enters a four-game trek against Eastern Conference foes having won eight of nine to match its best record after 11 games, set in 1996-97 and equaled in 2006-07.

'This has been an amazing start,' goaltender Antti Niemi said. 'And I think we can play even better than this with more hard work.'

An ability to win close games has been a constant throughout the surge. After rallying for home victories over Anaheim and Vancouver last week, the Stars received third-period goals from Antoine Roussel and Tyler Seguin to record a 5-3 decision Saturday over San Jose and improve to 8-0-0 in games decided by two or less.

"We've got a lot more confidence going into the third this year," defenseman Jason Demers told the NHL's official website. "We feel we are more resilient with the guys we've added this year, Niemi, Johnny (Oduya) and (Patrick) Sharp. They bring that calmness and experience."

Sharp has four goals and an assist during the three-game winning streak and John Klingberg has two goals and seven assists over a seven-game point streak, the longest by a Stars defenseman since Sergei Zubov's nine-game run from March 24-April 15, 2006.

Toronto (1-7-2) finds itself on the opposite end of the spectrum, having scored just nine goals over an 0-5-1 stretch. The Maple Leafs own the league's worst power play at 7.4 percent and are 0 for 17 in such situations over the last seven games.

The Leafs managed just 21 shots in Saturday's 4-0 setback to Pittsburgh that marked Phil Kessel's return to the Air Canada Centre since Toronto traded the high-scoring forward in July.

'I believe you have a responsibility as a good pro to bring it every day. And when adversity hits, you dig in a little bit harder and you stay with your structure and you stick with the program," said Babcock during a terse postgame press conference. "I didn't think we gave our fans that (Saturday) at all.'

Toronto's 2.0 goals per game also ranks near the bottom of the NHL, while the Stars possess the league's top two point leaders in linemates Jamie Benn (17) and Seguin (16).

The Maple Leafs have won five of six from Dallas over the previous four seasons, however, and the Stars are 0-2-1 in Toronto since an 8-2 rout on Dec. 23, 2008.

Jonathan Bernier started both of Toronto's 2014-15 victories over the Stars and made 43 saves in a 4-0 win in Dallas on Dec. 23. He allowed six goals while starting consecutive contests on Friday and Saturday, though, and could give way to James Reimer for this one.

Niemi improved to 6-1-0 this season after registering 26 saves against his former San Jose team and is 5-1-0 with a 1.67 goals-against average in six career starts against Toronto. He'll likely split duties with Kari Lehtonen on a back-to-back that concludes Tuesday in Boston.

Lehtonen posted a 4.12 GAA in two losses to the Leafs last season and hasn't played since being pulled early in the second period of a 6-2 defeat to Florida on Oct. 24.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kings (7-3) at Blackhawks (6-5)

Date: November 02, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

The Chicago Blackhawks should be happy to be back at the United Center, but they might not be too thrilled about the opponent that awaits them.

The Los Angeles Kings come rolling into Chicago looking for an eighth straight win Monday night, while the Blackhawks will try to stop that surge with a sixth consecutive victory on home ice.

Los Angeles (7-3-0) opened the season with three ugly losses but has rattled off seven consecutive wins to rise to the top of the Pacific Division.

The NHL's hottest team has ridden its defense and goaltending to the league's second-longest winning streak thus far behind Montreal's season-opening nine-game spurt.

The Kings have allowed only nine goals during their streak after coughing up 12 in their opening three losses. Maybe the biggest reason is the man who's been in net for six of those games.

Though he allowed three goals in Saturday's 4-3 overtime victory over Nashville, Jonathan Quick has a 1.31 goals-against average and .955 save percentage in this hot stretch.

For Quick to keep that up, he'll have to do it against a team he's struggled to stop. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner has an .885 save percentage in his last 12 starts against Chicago (6-5-0), two-thirds of which have come in the postseason.

But Quick has an improving Los Angeles attack in front of him. The Kings have scored 18 goals in five games after putting up six in their first five. Tyler Toffoli has eight of Los Angeles' 22 goals during the winning streak, including two against the Predators before Jeff Carter won it in overtime.

'We're playing with a lot of confidence,' said Drew Doughty, who picked up the assist on Carter's goal. 'We're trying to do all the right things, and we need to continue winning.'

An added boost would be a victory over a Chicago team that has had the Kings' number in regular-season play. The Blackhawks have won five of six during the season since the start of 2013-14, outscoring Los Angeles 20-10.

Chicago is still without Duncan Keith (knee) for a few more weeks, and in the last two games his absence has shown. After surrendering two goals in three wins without Keith, the Blackhawks have allowed eight in consecutive road losses - including three in the first period of Friday's 5-4 loss at Minnesota.

"You win in this league by how well you check and how well you play without the puck," coach Joel Quenneville told the team's official website. "But it's two nights where we've given up some goals... Those things can't happen if you want to be successful."

Chicago will be home for four of its next five, where it's allowed four total goals during a five-game winning streak. Blackhawks opponents are 1 for 15 on the power play at the United Center this season.

Chicago converted its only chance with the man advantage against Minnesota and also got a pair of goals from Jonathan Toews. The captain has all four of his goals in the past four games.

Toews has 16 goals and 21 assists in 39 career games against Los Angeles, including the playoffs.

Corey Crawford figures to be back in net for the Blackhawks. He is 3-5-0 with an .872 save percentage over his last eight starts against the Kings dating to Game 2 of the 2014 Western Conference finals.