Sunday 1/18/15 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]

Spanish Primera Liga TODAY 11:00

Getafe

v

Real Madrid

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		12	6	1/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT GETAFE	RECENT FORM
AWADHLADALHW​ Most recent​	0 - 3 2 - 1 0 - 1 2 - 3	NWNWALALHWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Getafe’s nine home La Liga games have produced just 14 goals

EXPERT VERDICT: There are rarely entertaining matches at the Coliseum but Real Madrid’s supporters should enjoy this trip to the outskirts of the city. Getafe have little up front to cause Madrid problems on the counter and a comprehensive road success is anticipated with something similar to last season’s 3-0 victory envisaged.

RECOMMENDATION: Real Madrid to win 3-0
1

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 11:30

Lazio

v

Napoli

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		8/5	9/4	9/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LAZIO	RECENT FORM
AWHWADHWADAW​ Most recent​	2 - 4 1 - 1 3 - 1 2 - 0	HWALHWND*AWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Napoli have won just two of their last eight away matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Napoli have suffered disappointing recent defeats against Milan and Juventus and Rafa Benitez’s side can be opposed again away to in-form Lazio. The hosts sauntered through the Italian Cup on Wednesday with a 3-1 win at Torino and have won eight of their ten home matches this season.

RECOMMENDATION: Lazio
2

 

[superbeets]

French Division 1 TODAY 13:00

Paris St-G.

v

Evian

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ESPN		1/6	11/2	14	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT PARIS ST-G.	RECENT FORM
ALAWHDAWALAW​ Most recent​	1 - 0 4 - 0 3 - 1 3 - 1	HLALALAWALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Evian have lost eight of their last ten away league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Paris St-Germain have gone three league games without a win but should post a comfortable victory over struggling Evian at the Parc des Princes. Evian have failed to score in three of their last four games and could be outgunned by a PSG side spearheaded by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

RECOMMENDATION: PSG to win 2-0
1

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 13:30

West Ham

v

Hull

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		8/11	13/5	15/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WEST HAM	RECENT FORM
ALHLHDADADHD*​ Most recent​	2 - 1 2 - 1 3 - 0 2 - 0	HLAWHLHWALAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Hull have lost five of their last seven away matches

EXPERT VERDICT: West Ham have an excellent opportunity to get back on the Premier League winning trail when Hull visit Upton Park without injured strikers Nikica Jelavic and Abel Hernandez. The Tigers have recorded a couple of vital victories recently, against Sunderland and Everton, but those sides were there for the taking and the Hammers will present a different test.

RECOMMENDATION: West Ham
2


REFEREE: Martin Atkinson STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Dutch Eredivisie TODAY 13:30

Feyenoord

v

FC Twente

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		4/6	14/5	4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT FEYENOORD	RECENT FORM
HWAWAWHDALAW​ Most recent​	1 - 4 0 - 0 3 - 2 0 - 1	AWAWHLADALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Colin Kazim-Richards has scored in each of Feyenoord’s last four league games

EXPERT VERDICT: A 4-3 defeat at leaders PSV is Feyenoord’s only defeat in their last 11 matches and they can to continue their fine run against Twente. Red-hot Colin Kazim Richards was in fine goalscoring form for the Rotterdam club before the winter break and can continue where he left off.

RECOMMENDATION: C Kazim-Richards first goalscorer
1

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 14:00

Milan

v

Atalanta

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		8/15	3	6	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MILAN	RECENT FORM
ALHWADHLADHW​ Most recent​	3 - 0 0 - 1 2 - 0 3 - 1	HWHWALHDADHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Atalanta have not won any of their last eight away matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Milan advanced to the last 16 of the Coppa Italia by beating Sassuolo 2-1 on Wednesday and can follow up with a narrow success over lowly Atalanta. The Rossoneri have won just two of their last 11 Serie A games but should have too much for Atalanta, who have not won on the road since September.

RECOMMENDATION: Milan to win 2-0
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 4 - Post: 8:24 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 87 - Purse:$7500 - CLAIMING $10,000 DILLANDER PICKED 7 OVER 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 RING LEDA 12/1


# 5 DUKES UP 4/1


# 3 KEEPING OPTIMISTIC 9/2

Hard not to strongly consider RING LEDA as the top pick for this one and the big morning line could mean a big score. The 88 average class number may give this gelding a distinct edge in the grouping. DUKES UP - Chances are greatly enhanced for harness racers coming from the 5 post at Pompano Park. Has been running soundly lately and his style of running should result in a very compelling performance. KEEPING OPTIMISTIC - Looks like a strong selection in this field of horses and his above average winning percentage says he has the determination to take the whole enchilada in this contest. This fine animal looks tough. Take a good look at the 91 average speed rating.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami Valley

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Post: 3:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 77 - Purse:$3500 - HORSES & GELDINGS N/W $1000 IN LAST 4 STARTS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 WELL DONE HANOVER 4/1


# 3 SAND SHARK 12/1


# 7 INCREDIBLE SHOOTER 6/1

The pick today is WELL DONE HANOVER. Can't gloss over based on TrackMaster Speed Ratings which have been fantastic (84 avg) lately. It's somewhat risky to consider solely based on class, but this gelding has among the strongest class statistics of the group of horses. That 73 speed rating clocked in the last gathering puts this nice horse in the mix today. SAND SHARK - Murphy has been able to get this harness racer to perform when sending to the post. Definite exotic possibilities. INCREDIBLE SHOOTER - Has one of the most compelling win figures in the bunch and may be able to add to those figures right here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

California Chrome was the big winner at the Eclipse Awards on Saturday night, taking down the hardware for top three-year-old and Horse of the Year.

The Art Sherman trainee won four Grade 1 races during the year- the Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Hollywood Derby, the last one coming on turf. The colt was defeated by Bayern in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), but his Triple Crown bid was not forgotten by voters.

California Chrome received 143 votes; Main Sequence 53; Bayern 36; Shared Belief 12; Untapable 11; Wise Dan 6; and Adelaide and Take Charge Brandi 1 vote each.

The head scratcher was Adelaide, who made just two starts in the U.S. in 2014, both on turf. The Aiden O’Brien trainee ran second in the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1) and then won the Secretariat (G1) at Arlington Park.

The colt did cap off his year winning the Cox Plate (G1) Oct. 25 at Moonee Valley, one of Australia’s biggest races.

Ken and Sarah Ramsey had a big night, winning Eclipse Awards as both champion owner and champion breeder. Todd Pletcher won his seventh Eclipse Award for top trainer. It was interesting that both the Ramsey’s and Pletcher did not have any horses that won hardware this year.

Eclipse Award Winners:
Horse of the Year: California Chrome
Two-Year-Old Male: American Pharoah
Two-Year-Old Filly: Take Charge Brandi
Three-Year-Old Male: California Chrome
Three-Year-Old Filly: Untapable
Older Male: Main Sequence
Older Female: Close Hatches
Male Sprinter: Work All Week
Female Sprinter: Judy the Beauty
Male Turf Horse: Main Sequence
Female Turf Horse: Dayatthespa
Steeplechase Horse: Demonstrative
Owner: Ken and Sarah Ramsey
Breeder: Ken and Sarah Ramsey
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Apprentice Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke


Here is today’s opening race from Aqueduct to get the day off to a good start:

AQU Race 1 Md $40,000 (12:25 ET)
8 Astron 6-1
3 Mizner Park 2-1
1 Charleston Pier / 1a Dangerous Cowboy 3-1
5 Hollywood Angel 7-2

Analysis: Astron drops into an easier spot here tagged for $40,000 after running sixth last out for $75,000. The gelding has been off poorly in each of his last two starts. The winner of his last start was Whateeryouwant, who returned to beat $65,000 starter optional claimers in his next outing The Gullo barn has been very live at the meet, hitting at a 30% clip. A decent enough off track pedigree and we should catch a fair price.

Mizner Park tracked the early pace and battled on gamey in the stretch, coming up just a nose shy of winning last out in a tough beat. He does not need to move forward much off his last outing to earn his diploma here. He is out of the stakes winner Miss Jeanne Cat ($52,754) who has dropped four winners.

Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 4-1 or better.
EX: 3,8 / 1,3,5,8
TRI: 3,8 / 1,3,5,8 / 1,3,5,6,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 The Hollie Hughes (3:48 ET)
7 Captain Serious 2-1
6 Big Business 9-5
3 I'm Stoked 7-2
1 Geaux Mets 8-1

Analysis: Captain Serious is back with state breds here after checking in third last out in the Fall Highweight (G3) in the slop here on the main track. The gelding tracked the early pace, had the lead in the stretch and did not have enough punch left late. The winner Salutos Amigos came out of the race to win the Gravesand in his next start on Dec. 26. He is bred to like a wet track and has a win and a third in two trips over the off going.

Big Business was a game winner last out in the state bred Alex M. Robb going long on the inner track. His last spring came three back in the state bred Hudson where he ran well in a runner up finish. He also ran second in the Forego (G1) at seven furlongs at the Spa last summer, so he can handle the cut back to a sprint. The Jacobson trainee has proven he can handle a wet track.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 6,7 / 1,3,6,7
TRI: 6,7 / 1,3,6,7 / 1,2,3,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 7 Md Sp Wt (3:34 ET)
6 Sweet Corine 8-1
8 True History 6-1
7 Confrontational 2-1
2 Miss Pink Diva 3-1

Analysis: Sweet Corine stretches out to a route for her second career start for the Shug barn that usually does not have them fully cranked first out and hits at a 24% clip with second out maidens. The filly took some play in her debut, sent off at 3-1 in a fifth place finish going 6 1/2 furlongs at the Big A. She has been working sharply at Payson and is bred to go long. She is by Pulpit out of a Giant's Causeway mare that has dropped three other foals to race, all winners, including a pair of stakes winners, top earner Grade 1 winner Verrazano ($1.87 million).

True History was not a threat in her debut but showed improvement last out in her first trip over the main track here, rallying to finish in the runner up spot. The winner Eskenformoney came back to beat Alw-1 optional claimers in her next outing on Jan. 16. The filly appears headed in the right direction and she should be a decent price in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 6,8 / 2,6,7,8
TRI: 6,8 / 2,6,7,8 / 2,3,6,7,8

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Aqueduct
R2: #2 Signora Sofia 20-1
R3: #3 Monster Mash 8-1
R3: #2 Scarly Charly 8-1
R4: #10 Tonite Tonite 8-1
R5: #3 Southbeachsandy 15-1
R5: #6 Street Swag 12-1
R6: #3 Arc de Nua 10-1
R7: #1 Coast of Sangria 15-1
R8: #1 Geaux Mets 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Oaklawn

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $18500 Class Rating: 74

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 18, 2014 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, IF FOR $8,000, ALLOWED 4 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 RHODIUM 2/1


# 6 HOLY HABIT 8/1


# 9 LITTLEBITCRANKY 8/1


RHODIUM could be the bet in here. Could best this group here, showing solid numbers of late. Could beat this group given the 74 speed figure recorded in her last outing. Has been running in the most competitive company of the group lately. HOLY HABIT - The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Puhl running at this distance are the strongest in this group of animals. Has run admirably when racing a dirt sprint race. LITTLEBITCRANKY - Had one of the top Equibase Speed Figures of this group of animals in her last affair. Her chances to prove victorious are much better today facing this softer bunch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turfway Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 4 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9500 Class Rating: 92

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE DECEMBER 18, 2014 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, FOR EACH $500 TO $7,000 1 LB.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 JUPITER 2/1


# 6 DREAM COMMANDER 6/1


# 4 PLAIN TALES 3/1


JUPITER is the strongest bet in this race. His 89 average has this gelding with among the strongest Equibase Speed Figures for this event. Has strong front-end speed and will probably fare solidly against this group of animals. Is a contender - given the 82 speed figure from his most recent race. DREAM COMMANDER - Could best this group based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 89 - of his last race. PLAIN TALES - He has put up competitive numbers under today's conditions and will almost certainly fare well versus this group of animals. Is difficult not to examine based on Equibase speed figs which have been formidable - 83 avg - of late.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Fair Grounds - Race #2 - Post: 1:56pm - SO - 5.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 93

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 SPRING FORMAL (ML=3/1)
#1 FANCY TICKET (ML=7/2)
#2 WAHINE BLING (ML=4/1)


SPRING FORMAL - This horse has recorded the best recent turf speed figure at the distance and surface. I'm focusing on the class of this magnificent animal, and this one is the 'classiest' of the bunch. I like the fact that this mare's last fig, 100, is tops in this bunch. The improved Equibase speed figures over the last three races is solid. Rodriguez drops her in this affair in shape and ready to win. FANCY TICKET - Filly looks like the lone speed here. She may turn the race into a procession. Graham and Amoss have had wonderful success together over the last twelve months. This filly has been posting some excellent workout times. Horses out of the barn of Amoss have been solid on the grass. Should do well. WAHINE BLING - You have to consider the solid works of late. Horse made up some ground down the stretch last time out on Nov 15th at Remington Park. That event is better than it looked.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 EXPRESSLY YOURS (ML=6/1), #8 KINGSTON TERRACE (ML=6/1), #6 GETTEM UP GIRL (ML=6/1),

EXPRESSLY YOURS - This come from behinder looks to have little chance without a speed battle on the front end. KINGSTON TERRACE - I find it hard to play any racer in a sprint race at 6/1 when she hasn't shown any successful endeavors in sprints in the last two months. GETTEM UP GIRL - This mare probably needs a more preferred pace situation to make her late move. When looking at today's Equibase class figure, she will have to garner a better fig than last race out to be competitive in this turf sprint.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - SPRING FORMAL - Her TrackMaster turf figure is tops among these ponies. This mare deserves your action.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 SPRING FORMAL is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,3] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,2,3] with [1,2,3] with [1,2,3,4,6] with [1,2,3,4,6] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #9 - Post: 4:39pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 PRACTICAL (ML=5/2)
#5 INDIAN MONKEY (ML=4/1)
#3 WARREN'S SUNNY BOY (ML=12/1)


PRACTICAL - Faced tougher last time around the track at Santa Anita. Based on Equibase class figures, this is a weaker field, so I will put this one on my list of top contenders. INDIAN MONKEY - Boulanger comes to ride again after getting to know the gelding in the last event. PP data show this thoroughbred with three improving Equibase speed figs. Boulanger should be on a horse ready to win in this field. WARREN'S SUNNY BOY - Many positive 'sensations' attached to this thoroughbred and his stable.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 MILITARY JUSTICE (ML=9/2), #4 CHAPO (ML=5/1), #8 SENOR PEGASUS (ML=6/1),

MILITARY JUSTICE - Not the best 'placement' in this event. CHAPO - Would have to get better off that fifth place finish last time out to make an impact here. No accomplishments for this questionable contender in a short distance contest over the last couple months tells me that this gelding is in a thorny circumstance SENOR PEGASUS - You figure that this horse is going to win today just because he's always close. Just doesn't get the job done often.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#11 PRACTICAL is going to be the play if we are getting 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #8 - AQUEDUCT - 3:48 PM EASTERN POST


The Hollie Hughes Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#6 BIG BUSINESS
#7 CAPTAIN SERIOUS
#3 I'M STOKED
#1 GEAUX METS

From Rick's F.Y.I. Department: This New York-bred stakes is named for a trainer who spent a lifetime in racing. Hollie Hughes retired in 1975 after training horses for the Sanford family for 70 years. In 1973, he was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame at Saratoga Springs. Mr. Hughes became Gen. Stephen Sanford's head trainer in 1914 and saddled his first winner, at Saratoga, on August 27th of that year. After training horses for only two years he won the Kentucky Derby with a horse called George Smith. Hughes was in the army when George Smith won the Derby, with Preston Burch saddling the horse for the race. Hughes did saddle a number of stakes winners on the flats and over the jumps, including Sergeant Murphy, who won Grand National at Aintree in England in 1923. He also won the Whitney and Monmouth handicaps. Hollie Hughes was a native New Yorker. He passed away in 1981 at the age of 92. Here in the 37th running of this stakes event for New York Breds ... #6 BIG BUSINESS is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in four, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his last start. Jockey Fernando Jara was in his irons for that win, 17 days ago here at "The Big-A," and is back today for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips." #7 CAPTAIN SERIOUS has turned in "POWER RUNS" in four straight, hitting the board in a pair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (5th) Piscesbymoonlight, 5-1
(7th) Violet Hour, 4-1


Fair Grounds (2nd) Spring Formal, 3-1
(8th) Candip, 5-1


Golden Gate Fields (5th) Jedi Mind Trick, 7-2
(7th) Stay Positive, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (1st) Union Label, 8-1
(11th) Strike Em Down, 6-1


Oaklawn Park (2nd) Tis' Timeless, 8-1
(5th) Ghost Locket, 5-1


Parx Racing (1st) Sunshine Ken, 3-1
(8th) She Ain't Bad, 6-1


Santa Anita (5th) May B, 7-2
(9th) Senor Pegasus, 6-1


Sunland Park (7th) Karen's Rockette, 5-1
(8th) Dion O Mile, 8-1


Tampa Bay Downs (6th) Jojalais, 3-1
(10th) Spivey, 8-1


Turfway Park (1st) Indy Bones, 5-1
(9th) Arcodoro, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - January

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
1/1 2 10.5 10 UNDER
1/2 8 43 37 UNDER
1/3 10 52.5 74 OVER
1/4 7 37 46 OVER
1/5 1 5 5 PUSH
1/6 10 55.5 51 UNDER
1/7 4 22 23 OVER
1/8 10 55.5 58 OVER
1/9 5 26.5 33 OVER
1/10 11 58 58 PUSH
1/11 3 16 20 OVER
1/12 3 17.5 15 UNDER
1/13 10 54.5 64 OVER
1/14 4 21.5 18 UNDER
1/15 10 55.5 47 UNDER
1/16 6 32 34 OVER
1/17 12 64.5 69 OVER
1/18 4 - - -
1/19 7 - - -
1/20 8 - - -
1/21 6 - - -
1/22 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/23 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/24 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/25 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/26 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/27 11 - - -
1/28 3 - - -
1/29 11 - - -
1/30 5 - - -
1/31 11 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sabres (14-29) at Red Wings (25-11)

Date: January 18, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

With a goalie dilemma seemingly behind them, the Detroit Red Wings continue to stockpile wins and move toward the top of the Eastern Conference.

If recent history is any indication, the Red Wings should anticipate another step forward Sunday night when they host the lowly Buffalo Sabres.

Detroit (25-11-9) has fared well since All-Star goaltender Jimmy Howard suffered a groin injury Jan. 10, thanks in large part to Petr Mrazek. He has started and won each of the last three games with a 1.63 goals-against average in that time.

Mrazek had 34 saves Saturday in a 5-2 win over Central Division-leading Nashville that kept Detroit tied with Montreal for second in the Atlantic at 59 points. First-place Tampa Bay leads the East with 62.

The Red Wings' usual backup in net, Jonas Gustavsson, is also injured, leaving the reserve duties to Tom McCollum. The 25-year-old McCollum appeared in one game for Detroit on March 30, 2011, and has not played since.

Whoever starts in net Sunday will benefit from Detroit's thriving offense. Tomas Tatar reached the 20-goal milestone with two tallies Saturday and Gustav Nyquist added a goal and an assist to give him 13 points in his last 11 games.

"He's a very dangerous scorer," Stephen Weiss said of Tatar to Detroit's official website. "He's got a real good shot and he's got a lot of energy. He's a fun guy to be around, a fun guy to be around in practice.

"He practices hard and he works at it. He's turned into quite the star."

The Red Wings also got a pair of power-play goals to give them an NHL-best 41.

The offensive production could certainly continue against the Sabres, whose most recent visit to Detroit on Dec. 23 resulted in a 6-3 loss that marked a season-high goal total for the Red Wings. Detroit has had at least three in five of the last six meetings.

Buffalo (14-29-3) has been largely helpless when it plays at Joe Louis Arena, losing each of it last six games there and 14 of 15 dating to 1996.

Their overall play this season has been equally futile regardless of opponent. The Sabres fell 4-3 to Philadelphia on Saturday for their 10th consecutive regulation loss - the longest such streak since Pittsburgh went 10 straight without a point in 2005-06.

The Sabres rank last in the NHL with 1.72 goals per game and have managed only 11 over their 10-game skid.

"You can talk about goal scoring; I know goal scoring in this league is tough," coach Ted Nolan told Buffalo's official site. "But if you don't go to the net, carry the puck in, you don't fight your way in there, you're not going to have a chance. There's not even a hope of scoring a goal if you don't get to the net or you don't shoot."

Jhonas Enroth figures to be in net Sunday, looking to bounce back after allowing a career-worst seven goals to Minnesota on Thursday. Enroth is 11-16-2 and his 3.33 GAA ranks second-worst among goalies with at least 20 starts.

Detroit fell to Buffalo 3-2 in a shootout Nov. 2 before beating the Sabres in the next two contests, most recently 3-1 on Tuesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Timonen's future uncertain
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The future remains uncertain for Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen after tests showed the blood clot in his lungs has cleared up but the one in his leg has not, general manager Ron Hextall said Saturday.

"We have to get more doctors reports and then we're going to huddle up with the doctors within the next few days and try and figure out a direction here that we're going to take," Hextall said.

Timonen was diagnosed with the blood clots in September and has not played this season. At age 39, there's a question as to whether he will be able to play again.

Timonen has played 15 seasons in the NHL, seven with the Flyers. He has 38 goals and 207 points in his Philadelphia career. He spent his first eight seasons with the Nashville Predators.


---The Los Angeles Kings recalled goaltender J.F. Berube from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League and placed forward Tyler Toffoli on injured reserve.

Toffoli was diagnosed with mononucleosis. The move to IR will be retroactive to Jan. 8. Toffoli has 12 goals and 27 points this season.

Berube has appeared in 80 career AHL games, all with Manchester, and has posted a 49-24-7 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.


---The Dallas Stars made a series of roster moves Saturday, including placing forward Brett Ritchie on injured reserve.

The team also recalled forward Curtis McKenzie and defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka from the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League.

Ritchie, 21, scored his first NHL goal in his first game on his first shot on Dec. 31 against the Arizona Coyotes. He has posted four points (three goals, one assist) and a plus-2 rating in eight games.


---The Nashville Predators recalled defenseman Anthony Bitetto from the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL.

Bitetto leads Milwaukee defensemen with 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) while appearing in all 38 games this season.


---The Philadelphia Flyers recalled forward Jason Akeson from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL.

Akeson, 24, started this season with the Flyers and appeared in 12 games before being loaned to Lehigh Valley on Nov. 28. With the Phantoms, he has recorded eight goals and nine assists in 19 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Hot and Not Report
By Mike Rose

The 2014-15 NBA betting season is wearing on, and today at VegasInsider.com, we're going to be taking a close look at the teams who are falling flat on the hardwood as we start the new year.

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-6-1 ATS in L/7) – Some of this just isn't the fault of the Thunder. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are consistently hyped up as the saviors for Oklahoma City, and they very well could end up playing that role. However, we have to remember that they are still only two players on a team which really isn't all that great, yet the oddsmakers feel that this is a truly elite team which will contend in the Western Conference this year. As a result, a 4-3 SU run in which the wins have come by five, seven, three, and eight points isn't good enough for a single cover. The Thunder are going to run into that problem for the rest of the year for as long as Durant and Westbrook are healthy. Perhaps the time will come that these two stars will be healthy enough to really make those big spreads seem warranted, but for now, you've got to stay away from the Thunder.

New York Knicks (1-9-1 ATS in L/11) – Heading over to London didn't help the Knicks any either. Can you imagine how bad this team would be if Carmelo Anthony didn't end up resigning in the Big Apple last offseason? My goodness! New York has lost 16 straight games, and the last nine of those losses have come by double digits. The Knicks haven't been favored in a game since November 22nd, and that doesn't look or feel like it is going to change any time in the near future. The only quarter of basketball which New York has been good in this year has been the fourth quarter, and the only reason for that is because other teams are laughing too hard at how badly they have outscored the Knicks through three quarters. New York has the worst margin in the league through three quarters in the NBA at -10.1 points per game, and it's really tough to cover spreads when you're constantly down by double digits heading into the fourth quarter.

Cleveland Cavaliers (1-9 ATS in L/10) – The Cavaliers have really simply failed on both ends of the court, and it is really their defense that is putting their offense into so many problems. Rebounding has been a big issue, particularly in terms of allowing offensive rebounds, and David Blatt's defense is getting extended as a result. The team has lost seven straight games, and by the time Cleveland gets back from this West Coast trip, it could be right on the cut line of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. When LeBron James and Kevin Love joined forces with Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, it wasn't supposed to be like this. It might very well take some more time to get the Cavaliers going, but for the time being, they are really a devastating team to try to watch play.