Tuesday 2/10/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 20:00

Liverpool

v

Tottenham

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		10/11	14/5	16/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LIVERPOOL	RECENT FORM
HDHDAD*HWAWAD​ Most recent​	4 - 0 3 - 2 0 - 0 0 - 2	HWHWHLADAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Tottenham have the fourth best away league record

EXPERT VERDICT: Given Liverpool’s dominant recent head-to-head record against Tottenham – four straight wins, the last three by an aggregate score of 12-0 – the quotes for the home side may not be surprising. However, Spurs were excellent against Arsenal and look a value bet to beat a leggy Liverpool side at Anfield.

RECOMMENDATION: Tottenham
1


REFEREE: Phil Dowd STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 19:45

Hull

v

Aston Villa

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		11/8	21/10	5/2	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT HULL	RECENT FORM
HWALALALHLAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 0 - 2 0 - 1 0 - 1	HWALHLHWALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Hull have won just three of their last 23 league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Hull and Aston Villa both played well against top-two opposition at the weekend but it’s unlikely that this match will be a cracker. Both are desperate for points but Hull have failed to score in five of their last seven league matches at the KC Stadium, while Villa have scored in just two of their last ten away games.

RECOMMENDATION: No goalscorer
1


REFEREE: Michael Oliver STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 19:45

Sunderland

v

QPR

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		10/11	13/5	7/2	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SUNDERLAND	RECENT FORM
HLALHDHWAWAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 3 - 1 2 - 1 2 - 2	HDHLALHLALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: QPR have the worst away defensive record in the top flight shipping 27 goals in 11 games

EXPERT VERDICT: A record of 12 straight away defeats masks the fact that QPR have at least scored in their last four and they should hit the net again at the Stadium of Light. While Sunderland may not be prolific at home – just 12 goals in 12 games – the arrival of Jermain Defoe has given them some extra punch up front.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
2


REFEREE: Martin Atkinson STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 19:45

Arsenal

v

Leicester

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		2/7	5	11	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ARSENAL	RECENT FORM
HWHWAWAWHWAL​ Most recent​	2 - 1 4 - 0 6 - 1 0 - 0	HWHWHLAWALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Arsenal have lost just one home league game since the opening day of last season

EXPERT VERDICT: Arsenal need to put their north London derby defeat behind them and should have few problems against the basement boys. The Gunners have scored at least twice in ten of their last 14 league games at the Emirates and the Foxes have lost nine of their 12 league road trips this term.

RECOMMENDATION: Arsenal to win 3-0
1


REFEREE: Mike Jones STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier We 11Feb 19:45

Chelsea

v

Everton

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		1/3	9/2	10	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHELSEA	RECENT FORM
AWADHLHD*HDAW​ Most recent​	1 - 0 2 - 1 3 - 1 1 - 1	HDHDAD*HDAWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Everton have not won on their last 23 visits to Stamford Bridge

EXPERT VERDICT: Chelsea have carved out a seven-point advantage in the Premier League and their pursuers are unlikely to be handed an opportunity to make up ground when Everton head to Stamford Bridge. The Toffees have a miserable record at Chelsea and limited attacking options so it should be comfortable for the leaders.

RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea to win 2-0
1


REFEREE: Jonathan Moss STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier We 11Feb 19:45

Stoke

v

Man City

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		19/4	14/5	7/10	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT STOKE	RECENT FORM
HWALAWAWHWAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 0 - 1 1 - 1 1 - 1	HWADHLHLADHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Stoke have lost just one of their last nine games

EXPERT VERDICT: Manchester City have struggled at the Britannia Stadium in the Premier League era and may have to again settle for a share of the points. In six Stoke visits during that period, the Citizens have drawn five times and lost once, with 1-1 coming up on four occasions, and another tight, hard-fought game is on the cards.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Lee Mason STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 6 - Post: 2:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 85 - Purse:$5200 - ALL AGES N/W $500 P/S L/6 OR P/S IN 2014-15 $8000 P/C L/S AE: $12500 CLM W/A J MAROHN JR 1 OVER 7 J TAGGART JR 8 OVER 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 STORY BOOK 3/1


# 3 B B SMASH 5/2


# 4 TRIPLE MAJOR 9/2


We've got an instinct STORY BOOK is going to get the victory. Could surprise us at a nice price. Don't leave out. Talk about a dynamic duo, Stalbaum and Asher have some of the best driver/trainer numbers at the track. With this driver-trainer hooking up, players often make some green stuff. Return on investment is great with this partnership. B B SMASH - Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a rather good 87 speed rating. Comes into this race with really good TrackMaster class stats in relationship to the field of starters - could be worth a shot. TRIPLE MAJOR - Within the recent past Aldrich has been hot as a pistol, which may give the edge to this gelding for this race. Has a very strong shot in this race, if he can perform to his back class.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 6 - Post: 2:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$13000 - 3& 4 YEAR OLD CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $20,000 3 YO 50%, 4 YO 25%, F& M 20%


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 DIAMONDKEEPER 9/5


# 1 HAWKER 3/1


# 7 BADGER QUINN 4/1


DIAMONDKEEPER will have you running to the cashier's window in this race. This competition may be controlled by this gelding. A single look at the avgerage TrackMaster speed fig will confirm that. Could dominate this group of horses, just look at the TrackMaster SR - 81 - from his most recent effort. Formidable driver-conditioner ratings make this interesting entrant a bang-up choice. Very likely will be putting money down this time. HAWKER - Drawing the 1 position at this track has lead to a much better than average win clip. Could most likely handle this group given the 83 speed figure recorded in his most recent race. BADGER QUINN - He has nice class stats, averaging 86. Should be considered for a bet here. Top driver-trainer partnership, with one of the best return on investment percentages in this field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 3 - Optional Claiming - 870y on the Dirt. Purse: $8000 Class Rating: 83

QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 SHEZ FIRST CLASS ACT 7/2


# 5 COSINO WINNER 3/1


# 1 FAST DASHIN MAN 10/1


SHEZ FIRST CLASS ACT is the best bet in this race. Could provide positive dividends based on decent recent Speed Figures with an average of 68. Have to examine solely on class, with some of the top class figures of this group. Has run very well when racing a longer quarter horse race. COSINO WINNER - Hamilton has a win percent of 17 over the last 30 days. Could beat this field given the 66 Equibase Speed Fig recorded in his last outing. FAST DASHIN MAN - Ran a very solid last race. Has run solidly when running a longer quarter horse race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $23000 Class Rating: 64

FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT ONE MILE OR OVER SINCE JANUARY 10 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000, FOR EACH $1,000 TO $14,000 2 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 LITE AND SWEET 5/1


# 4 MOVE OVER HONEY 9/2


# 7 KAYUDY FLYER 2/1


My choice for this event is LITE AND SWEET. Has performed soundly as of late in route races, posting a nifty 74 avg speed figure. Is tough not to consider given the company run in recently. Her 60 average has this filly with among the strongest Equibase Speed Figures here. MOVE OVER HONEY - Well above average win clip at this distance/surface. Will almost certainly go to the front end and could never look back. KAYUDY FLYER - Preciado has a strong win percent with horses racing in dirt route races. With a strong 60 speed fig last time out, will surely be a factor in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Sam Houston - Race #4 - Post: 2:24pm - Allowance - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $21,000 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SLEW'S SONG (ML=8/1)
#7 HONOR LISABETH (ML=2/1)
#1 MARGARITA ON ROCKS (ML=6/1)


SLEW'S SONG - The most dangerous animal in racing is the lone speed horse. If they let her get away early they probably won't catch her. This filly is in good physical condition. Finished third on January 31st. HONOR LISABETH - This filly is in nice physical condition, having run a nice race on January 31st, finishing second. It looks like Taylor had to learn about this filly on January 31st when riding her for the first time. Back on again today. I like this animal. Should be familiar with this level since she ran against the same type last race out at Sam Houston. MARGARITA ON ROCKS - This filly's last speed fig registered on January 31st is tops in last race speed figs. Look at this pattern of improvement. 64/70/72 are the last 3 speed figures.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 CAUSE I'M SEC SEA (ML=7/2), #2 COUNTTHEMONEY (ML=9/2), #4 LADY SAYLA (ML=6/1),

CAUSE I'M SEC SEA - Doubtful that the speed figure she earned on January 23rd will be good enough in this event. COUNTTHEMONEY - Tough for this closer animal to get up today. Without a hot pace to stir things up, the lone pace is going to make it awfully hard to get the job done. Never really did much at all last time around the track on Jan 31st. Hard to wager on today. Garnered a common speed rating last time around the track in an Allowance race on January 31st. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that fig. LADY SAYLA - Showed very little in the last event. Really can't expect any betterment today.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 SLEW'S SONG to win if we can get at least 7/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #8 - Post: 4:16pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,800 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 DA WIKI WIKI (ML=8/1)
#5 FOURTH GENERATION (ML=6/1)
#1 SKY'S NO LIMIT (ML=9/2)
#2 WARRENSBROTHERBILL (ML=7/2)


DA WIKI WIKI - My sidekicks and I have made dough playing ponies with this type of pace. Follow my advice and do the same. Faced tougher last time around the track at Turf Paradise. Based on class ratings, this is a weaker field, so I will put this horse on my list of strong contenders. Finished out of the money last out at Turf Paradise, but was within five lengths of the winner. Opening at 8/1 makes me think he's got a chance. FOURTH GENERATION - You always have to be on the prowl for profit making rider/trainer tandems; we have it right here. Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a strong contest last race out within the last month or so. I like this animal. Finished in front of today's probable favorite last out at Turf Paradise, and I think he will do well versus this field today. SKY'S NO LIMIT - Have to give this gelding a chance. Ran a solid race last race out within the last 30 days. Gelding's last work was second fastest of the day for the distance. The last speed figure of 82 is the best last race speed rating in the field. WARRENSBROTHERBILL - He keeps getting closer at the finish with each and every start. Have to make this gelding a serious competitor; he comes off a good race on January 20th.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 HIGH ON FINAL (ML=5/1), #8 INDIAN SMOKE (ML=6/1), #10 A LITTLE STORM KEY (ML=6/1),

HIGH ON FINAL - The Brain tells me to keep away from horses in sprint contests that haven't hit the board in sprint affairs recently. This animal just hasn't looked fit lately. INDIAN SMOKE - This gelding earned a speed figure in his last race which likely isn't good enough in today's event. A LITTLE STORM KEY - You always believe this horse has a shot to be the victor, but he comes up short frequently.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #9 DA WIKI WIKI to win if we can get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
9 with [1,2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
9 with [1,2,5] with [1,2,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
9 with [1,2,5] with [1,2,5] with [1,2,5] Total Cost: $6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 2/10 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 29 - 83 / $142.40 BEST BETS: 4 - 7 / $15.00

Best Bet: DIAMONDKEEPER (6th)

Spot Play: MAGIC WILL WORK (8th)


Race 1

(6) SEA VENTURE has come back strong in this young season. Remember, the veteran gelding used to be a top-level pacer and he is trying to recapture some of that old glory. (3) SPEEDACIOUS has also been sharp for Bamond and he looks for three straight. (4) HURTIN ALBERTAN was the victim of a shuffle last out so he can be excused a bit for that effort.

Race 2

(5) JACOB WAYNE has flashed solid speed in his two local appearances and he may be the safest play in this tough-to-figure event; weak call. (3) PERFECT TWENTY ONE blew up before the start upon arrival but he clearly has ability if he minds his manners; proceed with caution. (1) ADRENALIN JUNKIE recovered decently after an early miscue in his local debut; he shows a slew of flat lines before that so perhaps the break was just a fluke.

Race 3

(3) ATOMIC TOM was Sears' surprising choice over an O'Sullivan trainee so perhaps the youngster is ready to get his career underway off just one even qualifier. (2) B SEVENTEEN had plenty of local experience as a freshman in NY bred events; colt can be ready to go off two busy qualifiers. (6) MISTER ACCUMULATOR ships from Woodbine where he was possibly facing better but as previously mentioned Sears opted off.

Race 4

(1) NOBLE TRICK came up a bit short in the pocket last out in a needed start but the Allard trainee should be tighter today from this good inside post. (5) SCARLET CHASER gets some post relief off an uninvolved effort and Brennan picks up the drive for Sears, who opted for the top choice. (2) VLOS doesn't win much anymore but he's got plenty of back class.

Race 5

(3) WAYNE THE LEFTY had a disappointing 2014 campaign but he qualified willingly and may be ready at first asking. (2) ON THE BRINK lands inside in his second start for Brainard and deserves another look. (1) BIG TIME ROCKS returns locally and he deserves some consideration.

Race 6

(2) DIAMONDKEEPER went wire-to-wire to beat these last out and he's clearly capable of repeating. (1) HAWKER powered home from off the pace in his local return and he's clearly the main threat here. (7) BADGER QUINN will probably be done in by the poor post but he can be considered underneath for a small share.

Race 7

(1) KEEP IT SWEET returns locally and she raced pretty well in her lone local appearance last December; Kakaley should be able to keep away from trouble in this bulky field. (6) AGGRESSIVE ships from Canada, picks up Sears and should be forwardly placed. (8) JUSTIN ON BROADWAY has much to do from the eight hole but the ability certainly is there.

Race 8

(9) MAGIC WILL WORK shipped east to join the Harmon barn and she raced very willingly in those two qualifiers over at The Meadowlands; Dube's choice should be ready to roll here, provided she can navigate the second tier. (2) DO IT FOR ANNIE has been a solid commodity for some time at the basement claiming level for trainer Rohr. (5) FLASHBACK has had his moments here in the past. (11) SUN OF A VICTORY jogged at this level, this distance two back.

Race 9

(1) NICE DREAM put in a big effort two back at 82/1 and the veteran seems more than capable here with a smooth trip. (6) I'M FABULOUS was overmatched versus better when last seen locally; this level should suit her better. (4) CLIENT NINE gets much-needed class relief today but he stopped when last going the added distance.

Race 10

(2) WELL CONNECTED KID has taken two of his last three local races in impressive fashion; gelding has proven he can rough it and he deserves top billing from this inside spot. (10) SON OF NORDIC hasn't done much lately but the veteran is loaded with class and hasn't been in this soft in a while. (4) CELEBRITY BLUECHIP hasn't done much since joining the Burke barn; capable of better.

Race 11

(8) COMMANDERGALLEON N may be a bit of a reach from this spot but he qualified nicely with the hobbles added and there are certainly no standouts here. It's worth noting he was Dube's choice. (4) MACK'S GOLD BAND will fire out and be a major player if he behaves himself. That's a big if, however. (1) BIG PAYOUT drops in class and should be better.

Race 12

(2) BLACKTREE picks up Sears upon arrival off some good efforts in series action at The Big M. (1) SOME MAJOR BEACH gets much-needed post relief and will look to take these the distance. (6) VANCE BAYAMA debuts for Allard and may need a start or two to hit top speed but he can be considered underneath.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Mohoning Valley (2nd) Gerard, 8-1
(6th) Scotchnwater, 6-1


Parx Racing (2nd) After the Bell, 7-2
(8th) Rustler Hustler, 9-2


Sam Houston (4th) Margarita On Rocks, 6-1
(6th) Internet Success, 4-1


Turf Paradise (6th) Tropical Bay, 4-1
(8th) Sky's No Limit, 9-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - February

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
2/1 4 22.5 22 UNDER
2/2 3 15.5 25 OVER
2/3 11 60 55 UNDER
2/4 3 16.5 11 UNDER
2/5 9 49.5 43 UNDER
2/6 5 27 25 UNDER
2/7 11 58 57 UNDER
2/8 8 43 45 OVER
2/9 5 25.5 28 OVER
2/10 9 - - -
2/11 3 - - -
2/12 9 - - -
2/13 5 - - -
2/14 10 - - -
2/15 5 - - -
2/16 8 - - -
2/17 7 - - -
2/18 6 - - -
2/19 7 - - -
2/20 7 - - -
2/21 11 - - -
2/22 8 - - -
2/23 2 - - -
2/24 11 - - -
2/25 3 - - -
2/26 9 - - -
2/27 6 - - -
2/28 10 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Lightning (34-16) at Predators (35-12)

Date: February 10, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Jon Cooper questioned whether his team was among the best in the NHL following its first home loss in nearly two months. The Tampa Bay Lightning answered him with an impressive win over one of the top clubs in the league.

The Lightning can further convince their coach when they visit the NHL-leading Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.

Tampa Bay (34-16-5) had won a team-record 10 straight at home before falling 4-2 to Los Angeles on Saturday, prompting Cooper to examine his team's status.

"Are we finding that we're in that elite group, or are we still on the outside looking in?" he told the Lightning's official website.

The Lightning responded the next day, jumping out to a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes and going on to a 5-3 home victory over Anaheim, which owned the NHL's best record prior to the loss.

Nikita Kucherov scored his 20th goal and third in three games, Brian Boyle had two goals and Valtteri Filppula finished with three points.

"To turn that around 24 hours later, especially against a team that was waiting for us in our own town coupled with the fact they're the No. 1 point team in the league, that's a big effort by the boys," Cooper said. "I don't know if proud's a big enough word. Everybody showed up."

The Lightning will face the league leader for the second straight game, as Nashville (35-12-6) beat Florida 3-2 in a shootout Sunday to move one point up on the Ducks.

Filip Forsberg scored the tying goal with 4:43 left in regulation and added the winner in the tiebreaker. He leads all rookies with 18 goals and 30 assists and has recorded six points in his last five games.

"Filip was terrific. He's been that way all year," coach Peter Laviolette said. "He's put up a lot of points and played a lot of big minutes and put in big situations like he was tonight and he delivered."

Pekka Rinne got Sunday off in favor of Carter Hutton with the Predators playing the second of back-to-back games, and Rinne's expected to return to the net Tuesday.

He'll face a challenge in Steven Stamkos (50 points), Tyler Johnson (52) and a Tampa Bay club that leads the league with 3.22 non-shootout goals per game. Johnson has scored 13 of his 19 goals on the road.

Tampa Bay ranks in the upper half of the NHL with 2.56 goals allowed per game, but that number rises to 3.11 on the road. The Lightning have dropped four of five away from home, allowing 20 goals in that span.

"I feel like we've been playing well at home for the most part, and the road has been a struggle a little bit," Filppula said. "Hopefully we can get some points on the road now."

They'll be trying to do that Tuesday against the best home team in the league. Nashville is 21-3-1 at Bridgestone Arena and has won 10 of 11 there. The Predators have taken the last three home matchups in this series.

They've won four of five overall.

Nashville scored three power-play goals against Ben Bishop in a 3-2 win over the Lightning on Feb. 27. The Predators have taken four of the past five total meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

February is historically an Under-whelming month for NHL bettors
By JASON LOGAN

February is go time for NHL teams. The All-Star break is long gone and clubs are jockeying for spots in the standings over the next two months. And with that uptick in intensity comes more postseason-style play.

Goalies are sharper, lineups are finely tuned, and the blueline is tightened like a belt with defensemen digging in for a battle. This switch in playing style has produced a 19-35-9 Over/Under record so far this February (343-379 O/U on the season). In fact, it’s a trend that has steadily produced more Unders than Overs during the last 11 NHL regular seasons (2004-05 season cancelled due to lockout).

Since the 2003-04 campaign, February hockey has produced a 737-940-125 Over/Under record – a 56 percent lean toward the Under. The number of Under winners has increased to 58 percent over the past five NHL seasons, with teams going 301-421-57 Over/Under between February 2011 and this month. That includes a 31-48-4 O/U mark last season when the Winter Olympics put the breaks on the NHL schedule for most of February.

Oddsmakers don’t really do anything different when it comes to setting totals at this time of year, and are really just keeping an eye on current trends across the league in February. They do look to tighten totals when the schedule hits March, with the postseason hunt getting down to the home stretch. But by then, the betting value could be long gone.

“It still depends on the matchup,” says John Avello, executive director of race and sports at the Wynn Las Vegas. “You have to look at how the teams are playing defensively and what that game means at that point in the season. It still comes down to the individual matchups. We don’t try to do anything different this time of the year. No drastic changes.”

Over the last 11 seasons, NHL games have averaged 5.56 total goals per contest against an average Over/Under number of 5.48 – a surprising comparison considering the rate the Under has cashed in during that span. Those full 11 seasons have averaged 5.62 goals per game. And, over the last seven NHL seasons, only one February (2012) averaged more goals than the season scoring average.

A closer look points out that scoring has been on the decline in February, dropping from 6.3 goals per game in February 2006 to 5.1 goals per game in February 2014 – an overall trend in the NHL from year to year. This season, teams have netted an average of 5.24 goals per game against an average total of 5.29 in February. On the entire schedule, NHL teams are scoring 5.5 goals a night in 2014-15 which pretty much matches up with the most popular number for NHL totals.

This past weekend, NHL games finished 7-9-3 Over/Under and four of the five games on Monday’s board have totals of five goals. Perhaps the window is closing on another Under-rated February in the NHL.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Lightning at Predators

Tampa Bay Lightning at Nashville Predators (-135, 5.5)

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to finish off a two-game sweep of Western Conference Division leaders when they visit the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. The Lightning, who top the East with 73 points after going 7-2-1 in their last 10 outings, knocked off Pacific Division-leading Anaheim 5-3 on Sunday and attempt to cool off the first-place Predators from the Central. Nashville won four of its last five overall after a brief slump (1-2-2) and boasts 10 victories in its past 11 home games.

The Predators stood in the top five of the league in both scoring offense and defense through Sunday’s games and take on the top offensive team in the NHL. Captain Steven Stamkos leads nine players that have reached double figures in goals with 28 for Tampa Bay, which is 11-4-2 against Western Conference opponents. Pekka Rinne, who leads the league with 30 wins, was rested in the 3-2 shootout win over Florida on Sunday and should be back in net.

INJURY REPORT: Lightning - D Jason Garrison (questionable Tuesday, lower body). Predators - D Mattias Ekholm (questionable Tuesday, upper body), D Colin Wilson (questionable Tuesday, upper body).

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (34-16-5): Nikita Kucherov has scored in three straight contests after going through a 13-game goal drought and is second on the team with 20. The Lightning continue to struggle on the power play, which has converted only twice in 27 opportunities over the last eight outings, but is a plus-1.29 – second only to Nashville (1.36) in the league – in 5-on-5 play. Defenseman Luke Witkowski received a chance due to injuries on the blue line and has seven blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in six games.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (35-12-6): Nashville has some injury concerns with defenseman Mattias Ekholm and 17-goal scorer Colin Wilson questionable due to upper-body injuries. The Predators have found a way to get it done all season, though, led by Calder-hopeful Filip Forsberg (team-high 18 goals, 48 points) and Norris Trophy-candidate Shea Weber (36 points, plus-17). Blue liner Roman Josi registered nine points in the last eight games and has 37 on the season, three shy of tying his career high in 2013-14.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Lightning are 1-4 in the last five meetings.
* Over is 5-0-1 in Predators last six home games.

CONSENSUS: 54 percent of bets are on the Preds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Pistons (20-32) at Hornets (22-29)

Date: February 10, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Recent injuries in the backcourt have threatened to hurt the playoff hopes for the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons, but Al Jefferson's interior dominance keyed Charlotte's success in last season's series.

In the first of four meetings the rest of the way, Jefferson and the Hornets look to bounce back from a rare home defeat Tuesday night and hand the Pistons a sixth straight road loss.

Charlotte (22-29) appeared to be fine in winning four of its first five after learning leading scorer Kemba Walker would be out at least six weeks because of a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee.

The Hornets, however, are now looking to regroup after an 89-81 loss at Philadelphia on Saturday and a 103-102 defeat to Indiana on Sunday that ended their five-game home winning streak.

George Hill hit a baseline floater with 4.9 seconds left as the Pacers rallied back from a 21-point third-quarter deficit to deal Charlotte consecutive losses for the first time since a five-game skid from Dec. 26-Jan. 2.

The Hornets are one of six Eastern Conference teams separated by only a couple games between seventh and 12th place.

'We (played) totally disorganized, random, awful basketball on both ends of the floor,' coach Steve Clifford said.

Brian Roberts has averaged 11.4 points on 38.2 percent shooting in seven games since replacing Walker in the lineup, but he's looking to build on Sunday's 19-point effort in which he played through a shoulder injury.

Charlotte is also missing starting forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist due to a mild hamstring strain.

"Everybody has to step up," Jefferson said. "Everyone has to have energy going into the game and throughout the game."

With 30 points and 13 rebounds, Jefferson enjoyed his best performance in 10 games since missing nine with a strained groin.

He's been particularly tough on the Pistons (20-32), averaging 28.3 points and 11.3 rebounds as the Hornets shot above 50 percent in all three games while sweeping last season's series.

Detroit now hopes it can contain Jefferson as it tries to end a five-game road losing streak - the team's longest since dropping 13 in a row late last season. The Pistons had won five straight in Charlotte before a 116-98 loss there last February.

Brandon Jennings had a team-high 20 points in that contest, but he's out for the season with a torn Achilles. Detroit fell to 3-8 without its point guard in Sunday's 112-101 home loss to Minnesota.

Despite their recent struggles, the Pistons are just 2 1/2 games behind the Hornets.

"They're right in front of us," former Charlotte forward Anthony Tolliver told the Pistons' official website. "We have an opportunity, with them being ahead of us, to make up some ground by beating them head to head."

Former Charlotte guard D.J. Augustin has averaged 20.4 points and 8.9 assists while hitting 16 of 35 (45.7 percent) from 3-point range in eight games since replacing Jennings. He's also scored 21.7 per game on 10-of-24 shooting from beyond the arc in his last three meetings with Charlotte dating to his time in Chicago.

Andre Drummond seeks his sixth consecutive double-double after finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds while making all eight of his shots Sunday. He had just eight points and six boards in his only career game in Charlotte last February.