Bettor's best friend (BBF): Saturday's wagering tips
Cold wings
The last thing Detroit needed to lose was another scorer. But on Friday, the team learned Johan Franzen is out with at least four months with a torn ACL. Franzen had 34 goals and 25 assists in just 71 games last year and his injury, along with defected free agent and 40-goal scorer Marian Hossa, leaves a big hole in the team?s attack. The Red Wings are -135 against Washington with a total of six.
Power outage
The Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to get anything positive to happen to start the season. The Lightning have been outscored nearly 2-1 through three games (0-2-1) and things won get much easier when they host a scrappy Carolina team on Saturday. The penalty kill has been a big issue so far, killing off just 70 percent of opposing man advantages. Take a long look at Carolina at +115 with a total of six goals.
Fighting word
Senator teammates Chris Neil and Jason Spezza dropped the gloves in practice this morning, showing that the fire Ottawa played with in its past two games was for real. Spezza, however, needs to pick up his play as he has yet to score this season. Ottawa is minus-145 against Atlanta on Saturday with a total of 6 goals.
Hasselbeck is back
The Seahawks are expecting to get a huge lift as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is expected to be under center when the team hosts Jacksonville on Sunday. Seahawks have lost three straight, missing the three-time Pro Bowler for all but the first two quarters of the slide. The team also has failed to crack 20 points during its losing streak. Seattle is getting three points.
Blocking foul
Like the Redskins needed anything else to worry about. The team seems to be in utter disarray as running back Clinton Portis has divided the locker room by requesting a new lead blocker instead of starting fullback Mike Sellers. The fullback had to be restrained by teammates and led the team to work out free agent running back Keon Lattimore. The Redskins are getting four points against the Panthers.
Snow patrol
We hope the Phillies packed their long johns for their trip to Colorado. The forecast for Denver calls for a 30 percent chance of precipitation with a 10 mph wind. The catch? With a low that could drop down to the low 30s, snow is a definite possibility. Pedro Martinez will make the chilly start for the Phillies at 38 years old and have to battle the elements as well as the potent Colorado lineup. Philadelphia is plus-111 with a total of nine runs.
SEC shootout
Oddsmakers believe that Auburn at Arkansas will put on quiet the fireworks display when the clash on Saturday morning, putting the total at 66.But recent history between the two sides says the matchup shouldn?t be a high-scoring duel. Three of the past four meetings have fallen under the number, with the road team winning and covering each of the past four meetings.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"You're not sure what kind of U.S. team you're going to get when you travel to Honduras or El Salvador or Costa Rica. At this point when U.S. Soccer has grown and competed in World Cups throughout the years, shouldn't we be above that?"
--Former U.S. Captain John Harkes on the team?s road woes in World Cup qualifying. The U.S. plays at Honduras on Saturday needing a win to lock up a World Cup berth.
Cold wings
The last thing Detroit needed to lose was another scorer. But on Friday, the team learned Johan Franzen is out with at least four months with a torn ACL. Franzen had 34 goals and 25 assists in just 71 games last year and his injury, along with defected free agent and 40-goal scorer Marian Hossa, leaves a big hole in the team?s attack. The Red Wings are -135 against Washington with a total of six.
Power outage
The Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to get anything positive to happen to start the season. The Lightning have been outscored nearly 2-1 through three games (0-2-1) and things won get much easier when they host a scrappy Carolina team on Saturday. The penalty kill has been a big issue so far, killing off just 70 percent of opposing man advantages. Take a long look at Carolina at +115 with a total of six goals.
Fighting word
Senator teammates Chris Neil and Jason Spezza dropped the gloves in practice this morning, showing that the fire Ottawa played with in its past two games was for real. Spezza, however, needs to pick up his play as he has yet to score this season. Ottawa is minus-145 against Atlanta on Saturday with a total of 6 goals.
Hasselbeck is back
The Seahawks are expecting to get a huge lift as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is expected to be under center when the team hosts Jacksonville on Sunday. Seahawks have lost three straight, missing the three-time Pro Bowler for all but the first two quarters of the slide. The team also has failed to crack 20 points during its losing streak. Seattle is getting three points.
Blocking foul
Like the Redskins needed anything else to worry about. The team seems to be in utter disarray as running back Clinton Portis has divided the locker room by requesting a new lead blocker instead of starting fullback Mike Sellers. The fullback had to be restrained by teammates and led the team to work out free agent running back Keon Lattimore. The Redskins are getting four points against the Panthers.
Snow patrol
We hope the Phillies packed their long johns for their trip to Colorado. The forecast for Denver calls for a 30 percent chance of precipitation with a 10 mph wind. The catch? With a low that could drop down to the low 30s, snow is a definite possibility. Pedro Martinez will make the chilly start for the Phillies at 38 years old and have to battle the elements as well as the potent Colorado lineup. Philadelphia is plus-111 with a total of nine runs.
SEC shootout
Oddsmakers believe that Auburn at Arkansas will put on quiet the fireworks display when the clash on Saturday morning, putting the total at 66.But recent history between the two sides says the matchup shouldn?t be a high-scoring duel. Three of the past four meetings have fallen under the number, with the road team winning and covering each of the past four meetings.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"You're not sure what kind of U.S. team you're going to get when you travel to Honduras or El Salvador or Costa Rica. At this point when U.S. Soccer has grown and competed in World Cups throughout the years, shouldn't we be above that?"
--Former U.S. Captain John Harkes on the team?s road woes in World Cup qualifying. The U.S. plays at Honduras on Saturday needing a win to lock up a World Cup berth.
