Sports Handicapper Big Al McMordie's Picks & Predictions

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Ottawa Senators.  The Panthers are in the midst of an eastern road swing that started out well enough with a win over the Flyers in Philadelphia.  But since that one they've lost two straight in Columbus and New York and now they travel north to face the Senators for the second time this season.  The Panthers jumped all over this club only eight days ago, taking a convincing 5-1 game in south Florida.  And they did that with their back-up goalie, James Reimer, in net.  Veteran Roberto Luongo should be back in goal tonight. And despite his ripe age of 39, Luongo is enjoying another solid season with a 2.48 GAA and .918 save pct., since returning to action just 17 days ago.  With 81 goals allowed in their first 20 games, the Sens have the dubious distinction of having the worst defense in the NHL with a horrific 4.05 GAA.  And they've allowed an absurd average of 38.4 shots on goal per game.  Florida has a losing record so far this season at 7-7-3, but that may not be the best thing for Ottawa, as it's just 10-26 in its last 36 vs. losing teams.  Take the Panthers.  NHL High Roller Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Buffalo Sabres.  Two weeks ago, the Pens pulled a rare feat -- for them -- by losing five games in a row.  They're staring at another four-game losing streak tonight.  But two weeks ago, after losing three straight, they were facing the Caps followed by the Devils -- two teams that always give them fits.  Tonight, it's perhaps the one team they'd MOST like to see in this situation as the Sabres come to town for the first time in almost a year.  Pittsburgh has won the last five in a row and nine of the last 10 vs. Buffalo.  The numbers are almost as lopsided here in PPG Paints Arena where the Pens are 24-7 in the last 31 meetings.  Despite their recent success, the Sabres are still 14-26, -14 games on the money line, off a win.  And they're an awful 28-53, -14 games on the money line, when playing their fourth game in seven days.  Meanwhile, the Pens are 55-29 after allowing more than three goals, and 6-0 after allowing more than three goals in three straight games.  After giving up 22 goals on 129 shots over his last six appearances, I look for goalie Matt Murray (and the Penguins) to bounce back tonight.  Take Pittsburgh.  NHL Game of the Month.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the New Orleans Pelicans minus the points over San Antonio.  The Spurs have had more success than any franchise in our four major sports, but they've had NO SUCCESS in the Crescent City over the last 8 years.  Certainly, the one game that most basketball fans would remember came on the last day of the 2014-15 season.  The Spurs needed to win in New Orleans to secure the #2 seed in the playoffs.  But they lost as a 5.5-point favorite, and that single defeat knocked them all the way down to the #6 seed (and they they lost to the Clippers in the first round).  San Antonio is now 1-14 ATS in their last 15 meetings here in New Orleans, including the last eight in a row.  And they've failed to cover the point spread by an average of 9.63 points per game.  We played on San Antonio last night vs. Golden State, and the Spurs rewarded us by winning an emotional game vs. the defending NBA Champs.  But NBA underdogs are a poor 21-33 ATS after defeating Golden State, including 0-9 ATS when priced from +6 to +7.5 points, and 3-12 ATS on the road if its opponent was playing with revenge.  With the Pelicans indeed playing with revenge from a 14-point loss suffered in San Antonio earlier this month, we'll lay the points with Anthony Davis & Co.  Take New Orleans.  NBA Game of the Month.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Denver Nuggets + the points over Milwaukee.  The Nuggs lost at home, 121-111, to Milwaukee eight days ago.  But that loss has triggered a 125-73 ATS revenge system of mine.  Even better for Denver:  it lost its previous game, 125-115, at New Orleans.  But Denver is a solid 22-7 ATS off a loss when not favored by more than three points (including a perfect 10-0 ATS vs. .583 (or better) foes.  Take Denver.  Perfect 10 Club Play.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.