St. Louis at Chicago

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THE STORY: The Chicago Blackhawks are doing their best to turn the corner following a season-high nine-game losing skid. Joel Quenneville’s club salvaged its pronounced road trip with a pair of wins – the latter being Saturday’s 6-1 triumph over the woeful Columbus Blue Jackets. Chicago will look to keep the good times going when it opens a three-game homestand against the Central Division rival St. Louis Blues on Sunday afternoon.

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC

ABOUT THE BLUES (36-15-7): St. Louis posted its sixth win in seven matches with a 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for the Blues, the NHL’s schedule makers are forcing them to leave the Gateway City, where they have secured at least one point in a franchise-record 21 straight contests. The road has produced far different results for St. Louis, which has lost 15 of 25 matches this season (10-12-3). All-Star G Brian Elliott, who was required to stop just 13 shots on Saturday, may receive another start with Jaroslav Halak battling the flu. Elliott is 1-1-1 in his career versus the Blackhawks, but yielded four goals in a 5-2 loss on Dec. 3.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (31-21-7): While Chicago has struggled of late, the United Center has proven to be a safe haven for the home residents. The Blackhawks have collected points in 23 of 29 contests this season (19-6-4). Jonathan Toews is certainly leading by example, recording two goals and three assists in his team’s modest two-game winning streak. The captain both scored and set up a goal in the teams’ last meeting. Viktor Stalberg will miss playing the Blue Jackets, against whom the 26-year-old Swede has scored half of his 16 goals this season. Stalberg has just one goal in eight career games versus the Blues.

OVERTIME:

1. St. Louis is making its first national television appearance since Jan. 13, 2007. Then-Blues defenseman Dennis Wideman scored midway through the third period to lift his squad to a 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on that day.

2. Blackhawks D Sami Lepisto netted his first goal in over 13 months when he tallied on Saturday. His last goal came on Jan. 15, 2011, when he was a member of the Phoenix Coyotes.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 3, Blues 2.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$   

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Boston at Minnesota

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THE STORY: With the Minnesota Wild taking on water and about to sink completely out of contention in the Western Conference, could a visit from the reigning Stanley Cup champions be just what they need to slow their rapid descent? Given the recent form of Minnesota, which has lost seven straight games heading into Sunday’s home matchup with the Boston Bruins, the obvious answer would seem to be no. But the Wild have dominated Boston, holding a 9-1-1 all-time edge in the series.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC, NHLCA

ABOUT THE BRUINS (35-19-2): Nearly unbeatable for a two-month stretch, Boston hasn’t won back-to-back games in more than a month. The Bruins are 3-5-0 in February and have been shut out three times in that span. The loss of RW Rich Peverley for 4-to-6 weeks with a sprained MCL is forcing the team to shuffle their lines. The goaltending has also been shaky. Tuukka Rask has lost five straight and Tim Thomas has yielded at least three goals in six of his last eight appearances.

ABOUT THE WILD (25-24-9): Minnesota was a collective no-show for Saturday’s 4-0 loss in St. Louis. The Wild managed only 13 shots on goal – three in each of the final two periods – as they lost for the 22nd time in 27 games. Minnesota has scored only nine goals during the seven-game skid and has been limited to one goal or fewer in six of its last eight. The Wild have also lost five straight (0-4-1) on their home ice.

OVERTIME:

1. Wild C Warren Peters has a hearing with the league office Sunday. He received a game misconduct Saturday for cross-checking St. Louis’ David Backes in the head.

2. Boston has notched two of its three wins this month in a shootout, and Tyler Seguin has converted in both.

3. Minnesota has been outscored 23-9 during the seven-game losing streak.

PREDICTION: Bruins 3, Wild 1. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$    

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New Jersey at Montreal

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THE STORY: Scott Gomez first emerged as a star in the making with the New Jersey Devils in the early 2000s. He’ll look to show off his seemingly renewed scoring touch Sunday evening as he leads the host Montreal Canadiens into a pivotal showdown with his old team. Gomez has two goals in his last five games after going more than a calendar year without a tally. While that’s not exactly a Rocket Richard pace, it’s certainly progress in the eyes of a Canadiens team that desperately needs to string together some victories.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, NBC Sports, CBC

ABOUT THE DEVILS (33-20-4): New Jersey has inserted itself into the mix for home-ice advantage in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs after fashioning a 7-1-2 run over its last 10 games. The Devils are coming off a 3-2 shootout win over the equally scorching Anaheim Ducks on Friday night, aided by a 36-save performance from Martin Brodeur. The extra-time format continues to suit New Jersey, which has won 10 of its 13 shootouts so far this season.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (24-25-10): Gomez was one of New Jersey’s top forwards during his seven-year tenure with the club, topping out at 33 goals and 84 points in 2005-06. He has fallen on hard times since signing a lucrative multi-year deal with the New York Rangers prior to the 2007-08 campaign, scoring just 53 goals in parts of five seasons. As for his Canadiens, they enter Sunday six points back of rival Toronto for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.

OVERTIME:

1. Montreal won this season’s head-to-head opener 2-1 on Dec. 10 before the Devils responded with back-to-back 5-3 victories.

2. Gomez has four goals and 13 assists in 22 career games against New Jersey.

3. Canadiens netminder Carey Price is 5-2-1 with a 2.20 goals-against average and two shutouts in eight February games.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 3, Devils 1. Wild 1. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$    

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Anaheim at Florida

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THE STORY: The Anaheim Ducks were 20 points out of playoff position Jan. 6. After a 14-2-4 run, they still face an uphill climb, but the prospects are far brighter. The Ducks will try to continue their surge when they visit the Florida Panthers on Sunday. Florida, which has lost two straight, is involved in its own drama as it leads Washington and Winnipeg by two and three points, respectively, in the Southeast Division.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Ducks), FS Florida (Panthers)

ABOUT THE DUCKS (24-24-10): Anaheim is 3-0-2 on its season-long eight-game road trip following a 3-2 shootout loss at New Jersey on Friday. The Ducks’ good fortune continued when defenseman Sheldon Brookbank tied the game with his second career goal in 253 games – and first in 167 contests – with 2:13 remaining in regulation. Jonas Hiller has started 17 straight games in goal and is 11-2-4 in that span, including 5-0-3 in his last eight. Anaheim still needs to pass five teams to reach the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, a daunting task made harder in the potential three-point game era.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (27-19-11): The Southeast winner might be the only division representative in the Stanley Cup tournament, as Florida is the lone team currently in playoff position. The Panthers lost 2-1 to Washington on Friday, falling in regulation after carrying a lead into the third period for the first time this season (16-1-4). Left wing Tomas Fleischmann has a point in five straight games (two goals, four assists). Stephen Weiss is expected to play his 613th game with the Panthers on Sunday, which will tie him with Radek Dvorak for the club record.

OVERTIME:

1. Reigning Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry of Anaheim has scored in four straight games and has six goals during that span.

2. The Ducks have won four of the last five meetings, including a 5-3 victory in the last meeting on Dec. 1, 2010, in Anaheim, and have won two straight at Florida.

PREDICTION: Ducks 4, Panthers 3 (OT). CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$  

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Nashville at Dallas

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THE STORY: After failing in their attempt to leave Joe Louis Arena with a victory, the Nashville Predators try for a rare win in Dallas when they take on the Stars at the American Airlines Center on Sunday. Nashville, which came within six seconds of earning at least one point in Detroit on Friday, instead suffered its fourth straight road loss and fifth in seven overall games. The Predators have struggled in Dallas in recent years, winning just five of their last 23 visits. The Stars also are in a slump, losing six of their last nine contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), FSN Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (33-19-6): Hal Gill, who was acquired from the Canadiens on Friday, was disappointed to leave Montreal but glad to join a Nashville club he believes has what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. “I’m pretty happy to be here, but it’s always a tough transition in leaving a team that you wanted to win with,” the defenseman said. “I’m excited about the organization. I think it’s a great team. … We’ve got some studs (on defense) and some young guys coming up. Hopefully, I can fit in the middle, maybe helping out the young guys.”

ABOUT THE STARS (29-25-4): Dallas has had trouble scoring recently. Including Saturday’s 2-1 overtime loss in Phoenix, the Stars have scored two goals or less in seven of their last nine contests. Michael Ryder scored Dallas’ lone goal against the Coyotes, extending his points streak to five games. Ryder has three tallies during his run. All-Star Jamie Benn is likely to miss his second straight game after being cut on the back of his knee Thursday against Calgary.

OVERTIME:

1. The home team has posted a 31-14-1 record in the last 46 matchups between the clubs.

2. Dallas has lost six of its last eight meetings with Central Division opponents.

PREDICTION: Predators 4, Stars 2. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$   

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Columbus at NY Rangers

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THE STORY: The Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers are hoping for a better start than last time out when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. New York allowed four goals in the first 9:38 of Thursday’s home game against Chicago and never recovered. It looks to avoid consecutive losses for the first time since Dec. 13-15 when it faces Columbus, which has followed a seven-game road losing streak with two straight victories away from home.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Columbus), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (17-35-6): Rick Nash could be facing his future teammates, as the Rangers are one of the clubs rumored to be interested in acquiring the captain before the Feb. 27 trade deadline. Nash has just 18 goals in 58 games and is in danger of his first season of fewer than 30 tallies since he scored 27 in 2006-07. Defenseman James Wisniewski’s first season with Columbus will be one he’d like to forget. The defenseman served an eight-game suspension to start the campaign and missed 17 contests with an ankle injury before leaving Saturday’s loss to Chicago with a groin problem.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (37-14-5): Henrik Lundqvist has been a major force all season. The All-Star has allowed more than three goals just three times in 42 starts and once in the last 34. Lundqvist has yielded two tallies or fewer in nine of his last 10 outings and posted four of his league-leading seven shutouts in that span. Captain Ryan Callahan is riding a five-game points streak during which he has scored six goals.

OVERTIME:

1. The Rangers have won eight of their last nine Sunday contests.

2. Columbus has had New York’s number, winning four of their last six meetings and six of nine.

3. The Blue Jackets have captured just 20 of their last 80 games.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Blue Jackets 0.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$    

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Colorado at Winnipeg

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THE STORY: The Winnipeg Jets have a true home-ice advantage at the MTS Centre, where 15,004 fans cheer from start to finish and provide an intimidating presence for the opponent. In order to reach the Stanley Cup tournament, the Jets will need all the help they can get as they continue their season-high eight-game homestand against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Both teams sit just outside playoff position in their respective conferences.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Altitude (Avalanche), TSN-Jets

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (29-26-4): Colorado’s confidence level is high after it snapped a four-game road losing streak with a 3-1 victory at Edmonton on Friday. Semyon Varlamov halted a five-game losing streak with 26 saves and will be a key to the Avalanche’s success with Jean-Sebastien Giguere sidelined because of a groin injury. Ryan O’Reilly, who had three assists Friday, leads the team in scoring with 44 points and is also a Frank Selke Trophy candidate as one of the NHL’s top defensive forwards. Center Peter Mueller has missed the last two games with a torso injury and is questionable.

ABOUT THE JETS (28-26-6): Winnipeg, which is 17-9-2 in Manitoba, started its home run with a 4-2 victory over the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins on Friday. The Jets, who won at Minnesota 4-3 in a shootout Thursday, improved to 1-9 in the second of back-to-back games. Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec snapped a two-game losing streak and tied a career high with his 21st victory. Evander Kane leads the Jets with a career-high 21 goals, while Andrew Ladd hasn’t scored in 13 games. Defenseman Zach Bogosian has missed the last two games with an upper body injury and is questionable.

OVERTIME:

1. The Jets are 3-0-0 against the Northwest Division this season, including a 4-1 victory at Colorado on Dec. 27. The Avalanche are 3-2 versus the Southeast.

2. Colorado defenseman Erik Johnson has a goal in a career-high three straight games.

PREDICTION: Jets 3, Avalanche 1. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$     

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Vancouver at Edmonton

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THE STORY: The Sedin twins are back in business – and that’s bad news for the host Edmonton Oilers as they entertain the streaking Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night. After being held without a point in their last three games, Daniel and Henrik Sedin took out their frustrations on an overwhelmed Toronto Maple Leafs team, combining for eight points in a 6-2 thumping Saturday night. The Oilers come in having dropped four of their last five, including a 3-1 loss to the visiting Colorado Avalanche on Friday night.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Rogers Sportsnet Pacific, Rogers Sportsnet West

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (37-15-6): With so many close games on the ledger of late – Vancouver had gone to overtime or a shootout in 10 of its previous 15 contests entering Saturday – a good old-fashioned blowout was a welcome reprieve. It’s expected Cory Schneider will get the start in goal after No. 1 Roberto Luongo held the Maple Leafs in check. Schneider saw plenty of action earlier in the season but has played just once in February, earning a 5-2 win over Minnesota.

ABOUT THE OILERS (22-29-6): The power play has been one of Edmonton’s few strengths, particularly the first unit featuring Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. With all three having spent time on the sidelines – and Nugent-Hopkins still not back from an aggravation of a shoulder injury – the man advantage has fizzled of late, scoring just once in its last five games. Edmonton is still among the league leaders at 21 percent for the season.

OVERTIME:

1. Vancouver leads the season series 3-1 and has won seven of the last 10 encounters overall.

2. Both Sedins are averaging a point per game in four meetings with the Oilers this season.

3. Schneider has won 10 of his last 11 decisions dating to Nov. 20.

PREDICTION: Canucks 5, Oilers 1.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package For 5$    

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By Steve Davidowitz | 

The 1-1/16 mile allowance race was designed by owner Barry Irwin and trainer Graham Motion as a prelude to Animal Kingdom’s next planned start—in the 1-1/4 mile, $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, March 31.

A son of 2005 turf champion LEROIDESANIMAUX, Animal Kingdom used the GP turf course as a natural forum for an impressive victory over moderate class allowance horses to become the first Kentucky Derby winner in 14 years to win his first attempt as a 4-year-old. It also is notable that the same horse–Silver Charm—also was the last Derby winner to come back as a 4-year-old to win the World Cup.

The way the race was run on Saturday served every conceivable purpose, if in fact, the colt actually can use only a single prep race in modest company as a springboard to run at full power against a field of world class horses at a classic distance—on the Tapeta synthetic surface in use at the $1 billion Meydan racecourse.

“The race (at Gulfstream on Saturday) set up perfectly for us,” Motion said. “It certainly would have been disappointing if he lost. ”But this was the best thing for us. He needed a race and he was put in the back of the pack by Johnny (Velazquez) and went wide around the final turn before he showed how fit he is.”

Racing with protective front bandages over the firm turf course, Animal Kingdom moved smartly from last to third halfway through the backstretch then relentlessly moved to the leaders before taking full command entering the stretch.

While second place finisher MONUMENT HILL tried to make a race of it in the stretch, Animal Kingdom lengthened his stride noticeably and easily held off that rival by two lengths completing the 1-1/16 miles with a good clocking, 1:41.72.

“He’s come a long way since October,” Motion said. “Nothing was more heartbreaking than to see (Animal Kingdom) stuck in his stall a week after the Belmont. He went from being the fittest horse in the country to not being able to get out of his stall. That was tough. To see him today, back to himself, obviously I’m elated.”

Last fall, while Animal Kingdom was being patiently handled, owner Barry Irwin said:  “We think he’s made of championship stock. We’re certainly hopeful that he will come back stronger than ever.”

Indeed. On Saturday in a relatively meaningless allowance race at Gulfstream Park, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner looked more mature, stronger and ready to move on towards bigger and richer competition. As a 4-year-old with such versatility and talent his connections can proceed as planned to the Dubai World Cup, keeping in mind their longer range goal of bringing him to Santa Anita Park in November for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The Action Never Stops. Bet the Derby Prep Races… at Bovada’s online racebook.

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For first time readers, the home team is in caps. I’ve highlighted three mega matchups first, and the rest of the games are hit quickly at the bottom. Enjoy and best of luck!

NEW YORK KNICKS over Dallas Mavericks
Ok, now we can briefly talk about Jeremy Lin. How can Basketball bettors not get excited about this guy? He’s coming up with clutch shots, playing with emotion, saving D’Antoni’s job and making Asians across the globe forget that Yao Ming was ever genetically engineered by the Chinese government. Aside from a thrilling comeback win over Toronto, the Knicks are a daring 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games and undefeated since Lin took over the starting role.

Dallas is a very good team, but they lack the depth and vibe that they exuded at this time last season. That’s because Tyson Chandler plays in New York. With a strong 8-5 ATS record away from home, they’re definitely worth a look, but nobody should be betting against Lin right now. Especially with D’Antoni’s entire system designed to generate points for the saved Knicks.

MIAMI HEAT over Orlando Magic
Dwight’s ability to perform despite the fact he hates his team is pretty astounding. That being said, it doesn’t negate that the Heat are red hot right now in basketball betting. With a 4-0 SU and ATS record heading in to Cleveland on Friday night, the Heat should be ready to handle Superman in whatever emotional state he shows up.

Generally speaking, the Magic only beat the spread if they actually win the game. Part of it is that they’re getting small lines but it’s also because the oddsmakers are as confused by the focus of this team as everyone else is. Sure, people like to say that Howard’s a big distraction, but he’s also the only reason this team is winning any games.

Disagree with The Decision and hate the Heat for all they’re worth, but when they’re on a roll they are pretty unstoppable. Good thing for basketball fans that they don’t get on a roll in the playoffs. Really good thing for people that like winning bets during the regular season.

LA Lakers over PHOENIX SUNS
Lost in all the Linsanity is the NBA rumor mill’s favorite focus: moving Steve Nash. New York hopefuls were banking on Baron Davis to play at his peak form (good luck), but everyone prior to Jeremy Lin’s breakout was pining for Nash to be freed from the dungeon of free falling Phoenix to reunite with former coach Mike D’Antoni and teammate Amar’e Stoudemire.

Well thanks to Jeremy Lin’s unbelievable performance thus far, Nash is stuck until the summer when he’s a free agent and things don’t look good in Phoenix. The Suns are 4-8 ATS at home this season, and while the Lakers are a measly 4-11 ATS on the road this season, the line will be generous given Phoenix visiting L.A. on Friday night and the fact that the Lake Show is on the road.

Sunday’s Quick Picks

UTAH JAZZ over Washington Wizards
The Wizards are probably my least favorite team to bet on because of their wild inconsistency. Their atrocious 10-18 ATS record this year is a big reason to walk away from Washington, and they won’t get generous odds like they did as +15.0 favorites against Portland. The Jazz are a sturdy bet at home against fledgling teams.

Sacramento Kings over CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Cleveland should run a clinic on how to get a young team off the ground because Sacramento could use some pointers. Keep in mind that the oddsmakers have been pretty spot on with the Cavs, who are just 7-5 ATS at home. It doesn’t help that the Kings have been crushing the spread with an 8-2 ATS record over a ten game streak that’s seen them go just 4-6 SU. Bet on the Kings until they level off.

Boston Celtics over DETROIT PISTONS
Remember when this rivalry mattered? Nah, neither do I.

INDIANA PACERS over Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats are doing everything they can to get a top-3 pick in the upcoming draft because they totally whiffed on that Bismack Biyombo pick, which I can’t blame them because I thought he’d be halfway decent.

Philadelphia 76ers over MINNESOTA TIMBERWOVLES
The world has caught on to the Sixers which has to make the betting universe cringe and groan after riding this gravy train through the better part of the year. Philadelphia has built a very strong betting record this year, mostly at home, but Minnesota is a team that loves to run which is a bad strategy against the free wheeling Sixers. You run, they sprint.

Milwaukee Bucks over NEW JERSEY NETS
The Nets are probably the most untrustworthy play when on home court. At just 4-9 ATS in their own building, you can’t trust them against a sneaky Bucks team. Jennings is playing for big money this coming summer so don’t expect him to take any major matchups lightly, especially one that pits him against Deron Williams.

Denver Nuggets over OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Yeah, this seems crazy, but take your pick of any reason to bet against Oklahoma City in this matchup. Division familiarity. Denver is crazy good all things considered. The Thunder tend to be way too overvalued at home to be worth a play. Take the points and the Nuggets.

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