Got a nice easy winner with my free selection last night as Mike McKenna had a rough season debut for the Coytotes and Colorado poured it on as the game went on. Tonight I'm sticking with the NHL as there is one total I see value in while many bettors are expecting a similar script to play out. Play of the Day in Bold Free Play Records NCAAF YTD: 24-24 ATS (-$393) NFL YTD: 11-17 ATS (-$1926) NHL YTD: 18-21 (+$117) NBA YTD: 15-21 (-$-913) NCAAB: 5-2-1 (+$763) NHL Free Play Washington/Pittsburgh Over 5.5 (+133) $300 to win $399 It's always a bit odd for me to see 75%+ on the 'under' in a Penguins game but I believe bettors are tired of getting burned by this team on 'over' bets. Pittsburgh has greatly improved their defense this year and they simply don't have the scoring depth they've had in the past when they'd go 'over' with regularity. Add in the fact that they've been outscored by Washington 7-0 in two games this year and seeing the majority of the action on the 'under' tonight isn't too surprising at all. However, are you really willing to lay =145 or higher on the 'under' tonight when you've got the likes of Crosby, Malkin, and Ovechkin on the ice? I'm sure not as the Caps have scored 5 goals twice in their last three games as they wind up this four-game road trip that has seen them go 2-1 SU so far. All three of those games were in California though and all those logged miles could lead to some fatigued legs on defense tonight. Pittsburgh will not get shutout for the 3rd straight time against this [...]

It's been a while since I've posted a free play up here as I spent all of last week dealing with some family issues and stayed away from handicapping for the most part. I had been tweeting out my thoughts on NHL plays most days, so make sure you find me at @ATSskinner to stay informed about those selections. Tonight we've only got NHL and NCAAB action on our hands, but there is one play on the hockey board that I had to jump on. Play of the Day in Bold Free Play Records NCAAF YTD: 24-24 ATS (-$393) NFL YTD: 11-17 ATS (-$1926) NHL YTD: 17-21 (-$204) NBA YTD: 15-21 (-$-913) NCAAB: 5-2-1 (+$763) NHL free play Arizona/Colorado Over 5.5 (+107) $300 to win $321 G Mike McKenna is getting the nod for the Coyotes tonight as Arizona is looking for any answer they can find in goal. Tonight's likely not going to be a good debut for McKenna as Colorado can put the puck in the net at home (2.89/game at home compared to 2.45/game overall) and the Coyotes give up 3.23/game on the year. They've allowed 9 goals against in their last two outings and with neither team really involved in the playoff picture this year, this contest has all the makings of a high-scoring one. The 'over' has cashed in four of the last five meetings and Arizona is on a 7-3-1 O/U run after losing at home by 3+ goals. Colorado is 8-0 O/U when facing a team that gave up 5 or more goals in their last outing and has a 10-1 O/U run going at home against a team that's won less than 40% of their road games.

After taking yesterday off from free plays it's time to get back at it today with a couple of free plays. Play of the Day in Bold Free Play Records NCAAF YTD: 24-24 ATS (-$393) NFL YTD: 11-17 ATS (-$1926) NHL YTD: 16-20 (-$324) NBA YTD: 15-21 (-$-913) NCAAB: 5-2-1 (+$763) NHL Free plays Columbus ML (+160) $200 to win $320 Winnipeg ML  (+130) $200 to win $260 Taking two home dogs tonight as I believe both are quite live in these spots with a split still earning us money. Winnipeg has been through the ringer regarding this Evander Kane situation and for all the negative attention they've gotten the past 48 hours, it will be nice to get back on the ice and just play some hockey again. They are 4-0 SU in their last four with the Hawks (all have been on the road though) and Chicago has a huge game with St Louis on deck. The Hawks have also been shutout in back-to-back games and simply aren't playing the best hockey right now. Regarding Columbus, they were embarrassed by how they played as big home favorites against Arizona earlier this week and host a red hot Blues team (won 7 in a row). St Louis could easily be looking past the Blue Jackets and to that game with Chicago this weekend and it's only a matter of time before these lofty road prices on St Louis start to burn their backers.