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01/16/2009 - Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Rich Peverley netted the game-winner with 1:09 left in overtime as the Atlanta Thrashers rallied from down three goals to notch a much-needed win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-3, at Philips Arena.
Peverley also assisted on each of Ilya Kovalchuk's two goals and Bryan Little added a score as part of the comeback for the Thrashers, who had lost two in a row, four of five and eight of their last 10 coming in.
Johan Hedberg allowed three goals on just eight shots in the opening period and was pulled in favor of Kari Lehtonen, who was perfect in making nine saves the rest of the way. Ron Hainsey had two assists and Kovalchuk got an assist on the game-winner.
Atlanta improved to 8-13-2 as the host this year and won for just the second time in the last seven home tests.
Dominic Moore, Lee Stempniak and Niklas Hagman got the goals for the Maple Leafs, who had lost four in a row before posting a road victory Thursday at Carolina in which they blew a four-goal lead but held on for the win.
That was not the case on Friday, as Vesa Toskala, who was also in net Thursday, gave up four goals in facing 38 shots overall to take the loss.
"We hadn't done anything really special the first period and the same thing happened [Thursday]," Leafs head coach Ron Wilson said. "We took our foot off the gas for a second. We're not a good team. We have to be focused every single second, that's what I mean. If you take your foot off -- boom -- you open the door. We just can't screw the cap down on it."
Late in the overtime session, Peverley gained the zone and dished off to Kovalchuk at the left circle for a shot before crashing the net. The timing was perfect as Toskala couldn't handle the blast cleanly and Peverley was there to clean up the rebound and complete the comeback.
Stempniak started things off for the Leafs with a putback power-play marker at 12:53 of the first period following a slapper from Tomas Kaberle.
Moore made it a 2-0 game with 1:16 left in the period with a deflection off a Luke Schenn shot from the high slot. Just 56 seconds later it was 3-0 thanks to some hustle and crisp passing by Toronto.
Mikhail Grabovski chased down the puck along the right boards and dished to Nik Antropov, who set up Hagman for a one-timer with a cross-ice pass through a pair of defenders.
A hard Kovalchuk wrist shot from the left circle got Atlanta on the board 1:10 into the middle stanza and Little made it a one-goal game at 15:38. Little carried the puck deep in the zone and overskated while being blocked off by a defender. He recovered and swiped blindly with the backhand to put it through Toskala's legs.
The Thrashers picked up where they left off in the second as they kept the pressure on Toskala and the Leafs. It finally paid off in the form of a game- tying goal with 4:52 left to play.
Hainsey took advantage of a Toronto turnover and pushed ahead to Peverley on the right wing. Peverley skated around the back of the net and slid a pass in front between Toskala and the right post for Kovalchuk, who didn't miss from there.
Lehtonen and Toskala allowed the game to reach overtime by withstanding an elevation in play from both sides over the last few minutes.
"It wasn't the start we wanted -- after the first we woke up," Kovalchuk said. "I think we played our best two periods of the season so far. It was a total team effort. Kari (Lehtonen) gave us some key saves and we got the third goal finally."
Game Notes
This was the fourth and final meeting between the Thrashers and Toronto this season. The Maple Leafs had won two of the three encounters coming into Friday's contest and notched an overtime victory in the last meeting on December 30 in Toronto...The Leafs had taken three straight in Atlanta and five of the last six meetings overall...The Maple Leafs are now 9-13-2 as the visiting club this year...Little's goal was his 20th this season.
<< Philly slips by Florida in shootout
Sunrise, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Simon Gagne scored the lone goal of the
shootout as the Philadelphia Flyers nipped the Florida Panthers, 3-2, at
BankAtlantic Center.
Gagne completed the second round by making several stick fake
<< Sixers sink Spurs
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Thaddeus Young dropped a career-high 27
points and Andre Iguodala contributed 21 points, eight assists and five
rebounds, as the Philadelphia 76ers gave the San Antonio Spurs a thorough
109-87
<< Penguins, without Crosby, still beat Ducks
Pittsburgh, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Matt Cooke scored twice as the Pittsburgh
Penguins downed the Anaheim Ducks, 3-1, at Mellon Arena.
Pittsburgh was without All-Star center and team captain Sidney Crosby, who sat
out the game with a lowe
<< Pacers fend off O'Neal, Raptors
Indianapolis, IN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Danny Granger posted 23 points and five
rebounds, and the Pacers spoiled Jermaine O'Neal's return to Indiana with a
111-104 win over the Toronto Raptors.
O'Neal, who spent the last eight seasons in I
Bringing the Thunder: Oklahoma City downs Detroit >>
Oklahoma City, OK (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Kevin Durant connected on 14-of-21 from
the field for a game-high 32 points to lead the suddenly improving Oklahoma
City Thunder to an 89-79 triumph over the Detroit Pistons.
Oklahoma City recorded
Williams, Jazz get by Memphis >>
Memphis, TN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Deron Williams had game-bests of 27 points and
12 assists to record his 13th double-double on the season, as the Utah Jazz
staved off the Memphis Grizzlies, 101-91.
Ronnie Brewer added 21 points for the Ja
Pernice, Green share lead at Sony Open >>
Honolulu, HI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tom Pernice Jr. holed out for an eagle at the
18th on Friday to shoot a seven-under 63 and tie Nathan Green for the lead
midway through the Sony Open.
Green posted a second consecutive four-under 66 for
Mavs' Cuban fined again >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was fined
$25,000 by the NBA on Friday for his actions during Tuesday's game against the
Denver Nuggets.
Cuban protested a non-call on an apparent elbow thrown by Denver's
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
It’s time to see how the biggest NFL free agent signings will perform for their news teams. Some will work out and could be the difference that makes a difference in the win column.
We look at the best off-season signings and if they should influence your NFL betting this season. Julius Peppers – Peppers was the biggest prize available on the 2010 NFL free agent market and the Chicago Bears opened the bank to bring his talents to the south side.
Peppers is explosive, he can get around blockers and cause quarterbacks to lose their minds. We all remember the classic Peppers game last year against the Vikings where he hounded Brett Favre into his worst game of the season. Peppers joining the Bears could be the reason Favre retired for good Tuesday morning. In addition to Peppers, the Bears added Chester Taylor to back up Matt Forte, Forte didn’t have the same intensity in 2009 compared to 2008 and bringing in Taylor will challenge Forte to bring it every game or he’ll risk losing carries to Taylor.
Betting on the Bears is a good option this season because of Julius Peppers and to a lesser extent Taylor. Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens – The Cincinnati Bengals signed two former number one wide receivers to line up with Chad Ocho Cinco. Antonio Bryant had a huge season in 2008 catching 83 passes for over 1200 yards but regressed last season. Playing for the Tampa Bay Bucs last season was a large part of the regression, everyone was bad in TB last season.
Bryant should have a bounce back season if he can win the number two spot from Terrell Owens. If Bryant wins the number 2 WR spot, it will open up a completely new set of problems for the Bengals. If Owens is forced to the bench in favor of Bryant, his attitude will create trouble for Carson Palmer and head coach Marv Lewis. If Owens is the number two receiver, it means Bryant can’t live up to his past numbers and the Bengals are still limited in the passing game. NFL bettors should be wary of laying their money down on what could potentially be the biggest gong show in the league in 2010. 2010 football betting lines for this can be found at this top online sportsbook. Karlos Danby – The Miami Dolphins have a great running back tandem in Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, a good young QB in Chad Henne and now the Bill Parcells regime is building a solid defense.
NFL bettors should be wary of laying their money down on what could potentially be the biggest gong show in the league in 2010. Karlos Danby – The Miami Dolphins have a great running back tandem in Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, a good young QB in Chad Henne and now the Bill Parcells regime is building a solid defense. They signed away the Arizona Cardinals top linebacker Karlos Danby. In the past two seasons, Danby has totaled 228 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles. The Dolphins are the forgotten team of the AFC East with the second longest odds to win the division but with the addition of Karlos Danby and a trade for WR Brandon Marshall makes the Miami Dolphins legitimate contenders in the AFC East and in the NFL’s Eastern Conference.
The Dolphins will make NFL wagering fans a lot of money this season, get in early and enjoy the cash.
To visit this sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your college football betting needs.
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