Mike Lundin Sports Handicapper: Picks, Packages & Records

Blues vs Rangers NHL Free Pick

The Angle(s): The New York Rangers are reeling, with a four-game losing streak, while allowing 18 goals across their last three losses. They're also playing without star goaltender Igor Shesterkin, leaving Dylan Garand and his sub-.900 save percentage to hold down the crease.

The St. Louis Blues are rolling offensively, scoring 35 goals over their last 10 games and posting five- and six-goal wins over the past week.

The Bet: Blues ML (3%).

Stars/Caps NHL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Angle(s): This total is too low given the goaltending situation in Washington. The Washington Capitals have been without starter Logan Thompson due to an injury, and their team save percentage is among the worst marks in the NHL. They're also allowing more than three goals per game and just gave up five in a loss to Minnesota.

The Dallas Stars bring one of the league's most dangerous power plays, converting 27.3% of their chances over the last 10 games, and Washington's penalty kill ranks in the bottom half of the league. The Capitals can score too, with 34 goals through their first 10 games.

The Bet: Over (3%).

MAGIC MIKE'S CBB Total BOOKIE BU$TER

The Angle(s): This total is sky-high for a season opener, and I think it overestimates what the Sam Houston Bearkats can contribute. Sam Houston has to replace close to 80% of its scoring from last season, as the Bearkats lean on a handful of new transfers who have never played a meaningful minute together. The Alabama Crimson Tide will push the pace under Nate Oats, but opening nights often bring rust, missed shots and plenty of whistles. Once this one gets out of hand, Alabama is likely air out the bench, and the scoring should slow down, if it ever even picks up.

The Bet: Under (3%).

MAGIC MIKE'S CBB BOOKIE BOMBER

The Angle(s): The Duquesne Dukes enter their season opener with almost an entirely new roster, returning, and that kind of turnover often leads to sloppy play and miscommunication in the first game of the year. Laying close to double digits is a tall order for a team still figuring out its rotation.

The Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons meanwhile bring stability under Jon Coffman, now in his 13th season.

The Bet: Fort Wayne ATS (3%).

MAGIC MIKE'S CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Angle(s): The Drexel Dragons ranked 322nd in the country in pace last season and covered 18 of 32 games, as their deliberate style limits possessions, which makes covering a spread this big extremely difficult. The Virginia Cavaliers are ranked ninth and should win comfortably, but they were only a middle-of-the-pack offensive team last season and also play at one of the slower tempos in the country. Gimme the dog.

The Bet: Drexel ATS (3%).

MAGIC MIKE'S Tuesday MACtion MONEYMAKER

The Angle(s): Tuesday night MACtion kicks off with a first-versus vs worst matchup that sets up well for points. The Ohio Bobcats are rolling atop the MAC, and their offense ranks 12th in the country in points per play while averaging nearly five yards per carry. Akron has been an over team all season (6-2 O/U record), and Ohio's defense has allowed nearly 22 points per game, while Akron is giving up close to 33 ppg. Expect the Bobcats to do the heavy lifting on a cold November night.

The Bet: Over (3%).