Ricky Tran – Sports Handicapper

Ricky's 8* play on the over Ducks/Wild.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Desperation breeds motivation. Both teams have struggled this year, but each is still within striking distance of a Wild Card spot. With that in mind, I’m expecting a more wide open affair and I expect this total to soar over sooner, rather than later. 

Key Trends:

- Anaheim has seen the total go over in three of its last four after playing three consecutive home games.

- Minnesota has seen the total go over in 11 of 16 this season following a divisional contest.

The verdict: With each side pushing the pace, the over is the correct call in this one!

Ricky's 10* play on St. Louis.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Dog tired. The Leafs that is. St. Louis has won 11 straight and is the hottest team in the league. The Leafs lost 2-0 in Arizona on Saturday and this is the end of a long Western swing. Toronto only had 22 shots in its last game. Note that Leafs’ net minder Frederik Anderson is winless in his last seven starts vs. the Blues.

Key Trends:

- The Blues are 5-0 in their last five in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. 

- The Leafs are just 1-6 in their last seven road games vs. a team with a sub. 500 home record. 

The verdict: Blues goaltenders have combined for three straight shutouts. In my professional opinion, this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on the Blues.

Ricky's 8* play on Penn State.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Desperation mode. Both teams are hungry for a victory, so neither side is “hungrier” than the other. Nebraska still has a lot of work to do before any chance at the Tournament. The Nittany Lions though are desperate to move out of the Big Ten cellar. Penn State comes in off a 74-64 loss at Purdue on Saturday, covering the spread. Previous to that the Lions upset No. 6 Michigan 75-69. The Huskers have lost three straight on the road and they’re just 1-6 on the road in Big Ten play.

Key Trends:

- Nebraska is just 2-5 ATS on the road this year.

- The Huskers are just 3-11 ATS this season following a conference game.

- Penn State is 6-2 ATS in its last eight revenging a same season loss vs. an opponent.

The verdict: I don’t think that the home floor advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this particular matchup. Lay the points.

Ricky's 10* play on Wake Forest.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Revenge. Both teams come in off losses. Wake fell 95-57 at UNC on Saturday, while ND fell 60-54 to Virginia. The visitors play with “revenge” today though after the Irish posted the 76-71 road win in the only meeting this year. I’m expecting a similar final combined score here as well, and will therefore recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Key Trends:

- Wake Forest is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after allowing 75 points or more in three straight games.

- Notre Dame is just 5-7 ATS this year as a home favorite or pick.

- The Irish are only 4-8 ATS vs. the conference.

The verdict: Revenge is a dish best served cold. That said (and as noted above), grab the points!