Islanders try again for first win in December versus Preds

Hockey Betting Lines

12/20/2008 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Islanders still haven't won a game in December, something they will try to fix tonight in a road test versus the Nashville Predators at the Sommet Center.

New York has gone 0-7-1 since defeating Ottawa to close out November. Following that victory, the Islanders lost six in a row in regulation before an overtime setback to Washington on Tuesday.

New York then visited Minnesota last night and dropped a 4-1 contest. Richard Park had the lone goal for the Islanders, who have been outscored 39-16 over their skid. Joey MacDonald stopped 35-of-39 shots faced.

The Isles will attempt to avoid losing nine straight games for the first time since 10 consecutive defeats from December 22, 1997-January 12, 1998.

Doug Weight had an assist to leave him two points shy of 1,000 for his career. Weight has a point in seven of his last eight games (2 goals, 5 assists) and has three goals and 17 assists in 40 career games versus the Predators.

Defenseman Andy Sutton leads New York with a plus-3 rating in addition to having two goals and eight assists this year, but left last night's loss with a broken foot.

The Islanders have also lost seven straight on the road, where they are 5-11-1 this season.

Not only will New York be aiming to halt its eight-game slide tonight, but the club hasn't defeated Nashville since a home win on October 15, 2002. The Islanders have lost four straight to the Predators since then, including three in a row in Nashville.

The Predators will try to take advantage of an Islanders' club that is allowing an NHL-high 3.69 goals per game, as Nashville is netting just 2.61 GPG and has lost four of its last five games. It has managed to score just one goal in each of its last three setbacks, including Thursday in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Phoenix.

Vernon Fiddler had the lone tally and Dan Ellis turned in a solid performance for Nashville by making 25 saves. Rich Peverley and Shea Weber notched assists.

Weber is one of the few Predators skaters who have stepped it up this season. His 11 goals are the most of any NHL defenseman this year while his 26 points are tied with San Jose's Dan Boyle for the most in the league by a blueliner.

Jason Arnott leads the team with 13 goals but hasn't found the back of the net in seven straight games. J.P. Dumont, meanwhile, hasn't scored in any of his last four games, while Martin Erat has lit the lamp just once in his past 15 contests.

Nashville has won three of its last four as the host and is 8-4-1 overall at home.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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