Sean Murphy Sports Picks

Saturday NHL Free play. My selection is on the 'under' between Montreal and Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Canadiens offense was going to be a work-in-progress at the outset of the season but losing steady producers like Kirby Dach, Rafael Harvey-Pinard and now Alex Newhook to injuries hasn't helped matters. The Sabres have had a difficult time finding the back of the net on home ice, averaging just 2.3 goals per game here in Buffalo this season. They managed to score just once in their lone previous meeting with the Habs, dropping a 3-1 decision here in late October. Note that the 'under' is a long-term 78-47 with Montreal playing on the road after suffering a home loss by two goals or more in its previous game, as is the case here. The 'under' is also a perfect 5-0 with the Sabres playing at home coming off consecutive games in which they scored three goals or more this season, which is also the situation on Saturday. Take the under.

My selection is on Indiana plus the points over Los Angeles at 8:30 pm et on Saturday.

The underdog has gone an incredible 8-0-1 ATS in the last nine meetings in this series and I believe the Pacers are well-positioned to keep that run going on Saturday. The Lakers impressed in the semi-final round two nights ago, blasting New Orleans by a whopping 44 points. Indiana might have been even more impressive, dominating the Bucks in a 128-119 victory. The Lakers have now held three straight opponents to 37 or fewer made field goals but I think there's a good chance the Pacers overwhelm them with their offense here, noting that Indiana has knocked down 42 or more field goals in an incredible 17 straight games. The Lakers have reached that number of higher just twice in their last six games. Note that Los Angeles is a long-term 37-57 ATS when coming off an ATS victory and a woeful 5-15 ATS in its last 20 contests after winning four of its last five games ATS, as is the case here. Take Indiana (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Army and Navy at 3 pm et on Saturday.

The long 'under' streak in this storied rivalry came to an end in 2021 and last year's game found its way 'over' the total as well thanks to overtime (only 20 points were scored in regulation time). While we're dealing with an incredibly low posted total for the 2023 edition, I'm still willing to take a flyer on the 'under'. Between these two teams during the regular season we saw six shutouts pitched one way or another. Both teams actually opened up their offenses a little more this year, electing to sling it around the field a little bit rather than strictly operating option-based attacks. With that being said, Army comes into this game on a three-game winning streak and it essentially took passing out of its vocabulary in those three contests, connecting on just 8-of-17 throws for 119 yards. Last time out against Coastal Carolina, the Black Knights attempted just two passes (and didn't have a completion). This has all the makings of a chess match. Navy showed incredible patience over the course of the season, relying on its knack for turning over its opponents while methodically wearing down the opposition on offense. Even though the Midshipmen did throw it a lot more than we're accustomed to seeing, they still topped out at 163 passing yards and that came against an FCS opponent in Wagner. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on Auburn minus the points over Indiana at 2 pm et on Saturday.

Indiana picked up a massive win on the road against Michigan last time out. I expect the Hoosiers to fall flat on Saturday, however, as they stay on the road to face SEC foe Auburn. The Tigers will be in a foul mood after dropping a 69-64 decision as 7.5-point favorites on the road against Appalachian State on Sunday. Prior to that, Auburn had reeled off five straight victories, including three ATS wins in its last four games. Indiana has delivered three consecutive ATS wins following an 0-4-1 ATS start. Note that this is only the third time this season the Hoosiers have been in an underdog role. I don't expect them to catch Auburn flat-footed the way they did against Michigan. Note that Indiana is a long-term 60-92 ATS in its last 152 road games following consecutive ATS victories. Take Auburn (8*).

My selection is on Colorado over Philadelphia at 9:05 pm et on Saturday.

Cale Makar returned from injury for the Avalanche on Thursday against Winnipeg but it wasn't enough as Colorado lost 4-2 - its fourth defeat in its last five contests. I look for the Avs to bounce back on Saturday as they host a Flyers team coming off three straight victories. Note that Colorado has won four straight meetings in this series here in Denver. Philadelphia is a woeful 8-26 in its last 34 games after giving up one goal or less in its previous contest, as is the case here. Take Colorado (8*).

My selection is on New Jersey over Calgary at 4:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Hurricanes let the Flames off the hook on Thursday, blowing a 2-0 lead en route to a 3-2 defeat. I don't expect the Devils to suffer the same fate as Calgary's homestand continues on Saturday. New Jersey enters this game playing its best hockey of the season having won five of its last six games overall and two straight to open this road trip. The Devils have picked up right where they left off last season, thriving on the road with an 8-4 record. The Flames are just 6-6 on home ice and have been outscored by an average margin of 0.1 goal. Note that Calgary is just 18-29 in its last 47 games following a victory. Take New Jersey (8*).