Thursday's NHL Trends and Indexes - 4/16

[Udog]

Trends and Indexes

Thursday, April 16

Good Luck on day #106 of 2015!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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Matchup Links

NHL Matchups

NHL Injuries

NHL Hot and Not


NASCAR Schedules

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[Udog]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Miami Heat played four starters 48 minutes last night; I've never seen that before in an NBA game. Fifth starter played 41 minutes; one sub played 7:00. Weird.

-- In their first nine games, Phillies are 0-8-1 in first five innings.

-- Orioles scored in first inning in seven of their first nine games.

-- Houston is 4-0 when Keuchel/McHugh start, 0-5 otherwise.

-- Pelicans made NBA playoffs, supposedly saving Monty Williams' job, which is kind of sad, one game of 82 determining his fate.

-- How happy is Derek Fisher that this nightmare of a season is over?

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud.......

13) Chicago 4, Nashville 3 OT-- Not often a winning goalie in an NHL playoff game is a non-starter; Predators led 3-0, blew the game, now Chicago has home ice in this series. Nashville has only won two playoff series in franchise history this is no way to win #3.

12) How great is overtime in playoff hockey? Nothing else like it in sports.

11) USA Network has NHL playoff games for first time in 30 years, when Al Albert (now is Phoenix Suns' announcer) and former coach Gary Green did the games. Why doesn't ESPN have any NHL games?

10) NFL Draft is in two weeks in Chicago; 26 players will be there, but neither of the top two picks, QBs Winston/Mariota will be there. You would hope their agents will at least make them available for TV interviews that night.

9) There is a guy who travelled to see all 82 Knick games this year, at his own expense, and now he wants to write a book about it. If nothing else, he should get a free pass into a mental ward for doing this.

8) Brooklyn Nets have to pay $11M in luxury tax, most of any NBA team. At least they got into the playoffs-- ironic that Lionel Hollins got into the NBA playoffs when his old team the Grizzlies knocked Indiana out last night.

7) Lance Stephenson made 18-105 (17.1%) from arc this season, the worst %age ever for an NBA player who took 100+ 3's in a season.

6) We live in an impatient society; Boston Bruins fired their GM Wednesday, four years after they won the Stanley Cup, one year after they had the best record in the NHL's regular season. No one has patience anymore- they missed out on the playoffs by a game and now heads have rolled. Doesn't seem fair.

5) Atlants Hawks went 60-22 this season, despite no player scoring 30+ points in any game this season. Elias says that has never happened before for any team that won 50+ games-- the Hawks won 60 games!!!!

4) All three of VCU's incoming recruits begged out of their letters of intent after Shaka Smart bolted for Texas. New coach Will Wade has his work cut out for him mantaining the Rams' talent level in the near future.

3) Bad week for the Arkansas Razorbacks, with Portis/Qualls both going pro; Mike Anderson hasn't had to deal with early departures very often. Anderson's system is dependent on depth and talent; these departures greatly reduce both.

2) Flames 2, Canucks 1-- Calgary scored with 0:29.6 left to upset Vancouver 2-1 and grab home ice advantage in their first round series.

1) Houston Rockets got the #2 seed in the West; James Harden got a triple double last night in their 117-91 win over the Jazz Wednesday.

[Udog]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Letdown spot

The Pittsburgh Penguins squeaked into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth, finishing No. 8 in the Eastern Conference and lining up a date with the President Trophy winners, the New York Rangers, in the opening round. The Penguins run the risk of being “just happy to be there” as they head into Game 1 in Madison Square Garden Thursday.

Pittsburgh punched its postseason ticket with a 2-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres in the regular season finale – anything but a sure thing with the team stumbling into that game on a five-game losing skid. Now, after that close call, the Pens are set up for a letdown in Game 1 of this first-round series, especially after dropping three of their four meetings with the Blue Shirts this season.

Lookahead spot

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been counting down to the postseason since LeBron James announced he was on his way back home last summer. And for LeBron, the first round of the NBA Playoffs have been a formality. According to ESPN, James is a perfect 9-0 in opening round series for his career and is undefeated in each of those nine series openers. But while those career playoff stats are impressive, Cleveland could get caught looking past opening-round opponent Boston and to a conference semifinal showdown.

The Celtics have a young team and are outclassed when it comes to postseason experience. However, Boston enters its season finale with Milwaukee on a five-game winning streak, going 5-0 ATS, including two wins over the Cavs in that span – one with starters and one without. The Celtics are just young and dumb enough – 30-17 ATS as underdogs - to ride that confidence into this series, with heaping handfuls of points, and catch Cleveland with its guard down in Game 1.

Schedule spot

Spring in Chicago is a lot different than spring in San Diego. The change in temperature kick starts those famous Windy City gusts, which still have a leftover chill from winter. The San Diego Padres visit Wrigley Field for a weekend set, starting Friday, and they may want to pack their long-sleeve shirts. This will be the first time this season the Padres have left California.

Temperatures in Chicago are in the mid-40s while back home in San Diego, temps are peaking in the mid-70s. Friday’s forecast doesn’t look too bad with sun for this 2:20 p.m. ET start but things will cool off as the weekend goes on, with a chance of rain come Sunday. Last season, the Padres got to visit Chicago in July and avoided the cool spring weather.

[Udog]

NBA FIRST-ROUND PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Western Conference

Golden State vs. New Orleans

Game 1 -- Saturday, April 18 -- New Orleans at Golden State, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Game 2 -- Monday, April 20 -- New Orleans at Golden State, 10:30 p.m., TNT

Game 3 -- Thursday, April 23 -- Golden State at New Orleans, 9:30 p.m., TNT

Game 4 -- Saturday, April 25 -- Golden State at New Orleans, 8 p.m., ESPN

Game 5 * -- Tuesday, April 28 -- New Orleans at Golden State, TBD

Game 6 * -- Friday, May 1 -- Golden State at New Orleans, TBD

Game 7 * -- Sunday, May 3 -- New Orleans at Golden State, TBD

Houston vs. Dallas

Game 1 -- Saturday, April 18 -- Dallas at Houston, 9:30 p.m., ESPN

Game 2 -- Tuesday, April 21 -- Dallas at Houston, 9:30 p.m., TNT

Game 3 -- Friday, April 24 -- Houston at Dallas, 7 p.m., ESPN

Game 4 -- Sunday, April 26 -- Houston at Dallas, 9:30 p.m., TNT

Game 5 * -- Tuesday, April 28 -- Dallas at Houston, TBD

Game 6 * -- Thursday, April 30 -- Houston at Dallas, TBD

Game 7 * -- Saturday, May 2 -- Dallas at Houston, TBD, TNT

L.A. Clippers vs. San Antonio

Game 1 -- Sunday, April 19 -- San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT

Game 2 -- Wednesday, April 22 -- San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT

Game 3 -- Friday, April 24 -- L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m., ESPN

Game 4 -- Sunday, April 26 -- L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Game 5 * -- Tuesday, April 28 -- San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, TBD

Game 6 * -- Thursday, April 30 -- L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, TBD

Game 7 * -- Saturday, May 2 -- San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TNT

Portland vs. Memphis

Game 1 -- Sunday, April 19 -- Portland at Memphis, 8 p.m., TNT

Game 2 -- Wednesday, April 22 -- Portland at Memphis, 8 p.m., TNT

Game 3 -- Saturday, April 25 -- Memphis at Portland, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

Game 4 -- Monday, April 27 -- Memphis at Portland, 10:30 p.m., TNT

Game 5 * -- Wednesday, April 29 -- Portland at Memphis, TBD

Game 6 * -- Friday, May 1 -- Memphis at Portland, TBD

Game 7 * -- Sunday, May 3 -- Portland at Memphis, TBD


Eastern Conference

Atlanta vs. Brooklyn

Game 1 -- Sunday, April 19 -- Brooklyn at Atlanta, 5:30 p.m., TNT

Game 2 -- Wednesday, April 22 -- Brooklyn at Atlanta, 7 p.m., NBA TV

Game 3 -- Saturday, April 25 -- Atlanta at Brooklyn, 3 p.m., TNT

Game 4 -- Monday, April 27 -- Atlanta at Brooklyn, TBD

Game 5 * -- Wednesday, April 29 -- Brooklyn at Atlanta, TBD

Game 6 * -- Friday, May 1 -- Atlanta at Brooklyn, TBD

Game 7 * -- Sunday, May 3 -- Brooklyn at Atlanta, TBD

Cleveland vs. Boston

Game 1 -- Sunday, April 19 -- Boston at Cleveland, 3 p.m., ABC

Game 2 -- Tuesday, April 21 -- Boston at Cleveland, 7 p.m., TNT

Game 3 -- Thursday, April 23 -- Cleveland at Boston, 7 p.m., TNT

Game 4 -- Sunday, April 26 -- Cleveland at Boston, 1 p.m., ABC

Game 5 * -- Tuesday, April 28 -- Boston at Cleveland, TBD

Game 6 * -- Thursday, April 30 -- Cleveland at Boston, TBD

Game 7 * -- Saturday, May 2 -- Boston at Cleveland, TBD, TNT

Chicago vs. Milwaukee

Game 1 -- Saturday, April 18 -- Milwaukee at Chicago, 7 p.m., ESPN

Game 2 -- Monday, April 20 -- Milwaukee at Chicago, 8 p.m., TNT

Game 3 -- Thursday, April 23 -- Chicago at Milwaukee, 8 p.m., NBA TV

Game 4 -- Saturday, April 25 -- Chicago at Milwaukee, 5:30 p.m., TNT

Game 5 * -- Monday, April 27 -- Milwaukee at Chicago, TBD

Game 6 * -- Thursday, April 30 -- Chicago at Milwaukee, TBD

Game 7 * -- Saturday, May 2 -- Milwaukee at Chicago, TBD, TNT

Toronto vs. Washington

Game 1 -- Saturday, April 18 -- Washington at Toronto, 12:30 p.m., ESPN

Game 2 -- Tuesday, April 21 -- Washington at Toronto, 8 p.m., NBA TV

Game 3 -- Friday, April 24 -- Toronto at Washington, 8 p.m., ESPN2

Game 4 -- Sunday, April 26 -- Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m., TNT

Game 5 * -- Wednesday, April 29 -- Washington at Toronto, TBD

Game 6 * -- Friday, May 1 -- Toronto at Washington, TBD

Game 7 * -- Sunday, May 3 -- Washington at Toronto, TBD

*If necessary

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, April 16


Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers

Game 9-10
April 16, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh Pengui
10.595
New York Rangers
12.136
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York Rangers
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York Rangers
-175
5
Dunkel Pick:
New York Rangers
(-175); Under

Detroit Red Wings @ Tampa Bay Lightning

Game 11-12
April 16, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit Red Wings
12.740
Tampa Bay Lightni
11.821
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit Red Wings
by 1
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay Lightni
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit Red Wings
(-165); Over

Minnesota Wild @ St. Louis Blues

Game 13-14
April 16, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota Wild
12.607
St. Louis Blues
11.521
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota Wild
by 1
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis Blues
-150
5
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota Wild
(+130); Under

Winnipeg Jets @ Anaheim Ducks

Game 15-16
April 16, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg Jets
11.788
Anaheim Ducks
13.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Anaheim Ducks
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Anaheim Ducks
-160
5
Dunkel Pick:
Anaheim Ducks
(-160); Under




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 16

Thursday's games
Rangers lost Stanley Cup final LY; they won last three first round series- they won six of last seven games with Pittsburgh, with only loss in a shootout. Penguins lost last three visits here; four of last six series games stayed under total. Pittsburgh is 3-2 in first round series since winning Stanley Cup in 2009. Rangers won six of last seven games overall, with four of last five going over total; Penguins lost five of last six games overall, with only win vs lowly Buffalo; six of their last eight stayed under.

Tampa Bay is 1-3 in first round series since winning Stanley Cup in 2004; Lightning won seven of last nine games with Detroit- six of those nine stayed under the total. Red Wings are 3-2 in first round series since winning Cup in '08; they lost last four visits to Tampa, are 3-5 in last eight games overall. Tampa Bay won its last three games, allowing five goals; they won four of last five at home. Under is 3-1-1 in Lightning's last five games.

St Louis won seven of last ten games with Minnesota; Wild lost three of last four visits to St Louis. Since 2003, Blues are 1-4 in first round series, with only series win in '12. St Louis won five of its last six games overall, with three of last four staying under- they won three of last four home games. In its franchise history, Minnesota is 2-3 in first round series, winning second series LY; Wild won four of its last five road games, but lost four of last six games overall.

Anaheim is 2-3 in first round series since winning Stanley Cup in 2007; Ducks won last four games with Winnipeg, but Jets won three of last five visits here. Three of last four series games went over the total. Winnipeg is in playoffs for only second time since joining NHL in 2000 (in Atlanta); they lost in first round in '07. Winnipeg last had a playoff team in '96 (current Coyotes). Jets won four of last five games, with three of last four staying under total. Anaheim won five of its last seven games.




NHL

Thursday, April 16

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NY RANGERS
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games at home
NY Rangers are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games at home

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. TAMPA BAY
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

9:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games

10:30 PM
WINNIPEG vs. ANAHEIM
Winnipeg is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games
Anaheim is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
Anaheim is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games


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[Udog]

NHL

Thursday, April 16


Crashing Penguins face poor matchup in Rangers

The Pittsburgh Penguins are limping into the playoffs, with just one win in their past six games, and may be facing off against the last team they've wanted to see in the New York Rangers.

The Pens have dropped six of the last seven against the Broadway Blueshirts, while being outscored 26-11. The slumping Pittsburgh offense has only averaged 1.7 goals per game over their past 15 games.

The Penguins are currently +155 when they travel to Madison Square Garden Thursday.



NHL roundup: Isles stun Caps in series opener

WASHINGTON -- Center Brock Nelson, right winger Ryan Strome and left winger Josh Bailey all scored their first career playoff goals and goaltender Jaroslav Halak stopped 24 of 25 shots to lead the New York Islanders to a series-opening 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

Nelson completed his night by slam dunking an empty-netter with 1:19 to play for his second of the game.

The Islanders are looking for their first playoff series victory since 1993 and started this one in convincing fashion, outshooting the Capitals 27-25 and controlling the play for long stretches.

Winger Marcus Johansson scored the lone goal for the Capitals, who, like the Islanders, are returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence.

Canadiens 4, Senators 3

MONTREAL -- Right winger Brian Flynn scored a goal and added two assists to lead Montreal over Ottawa in Game 1 of their quarterfinal series.

Goaltender Carey Price stopped 30 shots for the Canadiens while netminder Andrew Hammond made 35 saves for the Senators.

Centers Torrey Mitchell, Tomas Plekanec and Lars Eller also scored for the Canadiens. Left winger Milan Michalek and centers Kyle Turris and Mika Zibanejad replied for Ottawa.

Blackhawks 4, Predators 3 (2OT)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Defenseman Duncan Keith ended it for Chicago with a slapper at 7:49 of the second overtime against Nashville for a 1-0 series lead.

Making his return from a 21-game absence with a fractured left collarbone, Chicago right winger Patrick Kane set up two power-play goals in the second period to help his team rally from an early three-goal deficit. Backup goalie Scott Darling stopped all 42 shots he faced in relief of Corey Crawford to earn the win for the Blackhawks. Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, left winger Patrick Sharp and center Jonathan Toews scored in regulation for Chicago.

Nashville led 3-0 after one period and got 38 saves from goalie Pekka Rinne while center Colin Wilson scored twice, and left winger Viktor Stalberg once.

Flames 2, Canucks 1

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Defenseman Kris Russell scored with 29.6 seconds left in the third period to give Calgary a victory over at Vancouver in the opening game of their Western Conference quarterfinal playoff series.

Right winger David Jones also scored for the Flames who battled back from a 1-0, second-period deficit. Center Bo Horvat scored for the Canucks.

Calgary goalie Eddie Lack, making his first ever playoff start, stopped 28 shots. Calgary goalie Jonas Hiller, making his 27th playoff start, made 29 saves.

[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 16

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PITTSBURGH (43-27-0-12, 98 pts.) at NY RANGERS (53-22-0-7, 113 pts.) - 4/16/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 43-39 ATS (-20.5 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 1-5 ATS (-8.5 Units) in April games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 20-25 ATS (-19.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-11 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 9-21 ATS (-25.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 6-13 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 53-29 ATS (+19.6 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 33-14 ATS (+12.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 23-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NY RANGERS are 127-125 ATS (-63.1 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 103-104 ATS (-39.6 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 109-115 ATS (-79.9 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 165-198 ATS (-160.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 10-10 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 10-10-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.9 Units)

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DETROIT (43-25-0-14, 100 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (50-24-0-8, 108 pts.) - 4/16/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 83-86 ATS (-20.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-20 ATS (-18.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 14-1 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 13-3 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 175-188 ATS (+447.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-2 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 7-2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.7 Units)

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MINNESOTA (46-28-0-8, 100 pts.) at ST LOUIS (51-24-0-7, 109 pts.) - 4/16/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 17-10 ATS (+27.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-7 ATS (+23.2 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-5 ATS (+16.4 Units) in road games vs. division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-3 ATS (+13.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 1-6 ATS (-8.6 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-3 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 9-3-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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WINNIPEG (43-26-0-13, 99 pts.) at ANAHEIM (51-24-0-7, 109 pts.) - 4/16/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 51-31 ATS (+89.5 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 11-1 ATS (+9.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
ANAHEIM is 216-205 ATS (+463.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 43-39 ATS (+2.4 Units) in all games this season.
WINNIPEG is 44-37 ATS (+85.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 5-1 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 5-1-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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[Udog]

NHL

Thursday, April 16

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Game of the Day: Thursday's NHL Playoff Action
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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers (-175, 5)

The New York Rangers sure hope that history repeats itself, since the previous time that they claimed the Presidents' Trophy after setting a franchise high in both wins and points resulted in a Stanley Cup title. Admittedly that was 1994, but the Rangers can take the next step in duplicating that feat when they open their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

"We understand now it's a little different animal to prepare," captain Ryan McDonagh told the New York Daily News. "We realize you've got to raise your level. We don't need to flip the switch on the style that we play." The clash is a rematch of last year's second-round series, which saw New York overcome a 3-1 deficit to emerge victorious in seven games. The Rangers also had little difficulty with their Metropolitan Division rivals this season, recording a 3-0-1 mark while outscoring the Penguins by a 16-7 margin. Pittsburgh extended its consecutive playoff streak to nine seasons after securing a berth on the last day of the campaign, posting a 2-0 victory over woe-begotten Buffalo for just its fourth win in 15 outings (4-9-2).

TRENDS:

*Penguins are 0-6 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
*Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
*Under is 6-0-1 in Penguins last 7 games following a win.
*Over is 9-2-2 in Rangers last 13 overall.


Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning (-170, 5.5)

The Tampa Bay Lightning recorded franchise bests in both wins and points this season, but the agonizing memory of last season's first-round sweep is a strong enough reason not to rest on their laurels. With a club-best 32-8-1 mark at home, the Lightning look to get off on the right foot when they open their Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.

Steven Stamkos scored four of his team-leading 43 goals this season against the Red Wings, helping Tampa Bay post a 3-1-0 mark versus its Atlantic Division rival. The vaunted second line of Tyler Johnson (29 goals, 43 assists), Nikita Kucherov (28 goals, 36 assists) and Ondrej Palat (16 goals, team-high 47 assists) amassed 73 goals for the Lightning, who look for a longer stay after being brushed aside by Montreal last year. Detroit is making its 24th consecutive playoff appearance, but enters this postseason on the heels of losing 13 of its final 20 contests (7-10-3). The Red Wings need veteran Pavel Datsyuk (26 goals, 39 assists) to remain both productive and healthy if they wish to subdue the Lightning.

TRENDS:

*Under is 4-0 in Red Wings last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
*Lightning are 0-4 in their last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
*Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Tampa Bay.


Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues (-145, 5)

The St. Louis Blues will be trying to wipe out the memory of last season's first-round playoff ouster when they host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday in the opener of a best-of-seven postseason series. The Blues wrapped up the Central Division by winning five of their last six, as opposed to a year ago when they dropped their final six and were drummed out of the playoffs by Chicago in six games.

St. Louis faces a division rival for the second straight season but coach Ken Hitchock likes his chances a lot better than he did 12 months ago. “This is the team we want to take on the journey,” Hitchcock said. “We’ll be 100 percent (healthy) going into the playoffs, which is completely different from last year." The Wild used a sensational closing kick to reach the playoffs for the third straight season, going 28-9-3 down the stretch following the acquisition of goaltender Devan Dubnyk. Minnesota was 2-1-1 against the Blues this season but the regulation defeat - 4-2 in the season finale - snapped the Wild's NHL record-tying 12-game road winning streak.

TRENDS:

*Wild are 3-11 in the last 14 meetings.
*Blues are 1-7 in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
*Over is 4-1-2 in the last 7 meetings.
*Under is 10-4-2 in Blues last 16 overall.


Winnipeg Jets at Anaheim Ducks (-145, 5)

Winnipeg could be without Mathieu Perreault, who is questionable with a lower-body injury that also forced him to miss the final regular-season contest. "He's getting better," coach Paul Maurice said. "He may play based on how he feels after his skate (on Thursday). I expect him to play sooner rather than later." The 27-year-old center had a strong first season with the Jets, tying his career high of 18 goals while finishing two points shy of his personal-best 43, which he totaled with Anaheim last campaign.

Anaheim may be missing two players as goaltender John Gibson and center Nate Thompson are nursing upper-body injuries. Veteran journeyman Jason LaBarbera would back up Frederik Andersen should Gibson be unable to suit up, while rookie Chris Wagner could fill in for Thompson, who has 22 games of postseason experience from his days with Tampa Bay. Corey Perry led the team with 33 goals, marking the fourth consecutive full season he reached the 30-tally plateau.

TRENDS:

*Over is 10-1-1 in Jets last 12 vs. Pacific.
*Ducks are 25-8 in their last 33 vs. Central.
*Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Anaheim.
*Jets are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.


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[Udog]

NHL

Thursday, April 16


Underdogs off to good start in postseason

Underdogs posted a record of 3-1 in the first four games of the NHL Playoffs.

The lone favorite to cash for bettors was the Montreal Canadiens (-140), who defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-3.

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, April 16

Pittsburgh at NY Rangers, 7:05 ET
Pittsburgh: 9-21 SU vs. division opponents
NY Rangers: 21-6 SU off a road win

Detroit at Tampa Bay, 7:35 ET
Detroit: 9-15 SU after playing a game where 4 or fewer total goals were scored
Tampa Bay: 32-9 SU as a home favorite

Minnesota at St Louis, 9:35 ET
Minnesota: 18-8 SU revenging a road loss versus opponent by 2 goals or more
St Louis: 1-6 SU when playing with 3 or more days rest

Winnipeg at Anaheim, 10:35 ET
Winnipeg: 18-13 SU as a road underdog
Anaheim: 29-37 SU in home games when playing 3 or less games in 10 days

[Udog]

NHL

Thursday, April 16


Ducks dominant versus Jets in regular season

The Anaheim Ducks swept the regular season series with the Winnipeg Jets, winning all three meetings this season.

Anaheim is presently a -145 moneyline favorite for Game 1 Thursday and is priced at -150 to defeat the Jets in the series.