The Bum's NHL Best Bets-Trends-News Etc. !

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s NHL Stanley Cup Betting Preview and Odds

The Penguins may be getting a familiar face back in the lineup for Game 5 when they bid to eliminate the Presidents' Trophy-winning Capitals for the second time in as many years.

New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators (+100, 5)

Series tied at 2-2

ABOUT THE RANGERS (54-30-4-4 SU, 45-47 ATS, 42-41 O/U): All four lines produced goals for New York in Game 3 and its depth was a decisive factor in Game 4, with Oscar Lindberg scoring twice and bruising forward Tanner Glass collecting a pair of assists. "That's been our strength this whole year, that we have four lines and anyone can play against anyone, anyone can do well and score goals," forward Mats Zuccarello told reporters. " ... For us to be successful, we need every line to go." Glass spent much of the year in the American Hockey League and was pulled after three games in the first round versus Montreal, but he has supplied three assists and delivered 10 hits over the past two games.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (50-31-7-4 SU, 53-39 ATS, 35-50 O/U): Despite his injury, Erik Karlsson was a dominant force in the six-game first-round victory over Boston, but he was in obvious discomfort Thursday after he was involved in a pair of second-period collisions with New York players. "It's hard to replace Erik - your captain - but at the same time, you've just got to try and pull by committee," forward Bobby Ryan told reporters. "That's our leader. The concern level is high. But they've got 36 hours to get him ready to go." Concerns are also mounting over the play of goaltender Craig Anderson, who has allowed 12 goals in the past three games and sat out the final 20 minutes Thursday night.

LINE HISTORY: The Senators opened as +104 home pups for Game 5, that money line jumped the fence to -105 Friday morning and has since faded back to -102. The total hit the betting board at 5 and has yet to move off the opening number.

INJURY REPORT:

Rangers - No injuries to report.

Senators - D Erik Karlsson (Probable Saturday, lower body), D Mark Borowiecki (Out Indefinitely, leg).

TRENDS:

* Rangers are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Under is 8-2-3 in Rangers last 13 overall.
* Rangers are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Ottawa.
* Home team is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.




Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (-175, 5)

Penguins lead series 3-1

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (57-22-7-5 SU, 46-45 ATS, 51-35 O/U): Sidney Crosby wasn't the only Pittsburgh forward making a return to practice on Friday as Conor Sheary also hit the ice after sustaining a concussion in Monday's Game 3. The 24-year-old Sheary has struggled to maintain his scoring pace since being bumped from the top line alongside Crosby, answering a 23-goal, 53-point regular season with just two assists in eight playoff contests. Rookie Jake Guentzel continued his scintillating postseason by recording his fourth multi-point performance on Wednesday, increasing his goal total to eight to join Maurice "Rocket" Richard (12 in 1944), Mario Lemieux (11 in 1989) and Wayne Gretzky (nine in 1980-81) with at least that many tallies in his first nine career playoff games.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (60-22-5-5 SU, 37-55 ATS, 40-37 O/U): Although Alex Ovechkin publicly accepted the blame after Barry Trotz called out his team's best players in the wake of Washington being pushed to the brink of elimination, others could be construed to be in the coach's line of fire. Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby has been outplayed by counterpart Marc-Andre Fleury, with the former recording a 3.00 goals-against average and .867 save percentage in the series. T.J. Oshie, who is Ovechkin's linemate, has been consistent with a career high-tying 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in as many postseason games this season and nine points (five goals, four assists) in 10 playoff encounters versus Pittsburgh.

LINE HISTORY: The Capitals opened as -182 home chalk in Game 5 and that number has been bet down all the way to -165. As for the total, it opened at an even 5 and has yet to move off that number.

INJURY REPORT:

Penguins - LW Conor Sheary (Questionable Saturday, concussion), C Sidney Crosby (Doubtful Saturday, concussion), D Chad Ruhwedel (Out Indefinitely, upper body), G Matt Murray (Out Indefinitely, lower body), D Kris Letang (Out For Season, neck).

Capitals - No injuries to report.

TRENDS:

* Penguins are 4-1 in their last five overall.
* Capitals are 1-4 in their last five Conference Semifinals games.
* Under is 5-1 in Capitals last six overall.
* Penguins are 4-1 in the last five meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Saturday, May 6


Pittsburgh @ Washington

Game 61-62
May 6, 2017 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
12.367
Washington
10.888
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-180
5
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+160); Over

NY Rangers @ Ottawa

Game 59-60
May 6, 2017 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
10.128
Ottawa
12.637
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Rangers
-120
5
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(+100); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (48-28) at Senators (44-28)
Date: May 06, 2017 3:00 PM EDT

OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators expect to have captain Erik Karlsson back in the lineup when they host the New York Rangers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal Saturday afternoon at Canadian Tire Centre.

Karlsson, who appeared to reinjure his left foot, didn't play in the third period of Thursday's 4-1 loss at Madison Square Garden that evened the best-of-seven series 2-2. Coach Guy Boucher said he sat his star for "precautionary" reasons.

After losing the first two games of the series, the Rangers dominated both games at Madison Square Garden. Scoring three of his team's eight goals in Games 3 and 4 was Oscar Lindberg, who is centering J.T. Miller and Tanner Glass on the fourth line.

Lindberg had just eight goals in 65 games this season.

"I think our line has been doing a really good job, getting pucks back from the forecheck," he said after Thursday's win. "We had two good chances today and we were able to bear down.

"I think by playing four lines you make it tough on the other team."

Glass has been an effective physical force as well as assisting on all three of Lindberg's goals. It's unexpected production from Glass, who had one goal and one assist in 11 games on call-ups from the team's AHL affiliate this season.

"It's been a trying year, to say the least," said Glass, a 32-year-old veteran. "But I kept faith in myself and my family has been huge for me. I believed I could play at this level, and it's nice for me to be here right now.

"Look at these assists, they are not exactly playmaking assists. They are just kind of the gritty, grinding game I bring. Sometimes they end up in the back of the net."

Boucher will go back to Craig Anderson on Saturday after pulling his No. 1 goalie in Game 4. Anderson stopped 17 of 20 shots in two periods. He has now surrendered a dozen goals in his last three starts but has also been hung out to dry on a number of odd man rushes as the Rangers have found a way to cut through Senators' 1-3-1 defensive system.

Meanwhile, Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has had it relatively easy in back-to-back wins, stopping 48 of 50 shots.

"They came out, they were physical, taking away our time and space," Anderson said. "I think we were able to make some plays the first two games, but they've really limited our offensive ability by taking away our time and space.

"Sometimes you've got to tip your hat. They've played some really good hockey they last two games. We need to make some adjustments."

Told his team has been written off after being badly outplayed in Games 3 and 4, Boucher said the Senators are not done yet.

"They've written us off before it started ... we were going to lose in four or five," he said. "We're still there. We never let anybody tell us from the outside the way we should feel. We would have been down and out pretty early in the season and we're still here.

"If anyone thinks we're in a big hole now, they're not on the same page as me."

************************

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Senators
Thu, Apr 27 Final 1 to 2
Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Senators
Sat, Apr 29 Final 5 to 6
Recaps

GAME 3
Senators at Rangers
Tue, May 2 Final 1 to 4
Recaps

GAME 4
Senators at Rangers
Thu, May 4 Final 1 to 4
Recaps

GAME 5
Rangers at Senators
Sat, May 6 - 3:00PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Penguins (50-21) at Capitals (55-19)
Date: May 06, 2017 7:15 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- As the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals prepare to play Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Saturday night, questions surround the status of the teams' marquee players.

Sidney Crosby, just days after suffering a concussion, was a full participant in Friday's practice and could return when Pittsburgh tries to close out Washington for the second straight year.

Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, who admittedly struggled in Wednesday's 3-2 loss in Game 4, practiced with the third line Friday while Andre Burakovsky skated with the first line.

Ovechkin has one goal and three assist in the series.

Washington, which boasted excellent scoring depth during the regular season, hasn't received a goal from its bottom-six forwards in the series against Pittsburgh.

The Capitals used 11 forwards and seven defensemen in Games 3 and 4, and Trotz talked about possibly of double-shifting Ovechkin.

"The bottom line is we need him to be really good. He's got to respond this next game and be a difference maker for us," Capitals head coach Barry Trotz said. "We need contributions from everybody in our lineup."

Ovechkin said: "I hope it's gonna work well, we're gonna produce and we're gonna score and we're gonna win."

Washington has been outscored 14-9 in the series despite getting 49 more shots on goal than the Penguins. In Game 4, Washington had a 38-18 advantage, but was undone by mistakes. A goal deflected in off Dmitry Orlov's skate and the team took six offensive-zone penalties, including one as Holtby was being pulled for an extra attacker.

"We all know we're not doing as good as we want so we kind of expected some changes to be made," T.J. Oshie said. "We didn't know what they were gonna be but ... as far as having (Burkovsky) up there, he's fast, he got those young legs, he's going to be buzzing around and he could create space."

Washington has overcome a 3-1 series deficit twice in franchise history, most recently in the 2009 Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the New York Rangers.

The Penguins return to Verizon Center with the prospect of getting both Crosby and forward Conor Sheary back after they sustained concussions in Game 3 on Monday.

"He's day-to-day. He's going through part of the process," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said of Crosby. "He was in a full-contact practice today. We'll see how he responds and we'll go from there."

Asked about playing Saturday night, Crosby said: "Yeah, we'll see. I don't want to rule it out. It's not really up to me. You just kind of relay how you feel and they direct you from there."

Crosby had two goals and two assists in the first two games before being injured on a play involving a slash by Ovechkin and a cross-check to the head by former Penguin defenseman Matt Niskanen.

"The slash, I think he's just trying to prevent a goal. It's a pretty common play for the most part," Crosby said. "The other play, it's hard to say. I'm not going to sit here and guess. It's not one that happens too often."

At some point, it would seem Pittsburgh has to pay a price for the disparity in scoring chances, and Sullivan hopes to eliminate that disparity.

"We've defended extremely hard," Sullivan said. "I think going forward we have to spend less time in our end zone. I've said this for a couple of games and we have to continue to strive to do that."

During the Crosby/Evgeni Malkin era, the Penguins are 16-13 (1-1 this year) in games in which they can eliminate an opponent.

More importantly, during that time the Penguins are 8-0 in series when they take a 2-0 lead -- as they did in this series.

"We're very capable of winning three games in a row," Trotz said. "We've done that many times in the last three years, but it is a challenge. The challenge is a big one, but at the same time it's not impossible.

[StarDust Bum]

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Penguins at Capitals
Thu, Apr 27 Final 3 to 2
Recaps

GAME 2
Penguins at Capitals
Sat, Apr 29 Final 6 to 2
Recaps

GAME 3
Capitals at Penguins
Mon, May 1 Final 3 to 2
Recaps

GAME 4
Capitals at Penguins
Wed, May 3 Final 2 to 3
Recaps

GAME 5
Penguins at Capitals
Sat, May 6 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 6
Capitals at Penguins
Mon, May 8 - 7:30PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Ovechkin on move for Caps' elimination game vs. Penguins?
May 5, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) Alex Ovechkin is Washington's third-line left winger as they face elimination against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

At least, that is what coach Barry Trotz did in practice Friday as the desperate Capitals, down 3-1 in their second-round series, prepared for Game 5 on Saturday night in Washington. The Penguins could be getting Sidney Crosby back from a concussion, too, but the Capitals were focused on their own problems.

From Ovechkin to goaltender Braden Holtby and beyond, the Capitals need substantial changes to happen to turn the series around and force a Game 6. Whether their star stays buried on the third line is up to Trotz, but he has called out his top players since losing Game 4.

''(Ovechkin has) got to respond this next game and be a difference maker for us,'' Trotz said. ''We need our top players to be the best players and that goes (for) everybody from our goaltender right through our lineup, forwards and defense. Those guys, they're the leaders, they're the guys everybody follows, they're the guys that have to lead the way.''

Trotz said moving Ovechkin down the lineup and replacing him with Andre Burakovsky was a way to spread out offensive threats, but it's a drastic change staring down elimination.

''I have to do better,'' Ovechkin said. ''If I have a chance to do something, I have to do it.''

Knocking Ovechkin down to the third line with Lars Eller and Tom Wilson could blow up in the Capitals' face. But that wasn't a thought inside the locker room on the eve of a big elimination game.

''It could be good or it could be great,'' Eller said of Ovechkin's move. ''We've got every reason to make it work.''

The Capitals are down 3-1 to the Penguins just like last year. But Washington has outshot Pittsburgh in this series, and players feel they're a few opportunities away from being right back in it.

''The whole series feels different,'' Wilson said. ''We feel like we're the better team, we feel like we've had a lot of opportunities. But we've got to back up what we're saying here. We've got to go out there and every single guy's got to work as hard as they can. I'm confident that if that happens, we'll win.''

Don't expect any panic moves from the Ottawa Senators in their series against the New York Rangers going into Game 5 Saturday after consecutive road losses tied things up at 2.

''There is no momentum. There never is,'' coach Guy Boucher said. ''It's back at zero, start again, back at the drawing board and go back to what we need to do.''

Adjustments will be key for the Capitals and Senators to regain their footing. Washington has dominated in shots and been stymied by Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, but it's up to Ovechkin and fellow stars Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie to finish, no matter what the line combinations are.

---

Some things to watch Saturday:

Rangers at Senators, Series tied 2-2 (3 p.m. ET, NBCSN)

Boucher expects Norris Trophy finalist Erik Karlsson to play after missing the third period of Game 4 Thursday night, and he said goaltender Craig Anderson will start after a rough go in New York. The Senators need Karlsson, their captain and top defenseman, to have any chance at winning the series against the Rangers, who are cool, calm and collected going back on the road.

''We feel good but we're not overexcited,'' goaltender Henrik Lundqvist said. ''It's a lot of work ahead of us here to try to win this series, but we're doing a lot of good things here.''

---

Penguins at Capitals, Pittsburgh leads 3-1 (7:15 p.m., NBC)

A demotion for Ovechkin wasn't even the biggest development as Crosby took part in a full-contact practice Friday and could return following a concussion caused by a hit by Washington's Matt Niskanen in Game 3. Winger Conor Sheary, concussed in a collision with teammate Patric Hornqvist in the same game, also could be back, giving the Penguins the best lineup they can put out there without injured defenseman Kris Letang.

Crosby has a history of concussions, including one this past fall, but he's not worried about getting back on the ice too soon.

''I think having gone through this I'd like to think I'm pretty aware of my body at this point,'' Crosby said. ''I understand the importance of making sure you're good before you come back. I have a lot of belief in our staff here that they're going to do everything in their power to make sure I'm good when I come back. I trust them. I trust the process.''

[StarDust Bum]

Penguins Crosby closes in on return
May 5, 2017

Pittsburgh Penguins star center Sidney Crosby returned to practice on Friday, four days after suffering a concussion during Game 3 of the playoff series against the Washington Capitals.

Crosby participated in the full practice and said how he feels upon awaking Saturday will help him know whether he can play later that night in Game 5. The Penguins hold a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference second-round series.

"Having gone through this, I'd like to think I'm pretty aware of my body at this point," Crosby told reporters. "I understand the importance of making sure you're good before you come back. I have a lot of belief in our staff here. ... I trust them. I trust the process you have to go through."

Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan also was unsure on whether or not Crosby could play on Saturday.

"He's day to day," Sullivan said. "We'll see how he responds and we'll go from there. Right now, his status hasn't changed at all."

Left winger Conor Sheary, who also suffered a concussion on Monday, returned to practice as well.

"I think I'll be a game-time (decision) tomorrow," Sheary told reporters.

Crosby suffered his concussion when he was cross-checked in the head by Washington defenseman Matt Niskanen in the first period of the Capitals' 3-2 victory in Game 3.

Crosby was operating in front of the net when the stick of Washington's Alex Ovechkin caused him to lose his balance. He was starting to fall toward the ice when the charging Niskanen pummeled him with his stick.

Niskanen was given a five-minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct.

"(Ovechkin) is just trying to prevent a goal. That's a pretty common play," Crosby said Friday. "There are different levels of how hard, but that's standard as far as going to the net with the puck, guys are trying to prevent you from shooting. The other play (with Niskanen) is hard to say. I'm not going to sit here and guess. It's not one that happens too often."

Niskanen, a former teammate of Crosby for three-plus seasons with the Penguins, said earlier this week that the hit wasn't intentional.

"I've seen the replay. On super slow-mo, it looks really bad," Niskanen told reporters. "I got him high. He's coming across trying to score. As he is doing that, he's getting lower and lower. I wasn't extending, trying to hit him in the head. And when it's happening that fast, my stick and his head (collided).

"I hope he's OK. I certainly didn't mean to injure him. It's an unfortunate play that happened really quick."

[StarDust Bum]

Nhl playoffs record: ( as in baseball dogs and totals only)
All picks for the day:
April NHL Playoff Totals

Totals:.................40 - 43..........48.19%.............- 18.40

Best Bets............ Sides...............................Totals

Totals:............15 - 13...53.57%..+6.95..........15 - 27 - 8.............- 14.70

********************************

Nhl playoffs record: ( as in baseball dogs and totals only)
All picks for the day:

05/05/2017....................... 2-1-0..................... 66.67%............... +5.00
05/04/2017....................... 0-1-1...................... 0.00%................ -5.00
05/03/2017....................... 1-2-0......................33.33%................ -5.00
05/02/2017....................... 0-2-1....................... 0.00%............... -10.50
05/01/2017....................... 2-0-0..................... 100.00%............. +10.00

Totals:..............................5 - 6 - 1................... 45.45%................- 5.50

Best Bets............ Sides...............................Totals

05/05/2017...........0 - 1...........0.00%............-1.00.........2 - 0.........100%.........+2.00
05/04/2017...........0 - 1...........0.00%............-1.00.........0 - 1.........0.00%........- 1.10
05/03/2017...........1 - 0...........100%............+1.20........0 - 2.........0.00%........- 2.20
05/02/2017...........0 - 1---------0.00%...........- 1.00.........0 - 1 - 1....0.00%.........-1.10
05/01/2017...........1 - 0 ..........100%...........+ 1.00........1 - 0 ........100%.........+1.00

Totals..................2 - 3............40.00%.........-0.80........3 - 4.........42.85%.......-1.40


SATURDAY, MAY 6

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NYR at OTT 03:00 PM

U 5.0

PIT at WAS 07:15 PM

PIT +155

O 5.0

[StarDust Bum]

NHL roundup: Caps stick around; Senators go up 3-2
May 6, 2017

WASHINGTON -- Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin scored goals 27 seconds apart in the third period, and the Washington Capitals defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Saturday night to stay alive in their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Andre Burakovsky had a goal and an assist for Washington, which trails the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins 3-2 in the best-of-seven series with Pittsburgh set to host Game 6 on Monday night.

Kuznetsov gave Washington a 3-2 lead when he beat Marc-Andre Fleury from a sharp angle at 7:20 of the third. Ovechkin, after his initial shot on the rush was blocked by Ron Hainsey, got the puck back and wristed it past Fleury for his fifth goal of the playoffs to make it 4-2 at 7:47 of the third.

Pittsburgh took a 2-1 lead into the third period, but Washington tied it at 2:49 when Nicklas Backstrom and Burakovsky worked a give-and-go on the rush.

Sidney Crosby and Conor Sheary of the Penguins returned five days after suffering concussions and Crosby had an assist. Carl Hagelin gave the Penguins 1-0 lead in first period and Phil Kessel put them up 2-1 in the second.

Senators 5, Rangers 4 (OT)

OTTAWA -- Kyle Turris scored at 6:28 of overtime to give Ottawa a come-from-behind victory over New York Rangers and a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference best-of-seven semifinal series.

Turris' attempted first shot was blocked by Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi, but Turris was able to get control of the loose puck and beat goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. New York nearly won the contest two minutes earlier as Michael Grabner knocked a pass from Kevin Hayes out of mid-air at 4:12 of overtime, but officials quickly negated the tally on the basis of a high stick.

Rangers winger Jimmy Vesey scored his first goal of the playoffs with 7:12 left in regulation to snap a 3-3 tie. Former Ranger Derick Brassard sent the game into overtime with 1:26 left in regulation as the extra attacker that jumped on the ice when goalie Craig Anderson rushed to the bench.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s six-pack

Odds to win the Big 14 football title this coming fall:

9-5 Ohio State

12-5: Michigan

13-5: Wisconsin, Penn State

15-1: Northwestern Nebraska

7-1: West Virginia

16-1: Michigan State

20-1: Iowa

40-1: Minnesota

60-1: Indiana

125-1: Illinois, Maryland, Purdue

200-1: Rutgers

*********************************

Sunday’s List of 13: Random stuff for a soggy Sunday……

13) Busy day today; finally had enough with the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, took it back to the Apple Store and it is in the shop for a week or so—we’ll make do with our backup laptop until then.

It is nice to be able to type the letter “t” without wanting to throw something.

12) Should go buy Apple stock; when are their stores not crowded? They make a ton of money and their products aren’t even that durable.

11) One of the guys who owns Always Dreaming, the horse who won the Kentucky Derby, also owns the NHL’s Florida Panthers.

10) Adrian Gonzalez has played in 1,833 major league games over 14 years; this is the first time he has gone on the disabled list.

9) Michael Ynoa threw six scoreless innings of relief for the Orioles Friday, the first pitcher to throw 100+ pitches in relief and not allow a run since Randy Johnson in 2001- the Big Unit struck 17 batters that day.

8) Way of the world now: 67 players will attend the NBA Draft Combine; only 18 of them are college seniors.

7) Matt Albers got a save for Washington Friday in his 461st major league game, the 103rd one he has finished- that was the 2nd most games finished without ever saving a game. Now he has one.

6) Quick Albers story: April 2011, I’m in Las Vegas and Albers is on the Red Sox. He comes into a game in Kansas City in relief of Daniel Bard, who Bobby Valentine was trying to make into a starter—I had added Bard on my fantasy team.

This was one of Bard’s best starts for Boston (he didn’t have many); I’m supposed to be across the street at Battista’s meeting friends for dinner, but I wait to see if Albers can get out of this inning- I needed Bard to become a decent starter.

Nope. Billy Butler hit a ball off Albers that might still be going; by the time it landed over the fountains, I was already halfway across the street, headed to dinner. Totally unsure how Albers is still in the big leagues, but there he is and on a good team.

5) Texas Rangers TV analyst Tom Grieve was saying this weekend that the quality of the wood in bats has to be much worse now than when he played in the 70’s. Couple of bats in the Texas-Seattle game Friday splintered into pieces, making Grieve laugh.

4) 30 Cuban players played in the major leagues last year; so far in five weeks this year, 20 Cubans have already appeared in the big leagues.

3) Miami Marlins’ pitching staff is in shambles; they’re starting a reliever Sunday- their spot starter Saturday, Odrisamer Despaigne, allowed six runs in the first inning and Miami never even had a reliever warming up.

2) I’m curious as to how many people have played the President of the United States in a movie; has to be a pretty high number.

1) A 5-star recruit named Kevin Knox chose Kentucky Saturday over a bunch of schools, including Florida State, his father’s alma mater. You can make the argument that John Calipari is the best recruiter………ever.

[StarDust Bum]

Nhl playoffs record: ( as in baseball dogs and totals only)
All picks for the day:
April NHL Playoff Totals

Totals:.................40 - 43..........48.19%.............- 18.40

Best Bets............ Sides...............................Totals

Totals:............15 - 13...53.57%..+6.95..........15 - 27 - 8.............- 14.70

********************************

Nhl playoffs record: ( as in baseball dogs and totals only)
All picks for the day:

05/06/2017....................... 1-2-0..................... 33.33%............... -5.50
05/05/2017....................... 2-1-0..................... 66.67%............... +5.00
05/04/2017....................... 0-1-1...................... 0.00%................ -5.00
05/03/2017....................... 1-2-0......................33.33%................ -5.00
05/02/2017....................... 0-2-1....................... 0.00%............... -10.50
05/01/2017....................... 2-0-0..................... 100.00%............. +10.00

Totals:..............................6 - 8 - 1................... 42.85%................- 11.00

Best Bets............ Sides...............................Totals

05/06/2017...........0 - 1...........0.00%............-1.00.........1 - 1..........50.00%......-0.10
05/05/2017...........0 - 1...........0.00%............-1.00.........2 - 0.........100%.........+2.00
05/04/2017...........0 - 1...........0.00%............-1.00.........0 - 1.........0.00%........- 1.10
05/03/2017...........1 - 0...........100%............+1.20........0 - 2.........0.00%........- 2.20
05/02/2017...........0 - 1---------0.00%...........- 1.00.........0 - 1 - 1....0.00%.........-1.10
05/01/2017...........1 - 0 ..........100%...........+ 1.00........1 - 0 ........100%.........+1.00

Totals..................2 - 4............33.33%.........-1.80........4 - 5.........44.44%.......-1.50

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Odds to win the Big 14 football title this coming fall:
9-5 Ohio State
12-5: Michigan
13-5: Wisconsin, Penn State
15-1: Northwestern Nebraska
7-1: West Virginia
16-1: Michigan State
20-1: Iowa
40-1: Minnesota
60-1: Indiana
125-1: Illinois, Maryland, Purdue
200-1: Rutgers

**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Random stuff for a soggy Sunday……

13) Busy day today; finally had enough with the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, took it back to the Apple Store and it is in the shop for a week or so—we’ll make do with our backup laptop until then.

It is nice to be able to type the letter “t” without wanting to throw something.

12) Should go buy Apple stock; when are their stores not crowded? They make a ton of money and their products aren’t even that durable.

11) One of the guys who owns Always Dreaming, the horse who won the Kentucky Derby, also owns the NHL’s Florida Panthers.

10) Adrian Gonzalez has played in 1,833 major league games over 14 years; this is the first time he has gone on the disabled list.

9) Michael Ynoa threw six scoreless innings of relief for the Orioles Friday, the first pitcher to throw 100+ pitches in relief and not allow a run since Randy Johnson in 2001- the Big Unit struck 17 batters that day.

8) Way of the world now: 67 players will attend the NBA Draft Combine; only 18 of them are college seniors.

7) Matt Albers got a save for Washington Friday in his 461st major league game, the 103rd one he has finished- that was the 2nd most games finished without ever saving a game. Now he has one.

6) Quick Albers story: April 2011, I’m in Las Vegas and Albers is on the Red Sox. He comes into a game in Kansas City in relief of Daniel Bard, who Bobby Valentine was trying to make into a starter—I had added Bard on my fantasy team.

This was one of Bard’s best starts for Boston (he didn’t have many); I’m supposed to be across the street at Battista’s meeting friends for dinner, but I wait to see if Albers can get out of this inning- I needed Bard to become a decent starter.

Nope. Billy Butler hit a ball off Albers that might still be going; by the time it landed over the fountains, I was already halfway across the street, headed to dinner. Totally unsure how Albers is still in the big leagues, but there he is and on a good team.

5) Texas Rangers TV analyst Tom Grieve was saying this weekend that the quality of the wood in bats has to be much worse now than when he played in the 70’s. Couple of bats in the Texas-Seattle game Friday splintered into pieces, making Grieve laugh.

4) 30 Cuban players played in the major leagues last year; so far in five weeks this year, 20 Cubans have already appeared in the big leagues.

3) Miami Marlins’ pitching staff is in shambles; they’re starting a reliever Sunday- their spot starter Saturday, Odrisamer Despaigne, allowed six runs in the first inning and Miami never even had a reliever warming up.

2) I’m curious as to how many people have played the President of the United States in a movie; has to be a pretty high number.

1) A 5-star recruit named Kevin Knox chose Kentucky Saturday over a bunch of schools, including Florida State, his father’s alma mater. You can make the argument that John Calipari is the best recruiter………ever.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Sunday, May 7


Anaheim @ Edmonton

Game 65-66
May 7, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
12.388
Edmonton
11.323
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Anaheim
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Anaheim
(+110); Over

St. Louis @ Nashville

Game 63-64
May 7, 2017 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
10.874
Nashville
12.725
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville
-165
5
Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
(-165); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 7

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ST LOUIS (52-33-0-7, 111 pts.) at NASHVILLE (48-31-0-12, 108 pts.) - 5/7/2017, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 238-193 ATS (+447.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 197-170 ATS (+13.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 28-17 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 20-10 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 111-83 ATS (+0.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 43-32 ATS (+10.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 33-22 ATS (+7.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 59-45 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 15-11 ATS (+28.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 10-10 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 10-10-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)

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ANAHEIM (53-25-0-13, 119 pts.) at EDMONTON (53-29-0-11, 117 pts.) - 5/7/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 17-10 ATS (+29.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 53-38 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 35-18 ATS (+11.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 53-37 ATS (+95.1 Units) in road games on Sunday games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 25-13 ATS (+8.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ANAHEIM is 61-34 ATS (+14.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 28-17 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ANAHEIM is 18-9 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 2-7 ATS (-9.8 Units) in home games on Sunday games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 13-6 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 13-6-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 7

Home team won last four St Louis-Nashville games; Blues need road win here to keep series going- last three series games stayed under total. St Louis lost its last four games in Music City, by combined score of 14-6. Predators are 4-13 on power play in series, St Louis 1-14. Under is 7-2-1 in Blues’ last ten games overall; they scored total of four goals in last three games. Predators are 7-2 in playoffs; they were held to 1-2 goals in the two losses.

Edmonton led 3-0 with 3:30 left Friday, ready to take 3-2 series lead; then they blew the lead and lost in OT- they need home win to keep series going. Ducks won 26:57 into OT to keep home ice edge- they outshot Oilers 42-21 in 3rd period and OT’s. This will be tough for Edmonton to bounce back from. Road team won four of five series games; over is 5-1-1 in last seven series games. Anaheim is 2-19 on power play in series, Oilers 5-18. Anaheim is 4-0 on road in playoffs.

Second round NHL series
NY Rangers (-$150) vs Ottawa (+$130)
Ottawa 2-1
Ottawa 6-5 OT
NYR 4-1
NYR 4-1
Ottawa 5-4 OT

Pittsburgh (+$110) vs Washington (-$130)
Penguins 3-2
Penguins 6-2
Wash 3-2 OT
Penguins 3-2
Wash 4-2

St Louis (+$110) vs Nashville (-$130)
Nashville 4-3
St Louis 2-1
Nashville 3-1
Nashville 2-1
St Louis 2-1

Anaheim (-$135) vs Edmonton (+$115)
Edmonton 5-3
Edmonton 3-2
Anaheim 6-3
Anaheim 4-3 OT
Anaheim 4-3 2OT

Home: 10-10 (30-32)
Over: 9-9-2 (22-30-10)




NHL

Sunday, May 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. NASHVILLE
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games on the road
Nashville is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Nashville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games on the road
Anaheim is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Edmonton is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Anaheim

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s NHL Stanley Cup Betting Preview and Odds

The Ducks seized a 3-2 edge in the set after becoming the first team in NHL history to win a playoff game by overcoming a three-goal deficit with less than final four minutes remaining in regulation.

There are a pair of second round games on the ice Sunday, with the Predators and Ducks looking to punch their tickets to the Western conference finals. We break down all the betting angles to help you handicap the day's puck action.

St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators (-165, 5)

Predators lead series 3-2

ABOUT THE BLUES (52-33-5-2 SU, 39-53 ATS, 36-42 O/U): Alexander Steen has been ailing throughout the playoffs, unable to practice, and was a late scratch before Friday, opening the door for Dmitrij Jaskin to make his first appearance in this postseason. Jaskin made the most of his opportunity, not only opening the scoring with a second-period goal but registering a game-high eight shots on goal. "We felt confident that he would go in and play a really good game," Yeo said of Jaskin, who had only one goal during the reason season. "I thought he was a force along the walls on both ends and a difference maker."

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (48-31-8-4 SU, 47-44 ATS, 42-39 O/U): Nashville's No. 1 line of Ryan Johansen and 31-goal scorers Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg were dominant in a first-round sweep of top-seeded Chicago, combining for 15 points in the stunning upset. The unit has pretty much been kept in check by St. Louis, managing a total of three points and getting zero production from Arvidsson and one point from Johansen. “We’ve got to play faster, my line specifically," said Johansen, who is scoreless in the past four games. "We’ve got to find ways to make plays, use our speed more and our size and hold onto pucks.”

LINE HISTORY: The Predators opened as -160 moneyline favorites for Game 6 and appears fine with bettors as it hasn’t budged. The total hit the betting board at 5 and has yet to move off the opening number.

INJURY REPORT:

Blues - LW Alexander Steen (Questionable, lower body), C Robby Fabbri (Out For Season, knee).

Predators - RW Craig Smith (Questionable, lower body), LW Pontus Aberg (Questionable, undisclosed), LW Kevin Fiala (Out For Season, leg)

TRENDS:

* Predators are 4-0 in their last four home games.
* Under is 6-1 in Blues last seven games following a win.
* Under is 9-2-5 in Predators last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 36-9-6 in the last 51 meetings in Nashville.
* Blues are 0-5 in the last five meetings in Nashville.




Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers (-125, 5.5)

Ducks lead series 3-2

ABOUT THE DUCKS (53-25-10-3, 48-43 ATS, 33-38 O/U): Captain Ryan Getzlaf has enjoyed a blistering postseason and fellow forwards Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg have been heating up as well. Getzlaf scored and set up a goal in Game 5 to give the him 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in nine playoff games while Rakell celebrated his 24th birthday with a goal with 15 seconds left in regulation and an assist on Perry's tally to up his total to nine points (five goals, four assists). Silfverberg notched a pair of assists, extending his point streak to five games (five goals, three assists) while pushing his playoff total to 11 (seven goals, four assists).

ABOUT THE OILERS (53-28-7-5, 50-43 ATS, 38-46 O/U): General manager Peter Chiarelli hasn't been pleased to see Edmonton fall behind in the series in what can be construed as questionable officiating, especially since the end results, well, have gone against his team. "There is a frustration level building," Chiarelli said on Saturday. "But it's not really not because of anything the NHL hockey ops does. It is not because of the process. It is because the calls have gone against us." Milan Lucic took particular issue with the actions of Anaheim's Ryan Kesler on Rickard's game-tying goal, telling TSN: "I don’t even know what goalie interference is anymore. It's a joke. If someone knows what goalie interference is anymore, please call me and tell me."

LINE HISTORY: The Oilers opened as -119 moneyline favorites for Game 6 and that number has yet to move. The total hit the board at 5.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Ducks - RW Patrick Eaves (Questionable, lower body), RW Ondrej Kase (Questionable, lower body), D Clayton Stoner (Out Indefinitely, abdominal), D Kevin Bieksa (Out Indefinitely, lower body), D Simon Despres (Out Indefinitely, concussion)

Oilers - D Andrej Sekera (Questionable, undisclosed), D Andrew Ference (Out For Season, hip), RW Tyler Pitlick (Out For Season, knee)

TRENDS:

* Ducks are 14-3 in their last 17 games following a win.
* Over is 4-1 in Ducks last five overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Oilers last five overall.
* Over is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blues (46-29) at Predators (41-29)
Date: May 07, 2017 3:00 PM EDT

For the first time in the Stanley Cup playoffs, there is a little pressure on the Nashville Predators.

As the Predators enter Sunday's game against the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena, they own a 3-2 series lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal. A victory in front of what's sure to be a raucous sellout crowd assures them their first trip to the conference final.

But what looked like fait accompli a few days ago with the series at 3-1 doesn't seem like such a cinch now.

St. Louis followed up arguably its most complete effort in a 2-1 Game 4 loss with a better one in Friday night's 2-1 victory in Game 5, putting 32 shots on net to Nashville's 22 and looking like the better team in 5-on-5 play for the second straight game.

The Predators know another performance like Friday night won't cut it, not even with the league's loudest playoff audience waiting to erupt.

"We all know we can play better," goalie Pekka Rinne said. "Our preparation leading up to the next game has to be perfect. They've got some life now. It's going to be a fun game."

How much fun this is for Nashville depends on if it can play at the same speed that marked Games 1 and 3, and chunks of Game 2 and 4. The Blues were able to win the neutral zone Friday night, winning physical battles and creating quality chances.

The insertion of right winger Dmitrij Jaskin, who replaced injured Alexander Steen (foot), impacted Game 5 in a manner no one could have forecast.

Jaskin was the best player on the ice for large chunks of his 15:46 of playing time, firing eight shots on goal, adding four hits and blocking two shots.

What's more, Jaskin also collected the game's first goal at 5:43 of the second period, enabling St. Louis to score first for the first time in the series.

"He was really good all game from the start," Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo said of Jaskin. "Brought some energy that we needed. You're happy for a guy like that who gets a chance to come in and has an impact."

Now the question is, can St. Louis replicate that performance in a venue where the Predators have won eight straight playoff games, dating to last spring?

That includes three overtime wins, one last May against San Jose when Mike Fisher scored at 1:03 a.m. in the third overtime to win Game 4 of that series.

Nashville players have spoken during this playoff run of how they can feel the crowd noise through the walls of their locker room. That noise figures to be louder and more passionate with potential history in the making.

"It's got to be desperate," forward Colin Wilson said. "We can't give them any more life. It's a seven-game series, but we want to get it done at home."

The Predators could make a lineup change Sunday. Craig Smith, who has missed the last six games because of an undisclosed injury, skated at practice Thursday and Friday.

One of 12 double-figure goal scorers for Nashville, Smith adds more speed to an already fast team.

*****************************

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Predators at Blues
Wed, Apr 26 Final 4 to 3
Recaps

GAME 2
Predators at Blues
Fri, Apr 28 Final 2 to 3
Recaps

GAME 3
Blues at Predators
Sun, Apr 30 Final 1 to 3
Recaps

GAME 4
Blues at Predators
Tue, May 2 Final 1 to 2
Recaps

GAME 5
Predators at Blues
Fri, May 5 Final 1 to 2
Recaps

GAME 6
Blues at Predators
Sun, May 7 - 3:00PM EDT