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

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Monday, April 17

Anaheim @ Calgary

Game 15-16
April 17, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
12.619
Calgary
10.576
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Anaheim
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
-130
5
Dunkel Pick:
Anaheim
(+110); Under

Chicago @ Nashville

Game 13-14
April 17, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
10.271
Nashville
11.976
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville
-115
5
Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
(-115); Over

Ottawa @ Boston

Game 11-12
April 17, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ottawa
10.078
Boston
12.680
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-170
5
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-170); Under

Washington @ Toronto

Game 9-10
April 17, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
12.208
Toronto
10.166
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-155
5
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-155); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, April 17

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WASHINGTON (56-20-0-8, 120 pts.) at TORONTO (41-27-0-16, 98 pts.) - 4/17/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 17-5 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 118-60 ATS (+26.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 39-21 ATS (+14.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 47-35 ATS (+88.2 Units) in road games in April games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 35-14 ATS (+9.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-10 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 49-90 ATS (+163.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 125-140 ATS (-51.5 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 2-8 ATS (-7.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-3 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 8-3-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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OTTAWA (45-29-0-10, 100 pts.) at BOSTON (45-31-0-8, 98 pts.) - 4/17/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 45-39 ATS (+86.3 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 18-13 ATS (+31.7 Units) after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 21-14 ATS (+38.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 22-22 ATS (-24.9 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-18 ATS (-19.9 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 20-24 ATS (+20.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 11-4 (+11.4 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 11-4-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

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CHICAGO (50-25-0-9, 109 pts.) at NASHVILLE (43-29-0-12, 98 pts.) - 4/17/2017, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 0-6 ATS (-8.9 Units) in April games this season.
NASHVILLE is 23-15 ATS (+3.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 15-8 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 11-5 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games after a division game this season.
CHICAGO is 433-421 ATS (+875.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 91-89 ATS (-19.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 11-19 ATS (-13.1 Units) after a division game this season.
NASHVILLE is 10-17 ATS (-10.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
NASHVILLE is 10-19 ATS (-14.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 14-8 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 14-8-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.5 Units)

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ANAHEIM (48-23-0-13, 109 pts.) at CALGARY (45-35-0-4, 94 pts.) - 4/17/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 45-39 ATS (+5.2 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 31-16 ATS (+47.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 25-16 ATS (+46.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ANAHEIM is 30-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 23-15 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ANAHEIM is 13-7 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CALGARY is 23-37 ATS (+60.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 18-4 (+13.3 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 18-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
13 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.6 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 17

Ottawa scored 1:59 into OT Saturday to even series 1-1; they’re 5-1 this season against Boston- four of last six series games stayed under total. Boston won seven of its last nine games overall; they’re 4-4 in last eight home games- under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Senators won four of last six games (under 4-2). Boston is 1-7, Ottawa 1-11 on power play in series; neither team has scored in first period yet. Senators won four of their last six games (under 4-2).

Washington-Toronto split first two series games, with teams playing combined total of 41:37 of overtime so far. Caps outshot Toronto 94-88 in first two games; Maple Leafs haven’t scored a third period goal yet in series— they’re 2-8 in last ten games with the Caps, 1-6 on power play in series— Washington is 3-8. Under is 3-2-1 in last six series games. Capitals won nine of last 12 games. Toronto lost four of last six games overall; under is 6-4 in their last ten. Leafs lost three of their last four home games. Washington won six of its last seven road games.

Nashville posted its first-ever road playoff shutouts in Games 1-2; they’re 3-4 in seven playoff games with Chicago, which is 0-4 on power play in series and was outhit 48-31 by Predators in Game 2. Under is 7-1-2 in last ten Nashville games. Blackhawks lost last six games overall, have been shut out in three of their last four games- under is 4-1-3 in their last eight games. Chicago lost five of its last six road games. Nashville won five of its last seven home games, but lost three of last four home games with Chicago.

Anaheim won 3-2 in both of first two games in series; they’re 11-1 in last 12 games vs Calgary, with the one loss 8-3 in Saddledome back in December. Anaheim is 3-11 on power play in series, Flames 2-8. Calgary hasn’t scored a third period goal yet in series; they’ve lost five of last six games overall, but are 10-3 in last 13 home games. Ducks won their last six games and 10 of last 12; over is 4-2-4 in their last ten games. Under is 2-0-3 in last five Calgary games.

First round series:
East
Washington-Toronto
Wash 3-2 OT
Tor 4-3 2OT
Pittsburgh-Columbus
Pitt 3-1
Pitt 4-1
Pitt 5-4 OT
Montreal-NY Rangers
NYR 2-0
Mtl 4-3 OT
Mtl 3-1
Ottawa-Boston
Bos 2-1
Ott 4-3 OT

West
Chicago-Nashville
Nash 1-0
Nash 5-0
Minnesota-St Louis
StL 2-1 ot
StL 2-1
StL 3-1
Anaheim-Calgary
Ana, 3-2
Ana 3-2
Edmonton-San Jose
SJ 3-2 ot
Edmonton 2-0
Edmonton 1-0

Home teams: 10-10
Over: 4-12-4




NHL

Monday, April 17

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. BOSTON
Ottawa is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games on the road
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

9:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. NASHVILLE
Chicago is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Anaheim's last 10 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Anaheim is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Calgary is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Anahei

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, April 17

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Monday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
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The Blackhawks own a championship pedigree in recent years that is unrivaled in the NHL, but they will need more than a storied history to climb back into their first-round series.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue with a quartet of Game 4's - two Eastern Conference series' continue tied at one game each and two Western Conference series' continue with two teams owning 2-0 series leads.

Ottawa Senators at Boston Bruins (-170, 5)

Series tied 1-1

ABOUT THE SENATORS (45-29-6-4, 33-48 O/U): The Ottawa Senators were 20 minutes from dropping both home games and falling into an 0-2 hole in their Eastern Conference first-round series before staging a dramatic rally. The Senators look to ride the momentum from Saturday's come-from-behind win in overtime when they visit the Boston Bruins on Monday in Game 3 of the best-of-seven set. Forward Clarke MacArthur, who returned earlier this month after being sidelined since October 2015 due to a concussion, electrified the Ottawa fans Saturday when he scored for the first time in two years. MacArthur called it probably his "best moment" in hockey and Boucher went one step further. "When he raised his arms I think the whole city did at the same time," Boucher said. "It was very special, one of the most special moments I've lived as a coach because it's everybody ... celebrating something that must have been very tough to live all year and it comes at a perfect time."

ABOUT THE BRUINS (45-31-5-3, 38-38 O/U): Boston seized home-ice advantage from Ottawa by scoring a pair of third-period goals in a 2-1 win in Game 1, but now must regroup after squandering a glittering chance to take command of the series. Already minus center David Krejci and defensemen Torey Krug, Brandon Carlo and Colin Miller, Boston's absorbed another blow when blue-liner Adam McQuaid was hurt in Game 2. While all continue to be listed as day-to-day, there was some positive news on the injury front: Miller skated at Sunday's practice and has a shot to return while forward Noel Acciari is expected to be available and take his place on the fourth line alongside Dominic Moore and Riley Nash. "He was playing good hockey when he got hurt, so there's a good chance that he'll draw back into the lineup," coach Bruce Cassidy said.

LINE HISTORY: The Bruins opened as -175 home favorites and that number was bet down slightly to -170 by Sunday evening. The total actually opened at 4.5 at a few shops, but was bumped up to 5 after only a couple of hours on the board.

INJURY REPORT:

Senators - D M. Borowiecki (Questionable, lower body).

Bruins - C N. Acciari (Probable, upper body), RW J. Hayes (Questionable, lower body), C D. Krejci (Questionable, upper body), D C. Miller (Questionable, knee), D A. McQuaid (Questionable, upper body), D B. Carlo (Doubful, upper body), D T. Krug (Out Indefinitely, lower body).

TRENDS:

* Senators are 1-6 in their last 7 road games.
* Bruins are 5-1 in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 5-1 in Senators last 6 games following a win.
* Under is 7-1 in Bruins last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Senators are 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.




Washington Capitals at Toronto Maple Leafs (+135, 5)

Series tied 1-1

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (56-19-4-5, 37-32 O/U): Captain Alex Ovechkin (team co-leading 33 goals) and Nicklas Backstrom (club-best 63 assists, 86 points) are intent on battling the foe in front of them (Toronto) as opposed to that of history that has constantly labeled Washington as a classic underachiever. "We're playing good," Backstrom said after scoring his 21st career playoff goal in Game 2 to tie Dino Ciccarelli for fourth place in franchise history. "I feel like we're creating a lot of chances. We're staying positive and we know it's a new game coming up Monday, so we've got to regroup here and look forward." Ovechkin also tallied on Saturday, marking his 14th career power-play playoff goal to move past Peter Bondra for the most in franchise history.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (41-27-8-8, 38-44 O/U): While the complexion of the series changed following the double-overtime victory, the look of Toronto's back line is far from pretty as coach Mike Babcock announced that stay-at-home defenseman Roman Polak will miss the rest of the playoffs after sustaining a lower-body injury in a collision with Washington's Brooks Orpik. Polak's right leg crumpled awkwardly under his body during the exchange in the second period Saturday, causing the 30-year-old to scream in pain and immediately signal to the bench for assistance. Toronto's back line has already been compromised with Nikita Zaitsev missing the first two contests of the series due to a suspected concussion, although the rookie may have let the cat out of the bag by posting (and later deleting) the following tweet: "See you soon Toronto."

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers don't appear to be as impressed as the television hockey experts with the Leafs' performance in the first two games of this series, opening the Leafs as +140 underdogs on home ice for Game 3 - that number came down slightly to +135 Monday morning. The total opened at 5.

INJURY REPORT:

Capitals - No injuries to report.

Maple Leafs - D N. Zaitsev (Questionable, upper body), D R. Polak (Out For Season, lower body), LW J. Leivo (Out Indefinitely, undisclosed), RW N. Soshnikov (Out Indefinitely, undisclosed), C E. Fehr (Out Indefinitely, hand), LW J. Lupul (I-R, conditioning), D S. Robidas (Out For Season, knee), RW N. Horton (Out For Season, spine).

TRENDS:

* Capitals are 6-1 in their last 7 road games.
* Maple Leafs are 0-7 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 6-1-1 in Capitals last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
* Under is 4-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 home games.
* Capitals are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.




Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators (-110, 5)

Preds lead series 2-0

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (50-25-8-1, 37-33 O/U): The Chicago Blackhawks own a championship pedigree in recent years that is unrivaled in the NHL, but they will need more than a storied history to climb back into their Western Conference first-round series. Chicago has dropped six in a row dating to the regular season but a more concerning stat is that Toews is mired in an 11-game postseason goal drought while leading scorer Patrick Kane has one tally in his last nine playoff contests. “We’ve got to make some adjustments, down 2-0,” Kane said. “I haven’t scored a goal in two games -- not acceptable. As an offensive guy, you pride yourself on that. I’ve got to be better.” The Blackhawks posted a Western Conference-best 24 road wins but Toews, asked if that was reason for optimism, responded: "Not really."

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (43-29-8-4, 41-36 O/U): No. 8 seed Nashville stole home-ice advantage by squeezing out a 1-0 victory in the series opener and followed it by steamrolling Chicago 5-0 on Saturday, a drubbing that left the fans at United Center booing the home team. Pekka Rinne posted the second-lowest shutout total (3) of his career this season, but he became the first netminder to open the postseason with back-to-back blankings since Michael Leighton with Philadelphia in 2010. “They box out, let me see the puck,” Rinne said in crediting his teammates. "Like (Saturday), there wasn’t probably one shot where I didn’t see it. Guys (have) been doing a really good job in front of me.” Not content to stymie Chicago's offense, Rinne also became the first goalie with a shutout and two assists in the same game since Tom Barrasso (1993).

LINE HISTORY: The Predators opened as -120 favorites on home ice, after downing the Hawks in a pair of road games in Game 1 and Game 2, but the public bet the Hawks early and puched that number down to a Pick 'Em (-110). The total hit the board at 5.

INJURY REPORT:

Blackhawks - LW A. Desjardins (Out, lower body), D M. Rozsival (Out Indefinitely, face).

Predators - LW C. Wilson (Questionable, lower body), LW V. Fiddler (Questionable, upper body).

TRENDS:

* Blackhawks are 0-6 in their last 6 overall.
* Predators are 13-3 in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 4-0-1 in Blackhawks last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 7-1-2 in Predators last 10 overall.
* Over is 5-0-3 in the last 8 meetings in Nashville.




Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames (-125, 5)

Ducks lead series 2-0

ABOUT THE DUCKS (48-23-10-3, 28-36 O/U): Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf has made himself at home against the Calgary Flames by collecting a goal and an assist in both contests of the Western Conference first-round series. Defenseman Shea Theodore has learned a bit from last year's postseason cameo, and that knowledge has helped him take advantage of opportunities this time around without putting his team in peril. "That's something where you just let it affect you too much," Theodore told the Orange County Register after setting up a goal in Game 2 for his third assist of the series. "Last year, you might spend more time looking around and watching. But this year, I feel like I'm more in to it and I'm more focused on the task at hand." Fellow blue-liner Sami Vatanen, who was a late scratch for Game 2 due to an upper-body injury, is traveling with the club and will be re-assessed after the morning skate on Monday, coach Randy Carlyle said.

ABOUT THE FLAMES (45-35-2-2, 34-37 O/U): Calgary finds itself in the ominous position of trailing after two games in a best-of-seven series - with the team losing all nine of its previous such series. Mikael Backlund followed up his career-high goal total (22) this season by scoring a short-handed tally in Game 2, increasing his point total to four in his last five games. Fellow forward Sean Monahan (team-leading 27 goals) has scored in back-to-back contests after being held off the scoresheet in each of the previous four and linemate Johnny Gaudreau (team-leading 43 assists, 61 assists) notched an assist after his four-game point drought. A change of scenery might be what the doctor ordered for Calgary, which is leaving its house of horrors at the Honda Center in favor of Scotiabank Saddledome. "Obviously it's going to be fun to play at home," defenseman Dougie Hamilton said. "We can't quit. We haven't quit all season. We’re going to come out hard at home and turn the series around."

LINE HISTORY: Despite trailing the series 2-0, the Flames opened as -125 favorites for Game 3 at home. The total hit the board at 5.

INJURY REPORT:

Ducks - D S. Vatanen (Questionable, upper body), D C. Fowler (Mid May, knee), D C. Stoner (Questionable, abdominal), D S. Despres (I-R, concussion).

Flames - D L. Smid (Out For Season, neck).

TRENDS:

* Ducks are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Flames are 1-5 in their last 6 overall.
* Over is 2-0-2 in Ducks last 4 road games.
* Over is 7-1-3 in Flames last 11 home games.
* Ducks are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Calgary.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, April 17


NHL playoff UNDERS were back Sunday, going 3-1. 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs now have collective 4-12-4
Over/Under record - 75% UNDERS.


With Oilers' 1-0 victory over Sharks in the late game Sunday night, there has yet to be an OVER in Western Conference Playoffs.
UNDER 6-0-4

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NHL betting cheat sheet: Potential sweeps a windfall for underdog bettors
By: Monty Andrews

The first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs has not disappointed, with plenty of drama in the first few days. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the postseason betting action and what’s to come for hockey bettors this week.

Stunning sweep?

The Nashville Predators are halfway to what would be the most surprising result of the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs: a four-game sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The hardest part is over for the Predators, who went into the Windy City and stole a pair of shutout victories, including a one-sided 5-0 triumph in Game 2 on Saturday.

Netminder Pekka Rinne has stopped all 59 shots he’s faced in the series and has been red hot for a while now, helping contribute to Nashville's 1-7-2 Over/Under record over the previous 10 games. Game 3 goes Monday night in Nashville, where the Preds were 24-9-6 during the regular season. Nashville is EVEN money to win Game 3 at SportsInteraction.com.

Minny singing the Blues

The Minnesota Wild are on the verge of being knocked out of the Western Conference playoffs, trailing 3-0 in the opening-round series following a 3-1 defeat in Game 3 in St. Louis.

After scoring 17 goals during a four-game season-ending winning streak, the Wild offense has completely dried up in the playoffs, as it enters Tuesday's Game 4 having tallied just three times in the first three contests.

The Blues, meanwhile, are on the most impressive run in the league right now, having gone 18-2-2 over their previous 22 games (including playoffs). They're also 6-13-3 O/U over that stretch.

No surprise in San Jose

SAP Center in San Jose was the site of the fewest Over results in the NHL this season, as the Sharks were just 10-22-9 O/U there during the regular schedule.

That trend continued unsurprisingly in the Sharks' opening home game of the postseason, as they dropped a 1-0 decision to Edmonton and saw the Oilers take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven set.

San Jose has been blanked in back-to-back games thanks to an airtight Oilers defense that limited the Sharks to 39 shots in Games 2 and 3. The Sharks will look to even the series as the teams tangle in Game 4 on Tuesday night at SAP Center. SportsInteraction.com has the betting total at five goals (Under -130).

Injury updates

* The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to have defenseman Nikita Zaitsev back in time for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series with the Washington Capitals. Zaitsev's return from an upper-body injury is a critical one for the Maple Leafs, who have lost fellow blueliner Roman Polak (lower body) for the rest of the season. The series is tied 1-1.

* The Boston Bruins are hoping to have skilled center David Krejci back in action for Game 3 of their East quarterfinal against the Ottawa Senators. Krejci missed the first two games of the series with an upper-body injury after suiting up for all 82 regular season games for the Bruins, scoring 23 goals and adding 31 assists.

Player notes

* Jake Guentzel might not have been a household name prior to the postseason, but hockey fans know who he is now after he recorded a hat trick in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-4 overtime victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in a thrilling Game 3. Guentzel has been a surprise playoff hero for Pittsburgh, scoring four goals and adding an assist in three games.

* The Montreal Canadiens have seized a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series with the New York Rangers, thanks in no small part to the scoring exploits of Alexander Radulov. The veteran right winger had a goal and two assists in a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 2, and followed that up with a two-point performance in the Canadiens' 3-1 triumph in Game 3.

Stanley Cup futures

* There's a new favorite to win the Stanley Cup, according to Sports Interaction. The Penguins have vaulted past the Capitals for the honor of being the odds-on fave, priced at +333 odds to repeat as NHL champions. The Capitals are next in line at +350, with the Canadiens holding sole possession of third place at +700.

* The Blackhawks and Wild have both seen their Stanley Cup odds plummet after getting off to dreadful starts in the playoffs. Chicago opened the postseason at +550 - tied with Pittsburgh for the second best odds - but come into this week at +1,200. Minnesota is even worse off, going from +700 a week ago to a whopping +4,000 as of Monday.

Over/Under trends

* Games decided in regulation have been a major boon to Under bettors through the first five days of playoff action. Non-overtime games are a stunning 0-10-3 O/U, while games that go to extra time have gone 4-2-0 O/U so far.

[StarDust Bum]

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

4/16/2017 6-1-0 85.71% +2550
4/16/2017 6-1-0 85.71% +2550
04/15/2017 1-2-2 33.33% -250
04/14/2017 1-6-0 14.29% -2325
04/13/2017 2-2-1 50.00% +225
04/12/2017 4-5-1 44.44% -940

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

04/16/2017..........3 - 0.............+3.20............3 - 1....................+1.90
04/15/2017..........1 - 1.............+0.60............1 - 2....................-1.20
04/14/2017..........1 - 2..............-0.25............0 - 4....................- 4.40
04/13/2017..........1 - 1.............+0.55............1 - 1 - 1..............+ 0.00
04/12/2017..........1 - 1 ............+1.00............2 - 2 - 1 .............+ 0.00

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, APRIL 17

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

OTT at BOS 07:00 PM

U 5.0

WAS at TOR 07:00 PM

U 5.5

CHI at NAS 09:30 PM

U 5.0

ANA at CAL 10:00 PM

ANA +110

U 5.0

[StarDust Bum]

NHL roundup: Maple Leafs seize series lead with OT win
April 17, 2017

TORONTO -- Tyler Bozak scored a power-play goal at 1:37 of overtime, and the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 on Monday night to take a 2-1 lead in a first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

All three games have gone to overtime.

Auston Matthews, Nazem Kadri and William Nylander also scored for the Maple Leafs, and Matthews added an assist. Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored for the Capitals, who twice had two-goal leads.

The Maple Leafs scored the final two goals of the second period to send the game to the third period tied at 3. It stayed that way through the third. But when Washington's Lars Eller took a high-sticking penalty at 19:44, Toronto opened the overtime on the power play and took advantage.

Predators 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Kevin Fiala slipped a backhander past Corey Crawford at 16:44 of overtime, and Nashville overcame a 2-0, third-period deficit to take a stunning 3-0 series lead in the teams' first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Fiala scored his second goal of the series off James Neal's slick backhand pass.

Crawford stopped 46 shots in the defeat, while Pekka Rinne made 34 saves for Nashville.

Filip Forsberg erased Chicago's two-goal third period lead by himself. First, he pounced on the rebound of Viktor Arvidsson's shot for his first goal of the series at 4:24. Forsberg then flicked home a wrister from the slot at 14:08, jumping on the carom of Ryan Ellis' point blast.

Senators 4, Bruins 3 (OT)

BOSTON -- Bobby Ryan tipped home a pass from Kyle Turris for a power-play goal 5:43 into overtime, giving Ottawa a road win and a 2-1 lead in the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Riley Nash was in the penalty box when Erik Karlsson hit a flying Turris with a pass into the zone that was close to being offside. Turris got the puck to Ryan, who tipped it past Tuukka Rask as Ottawa overcame blowing a 3-0 lead to reclaim home-ice advantage in the best-of-seven series.

Mike Hoffman scored twice and Derick Brassard had a goal for Ottawa. Noel Acciari, David Backes and David Pastrnak answered for the Bruins in their second straight three-goal second period.

Ducks 5, Flames 4 (OT)

CALGARY, Alberta -- Corey Perry scored at 1:30 of overtime as Anaheim overcame a 4-1 deficit to win the game and take a 3-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Perry's shot from a bad angle hit Calgary goalie Brian Elliott and then deflected off defenseman Michael Stone's backside and in to lead the Ducks to a come-from-behind victory.

Shea Theodore scored his first two NHL playoff goals for the Ducks. In relief of Anaheim starting goalie John Gibson, Jonathan Bernier stopped all 16 shots he faced to pick up the win. Gibson gave up four goals on 16 shots before being relieved by Bernier at 8:33 of the second period.

Sean Monahan had a goal and an assist for the Flames.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s six-pack

Six batters who have come to bat with most men on base this season, and %age of those runners they knocked in:
6) Christian Yelich 41 (14.6%)
T4) Carlos Santana 42 (19.0%)
T4) Kris Bryant 42 (11.9%)
3) Carlos Correa 43 (4.7%)
2) Robinson Cano 44 (15.9%)
1) Pablo Sandoval 46 (13.0%)

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

Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….

13) They ran the Boston Marathon Monday; I’m thinking it isn’t healthy to run 26 miles.

A marathon is an event that was established “…….in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens, who reported the victory.”

Unfortunately for Pheidippides, as soon as he reported the victory, he collapsed and dropped dead. Like I said, running 26 miles at once might not be good for you.

12) That said, it does take serious onions to run that far; it is demanding, both physically, mentally. Monday, a retired Marine who lost the lower part of his left leg by stepping on an IED in Afghanistan in 2011. ran on his prosthetic leg while carrying a large American flag for the entire 26.2-mile race, finishing in 5:46:13.

That is one tough human.

11) I’m probably not the best person to discuss running; if I drive 26 miles, I’m looking for the drive-thru window at Wendy’s or McDonald’s.

10) Rough start to the year for my A’s; their two best pitchers (Gray/Graveman) are both hurt already, now SS Semien has a broken wrist and is done for couple months. Not like he is Ozzie Smith or anything, but unless they bring highly touted prospect Franklin Barreto up from AAA, best they can do is move Lowrie back to SS and bring a 2B up from Nashville. Oy.

9) Toronto 4, Washington 3 OT— All three series games have gone OT, second time in Washington’s franchise history that has happened. Caps are 1-5 in those six games.

8) Cole Hamels has started three games for Texas this month; Rangers led all three games after the fifth inning. Texas bullpen, however, has allowed 14 runs in 9.2 innings in those games and Texas lost all three.

7) A 17-year old basketball prospect named Kevin Knox was offered $1.4M to play basketball for a Chinese pro team next year, but declined the offer. He’ll announce his college choice next week; most of top programs are involved.

6) Angel Hernandez is a bad umpire; he just is. You watch him work the plate and there is always a lot of crabbing by players during his games there.

5) Carlos Martínez pitched for the Cardinals in the Bronx Saturday; he lost 3-2. Martinez faced 30 batters; 19 of them either walked (8) or struck out (11).

Martinez threw 118 pitches, 25 were called strikes, 19 were swinging strikes, 16 were fouled off, 47 were balls and 11 were put in play. Of the 11 balls put in play, four were hits. Very odd line for him.

4) Brewers 6, Cubs 3— World Champs have lost four in row, are 6-7 overall, 2-5 at home.

3) Cavaliers 117, Pacers 111— Indiana was down 18 after three quarters, but covered thru the backdoor. Kevin Love was +!7; Cavaliers were -11 with him off the floor.

As I type this, Spurs are up 56-30 over Memphis. Not a lot of competition there.

2) NFL schedule gets released Thursday night, the draft is next week. It is freakin’ April, but the NFL has an amazing ability to stay in the news.

1— Utah Jazz have a problem, with Rudy Gobert out for Game 2 with the Clippers, but this year, Jazz are +102 with Derrick Favors on the floor, if they didn’t play the night before. When they played the night before, Favors was -45. No back/backs in the playoffs, good for Utah.

[StarDust Bum]

Caps Iron-man D Alzner misses Game 3
April 17, 2017

Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner found himself in unfamiliar territory on Monday as he sat out Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series versus the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre.

Alzner, who is nursing an upper-body injury, sat out for the first time since Game 6 of the 2010 first-round series versus the Montreal Canadiens. The 28-year-old has appeared in 540 consecutive regular-season games.

Nate Schmidt was initially paired with top defenseman John Carlson to replace Alzner, who collected three goals and 10 assists this season while averaging just under 20 minutes of ice time per game.

Schmidt, 25, scored three goals and set up 14 others in 60 games this season for Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington, which entered Monday's tilt tied at one victory apiece with Toronto.

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

Werenski out with broken cheekbone
April 17, 2017

Columbus Blue Jackets star rookie defenseman Zach Werenski has been ruled out of the rest of the postseason due to a broken cheekbone.

Werenski was injured in Sunday's 5-4 overtime loss to Pittsburgh, which gave the Penguins a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series.

Columbus will try to stave off elimination when it hosts Game 4 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday night.

Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella told the media Monday morning that the 19-year-old Werenski was done for the playoffs.

A first-round draft pick (No. 8 overall) by Columbus in 2015, Werenski was hurt when a shot from Pittsburgh's Phil Kessel deflected off his own stick and caught him under the right eye in the second period.

Play continued as Werenski lay on the ice, his cheek bloodied, and the Penguins capitalized by scoring a controversial goal. Werenski returned in the third period wearing a face shield but finally had to exit the game because of swelling in his right eye.

"It got to the point where he couldn't see," Tortorella said after the 4-3 overtime loss. "That's why he didn't play in OT."

Werenski, who scored his first playoff goal in the contest and recorded 11 tallies and 47 points in his rookie campaign, earned plaudits from his teammates for attempting to play after the injury.

"I'm just proud of the leadership he showed to come back and play and make a difference," Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky said. "It speaks to the maturity of the kid and he's a warrior and I'm proud of him."

Werenski tweeted a photo of himself after the game, which revealed a black eye, stitches on his cheek and gauze in his note. He wrote, simply, "Playoff hockey ..."

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

Thornton returns to Sharks in Game 3
April 16, 2017

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton is back in the lineup after missing the first two games of the playoffs with a left knee injury.

Thornton is in his usual role as the top-line center for San Jose against Edmonton on Sunday night. Thornton had missed the past two weeks after injuring his knee in a regular-season game at Vancouver. The Sharks split the first two games of the series in Edmonton without Thornton.

Thornton started the game on a line with captain Joe Pavelski and Melker Karlsson as his wings. Logan Couture moved down to second-line center. Couture struggled the first two games as he's recovered after losing several teeth when he took a puck to the face last month.

Mikkel Boedker was scratched to make room for Thornton.

[StarDust Bum]

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

04/17/2017 1-3-1 25.00% -1100
4/16/2017 6-1-0 85.71% +2550
4/16/2017 6-1-0 85.71% +2550
04/15/2017 1-2-2 33.33% -250
04/14/2017 1-6-0 14.29% -2325
04/13/2017 2-2-1 50.00% +225
04/12/2017 4-5-1 44.44% -940

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

04/17/2017..........1 - 0.............+1.10............0 - 3 - 1................-3.30
04/16/2017..........3 - 0.............+3.20............3 - 1.....................+1.90
04/15/2017..........1 - 1.............+0.60............1 - 2....................-1.20
04/14/2017..........1 - 2..............-0.25............0 - 4....................- 4.40
04/13/2017..........1 - 1.............+0.55............1 - 1 - 1..............+ 0.00
04/12/2017..........1 - 1 ............+1.00............2 - 2 - 1 .............+ 0.00

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Tuesday, April 18


Edmonton @ San Jose

Game 55-56
April 18, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Edmonton
12.381
San Jose
9.897
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Jose
-120
5
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(+100); Under

Pittsburgh @ Columbus

Game 53-54
April 18, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
11.767
Columbus
9.301
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Columbus
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+100); Under

Montreal @ NY Rangers

Game 51-52
April 18, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
11.313
NY Rangers
12.901
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Rangers
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montreal
-120
5
Dunkel Pick:
NY Rangers
(+100); Over




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, April 18

Rangers have now lost six home playoff games in row after 3-1 loss in Game 3— they were outshot 29-21, were 0-3 on power play (are 0-10 in series). Montreal won seven of last ten games with the Rangers; road team won seven of those 10 games. New York is 4-6 in its last ten games overall; five of their last six games stayed under total. Canadiens are 8-3 in their last 11 games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13. Montreal outshot NY 87-59 in last two games. Rangers won last four first round series; they need win here to avoid going to Montreal down 3-1.

Penguins won first three games of series at home; they were -9 in blocked shots in OT win in Game 3, after being +10 in blocked shots in Games 1-2. Pittsburgh has now won seven of its last nine games, with five of last eight staying under total. Blue Jackets have now lost nine of their last ten games- they scored total of 25 goals in their last 13 games. Three of last four Columbus games stayed under the total. Home side won eight of last ten Columbus-Pittsburgh games; under is 7-4 in last 11 series games.

San Jose hasn’t scored vs Oilers since OT game-winner in Game 1. Edmonton won five of its last seven road games, ten of last 12 games overall; they blanked the Sharks in last two games, holding them to total of 39 shots on goal. San Jose won three of its last five home games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games overall. Oilers are in playoffs for first time since 2006, when they lost Cup final; they’ve lost four of last five first round series. San Jose lost Stanley Cup final LY; they’re 9-3 in last 12 first round series. Oilers won five of last six games with San Jose.

First round series:

East
Washington-Toronto
Wash 3-2 OT
Tor 4-3 2OT
Tor 4-3 OT
Pittsburgh-Columbus
Pitt 3-1
Pitt 4-1
Pitt 5-4 OT
Montreal-NY Rangers
NYR 2-0
Mtl 4-3 OT
Mtl 3-1
Ottawa-Boston
Bos 2-1
Ott 4-3 OT
Ott 4-3 OT

West
Chicago-Nashville
Nash 1-0
Nash 5-0
Nash 3-2 OT
Minnesota-St Louis
StL 2-1 ot
StL 2-1
StL 3-1
Anaheim-Calgary
Ana, 3-2
Ana 3-2
Ana 5-4 OT
Edmonton-San Jose
SJ 3-2 ot
Edmonton 2-0
Edmonton 1-0

Home teams: 12-12
Over: 7-13-4




NHL

Tuesday, April 18

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. NY RANGERS
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
NY Rangers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games
NY Rangers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Montreal

7:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. COLUMBUS
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Columbus
Columbus is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Columbus's last 13 games

10:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. SAN JOSE
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 7 games

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, April 18

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zack Kassian, who scored seven goals in 79 games during the regular season and none in the first nine playoff contests of his career, recorded the game-winner in each of the Oilers' victories.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue with a trio of Game 4's on Tuesday. The Canadiens and Oilers look to extend their series leads to 3-1 while the Penguins hold a 3-0 lead and will attempt to end the Blue Jackets' season.

Montreal Canadiens at New York Rangers (-110, 5)

Canadiens lead series 2-1

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (49-27-7-2, 30-40 O/U): Montreal was within 18 seconds of dropping into an 0-2 series hole at home and now stand within two wins of advancing to the next round. Alexander Radulov returned to the NHL after spending the previous four seasons in Russia and provided Montreal plenty of bang for its buck. After collecting 18 goals and 54 points in the regular season, Radulov has emerged as the star of the series with five points in the last two contests, setting up the tying goal in Game 2 and adding a highlight-reel tally in Game 3 with Kevin Hayes draped all over him. “He wants to win and he doesn’t care about anything but winning," coach Claude Julien said. "He’s hard on himself because he wants to help us win."

ABOUT THE RANGERS (49-29-3-4, 41-38 O/U): After earning a split in Montreal, New York went down meekly 3-1 before the home fans in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series and is winless in the playoffs at Madison Square Garden since a Game 7 win in the conference semifinals in May 2015. Coach Alain Vigneault shuffled his lines for the final 20 minutes in Game 3 after New York managed a combined 12 shots over the first two periods, and he tinkered some more at Monday's practice, giving rookie Pavel Buchnevich time on a struggling power-play unit that has failed in all 10 chances. “I’m looking at all our options right now,” Vigneault said. "Some of our problems have come a lot on our puck management. We need to do a better job.” Chris Kreider, who scored a team-high 28 goals this season, has yet to register a point in the series.

LINE HISTORY: The moneyline for Game 4 opened as a Pick 'Em and the total hit the board at 5 at most books (4.5 at some).

INJURY REPORT:

Canadiens- D A. Emelin (Questionable, lower body).

Rangers - No injuries to report.

TRENDS:

* Canadiens are 6-1 in their last 7 road games.
* Rangers are 2-9 in their last 11 home games.
* Under is 9-2-3 in Canadiens last 14 vs. Metropolitan.
* Under is 5-1 in Rangers last 6 overall.
* Canadiens are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in New York.




Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets (-110, 5.5)

Pens lead series 3-0

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (53-21-6-5, 48-32 O/U): Jake Guentzel speaks with a soft voice and is generously listed at 5-foot-10 and 167 pounds, but the 22-year-old rookie has provided loud performances while standing tall in each contest of the Pittsburgh Penguins' opening-round set versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. After completing a hat trick at 13:10 of overtime to give the Penguins a 3-0 series lead, Guentzel looks to give the reigning Stanley Cup champions the final push on Tuesday at Nationwide Arena. Bryan Rust continues to make his presence felt in the NHL's second season, scoring twice in Game 3 to give him seven goals in his past 11 playoff games and five tallies in his last eight contests overall. Fellow forward Evgeni Malkin recorded his 14th career three-point performance by scoring in his second straight game and adding two assists to increase his point total to six (two goals, four assists) in the series. Not to be outdone, captain Sidney Crosby has set up two goals in back-to-back contests after being held off the scoresheet in the series opener.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (50-26-7-2, 33-46 O/U): The Blue Jackets have been pushed to the brink despite Brandon Dubinsky adding an offensive presence (one goal, one assist) in Game 3 to the physical one he has demonstrated all series (19 hits). Zach Werenski's season came to a close after the rookie defenseman sustained a ghastly facial fracture following taking a puck under his right eye on Sunday. The 19-year-old initially returned to the contest in the third period with a full-face shield before he was forced to exit as his vision was impacted by the swelling around his eye. "It (stinks) for him. I just met with him in the office (Monday) and that's the first thing that comes out of his mouth; he's upset that he can't play," coach John Tortorella said of Werenski, who had one goal in the series and was first in NHL scoring among rookie defensemen with 47 points (11 goals, 36 assists).

LINE HISTORY: The Blue Jackets, for some reason, opened as -115 favorites despite losing the first three games of their series against the Penguins and by Tuesday morning that moneyline was back to a Pick 'Em. The total hit the board at 5.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Penguins - D C. Ruhwedel (Questionable, upper body), G M. Murray (Questionable, lower body), LW C. Kunitz (Out Indefinitely, lower body), D K. Letang (Out For Season, neck), LW C. Hagelin (Late April, lower body).

Blue Jackets - D Z. Werenski (Out For Season, face), LW L. Sedlak (Out Indefinitely, upper body), D R. Murray (Late April, hand), RW D. Clarkson (Out Indefinitely, back).

TRENDS:

* Penguins are 6-0 in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Blue Jackets are 1-9 in their last 10 overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 road games.
* Under is 6-1-1 in Blue Jackets last 8 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Home team is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.




Edmonton Oilers at San Jose Sharks (-120, 5)

Oilers lead series 2-1

ABOUT THE OILERS (49-26-5-5, 32-44 O/U): Zack Kassian, who scored seven goals in 79 games during the regular season and none in the first nine playoff contests of his career, recorded the game-winner in each of the Oilers' victories - including a short-handed tally in Game 2. Captain Connor McDavid was kept off the scoresheet in Game 3, ending his 16-game point streak that began on March 14. Edmonton finally displayed some discipline in Game 3, taking only two penalties after being whistled for six in each of the first two contests. Despite being short-handed a league-high 14 times entering Monday's action, the Oilers have allowed just one power play goal (92.8 percent) to rank third among the 16 playoff teams. Defenseman Oscar Klefbom showed no ill effects from the bone bruise in his left foot he suffered in the previous contest as he saw a team-high 24 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time in Game 3.

ABOUT THE SHARKS (47-31-6-1, 22-39 O/U): Logan Couture was back in the Sharks' lineup for the series opener after missing the final seven regular-season games with a facial injury and Joe Thornton returned for Game 3 after sitting out a total of five contests with a knee ailment, but neither has recorded a point in the matchup. Thornton, who wore a brace on his knee, spent 16:27 on the ice in his first game since April 2 - recording two shots and blocking one while losing both of his faceoffs. "He's our emotional leader," coach Peter DeBoer told reporters. "Gutsy effort by him. There was just no keeping him out (of the lineup). I think he came out and had a great game for us for not playing in a while." San Jose was extremely physical in Game 3, registering 58 hits - including 32 in the first period, which was five shy of Edmonton's total for the entire contest.

LINE HISTORY: The Sharks opened as -120 favorites and the total hit the board at 5.

INJURY REPORT:

Oilers - D A. Ference (Out For Season, hip), RW T. Pitlick (Out For Season, knee).

Sharks - No injuries to report.

TRENDS:

* Oilers are 14-3 in their last 17 overall.
* Sharks are 2-8 in their last 10 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
* Under is 9-2-2 in Oilers last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
* Under is 3-0-1 in Sharks last 4 overall.
* Oilers are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, April 18


We saw our first OVER in the NHL's Western Conference Playoffs Monday night.
O-U in West now: 1-6-5
O-U in StanleyCup Playoffs: 7-12-5

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, April 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONTREAL (49-27-0-9, 107 pts.) at NY RANGERS (49-29-0-7, 105 pts.) - 4/18/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 14-4 ATS (+14.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 24-12 ATS (+10.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 11-2 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
MONTREAL is 17-8 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 8-14 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 6-11 ATS (-7.0 Units) on Tuesday nights this season.
NY RANGERS are 190-226 ATS (-133.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 7-15 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 9-3 (+6.2 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 9-3-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (53-21-0-11, 117 pts.) at COLUMBUS (50-26-0-9, 109 pts.) - 4/18/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 28-38 ATS (-21.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 50-35 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights this season.
COLUMBUS is 12-4 ATS (+16.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
COLUMBUS is 23-14 ATS (+38.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLUMBUS is 44-30 ATS (+77.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 117-74 ATS (+6.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-5 ATS (+8.7 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 74-42 ATS (+12.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 64-45 ATS (+110.7 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 50-24 ATS (+15.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 48-25 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 35-13 ATS (+16.3 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 24-26 ATS (-2.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 7-14 ATS (-8.6 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 8-24 ATS (+39.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 7-8 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-7-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDMONTON (49-26-0-10, 108 pts.) at SAN JOSE (47-31-0-7, 101 pts.) - 4/18/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 5-12 ATS (-9.6 Units) on Tuesday nights this season.
EDMONTON is 4-19 ATS (+34.3 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 123-79 ATS (-12.3 Units) in April games since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 27-12 ATS (+9.9 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 7-2 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 44-44 ATS (-17.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 24-24 ATS (-9.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 22-24 ATS (-19.7 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 166-144 ATS (-82.3 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 54-57 ATS (-43.1 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 28-29 ATS (-9.5 Units) in home games revenging a home loss versus opponent since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 94-89 ATS (-65.9 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 9-8 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 9-8-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, April 18

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals – Best of 7 – Game 4 – MON Leads 2-1

Montreal at NY Rangers, 7:05 PM ET
Montreal: 2-6 SU off a road win by 2 goals or more
New York: 14-4 SU revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals – Best of 7 – Game 4 – PIT Leads 3-0

Pittsburgh at Columbus, 7:35 PM ET
Pittsburgh: 10-17 SU in road games after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6
Columbus: COLUMBUS is 12-4 SU revenging a home loss versus opponent

Western Conference Quarterfinals – Best of 7 – Game 4 – EDM Leads 2-1

Edmonton at San Jose, 10:05 PM ET
Edmonton: 13-6 SU in road games after having won 2 of their last 3
San Jose: 7-14 SU after a close loss by 1 goal in their previous game

[StarDust Bum]

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

04/17/2017 1-3-1 25.00% -1100
4/16/2017 6-1-0 85.71% +2550
4/16/2017 6-1-0 85.71% +2550
04/15/2017 1-2-2 33.33% -250
04/14/2017 1-6-0 14.29% -2325
04/13/2017 2-2-1 50.00% +225
04/12/2017 4-5-1 44.44% -940

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

04/17/2017..........1 - 0.............+1.10............0 - 3 - 1................-3.30
04/16/2017..........3 - 0.............+3.20............3 - 1.....................+1.90
04/15/2017..........1 - 1.............+0.60............1 - 2....................-1.20
04/14/2017..........1 - 2..............-0.25............0 - 4....................- 4.40
04/13/2017..........1 - 1.............+0.55............1 - 1 - 1..............+ 0.00
04/12/2017..........1 - 1 ............+1.00............2 - 2 - 1 .............+ 0.00


TUESDAY, APRIL 18

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MON at NYR 07:00 PM

O 5.0

PIT at CLB 07:30 PM

CLB +100

U 5.5

EDM at SJ 10:00 PM

EDM +105

U 5.0

[StarDust Bum]

Blown leads, 11 OTs and surprises abound in NHL first round
April 18, 2017

The first week of the NHL postseason has been about as unpredictable as anyone could imagine, even in a sport where upsets are the norm, home-ice advantage is often meaningless and a hot goaltender can overshadow everything else that's happening.

Perennial Stanley Cup favorite Chicago is down 0-3 to Nashville and the NHL-leading Washington Capitals trail Toronto 2-1 in their first-round series, but that's only part of the story. Seven of the first 24 games have featured a blown lead of two goals or more, 11 have gone to overtime and winning goals have come from some of the unlikeliest of sources.

Just Monday, all four games went to OT for only the third time in NHL history and first time since 1985, including the Blackhawks and Capitals blowing two-goal leads to sow more seeds of doubt and give the Predators and Maple Leafs a jolt of confidence.

''Our guys think they're a good hockey team, and they're playing a good hockey team,'' Toronto coach Mike Babcock said. ''But I think you gain respect for yourself in the process and you start believing that maybe you can do this.''

The Blackhawks' core has three Stanley Cups in the past seven years and a lot experience to lean on. Washington only has playoff disappointments in the rearview mirror, and panic is starting to set in about another early exit with a crucial Game 4 looming Wednesday night (7 p.m. ET, NBCSN).

Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals were heavy favorites to beat the young Maple Leafs, but it hasn't looked like it as all three games so far have gone to overtime.

''It's a lot closer match than people let on,'' coach Barry Trotz said after losing Game 3 in Toronto. ''It's not David and Goliath.''

Chicago versus Nashville looked like it, but the Blackhawks face a daunting task trying to become just the fifth team in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit. They have some company there with the Minnesota Wild down 3-0 to the St. Louis Blues (9:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN) and the Calgary Flames down 3-0 to the Anaheim Ducks (10 p.m. ET, USA).

Trotz has tried to argue that the talent gap isn't big between even the top and bottom playoff teams, but there's a chance for four sweeps. There were only four sweeps combined in the first round of the past seven playoffs.

Perhaps the defending Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins going up 3-0 on the Blue Jackets isn't the biggest shocker given how Columbus stumbled down the stretch, but goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky's disastrous performance is stunning. The favorite to win the Vezina Trophy opened the playoffs 0-3 with a 3.49 goals-against average and league-worst .897 save percentage after finishing first in the regular season (2.06 GAA, .931 save percentage).

Some of the biggest goals so far have come from surprising players, too, from Zack Kassian scoring two game-winning goals for the Edmonton Oilers to put them up 2-1 the San Jose Sharks to Tanner Glass having a game-winner for the New York Rangers. Even the Ottawa Senators have gotten goals from defenseman Dion Phaneuf and struggling winger Bobby Ryan to go up 2-1 on the Boston Bruins heading into Game 4 Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET, USA).

''I always say that you make your money during the season, but you make your reputation in the playoffs, and right now he's showing everybody that he's a gamer,'' Senators coach Guy Boucher said of Ryan.