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**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:24 AM

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Odds on first round of Stanley Cup playoffs:

Tampa Bay -$300 vs New Jersey +$235

Washington -$140 vs Columbus +$110

Boston -$160 vs Toronto +$130

Pittsburgh -$235 vs Philadelphia +190

Nashville -$400 vs Colorado +$300

Las Vegas -$135 vs Los Angeles +$105

Winnipeg -$200 vs Minnesota +$165

Anaheim -$140 vs San Jose +$110

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Mid-week musings……

13) Rough start to the season for the Giants; Johnny Cueto (ankle) goes on the DL, joining Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija- those are San Francisco’s three best pitchers.

12) Rockets’ PG Chris Paul bought an ownership stake in the Carolina League’s Winston-Salem Dash this week. Dash are a Class A farm club of the Chicago White Sox.

11) Coming into Tuesday’s game, Ryan Zimmerman had come to bat with 33 men on base, but only knocked two of them in. In his first at-bat Tuesday, Zimmerman hit a two-run triple, which had to be a big relief to both him and the Nationals.

10) Ronald Acuna update: Braves’ big prospect has started the season 2-15 in AAA, getting his first two hits of the season Tuesday; they can bring him up Saturday and keep his under team control for that extra year.

Thats a rule that needs to be changed; just bring the good players up early when they’re ready, not when you can manipulate the rules to your advantage.

9) Dodger catcher Kyle Farmer had a cameo role in the 2009 movie The Blind Side; he played the high school QB in the scenes where Sandra Bullock interrupts the football team’s practice.

8) 7,003 fans in Miami Monday, many of them disguised as empty seats; 6,516 more Tuesday night. If you’re in the Witness Protection Program and don’t want to be seen, Marlins Park is an excellent place to hang out.

7) Someone posted on Twitter last night that the actual paid attendance (people who used tickets to get in) on a snowy Monday afternoon in Chicago for the White Sox game was 974 loyal fans, all of whom should get a free ticket to a future Pale Hose game.

6) St Peter’s hired Seton Hall assistant Shaheen Holloway to replace John Dunne, who moved on to Marist, a MAAC rival of the Peacocks.

5) Oklahoma Sooners’ basketball team will do something unusual in November; making a road trip to play Tex-Rio Grande Valley and Tex-San Antonio, two mid-major teams.

Big-time teams almost never do this, but those two clubs are both coached by former assistants to Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger, so they’re getting a break— both games should draw really well.

4) 32-year-old Andre Ingram scored 19 points, got 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks in 29 minutes off the Lakers bench in their loss to Houston. It was Ingram’s first NBA game after a decade in the G-League.

Ingram will make $13,824 for playing Tuesday/Wednesday for the Lakers. His G-League salary for the whole season was $26,000.

3) Phillies reliever Pat Neshek collects baseball cards; he recently bought a few boxes of cards and found a Shohei Ohtani card that was signed in red ink, one of only 69 in existence.

Neshek sold the card on eBay for $6,100, which is the good news.

The bad news is that he sold the card before Ohtani’s great week last week; that card has to be worth a hell of a lot more than $6,100 now.

2) Washington scored in first inning in nine of their 11 games this season.

1) Before last night, Aaron Judge was 3-36 in his career at Fenway Park; he went 3-4 with a homer to centerfield last night.

**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:25 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Wednesday, April 11

Minnesota @ Winnipeg

Game 3-4
April 11, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
10.335
Winnipeg
11.887
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
-170
6
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(-170); Under

Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh

Game 5-6
April 11, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
11.181
Pittsburgh
12.726
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-180
6
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-180); Under

Los Angeles @ Vegas

Game 7-8
April 11, 2018 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
11.226
Vegas
9.724
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vegas
-145
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(+125); Over

Thursday April 12

New Jersey @ Tampa Bay

Game 9-10
April 12, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Jersey
10.738
Tampa Bay
11.782
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-230
6
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-230); Under

Toronto @ Boston

Game 11-12
April 12, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
10.264
Boston
11.178
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-155
6
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-155); Over

Columbus @ Washington

Game 13-14
April 12, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Columbus
11.869
Washington
10.419
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Columbus
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-145
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Columbus
(+125); Over

Colorado @ Nashville

Game 15-16
April 12, 2018 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
11.988
Nashville
10.303
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville
-275
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+235); Over

San Jose @ Anaheim

Game 17-18
April 12, 2018 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Jose
9.969
Anaheim
14.450
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Anaheim
by 4 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Anaheim
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Anaheim
(-150); Under

**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:25 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, April 11

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MINNESOTA (45-26-0-11, 101 pts.) at WINNIPEG (52-20-0-10, 114 pts.) - 4/11/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 72-75 ATS (-31.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-19 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
WINNIPEG is 52-31 ATS (+18.5 Units) in all games this season.
WINNIPEG is 23-4 ATS (+17.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
WINNIPEG is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 34-21 ATS (+11.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 26-13 ATS (+26.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WINNIPEG is 16-5 ATS (+7.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-3 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 8-6 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 8-6-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.8 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (42-26-0-14, 98 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (47-29-0-6, 100 pts.) - 4/11/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 254-264 ATS (-89.9 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 20-7 ATS (+7.5 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-4 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-7 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 46-24 ATS (+11.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-13 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 22-7 ATS (+11.3 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.
PHILADELPHIA is 62-58 ATS (+131.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 9-3 (+4.8 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 9-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.3 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (45-29-0-8, 98 pts.) at VEGAS (51-24-0-7, 109 pts.) - 4/11/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 43-46 ATS (-24.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 25-33 ATS (-23.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 16-25 ATS (-11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VEGAS is 52-31 ATS (+18.2 Units) in all games this season.
VEGAS is 20-9 ATS (+10.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
VEGAS is 25-15 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus VEGAS over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 2-2-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.0 Units)

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

Thursday, April 12

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

NEW JERSEY (44-29-0-9, 97 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (54-23-0-5, 113 pts.) - 4/12/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 224-232 ATS (+533.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 45-38 ATS (+86.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 19-16 ATS (+43.6 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 20-19 ATS (+44.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 8-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 4-5 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 5-4-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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

TORONTO (49-26-0-7, 105 pts.) at BOSTON (50-20-0-12, 112 pts.) - 4/12/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 2-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
BOSTON is 8-13 ATS (-14.2 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 271-234 ATS (-158.8 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
BOSTON is 22-27 ATS (-28.2 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 34-41 ATS (-21.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-5 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-5-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

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

COLUMBUS (45-30-0-7, 97 pts.) at WASHINGTON (49-26-0-7, 105 pts.) - 4/12/2018, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 19-37 ATS (+59.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 50-33 ATS (+16.2 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-9 ATS (+23.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 32-10 ATS (+13.4 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-15 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 37-20 ATS (+15.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 13-5 ATS (+19.2 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 6-11 ATS (-11.3 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 42-51 ATS (-40.9 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-4 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 9-4-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.6 Units)

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COLORADO (43-30-0-9, 95 pts.) at NASHVILLE (53-18-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/12/2018, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 53-30 ATS (+92.1 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 18-8 ATS (+7.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NASHVILLE is 31-14 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 44-23 ATS (+18.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 44-39 ATS (+89.3 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 25-20 ATS (+46.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 26-23 ATS (+54.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLORADO is 17-14 ATS (+34.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
COLORADO is 19-14 ATS (+35.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 11-3 (+5.5 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 11-3-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.7 Units)

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SAN JOSE (45-27-0-10, 100 pts.) at ANAHEIM (44-25-0-13, 101 pts.) - 4/12/2018, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 31-41 ATS (-16.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 14-27 ATS (-18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 13-3 ATS (+8.3 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 16-4 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 27-13 ATS (+40.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ANAHEIM is 441-440 ATS (-109.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 35-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 40-24 ATS (+14.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 58-43 ATS (+106.5 Units) in road games in April games since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 21-8 ATS (+9.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
SAN JOSE is 7-1 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games this season.
ANAHEIM is 5-11 ATS (-8.4 Units) after shutting out their opponent in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 7-6 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 7-6-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.0 Units)

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**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:26 AM

NHL

Wednesday, April 11

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

Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Winnipeg
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
Winnipeg is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Winnipeg is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Winnipeg is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Winnipeg's last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games at home
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Winnipeg is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 12 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games
Pittsburgh is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home
Pittsburgh is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vegas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Vegas's last 18 games
Vegas is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Vegas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vegas's last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:40 AM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, April 11

tba here....

**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:45 AM

16 NHL Betting Notes for 16 Stanley Cup Playoff Contenders
Monty Andrews

One of the most exciting tournaments in professional sports gets underway Wednesday as the Stanley Cup playoffs open with eight first-round matchups. Each series should produce plenty of thrilling moments - not to mention ample betting opportunities for those looking to add a little profit to their hockey-watching enjoyment.

Here are the key betting notes for each of this year's 16 playoff participants:

Eastern Conference

Tampa Bay Lightning

Everyone knows that officials tend to swallow their whistles in the postseason, making for tighter, lower-scoring games that lead oddsmakers to roll primarily with 5s and 5.5s on the totals side. But bettors should consider the Over when betting on the Lightning, who enter the playoffs having scored a league-best 196 goals at 5-on-5; in fact, only the Toronto Maple Leafs finished within 10 goals of the Lightning, who will finish with the most 5-on-5 goals by any team since the 2009-10 Washington Capitals.

Boston Bruins

It takes guts to bet on a team to win despite allowing its opponent to score first - that's why you'll usually get odds ranging from +170 to +190 on those plays. But the Bruins represent the strongest option to come through on that wager, entering the playoffs with a league-high 21 victories when surrendering the opening goal of the game. In fact, Boston's 21-17-6 record in games in which it allows the first goal is good for a .477 winning percentage that leads the NHL.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are a healthy +1,000 underdog to win the Stanley Cup title, but they'll need to work on how they perform offensively when tied or ahead. Washington ranks among the worst teams in the league in net shot attempts at 5-on-5 in those two key areas, sitting at -182 attempts when tied and a positively dreadful -264 when playing with the lead. Consider live bets on the Capitals' opponent and take advantage of how shaky Washington has been in situations when not playing from behind.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are one of the top Eastern Conference contenders, thanks in large part to their success rate in close games. The Leafs have reeled off 25 one-goal victories this season, tied with the New Jersey Devils for the most in the league. Toronto has also won nearly 66 percent of all one-goal games in which it has been involved, second only to the Tampa Bay Lightning. If you like the Leafs to win, don't hesitate to take a shot on them prevailing by exactly one goal.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins continue to boast one of the most potent offenses in the NHL, and have been particularly adept at piling up the goals late in the game - making them the perfect play for the "last goal of the game" prop. Pittsburgh is the only team in the league to have scored more than 100 goals in the third period of games this season at 101 - and added another 12 in overtime - three more than the next-closest team. No team closes like the Pens - and that could lead them right to a Stanley Cup three-peat.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are +2,500 to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history - but they won't even get out of the first round if they can't figure out how to make headway with the man advantage. Columbus has scored just 39 power-play goals while surrendering seven shorthanded tallies; that +32 differential on the PP is third-worst in the league, ahead of only the lottery-bound Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes. Bettors should give this major consideration when mulling over Blue Jackets totals wagers.

New Jersey Devils

That the Devils have won nearly 60 percent of their one-goal games is impressive - especially when you consider that they've been terrible in the faceoff circle. The Devils have won just 47 percent of their draws on the season, and join the Avalanche as the only teams in the league to draw less than 48 percent in all three zones on the ice. They've also lost more than 200 more faceoffs than they've won in tied or one-goal games. Ignore that one-goal win trend and avoid live-betting the Devils in close games.

Philadelphia Flyers

It took until the second-last day of the regular season for the Flyers to secure a playoff spot, but they could be a dangerous out. The Flyers have been the most prolific team in the league when it comes to winning two-goal games, going 13-5 in such situations - good for a 72.2-percent win rate. With nearly a third of their total victories coming by two goals - in an era where one-goal victories are all the rage - the Flyers might just be a sneaky good moneyline play either as the favorite or as the underdog.

Western Conference

Nashville Predators

You won't find many weaknesses on the Presidents' Trophy-winning roster, which goes into the playoffs as a +400 favourite to hoist the Stanley Cup this June. But Nashville would do well to stay out of the penalty box; its 482 minutes, 49 seconds of shorthanded play is easily the most in the league, and its -42:53 PP/PK differential is better than only six other teams. That trend, combined with Nashville boasting a top-six penalty kill, suggests that the Under might be a prudent play until the Preds behave themselves.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have rewarded live bettors handsomely in more than one way this season. They've been the most successful team in the league at rallying from a first-period deficit, having won eight of 18 games in which they trailed after 20 minutes (44.4 percent). And when they lead after two periods, you might as well turn off the television - Winnipeg is a league-leading 42-1-1 when going into the third period with an edge. If the Jets trail after one period, or lead after two, you should leap on the live bet.

Vegas Golden Knights

Teams that score first are expected to win - in fact, oddsmakers generally offer odds between -200 and -300 on that prop, meaning you'll have to place a nice-sized wager to make a tidy profit. But the expansion Vegas Golden Knights - in addition to creating plenty of excitement on the Strip - have been a spectacularly strong play in this regard, winning nearly 83 percent of the games in which they've scored first; only the Lightning have been more successful. Lean on Vegas to prevail when opening the scoring.

San Jose Sharks

The middle period can feel like a bit of a drag sometimes - but the Sharks have made it a great time for bettors to hop on board. San Jose ranks ninth in the NHL with 89 second-period goals while allowing the fifth-fewest goals against in that frame (71). The Sharks also boast a plus-45-minute PP/PK differential for the month. The Sharks are +2,200 longshots to win the Stanley Cup, but they should win you a few second period props along the way - so bet confidently.

Minnesota Wild

Given the nature of NHL games, the third period is almost always the most prolific - and oddsmakers build that fact into their highest-scoring period odds, with the final 20 minutes carrying slightly lower odds than the other two. If you're looking for an edge here, look no further than the Minnesota Wild, who have scored the fourth-most third-period goals (94) while allowing the second-most (96). No team produces more late-game fireworks than the Wild - so lock in their third periods as the highest-scoring of the game.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have perennially been among the NHL's biggest problem children - and this year is no different, which should give bettors pause when considering both results and totals. Anaheim was handed an average of 3.59 minor penalties per 60 minutes during the regular season, fourth-most in the league. Compounding things is the fact that the Ducks drew just 2.69 minors per 60 minutes, giving them the worst differential in the NHL. Look for that extra shorthanded time to limit Anaheim's live betting appeal.

Los Angeles Kings

Slow starts can sink a team - and the Los Angeles Kings know that better than anyone. The Kings have a reputation for emerging as legitimate Stanley Cup threats despite looking somewhat non-threatening during the regular season - but to do so in 2018, they'll need to get better in the first period. Los Angeles has just 52 first-period goals - third-fewest in the NHL - while boasting a -27 goal differential for the period. If you're looking for a solid choice for your first-period winner prop, look elsewhere.

Colorado Avalanche

A Saturday win over the St. Louis Blues vaulted the Avalanche into the final post-season spot in the Western Conference - but their playoff run won't last long if they can't improve in the faceoff dot. Colorado posted the worst faceoff success rate in the NHL this season at 44.2 percent - including a dreadful 43.6-percent mark in its own zone. That played a role in the Avalanche winning just 42.3 percent of their one-goal games - so steer clear of live-betting Colorado when the game is tied.

**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:50 AM

First Round Cheat Sheet

Key:
A – Atlantic
M – Metropolitan
C – Central
P – Pacific
W – Wild Card

Eastern Conference

1A Tampa Bay vs. 2W New Jersey

Lightning: 54-23-5, 113 points
Devils: 44-29-9, 97 points

Season series: Even though the Lightning own home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, Tampa Bay has struggled with New Jersey this season. The Devils pulled off a three-game season sweep of the Lightning, with all three wins coming by one goal apiece. In New Jersey’s 4-3 triumph at Tampa Bay in mid-February, the Devils allowed 51 shots on goal, but cashed as +190 underdogs.

Previous playoff outcome: Tampa Bay reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2015 before losing in six games to Chicago, while dropping a seven-game series to Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2016. The Lightning fell short of the playoffs last season, as the Bolts are facing the Devils in the postseason for the first time since 2007. New Jersey ended a five-year playoff hiatus with this season’s late charge to the postseason, as the Devils made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 prior to falling to Los Angeles.

2A Boston vs. 3A Toronto

Bruins: 50-20-12, 112 points
Maple Leafs: 49-26-7, 105 points

Season series: The Bruins slipped to second place in the Atlantic division after losing their season finale to the Panthers at home. Boston may be kicking themselves because not only did they lose out on home-ice advantage through the first three rounds, but it drew Toronto. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins three of four times this season, including a pair of one-goal victories at Air Canada Center. Dating back to the start of last season, Toronto owns a 7-1 mark against Boston, including a perfect 4-0 record at home.

Previous playoff outcome: Boston failed to qualify for the postseason in 2015 and 2016, while getting bounced in the first round last season against Ottawa. The Bruins outlasted the Maple Leafs in seven games of the opening round in 2013, capped off by the epic Game 7 comeback in which Boston erased a three-goal third period deficit to win in overtime. The Leafs have not advanced past the first round since 2004, while reaching Game 6 against Washington last season before getting eliminated.

1M Washington vs. 1W Columbus

Capitals: 49-26-7, 105 points
Blue Jackets: 45-30-7, 97 points

Season series: The Capitals busted the 100-point mark for the fourth straight season, but have not advanced past the second round in any of the previous three postseasons. Washington draws Columbus in the opening round as the Caps grabbed three of four matchups this season. The Caps scored four goals in each of their two home victories against the Jackets, while Columbus avoided the season sweep with a 5-1 blowout at Nationwide Arena in late February.

Previous playoff outcome:Washington has not reached the Stanley Cup Final since 1998, as the Capitals are coming off consecutive second round exits the last two seasons to eventual champion Pittsburgh. Columbus is participating in the playoffs for the fourth time in franchise history, coming off a 4-1 defeat in the first round to Pittsburgh last season. The Jackets have never advanced past the first round, while facing the Capitals in the playoffs for the first time ever.

2M Pittsburgh vs. 3M Philadelphia

Penguins: 47-29-6, 100 points
Flyers: 42-26-14, 98 points

Season series: These Keystone State rivals renew acquaintances after the Penguins pulled off a four-game season sweep of the Flyers. Pittsburgh scored exactly five goals in each victory, while each home win came in overtime. The Pens dominated the Flyers in both matchups at Wells Fargo Center by 5-2 and 5-1 outcomes, while all four meetings sailed OVER the total.

Previous playoff outcome: The Penguins are seeking their third consecutive Stanley Cup title after avoiding an upset against the Predators for the championship last June. The Flyers missed the playoffs last season, while searching for a first round playoff victory for the first time since 2012. In fact, the last time Philadelphia advanced past the opening round, the Flyers knocked out the Penguins in six games six seasons ago.

Western Conference

1C Nashville vs. 2W Colorado

Predators: 53-18-11, 117 points
Avalanche: 43-30-9, 95 points

Season series: What a difference a year makes as the Predators were the last team in the Western Conference playoffs in 2017 and are the owners of the President’s Trophy in 2018. Nashville had its way with Colorado this season by sweeping the four-game series, while netting at least four goals in each victory. The Avalanche have dropped 10 straight meetings with the Predators dating back to 2016.

Previous playoff outcome: The Predators are coming off their most successful playoff run in franchise history after upsetting the Blackhawks, Blues, and Ducks to capture their first Western Conference title. Although Nashville fell in six games of the Stanley Cup Final to Pittsburgh, the Preds are heading to their fourth consecutive playoff appearance for the second time in franchise history. The Avalanche ended a three-year playoff drought by edging the Blues for the final postseason spot. Colorado and Nashville are hooking up in the postseason for the first time.

2C Winnipeg vs. 3C Minnesota

Jets: 52-20-10, 114 points
Wild: 45-26-11, 101 points

Season series: These Central division rivals haven’t met since mid-January, as the Jets captured three of four matchups from the Wild. Winnipeg won both home meetings with Minnesota, while the Wild routed the Jets in the final matchup, 4-1 on January 13 at XCel Energy Center. The Jets closed the season by winning 11 of 12 games, while the Wild dropped six of 10 down the stretch, including four defeats past regulation.

Previous playoff outcome: Winnipeg is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2015, as the Jets were swept by the Ducks in the opening round. Minnesota returns to the postseason for the sixth consecutive year, but the Wild have been bounced in the first round in each of the last two seasons. The Jets and Wild have never hooked up in the playoffs, while each squad has never reached the Stanley Cup Final in franchise history.

1P Vegas vs. 1W Los Angeles

Golden Knights: 51-24-7, 109 points
Kings: 45-29-8, 98 points

Season series: The Golden Knights surpassed expectations by posting the best record for an expansion team in NHL history. Vegas split four matchups with Los Angeles this season, as the two games at Staples Center went to overtime. The Golden Knights defeated the Kings at home, 4-2 in November, while the Kings swept a home-and-home series in late February.

Previous playoff outcome: Vegas heads to the playoffs for the first time, while Los Angeles has missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons. The Kings lost to the Sharks in the opening round of the 2016 playoffs, but are seeking their third Stanley Cup title since 2012.

2P Anaheim vs. 3P San Jose

Ducks: 44-25-13, 101 points
Sharks: 45-27-10, 100 points

Season series: These two teams won’t have to leave California for this series as the two Pacific division rivals were separated by one point this season. Three of four regular season meetings went to the shootout, as San Jose captured three victories over Anaheim. The only game decided in regulation was a 6-2 road blowout by the Sharks in late January at Honda Center. Nine of the past 10 meetings between these squads have been decided by one goal, with Anaheim holding a 5-4 edge in those nine close affairs.

Previous playoff outcome: Anaheim and San Jose are hooking up in the playoffs for the first time since 2009 quarterfinals when the Ducks eliminated the Sharks in six games. The Ducks have reached the conference finals in two of the past three seasons, including an appearance last season before bowing out to the Predators. San Jose played for the Stanley Cup two seasons ago, but lost to Pittsburgh in six games. The Sharks followed up that effort with an early exit last season to upstart Edmonton in six games.

**Udog** · 04-10-2018, 10:59 AM

Oddsmakers post first 6-goal total in NHL playoff game since 2013
Ashton Grewal

No sport has a more distinct separation from its regular season and postseason than the National Hockey League. From the players’ beards to the barrage of blocked shots, the Stanley Cup playoffs are a different animal than its regular season cousin and hockey bettors need to adjust accordingly.

In March 2017, scoring was way up in the league and many wondered if the trend would carry over into the postseason. It did not. Average goals per game in March 2017: 6.03. Average goals per game in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs: 4.55.

A 1.48 drop in goals per game meant a big win for any NHL bettors banking on lower-scoring games in the postseason. The Under went 13-20-9 in the first round. Oddsmakers set the total at 5.5 goals in just 13 of the 42 games in the first round and the other 29 games all saw 5-goal totals.

That won’t be the case this time around – at least, not with the scoring we’ve seen this season. Of the 1,271 regular season games played this past campaign, just 18 games had a 5-goal Over/Under line. There were six instances of these 5-goal totals after the New Year and each contest involved the St. Louis Blues. The Colorado Avalanche eliminated the Blues from the playoffs on the final day of the regular season.

The odds for the first two days of NHL playoff games are on the board and so far there are two 6-goal totals, five 5.5-goal O/U lines and one 5-goal number. This is the first time NHL bettors have seen a 6-goal total in the postseason since 2013.

Does this set up well for Under bettors? Will we see a repeat of last spring’s low-scoring first round games? The early signs aren’t great.

The Over hit at a 55.8 percent win rate (120-95) in the final 30 days of the regular season. Games in the month of April (first week and change) averaged 6.18 goals per contest with some of the highest scoring teams (Flyers, Jets, Ducks, Capitals, Blue Jackets, Wild, Lightning, Maple Leafs and Penguins) all advancing to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The rise of scoring in the NHL hit heights we haven’t seen for years and there’s a temptation to think it’ll carry over into the playoffs. It very well could. The Over went 48-29-16 in the first round of the playoffs in 2014 but that was with a majority 5-goal totals.

There has been a decline in goals per game from the regular season to the playoffs three years in a row. The average goals scored per game during the 2016-2017 campaign – as opposed to just March as we mentioned at the top of the story – was 5.45. In the playoffs the number dropped to 5.16; the year before (2015-16), 5.33 to 5.25 and the year before that 5.32 to 5.03.

Will bettors see the same dip in goal production this postseason? We’ll find out together when the puck drops Wednesday night.

**Udog** · 04-11-2018, 10:27 AM

Wednesday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds

The puck drops Wednesday on the first three games of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the opening game of what should be a great series between the Los Angeles Kings and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets (-180, 5.5)

Series tied 0-0.

ABOUT THE WILD (45-26-8-3, 41-37 O/U): Minnesota surged in the second half of the season and posted the third-best record in the Western Conference since Jan. 1 at 25-10-8, but is just 9-6-4 since the beginning of March. Ryan Suter will miss the playoffs with a broken ankle, and fellow defenseman Jared Spurgeon will be a game-time decision for the opener due to a torn hamstring. Forward Zach Parise is healthy after early-season surgery, entering the playoffs with 12 goals in his last 18 games. Minnesota finished 11th in the NHL in scoring (3.05), but the defense - particularly without Suter and with Spurgeon coming off a month-long layoff - is a concern against Winnipeg’s high-octane offense. The Wild are 25/1 to hoist the Stanley Cup entering play Wednesday.

ABOUT THE JETS (52-20-8-2, 41-39 O/U): The Winnipeg Jets authored the greatest regular season in franchise history and enter the Stanley Cup playoffs as a legitimate championship contender, hosting the Minnesota Wild for Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals on Wednesday. The Jets entered the season at even money (-110 for both "Yes" and "No") to even qualify for the postseason and 60/1 long shots to win the cup - currently 8/1 to win the championship. They are here thanks to a powerful offense that includes 44-goal scorer Patrik Laine and multiple scoring options, but spring success will rest in large part on the shoulders of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The 24-year-old began the season as Steve Mason’s backup, but blossomed into a top-tier goaltender while posting a .924 save percentage and 2.36 goals against average en route to 44 wins (most ever by a U.S.-born netminder).

SERIES PRICE (PER SPORTS INTERACTION):

LINE HISTORY: The Jets opened as -150 favorites and heading into game day and that number has been bet up to -180. The total hit betting boards at 5.5 and has not moved.

INJURY REPORT:

Wild - D Jared Spurgeon (Questionable, Hamstring), D Gustav Olofsson (Questionable, Upper Body), D Ryan Suter (Out For Season, Ankle), C Luke Kunin (Out For Season, Knee).

Jets - D Jacob Trouba (Probable, Ankle), D Toby Enstrom (Out, Lower Body), D Dmitry Kulikov (Mid April, Back), LW Matt Hendricks (Mid May, Lower Body).

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Wild are 1-5 in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Jets are 0-8 in their last 8 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 12-5-2 in Wild last 19 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 17-6 in Jets last 23 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
* Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Winnipeg.

Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins (-185, 6)

Series tied 0-0.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (42-26-7-7, 43-37 O/U): The Keystone State rivals are meeting in the postseason for the first time since their epic series in 2012, which saw the teams combine for 56 goals before the Flyers advanced in six games. Captain Claude Giroux has bolstered his candidacy for the Hart Trophy with eight goals in his last five contests to highlight a 10-game point streak. Fellow forward Jakub Voracek, who scored the overtime winner in Game 1 of the 2012 series, enters the postseason with one goal and four assists in his last four outings. Philadelphia G Brian Elliott owns a 7-3-2 career mark versus Pittsburgh, but was gashed for nine goals on 66 shots in two meetings this season.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (47-29-4-2, 47-33 O/U): Sidney Crosby has flustered the Flyers throughout his career with 93 points (38 goals, 55 assists) in 63 games, and this season has been no exception as he has erupted for nine (two goals, seven assists) to help the Penguins win all four encounters with their in-state rivals. Pittsburgh scored five goals in each of those meetings and finished the season on an 11-4-2 surge to secure second place in the Metropolitan, two points ahead of a third-place Philadelphia squad that posted a 7-1-3 mark down the stretch. The Penguins enter the playoffs as third favorite at 6/1 to win their third straight championship.

SERIES PRICE (PER SPORTS INTERACTION):

LINE HISTORY: The Pens opened as big -200 favorites for Game 1 and action on the Flyers has dropped that number down to -185 heading into game day. The total hit betting boards at 5.5 and has been bumped up to 6.

INJURY REPORT:

Flyers - G Michal Neuvirth (Questionable, Lower Body), D Johnny Oduya (Out Indefinitely, Lower Body).

Penguins - C Derick Brassard (Questionable, Groin), RW Carter Rowney (Out Indefinitely, Upper Body).

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Flyers are 1-4 in their last 5 road games.
* Penguins are 7-1 in their last 8 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 9-1 in Flyers last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.
* Over is 23-9 in Penguins last 32 overall.
* Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights (-130, 5.5)

Series tied 0-0.

ABOUT THE KINGS (45-29-7-1, 37-43 O/U): Los Angeles finished fourth in the Pacific and has not won a postseason series in a while, but it is accustomed to the bright lights -- hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014 -- and plays a bruising style that translates well into the playoffs and contrasts dramatically to the speed of Vegas. Captain Anze Kopitar is among the front-runners for the Hart Trophy, rebounding from a dismal 52-point campaign in 2016-17 to amass a career-best 92 points -- 31 more than second-leading scorer Dustin Brown. Jonathan Quick had a career-high 28 losses, but the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner posted a .921 save percentage and five shutouts in backboning a defense that surrendered the fewest goals (203) in the league.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (51-24-4-3, 42-38 O/U): After shattering a slew of league records for a first-year team en route to winning the Pacific Division title, the Golden Knights prepare for their first foray into the postseason when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. The Knight entered the season at an incredible 500/1 to win the Stanley Cup but come into the postseason at 10/1 after their incredible regular season. The Golden Knights dominated Pacific foes, posting a 20-6-3 mark in division play (including two meaningless losses to close the season), and split the four-game series with the Kings, although they dropped both ends of a home-and-home on Feb. 26-27.

SERIES PRICE (PER SPORTS INTERACTION):

LINE HISTORY: Vegas opened the betting period for Game 1 as -145 favorites and action on the Kings has dropped that number down to -130 heading into game day. The total hit betting boards at 5.5 and has not moved.

INJURY REPORT:

Kings - D Jake Muzzin (Questionable, Upper Body), C Alex Iafallo (Questionable, Lower Body), C Torrey Mitchell (Questionable, Illness), D Derek Forbort (Out Indefinitely, Lower Body).

Golden Knights - LW David Perron (Probable, Undisclosed), C Jonathan Marchessault (Probable, Undisclosed), D Luca Sbisa (Questionable, Hand), D Clayton Stoner (Out Indefinitely, Abdominal).

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Kings are 10-1 in their last 11 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
* Golden Knights are 10-1 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 6-2 in Kings last 8 vs. Pacific.
* Under is 5-1 in Golden Knights last 6 home games.
* Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings.

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Wednesday's NHL Trends and Indexes - 4/11

Wednesday's NHL Trends and Indexes - 4/11

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