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NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, April 27


Eastern Conference - Round 1 - Best of 7 - Game 4 - ATL leads 2-1

Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets, 7:05 ET
Atlanta: 18-5 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent
Brooklyn: 9-11 ATS in home games after playing a home game


Eastern Conference - Round 1 - Best of 7 - Game 5 - CHI leads 3-1

Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls, 8:05 ET
Milwaukee: 22-40 ATS off a close home win by 3 points or less
Chicago: 12-4 ATS off a upset loss as a favorite


Western Conference - Round 1 - Best of 7 - Game 4 - MEM leads 3-0

Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trailblazers, 10:35 ET
Memphis: 17-4 ATS after scoring 105 points or more
Portland: 11-24 ATS after 3 or more consecutive losses

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Monday's NBA Essentials

April 27, 2015

Hawks at Nets – 8:05 p.m. ET
There’s certainly some pressure on the Eastern Conference’s top seed here, since the Wizards are already resting and waiting on the Hawks to reach the conference semis. After barely surviving Game 2 at home, Atlanta was barely ever in Game 3, falling behind 31-16 after a quarter, failing to find their shooting touch in Brooklyn. The Hawks shot 32-for-90 from the field (35.6 pct) and 6-for-30 (20 pct.) from 3-point range. Top 3-point shooter Kyle Korver saw his streak of consecutive playoff games with three 3-pointers end at seven, finishing 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. Backcourt mate Jeff Teague went 0-for-3 from 3-points range and 4-for-13 overall, while key backup Dennis Schroder shot 1-for-9.

It was a forgettable performance for everyone but starting forwards DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap, who combined for just 40 points on 16-for-30 shooting, adding 23 rebounds and six steals. Both have been the most consistent players in this series, but All-Star center Al Horford has struggled mightily, shooting just 36 percent in averaging just 10.3 points with his 10.3 rebounds. He had been shooting nearly 62 percent and averaging 17.5 points in April prior to this series beginning.

The Hawks opened -1500 to avoid the 1-8 upset in this series according to Sportsbook.ag. and are still at -1800 up 2-1 despite Saturday’s loss. Atlanta had won all five meetings against the Nets this season prior to Game 3.

VegasInsider expert Chris David: "Based on what we’ve seen from the Hawks this season, I expect them to rebound in Game 4 at Brooklyn on Tuesday. Atlanta has gone 15-7 off a loss this season and two of those setbacks came in the latter part of the season when the club already clinched the top seed in the East. Bettors should also make a note that the Nets are 0-4 in their last four games off a win and coincidentally two of those losses came to the Hawks in Atlanta on Apr. 4 (131-99) and Apr. 8 (114-11) at home. The ‘over’ easily cashed in both those games as Brooklyn couldn’t slow down Atlanta offensively in either matchup. Knowing that the Wizards have already advanced, I’d like to believe that the Hawks will have a greater sense of urgency for the Nets in the fourth installment."

Four consecutive Hawks games have gone under the posted total, their second-longest such streak of the season. From Feb. 11-28 they had a run of six straight, winning four of those games outright.

The Nets wasted no time getting comfortable at home, building a 16-5 lead as both Deron Williams and Bojan Bogdanovic hit early 3-pointers. Despite Joe Johnson shooting just 5-for-17 and the Hawks holding substantial advantages in points in the paint (50-30) and on fast breaks (25-2), Brooklyn’s largest deficit was just four points late in the third quarter and it trailed for less than three minutes of the entire game. Brook Lopez led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Thaddeus Young added 18 and 11 boards. It’s obvious that their efforts around the rim are the key to hanging around in the series. Williams, who has been Brooklyn’s goat in the series, shot just 1-for-8 from the field, while backup Jarrett Jack, who had averaged 18 points in the two losses in Atlanta, took just three shots but did wind up with a team-high eight assists. It’s become obvious he’s become the Nets most reliable guard in this series.

Brooklyn opened at +800 to win the series according to Sportsbook.ag., and can now be had a +1000 if you believe they’ve figured something out. The under is 6-0-1 in the last seven Nets games.

Bucks at Bulls – 8:05 p.m. ET

The Bucks staved off elimination when Jerryd Bayless came through on a tricky game-winning layup after Bulls star Derrick Rose fell asleep in his coverage and allowed a catch right at the rim with just over a second remaining. Milwaukee had blown a 90-84 lead with under two minutes remaining and were staring a second consecutive OT game in the face before a Rose turnover and a smart timeout from head coach Jason Kidd helped set up the late heroics that game them life in the series. Both games in Milwaukee were there to be had for the young Bucks, who hung in games with their boundless energy. They wound up with an 87-68 edge in field goal attempts in Game 3 thanks to 26 Chicago turnovers, a testament to how effective they were in forcing sloppy play. O.J. Mayo led the Bucks with 18 points off the bench and has been a strong presence late in games as one of the few Milwaukee players who isn’t scared of having the ball in his hands late in games. Khris Middleton has been in double-figures in all four games, averaging 17.0 points and 3.8 boards in the series, but he was just 4-for-15 on Saturday, shooting 1-for-6 from 3-point range.

That the Bucks overcame that to steal a game inspires confidence that they might be able to stay alive another night if he finds the range in Chicago. Milwaukee opened at +500 to win the series according to Sportsbook.ag and is now available at +1600 as it chases a 3-1 deficit.

It could have gone much worse for the Bulls less than 100 miles from home from home in Milwaukee, but saw an abundance of their fans find tickets, helping the team manage a split of their first two postseason road games. With Cleveland already through after its sweep of the Celtics, there’s pressure for Chicago to wrap things up so it can begin preparations for an epic East semifinal clash against its Central Division rivals. Rose has been excellent thus far, averaging 21.5 points and 7.5 assists while playing an average of 38 minutes. His 48-minute stint in last Thursday’s double-OT win was his longest in years, further alleviating concerns that he won’t get to 100 percent this postseason. He looks like his old self and has improved his shooting, sitting at 12-for-26 from 3-point range in the series.

As effective as he’s been, former Marquette standout Jimmy Butler has been the best player in the series. Butler averaged 28 points through the first two games in Chicago, shooting 18-for-33 (55 percent). He played 53 minutes Game 3, scoring 24 points, and followed that up by shooting 12-for-17 in Saturday’s loss, winding up with 33 points, including a 5-for-7 clip from 3-point range. Nikola Mirotic returned from a one-game absence due to a strained quad, but shot just 2-for-7 from the field, lowering his field-goal percentage to 33 percent in the series. Pau Gasol is averaging 13.5 points and 13.3 rebounds, posting double-doubles in all four games.

The Bulls opened -750 to claim this series according to Sportsbook.ag. and are now -4000 as they seek the series clincher. The Game 4 loss snapped Chicago’s seven-game winning streak, which had included a 6-1 mark ATS. The zig-zag theory has worked very nicely in the series on totals, since the over and under have alternated coming in through each of the first four games.

Grizzlies at Trail Blazers – 10:35 p.m. ET
Mike Conley flew back to Memphis following a nasty facial laceration suffered in Game 3, so the Grizzlies will be short-handed here. The blow is softened some by Beno Udrih returning after missing Game 3 with an ankle sprain, so don’t be surprised to see him in the starting lineup. Due to the absences of Conley and Udrih, backup guard Nick Calathes was counted on for 27 key minutes, finishing with 13 points and three assists in serving a critical role as a glue guy.

The offense ended up running mostly through Marc Gasol, who dominated by getting to the free-throw line 14 times, scoring 25 points despite 6-for-17 shooting. Courtney Lee added 20 points on 5-for-8 shooting and made all nine of his free-throws, continuing to shine as the top x-factor in the series with his strong offense and impressive perimeter defense. Zach Randolph only grabbed four rebounds on Saturday night, so look for him to make a concerted effort to be more active on the boards.

Sportsbook.ag had Memphis at -165 to win this series. The Grizzlies have covered in six consecutive contests and seen unders come in four times in those games.

LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard continued to disappoint in the 115-109 Game 3 loss, combining for 15-for-35 shooting. It was actually their best performance of the series, which lets you know how effective the Memphis defense has been in shutting down Portland’s All-Star duo. Aldridge has found the going against Gasol and Randolph particularly tough, since his 6-for-18 shooting on Saturday dropped him to 26-for-72 (36 pct) for the series, providing a nagging reminder that he hasn’t been at 100 percent for a long time due to a nagging thumb injury.

Lillard had his best game, finishing with 22 points and nine assists, but VI’s David doesn’t mince words in assessing his performance thus far. “In this year’s playoffs, there have been five teams facing 3-0 deficits at home and only the Bucks and Mavericks were able to force a Game 5. With that being said, I believe Portland will put forth a better effort on Monday but still fall to a short-handed Memphis squad. The key to the Trail Blazers is Lillard, who has been exposed in this series against so-called inferior players. He’s not producing in key spots and Memphis has defeated him with backups. Due to his lack of scoring, I’d lean to the ‘under’ in Game 4 despite the two teams combining for 224 points on Saturday. More than 25 percent of those points (65) came from the free throw line and I don’t expect that to happen again. Memphis still likes to play slow and its defense has given Portland fits in this series.”

The Blazers opened at +140 at Sportsbook.ag. to pull the upset in the series, but those tickets look relatively useless at the moment. The Trail Blazers are 0-7 SU/ATS since April 9.

[StarDust Bum]

Pierce takes jabs at Raptors, Drake

April 27, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) - At age 37, Paul Pierce is having a grand ol' time on this playoff run with the Washington Wizards.

So before turning his attention to whoever his team's second-round Eastern Conference opponent will be in a week or more - either No. 1 seed Atlanta or No. 8 Brooklyn - Pierce wanted to relish Washington's sweep of the Toronto Raptors.

So within a couple of hours after the Wizards completed the franchise's first 4-0 win in a best-of-seven series by beating Toronto 125-94 on Sunday night, Pierce's Twitter and Facebook accounts were in full troll mode, replete with doctored photos.

One showed an image of Pierce sitting on the iconic ''Game of Thrones'' iron-sword seat, under the headline ''King in the North,'' a play off the Raptors' ''We the North'' slogan. Another depicted Drake, the Canadian rapper who is the Raptors' ''Global Brand Ambassador,'' ripping open a shirt to reveal Pierce's No. 34 Wizards jersey, alongside the line, ''If you're reading this the Wizards just swept,'' and accompanied by these words: ''Drake a fool lol.''

Aside from Pierce's contributions on the court - such as 14 points and four of Washington's club postseason-record 15 3-pointers on Sunday - he is putting in work off it, mentoring younger teammates such as John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter. Not to mention doing what he can to get into foes' heads.

''Playoffs is a different game. The intensity goes up, more is on the line, and that's where you see the stars become superstars,'' Pierce said. ''And that's what you saw in this series tonight from John and Bradley.''

Pierce has been through it all, playing in 152 career playoff games and winning an NBA championship ring with the 2008 Boston Celtics.

He was signed last offseason when the Wizards lost Trevor Ariza to free agency, and after having a lighter workload during the regular season, Pierce has given the Wizards the sort of clutch 3-point shooting and leadership they needed.

A year ago, Wall and Beal made their postseason debuts, eliminating the Chicago Bulls in the first round before losing to the Indiana Pacers in the second.

''The biggest thing now (is) I don't want that feeling again. I don't want to have that same feeling of going home, knowing that we should be advancing,'' Beal, a third-year shooting guard, said after scoring a game-high 23 points Sunday.

He also was not shy about acknowledging the Wizards' aspirations.

''Winning this series really gives us confidence, but at the same time, we need to stay humble, because it's not over,'' Beal said. ''We have another tough series up next. And then another one after that, if we advance. And another one. So it never stops.''

Heady talk for someone who plays on a team that went more than three decades without topping 45 wins, until getting 46 this season.

And by eliminating No. 4 seed Toronto, No. 5 Washington has made it to the conference semifinals in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1978 and 1979, when - still known as the Bullets - the team won a title, then reached the NBA Finals.

Atlanta leads Brooklyn 2-1, with Game 4 of that series Monday.

Now comes some time off for the Wizards, a chance for Pierce to get a breather, for Wall to let his dinged-up right shoulder to heal, for Beal to do the same with his banged-up knee.

''It's great to get this out of the way and get a rest while the other guys are playing,'' said Wall, who averaged 17.3 points and 12.3 assists against Toronto.

Going into the first round, Pierce drew attention for his remarks about the Raptors' lack of the ''It'' factor.

He's pretty sure others' perception of the Wizards is changing.

''To go out there and not only be the underdog, but to sweep them,'' Pierce said, ''I think it does send a message that you can't take Washington lightly.''

[StarDust Bum]

PF Randolph gets nostalgic about Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Grizzlies' playoff series against the Trail Blazers had Memphis forward Zach Randolph waxing a bit nostalgic.

Portland is where it all began for Z-Bo, who played his first six seasons in the NBA with the Blazers.

''It's real special. I mean, this is where I started at, so it's a lot of memories and a lot of good times around here,'' he said. ''A lot of fond memories.''

The Grizzlies have won the first three of their first three playoff games against the Blazers and could advance to the Western Conference semifinals with a victory in Portland on Monday night. Memphis has never swept a playoff series before.

Randolph had 16 points in the Grizzlies' 115-109 Game 3 victory at the Moda Center on Saturday night. And although he's returned to Portland many times before, the playoffs are decidedly different.

''It is very tough to win here,'' he said. ''With these fans, this is a great place. Even before the tipoff, the fans were going crazy. That's one of the best things about Portland.''

Randolph was drafted by the Blazers with the 19th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft. Portland went to the playoffs his first two seasons in the league with a roster that included Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire. Randolph won the NBA's Most Improved Player award for the 2003-04 season.

But it was also the so-called ''Jail Blazers'' era in Portland, and Randolph had his share of trouble: He was suspended for two games after punching teammate Ruben Patterson in practice, and he was cited for driving under the influence in 2003 and later a drag racing incident in downtown Portland in 2006.

Randolph averaged 16 points and 7.7 rebounds during his tenure in Portland. He was traded to the New York Knicks in June 2007 - a year after the Blazers acquired LaMarcus Aldridge, who would go on to become Portland's starting power forward and a three-time All Star.

Aldridge said he learned a lot from Randolph their lone season together. He also thinks he may have helped Randolph a bit too, by pushing him.

''In Portland, it was more about stats, because he was younger. Now that he's older, it's more about winning,'' Aldridge said. ''(In the series opener), he went the first five or six minutes with one shot. The old Z-Bo would have been cursing people out, throwing headbands in the stands. The new Z-Bo, as long as they're winning, he's good. That's been great for their team, because he's changed so much.''

Randolph has indeed grown up. He's 33 and in his 14th season in the league, the last six spent in in Memphis. He's become a two-time All-Star himself. And last fall he married his longtime girlfriend Faune Drake; together they have three children.

''I've been blessed,'' he said. ''Blessed with this situation; great team, great organization, great players,'' he said. ''I'm just blessed and thankful.''

Randolph is averaging 14 points and 8.3 rebounds in the playoffs against the team that drafted him. The Grizzlies had never before faced the Blazers in the playoffs.

He said felt a tinge of nostalgia in Game 3, when the Rose Garden was lit up during the pregame introductions by thousands of fans waving glowing red cheer sticks. The crowd was roaring.

''It kind of gave me chills,'' he said.

[StarDust Bum]

Buzzer-beater could bode well for Bucks

MILWAUKEE (AP) - A win at the buzzer kept the Milwaukee Bucks alive in the playoffs for at least one more game.

If the rebuilding blueprint goes according to plan in Milwaukee, the impact of the rousing victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 could last for years to come.

The postseason has been a lesson in perseverance for the young, feisty Bucks - a microcosm of sorts for the rest of the year. This season has already been a success, regardless of what happens in Game 5 on Monday in Chicago.

''For a lot of guys, it's their first playoff experience,'' said guard O.J. Mayo, whose six years in the NBA qualifies the guard as a Milwaukee old-timer. ''You have to understand how to win, how much attention you have to pay to the details to win the game.''

There are no stars nearly close to the level of LeBron James, let alone Derrick Rose, in Milwaukee. No deep roster led by veterans, like in Atlanta.

The Bucks are headlined by up-and-coming talent, but mentored by a handful of experienced NBA players.

Mayo, point guard Jerryd Bayless and forward Jared Dudley each have at least six years of experience coming off the bench.

Zaza Pachulia, an 11-year veteran, would be coming off the bench, too, if he wasn't thrust into the starting job at midseason following the release of Larry Sanders following a suspension for violating the NBA's drug policy.

All year long, those veterans have helped shepherd fledgling stars like 20-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo and 23-year-old Michael Carter-Williams - both second-year players.

''You can only have so many moral victories,'' said Dudley, who threw the perfect inbounds pass to Bayless that lead to the winning layup at the buzzer in Game 4 on Saturday.

''This was more of a veteran game,'' Dudley added after Game 4. ''All the vets were in at that time. It's something you have to show the young guys.''

Mayo was also on the floor with Bayless and Dudley at the time. They have been important members of a Milwaukee reserve corps that has sparked run after run against Chicago.

Mayo can hit 3s. Bayless' defense on Rose late in Game 4 led to a steal by teammate Khris Middleton that set up Bayless' winner.

Dudley is the prototypical blue-collar player that every successful team needs. Bothered by a sore back late in the season, Dudley has been a sparkplug in the playoffs with his perimeter shooting and scrappy play on the defensive end.

''So they're very comfortable, and they're also a veteran group, so they know how to play and they understand the situation,'' coach Jason Kidd said Sunday at the team's suburban Milwaukee training facility. ''So there's no panic.''

Kidd espouses that philosophy, too, with his mainly calm sideline demeanor. Team play is of the utmost importance to Kidd, and the bench is just as important as the starting five.

Antetokounmpo, Carter-Williams and Middleton, a third-year player, are key pieces for Milwaukee's long-term future.

So is Jabari Parker, the 20-year-old forward whose rookie season ended in December with a left knee injury. Third-year big man John Henson, 24, is having a breakout series against the Bulls with his energetic play in the paint on both ends of the court.

But the key to the better-than-expected rebuilding season has been defense and depth.

Those qualities have helped carry the team through the midyear losses of Sanders and Parker; and the nearly monthlong tailspin while the Bucks got adjusted to new point guard Carter-Williams following the February trade deadline.

The Bucks forced 28 turnovers on Saturday, dictating play against the Bulls.

''We've got to set the tone on Monday where we're the aggressor,'' said Chicago's Pau Gasol, a 13-year veteran. ''Right now, we're letting them dictate a lot of what's happening.''

Regardless of what happens against Chicago, the young Bucks have had a postseason to build upon for the future.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 27

Tampa Bay hasn't scored goal in periods 1-2 of last three games; they're 2-24 on power play in series, Red Wings 4-25-- Wings had two power play goals in Game 5, can wrap series at home- they are 1-4 in game following their last five wins. Lightning won nine of their last 14 games vs Detroit- under is 8-4-2 in last 14 series games. Under is 5-2-3 in Lightning's last ten games. Tampa Bay lost three of last five road games, scoring total of two goals in the three losses- they outshot Wings 41-23 in Game 5 but never lit the lamp.

Home side won eight of last ten Islander-Washington games. Islanders are 6-9 in last fifteen games overall, with under 4-2-1 in last seven vs Caps. Isles are 0-13 on power play in series-- total of only 31 penalties were called in last five games before fracas at end of Game 6 (Washington is 2-15 on power play in series). Caps won eight of their last 13 games; they won last two home games, scoring nine goals. Islanders outhit Washington 46-32 last game. Home teams are 26-18 in this round; over is 17-20-7. Over is 5-14-3 in Eastern Conference games, 12-6-4 out west.

2015 NHL playoffs
Montreal vs Ottawa
Mtl 4-3, -$140, O5
Mtl 3-2 OT, -$140, N5
Mtl 2-1 OT, +$110, U5
Ott 1-0, -$106, U5
Ott 5-1, _$139, O5
Mtl 2-0, +$105, U5
Canadiens win series, 4-2

Tampa Bay vs Detroit
Det 3-2, +$155, U5.5
TB 5-1, -$200, U5.5
Det 3-0, -$105, U5.5
TB 3-2 OT, -$107, N5
Det 4-0, +$173, U5

NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh
NYR 2-1, -$180, U5
Pitt 4-3, +$175, O5
NYR 2-1, even U5
NYR 2-1 OT, -$119, U5
NYR 2-1 OT, -$178, U5
Rangers win series 4-1

Washington vs NY Islanders
NYI 4-1, +125, N5
Wash 4-3, -$135, O5.5
NYI 2-1 OT, -$140, U5.5
Wash 2-1 OT, +$125, U5.5
Wash 5-1, -$130, O5
NYI 3-1, -$130, U5

St Louis vs Minnesota
Minn 4-2, +$125, O5
StL 4-1, -$140, N5
Minn 3-0, -$135, U5
StL 6-1, +$128, O5
Minn 4-1, +$128, N5
Minn 4-1, -$135, N5
Wild wins series, 4-2

Nashville vs Chicago
Chi 4-3 2OT, +$105, O5
Nash 6-2, -$120, O5
Chi 4-2, -$160, O5
Chi 3-2 3OT, -$160, U5.5
Nash 5-2, -$119, O5
Chi 4-3, -$147, O5
Blackhawks win series, 4-2

Anaheim vs Winnipeg
Ana 4-2, -$150, O5
Ana 2-1, -$150, U5
Ana 5-4 OT, +$120, O5
Ana 5-2, +$106, O5.5
Ducks win series, 4-0

Vancouver vs Calgary
Cal 2-1, +$135, U5
Van 4-1, -$155, N5
Cal 4-2, -$115, O5
Cal 3-1, -$120, U5
Van 2-1, -$147, U5
Cal 7-4, -$125, O5
Flames win series, 4-2




NHL

Monday, April 27

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Trend Report
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3:33 PM
CALGARY vs. VANCOUVER
Calgary is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Calgary is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Vancouver is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Calgary
Vancouver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

3:33 PM
CHICAGO vs. NASHVILLE
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago

7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Detroit13-4-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:30 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
NY Islanders are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games at home
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

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NHL
Dunkel

Monday, April 27


New York Islanders @ Washington Capitals

Game 17-18
April 27, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York Islander
9.940
Washington Capita
12.948
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington Capita
by 3
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington Capita
-140
5
Dunkel Pick:
Washington Capita
(-140); Over

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Detroit Red Wings

Game 19-20
April 27, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay Lightni
12.287
Detroit Red Wings
13.175
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit Red Wings
by 1
4 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit Red Wings
-115
5
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit Red Wings
(-115); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, April 27

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NY ISLANDERS (50-30-0-8, 108 pts.) at WASHINGTON (48-28-0-12, 108 pts.) - 4/27/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 25-26 ATS (-13.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 24-12 ATS (+8.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-8 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 9-8-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (52-27-0-8, 112 pts.) at DETROIT (46-26-0-15, 107 pts.) - 4/27/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 11-3 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games when trailing in a playoff series since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 14-3 ATS (+9.3 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
DETROIT is 13-22 ATS (-14.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-5 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 9-5-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.6 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lightning (50-24) at Red Wings (43-25)

Date: April 27, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Following the franchise's best regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning's inability to solve Petr Mrazek and the Detroit Red Wings' defense could spell doom in the playoffs.

Coming off his second shutout of the series, Mrazek again looks to quiet the NHL's highest-scoring team Monday night and help the Red Wings close it out at Joe Louis Arena.

Tampa Bay averaged a league-high 3.16 goals en route to a team-record 108 points this season. Coincidentally, the only time the squad didn't score was in a 4-0 road loss to Mrazek and Detroit on March 28.

The 23-year-old netminder has continued that success against the Lightning in this series after finishing with 28 saves in a 4-0 win Saturday that gave Detroit a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven first-round matchup.

"Calm, solid all the way through," defenseman Niklas Kronwall said of Mrazek. "Doesn't get too high, doesn't get too low."

Mrazek is 4-2-0 with a 1.58 goals-against average with three shutouts in his last six starts versus Tampa Bay. Aside from allowing four goals on 18 shots in a 5-1 loss in Game 2, he owns a .960 save percentage in this series.

"He's an elite competitor ... and he's got good savvy about him. He thinks he's going to win," said coach Mike Babcock, who tabbed the young Czech as his postseason starter over veteran Jimmy Howard even though he had no previous playoff experience. "He's a real confident guy, and he's got great athleticism."

The Lightning weren't able to build on their dramatic rally in Game 4, when they trailed by two goals with less than six minutes remaining before Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat scored late in the third period. Johnson then added his fourth goal of the series in overtime for a 3-2 victory. No other Tampa Bay player has more than one in the series.

Steven Stamkos, who finished second in the league with 43 goals during the regular season, has yet to score after getting off only two of the team's 28 shots in Game 5. Nikita Kucherov is also scoreless in the series after he finished third for the potent Lightning with 29 goals during the season.

Tampa Bay went more than 20 minutes without getting a shot off during one stretch Saturday, while the club's suddenly slumping attack has gone just 2 for 24 on the power play in the five games.

"It's been frustrating not to score, especially for a team that's used to scoring," coach Jon Cooper said. "If you take the overtime out, we haven't scored in eight of the last nine periods. When the object is to score, it's tough to win without scoring."

The Lightning, who have advanced out of the first round only once since hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2004, will have to win for the sixth time in 23 all-time trips to Joe Louis Arena to keep their season alive.

With the offense struggling to score, they'll likely need a strong performance from Ben Bishop between the pipes. He has a 2.22 GAA in the series, but also owns a less-than-impressive .901 save percentage.

Tampa Bay will have to keep a close watch on Pavel Datsyuk, who has scored in each of Detroit's three wins after enjoying a rebirth with 26 goals and 65 points during the regular season. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson also has been a key playmaker for the Red Wings with four assists in the series.

"No team's been able to win two games in a row in this series, and so now we've got to get our mind right, get it ready for the next game," Babcock said. "That, to me, is the biggest thing in the series. You've got to keep getting better, and you've got to find a way to do it when you get your opportunities."

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Wings at Lightning
Thu, Apr 16 Final 3 to 2

GAME 2
Red Wings at Lightning
Sat, Apr 18 Final 1 to 5

GAME 3
Lightning at Red Wings
Tue, Apr 21 Final 0 to 3

GAME 4
Lightning at Red Wings
Thu, Apr 23 Final 3 to 2

GAME 5
Red Wings at Lightning
Sat, Apr 25 Final 4 to 0

GAME 6
Lightning at Red Wings
Mon, Apr 27 - 7:00PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

APRIL RATED PLAYS:


MLB


*****...........................29 - 24..................+ 4.71
DOUBLE PLAY.................31 - 36..................- 13.84
TRIPLE PLAY...................21 - 22..................- 12.37
GRAND SLAM..................16 - 18..................- 13.79




NBA PLAYOFFS


*****..................................4 - 8
double play...........................8 - 9
triple play.............................5 - 5
slam dunk.............................4 - 4


NHL PLAYOFFS


*****.............................. 10 - 8 ........,..... + 2.61
double play........................9 - 8 - 3 ..........+ 0.84
triple play..........................4 - 10............... - 18.36
hat trick.............................6 - 3.............. + 10.68

[StarDust Bum]

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

7:05 PM EDT
509 ATLANTA HAWKS -4 -05 -4 -15 / -4 / -4.5 -05 -4.5 -185
FREE
510 BROOKLYN NETS 195.5 195.5 196 +160 HOT PICK
TV: NBA, DTV: 216
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8:05 PM EDT
511 MILWAUKEE BUCKS 188 188 187.5 +330
512 CHICAGO BULLS -8.5 -8 -20 / -8.5 / -8.5 -11 -8.5 -410
TV: TNT, DTV: 245
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPPROJECTIONSBET NOW

10:35 PM EDT
513 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 193 193 191.5 +135
514 PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS -2 -05 -2 -05 / -2 -15 / -2.5 -05 -3 -160
MEM-G-Mike Conley-OUT | POR-SG-Wesley Matthews-OUT | TV: TNT, DTV: 245

[StarDust Bum]

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores

7:10 PM EDT
951 NEW YORK METS (R) Gee, D 7o20 7o20 / 7o25 / 7.5u20 7.5o15 +1.5(-215)
952 MIAMI MARLINS (R) Cosart, J -110 -114 / -120 / -116 -118 -1.5(+185)
TV: FS-Florida, SNY, DTV: 639, 654 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM RIGHT 4-9. GAME TEMP 85, RH 65% HEAT INDEX 91 (MARLINS STADIUM ROOF MAY CLOSE IN HOT WEATHER)
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

7:10 PM EDT
953 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (R) Fister, D -135 -125 / -124 / -121 -122 -1.5(+135)
FREE
954 ATLANTA BRAVES (L) Stults, E 7o20 7.5u25 / 7.5u30 / 7o20 7o25 +1.5(-155) HOT PICK
TV: MASN, SportsSouth, DTV: 640, 646 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM LEFT 11-16. GAME TEMP 68, RH 41%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

7:10 PM EDT
955 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Nelson, J -115 7.5o15 / 7.5 / 7.5u15 7.5u25 +1.5(-205)
956 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Marquis, J 8 -118 / -117 / -120 -118 -1.5(+175)
MIL-CF-Carlos Gomez-OUT | TV: FS-Ohio, FS-Wisconsin, DTV: 661, 669 | CLEAR, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 3-8. GAME TEMP 57, RH 53%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

8:05 PM EDT
957 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (R) Worley, V 7o25 7o25 7 +1.5(-200)
958 CHICAGO CUBS (R) Hammel, J -140 -134 / -125 / -123 -126 -1.5(+170)
Overnight Pitching Change: Chicago Cubs - J. Hammel for T. Wood (L) | TV: CSN-Chicago, ROOT-Pittsburgh, DTV: 659, 665 | FAIR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 8-13. GAME TEMP 49, RH 51%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

8:15 PM EDT
959 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (L) Hamels, C 6.5 6.5 / 6.5o12 / 6.5o15 6.5 +1.5(-175)
960 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (R) Lackey, J -160 -160 / -150 / -145 -147 -1.5(+155)
TV: FS-Midwest, DTV: 671 | CLEAR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 8-13. GAME TEMP 61, RH 40%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

9:40 PM EDT
961 COLORADO ROCKIES (L) Matzek, T 9u15 9u15 / 9 / 9u25 8.5o15 +1.5(-170)
962 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (R) Anderson, C -145 -120 / -126 / -133 -134 -1.5(+150)
Overnight Pitching Change: Colorado - T. Matzek (L) for K. Kendrick | TV: FS-Arizona, ROOT-Rocky Mountain, DTV: 683, 686 | CLEAR, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 5-10. GAME TEMP 86, RH 16% WIND CHILL 0
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10:10 PM EDT
963 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (R) Lincecum, T 7u20 7.5 / 7.5o15 / 7.5u16 7.5u20 +1.5(-175)
964 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (L) Anderson, B -150 -150 / -134 -145 -1.5(+155)
Overnight Pitching Change: San Francisco - T. Lincecum for M. Bumgarner (L) | TV: CSN-Bay, DTV: 696 | CLEAR, WIND OUT TO LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 79, RH 22% WIND CHILL 0
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

6:10 PM EDT
965 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (L) Vargas, J 7.5u20 7u15 / 7u20 / 6.5o20 6.5 +1.5(-175)
966 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Kluber, C -170 -156 / -143 / -142 -145 -1.5(+155)
TV: FS-Kansas City, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 662, 672 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM LEFT CENTER 9-14. GAME TEMP 48, RH 53%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

6:10 PM EDT
967 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Sanchez, A 9.5u20 9u25 / 8.5o15 / 8.5o20 8.5o25 +1.5(-170)
968 BOSTON RED SOX (R) Kelly, J -160 -140 / -141 / -134 -133 -1.5(+150)
TOR-RF-Jose Bautista-? | TV: NESN, DTV: 628 | CLEAR, 40% CHANCE LIGHT SHOWERS. WIND IN FROM LEFT 9-14. GAME TEMP 54, RH 56%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

7:05 PM EDT
969 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (R) Noesi, H 8.5 8.5 / 8 / 8o15 8.5 +1.5(-164)
970 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Jimenez, U -160 -140 / -145 / -143 -145 -1.5(+144)
TV: MASN2, WGN, DTV: 307, 641 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE LIGHT SHOWERS. WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 11-16,GUSTY. GAME TEMP 56, RH 50%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

7:05 PM EDT
971 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Karns, N 8.5 8.5u20 / 8.5u25 / 8 8o15 +1.5(-170)
972 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Warren, A -140 -140 -1.5(+150)
TV: SunSports, YES, DTV: 631, 653 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE LIGHT SHOWERS. WIND OUT TO RIGHT 11-16, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 57, RH 47%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

8:05 PM EDT
973 SEATTLE MARINERS (R) Walker, T 9u20 9 / 9o15 / 9 9u15 +1.5(-210)
974 TEXAS RANGERS (R) Gallardo, Y -120 -120 / -112 / -106 -109 -1.5(+180)
TEX-P-Yu Darvish-OUT | TV: FS-Southwest, ROOT-Northwest, DTV: 676, 687 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 60% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 9-14. GAME TEMP 64, RH 84%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

8:10 PM EDT
975 DETROIT TIGERS (L) Price, D -160 -165 / -163 / -152 -154 -1.5(+105)
976 MINNESOTA TWINS (L) Milone, T 8u20 8u20 / 7.5o15 8u20 +1.5(-125)
TV: FS-Detroit, FS-North, DTV: 663, 668 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 4-9. GAME TEMP 64, RH 27%
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

10:10 PM EDT
977 HOUSTON ASTROS (R) Mchugh, C 6.5u20 6.5u25 / 6.5u30 / 6o20 6o25 +1.5(-240)
978 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Shields, J -140 -112 / -115 / -111 -109 -1.5(+200)
TV: FS-San Diego, ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 674, 694 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT 11-16. GAME TEMP 76, RH 30% HEAT INDEX 74
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

[StarDust Bum]

Team Open Line Movements Current Puck Line Scores

7:35 PM EDT
17 NEW YORK ISLANDERS 5o30 5o30 / 5o31 5o35 +1.5(-250)
FREE
18 WASHINGTON CAPITALS -135 -135 -1.5(+210) HOT PICK
NYI-G-Jaroslav Halak-Probable | WAS-G-Braden Holtby-Probable | TV: NBCS, DTV: 220
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7:05 PM EDT
19 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 5o30 -109 -1.5(+260)
20 DETROIT RED WINGS -111 5o40 +1.5(-315)
TAM-G-Ben Bishop-Probable | DET-G-Petr Mrazek-Probable | TV: CNBC, DTV: 357
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPBET NOW
3:00 PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Caps-Isles Game 7 stirs Epic memories

April 26, 2015

There's only been one Game 7 between the Capitals and Islanders, but it's stood the test of time - lots and lots and lots of time - as one of the great games in postseason annals.

The ''Easter Epic'' in 1987 between Washington and New York lasted long into the night before Pat Lafontaine finally won it for the Islanders in the fourth overtime, giving his team a 3-2 victory in the game and a 4-3 win in the first-round series. New York's Kelly Hrudey made 73 saves in what is still the longest Game 7 in NHL history.

Those two teams will play another Game 7 on Monday night - the first winner-take-all contest of this year's postseason. The Capitals and Islanders both finished the regular season with 101 points, and they've both found time to score 14 goals through the first six games of this series - when they haven't been busy trying to slam each other into the glass.

''It's been good,'' Washington forward Joel Ward said. ''A traditional series, regardless of who you're playing, is going to be like that. You're going to get some hits, you're going to get some feistiness, you're going to get some whacks. That's what happens when you play the same (team) over and over, you're going to have a little hatred. It's coming down to one game, so we're excited.''

The Islanders forced this seventh game with a 3-1 win in Game 6 on Saturday.

Lafontaine's goal was part of a glorious stretch for the Islanders during the 1980s that included four consecutive Stanley Cups earlier that decade. But they've advanced past the first round only once since then. That was in 1993, when they again eliminated Washington before edging Pittsburgh in another overtime Game 7 to reach the conference finals.

The Capitals had never played a Game 7 until that 1987 matchup with the Islanders. Now, the franchise is used to it.

Monday will be Washington's eighth Game 7 in the last eight years. Only Boston (nine) has played more in that span, according to STATS.

The Capitals are 3-9 in Game 7s, and only 2-7 at home. That includes that night 28 years ago when Game 7 turned into Game 8 and then Game 9.

A look at Monday's games. All times EDT:

---

Lightning at Red Wings, Detroit leads 3-2, Game 6, 7 p.m., CNBC

TIME AND SPACE: Tampa Bay led the league in goals during the regular season but has been shut out twice in this series. Coach Jon Cooper was asked Sunday if the Red Wings might be getting away with interference. ''Well, there's 30 teams in the league and nobody does it more than the Detroit Red Wings, hands down,'' Cooper said. ''The old saying, if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin' - they do it to a `T.' My message to our guys is you've got to suck it up, you've got to fight through it. We've got to bring a gun to a knife fight. That's how it has to go. So good on them. We've got to be better.''

CALM IN NET: Aside from a three-goal flurry at the end of Game 4, Detroit goalie Petr Mrazek has shut out the Lightning over the last three games. The 23-year-old Mrazek also had 44 saves in the series opener. ''His first year in the American (Hockey) League, he wins the Calder Cup. You don't win the Calder Cup by accident,'' Babcock said. ''Then every time we called him up, he played good. So to me he's just one of these guys that must be good. ... I don't know enough about the tactical skill and all that stuff, I just know it doesn't go in when he's in there.''

---

Islanders at Capitals, tied 3-3, Game 7, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN

TRENDS: The Capitals and Islanders would both like to change some things about how this series has gone. New York is 0 for 13 on the power play.

''Maybe Game 7's the game that when you need the big goal on the power play, it comes through for us,'' coach Jack Capuano said.

The Capitals, meanwhile, have allowed the first goal in all but one of the six games - and four of those New York opening tallies came fairly early in the first period.

''Would I like to score more in the first period? Absolutely. Right from the get-go we were chasing this series from Game 1,'' Washington coach Barry Trotz said. ''But we put ourselves in position to close it out (Saturday) and we didn't. Now we get another chance to do it. It's Game 7. Don't be scared of it, just go through it.''

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, April 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington - 7:10 PM ET Washington -130 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Atlanta - Over 7 500

Milwaukee - 7:10 PM ET Milwaukee +113 500
Cincinnati - Under 7.5 500

NY Mets - 7:10 PM ET NY Mets +115 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Miami - Over 7.5 500

Seattle - 8:05 PM ET Seattle +104 500 GRAND SLAM
Texas - Under 9 500

Pittsburgh - 8:05 PM ET Pittsburgh +112 500
Chi. Cubs - Over 7 500

Detroit - 8:10 PM ET Detroit -159 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Minnesota - Under 7.5 500

Philadelphia - 8:15 PM ET St. Louis -150 500 DOUBLE PLAY
St. Louis - Under 6.5 500

Colorado - 9:40 PM ET Colorado +123 500 *****
Arizona - Over 8.5 500

Houston - 10:10 PM ET Houston +107 500 *****
San Diego - Under 6.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

San Francisco - 10:10 PM ET San Francisco +138 500 DOUBLE PLAY
LA Dodgers - Over 7.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, April 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Atlanta - 7:00 PM ET Brooklyn +5.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Brooklyn - Under 198.5 500 *****

Milwaukee - 8:00 PM ET Milwaukee +8 500 *****
Chicago - Over 189.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Memphis - 10:30 PM ET Portland -4 500 GRAND SLAM
Portland - Under 191.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY