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**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 01:54 AM

MLB TOP POWELINES

MLB > (903) WASHINGTON @ (904) NY METS | 04/30/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: NY METS -125 BTB PowerLine: NY METS -150
Edge On: NY METS (25)

MLB > (911) CHI WHITE SOX @ (912) MINNESOTA | 04/30/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: MINNESOTA +130 BTB PowerLine: MINNESOTA 246
Edge On: MINNESOTA (96)

MLB > (915) DETROIT @ (916) KANSAS CITY | 04/30/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: KANSAS CITY -105 BTB PowerLine: KANSAS CITY -153
Edge On: KANSAS CITY (48)

MLB TOTALS

MLB > (907) LA ANGELS@ (908) OAKLAND | 04/30/2015 - 03:35 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in Home games in April games
The record is 10 Overs and 1 Unders for the this season (+9.35 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 01:57 AM

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (51) CALGARY@ (52) ANAHEIM | 04/30/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON ANAHEIM using the money line in All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 48 Wins and 16 Losses for the last two seasons (+27.85 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) NY RANGERS | 04/30/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST NY RANGERS using the money line in Home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak
The record is 39 Wins and 54 Losses for the since 1992 (-49.45 units)

NHL > (53) MINNESOTA@ (54) CHICAGO | 04/30/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in Road games second half of the season
The record is 18 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+12.2 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (51) CALGARY@ (52) ANAHEIM | 04/30/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON ANAHEIM using the in All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 48 Wins and 16 Losses for the last two seasons (+27.85 units)

NHL > (53) MINNESOTA@ (54) CHICAGO | 04/30/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the in Road games second half of the season
The record is 18 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+12.2 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) NY RANGERS | 04/30/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST NY RANGERS using the in Home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak
The record is 39 Wins and 55 Losses for the since 1992 (-43.2 units)

NHL TOTALS

NHL > (53) MINNESOTA@ (54) CHICAGO | 04/30/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER CHICAGO on the total in All games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 9 Overs and 26 Unders for the this season (+16.55 units)

NHL > (51) CALGARY@ (52) ANAHEIM | 04/30/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play UNDER CALGARY on the total in All games in a road game where where the total is 5.5
The record is 5 Overs and 18 Unders for the this season (+11.65 units)

NHL > (55) WASHINGTON@ (56) NY RANGERS | 04/30/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play UNDER NY RANGERS on the total in All games when playing with 3 or more days rest
The record is 3 Overs and 14 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.3 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:01 AM

Preview: Nationals (8-13) at Mets (15-6)
Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: April 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Washington Nationals are trying to slug their way out of an early season funk. That might have to continue with Stephen Strasburg getting the ball.

The New York Mets' offense has cooled considerably, but that's not usually a problem when turning to Jacob deGrom.

With the Nationals on the brink of their second three-game winning streak, Strasburg will try to begin showing some consistency Thursday night.

Washington (9-13) won the NL East last year but has been a major disappointment thanks in part to a .232 average.

The Nationals, though, are showing signs of life offensively. They're coming off back-to-back 13-run, 15-hit performances against Atlanta.

"We're having great at_bats, we're going up there with confidence and we're a great team," said right fielder Bryce Harper, who is 3 for 8 with two doubles and four runs in the last two games. "It's a matter of time. I think we have a lot of confidence in everybody on this club. We're going to have some fun."

Strasburg (1-2, 4.88 ERA) isn't having any fun as he's surrendered four or more runs in three of four starts and opponents are batting .317 off him. The right-hander gave up four runs in six innings of an 8-0 loss at Miami on Saturday.

His frustrations showed after giving up two runs in the fourth, as he had an animated conversation with pitching coach Steve McCatty.

"That's something that's going to be kept between me and Cat," Strasburg said. "Obviously, I'm a competitive person. It's nothing that he did; it's nothing that I did. It was just maybe a little bit of frustration. I'm going to leave it at that."

The Nationals are looking for him to turn things around, and taking the mound in the opener of this four-game series at Citi Field could be just what he needs.

Strasburg is 3-1 with a 1.97 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 32 innings over five starts there, but he wasn't close to being that effective in a 6-3 home loss to the Mets (15-7) on April 9.

Strasburg surrendered six runs - three earned - and walked three while hitting another batter before being pulled with one out in the sixth.

He'll now be facing a New York lineup that's batting .224 and averaging 3.7 runs while losing four of six. That stretch has followed an 11-game winning streak, which included a 10-0 homestand during which the Mets scored 5.3 runs per game and hit .272.

They seemed on their way back Wednesday, scoring two runs in the first inning before losing 7-3 to the Marlins.

"You can't get down because you're 2-4 on the road trip," manager Terry Collins said. "You pick yourself up and go home."

DeGrom (2-2, 2.96) has shined there, going 7-0 with a 0.95 ERA in his last eight starts. Another victory will give him the longest home winning streak by a Met since Johan Santana won nine straight decisions bridging 2008 and '09.

The right-hander has tossed 13 1-3 scoreless innings while winning both of his starts at Citi Field this year. He wasn't sharp on the road Friday, surrendering six runs and three homers in five innings of a 6-1 loss to the New York Yankees.

DeGrom is 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts against the Nationals, with both coming in Washington.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:02 AM

Preview: Reds (10-10) at Braves (10-10)
Game: 1
Venue: Turner Field
Date: April 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Despite not going deep into games, Shelby Miller has been effective enough to remain undefeated.

The right-hander looks to win his fourth straight start while trying to help the Atlanta Braves get back on track Thursday night against the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

Miller (3-0, 2.05 ERA) hasn't lasted past the sixth inning in any of his four starts but also has not yielded more than two runs or five hits in a game. Over his last 11 regular-season starts, the former St. Louis Cardinal is 5-0 with a 2.07 ERA.

He gave up a two-run homer to Ryan Howard and two other hits in six innings of a 5-2 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

"He gives us a chance to win every time he goes out there," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB's official website.

Miller felt he had enough to stay in the contest but understood with the game close that Gonzalez needed to pinch-hit for him late.

"Do I want to go longer? Of course, every pitcher would say that. But at the same time, we're trying to win a game," Miller said.

Miller did not complete more than six innings in five starts against the Reds before yielding three hits in seven innings of a 5-0 win Sept. 8 to improve to 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA versus Cincinnati.

The Braves (10-11) can use another strong outing like that from Miller after two straight frustrating defeats to Washington. One night after blowing an eight-run lead to lose 13-12, Atlanta failed to hold a 3-1 advantage during Wednesday's 13-4 defeat.

It's the first time the Braves, losers in four of five at home, have allowed at least 10 runs in consecutive contests since a three-game stretch in July 2008.

Cincinnati (10-11), however, totaled five runs in three games while being swept at Turner Field last season.

The Reds got all their runs on solo homers and failed to complete a sweep of Milwaukee with Wednesday's 8-3 loss.

Joey Votto, who served as a pinch-hitter in that contest, hit .386 with six homers and 14 RBIs in the first 15 games but is 2 for 20 with one home run and nine strikeouts over the last six. His only hit in eight at_bats against Miller left the park.

Teammate Brandon Phillips had two hits in the series finale, and is batting .353 with a home run against Phillips.

Cincinnati's Mike Leake (0-1, 3.90) has allowed six home runs while going 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA in six starts against the Braves, but the five he's yielded this season have come over his the last three outings. The right-hander gave up three runs on two homers but two other hits and struck out nine in seven innings of Friday's 7-3, 11-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs.

While Atlanta's Andrelton Simmons is 5 for 10 versus Miller, Freddie Freeman is 1 for 13 with a home run against him. Freeman, however, is 10 for 17 with four doubles in the last four contests.

Teammate A.J. Pierzynski is 1 for 8 against Leake, but is batting .422 while hitting safely in all 12 games he's played this season.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:03 AM

Preview: Blue Jays (10-11) at Indians (6-13)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: April 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

After finally breaking out, the Toronto Blue Jays' offense reverted to its recent shoddy form one day later.

The Blue Jays hope a matchup with a struggling pitcher can reignite their lineup Thursday night when they visit the Cleveland Indians.

Toronto (10-12) has lost five of six and struggled again Wednesday in a 4-1 loss at Boston, unable to build any momentum from its season-high 17 hits in Tuesday's 11-8 victory. The Blue Jays had three hits and have 12 runs and 26 hits in the last five losses.

With a rotation that has posted a 6.88 ERA over the last six games, Toronto's offensive tribulations have come at a bad time. The club had averaged 5.9 runs prior to this stretch.

"We've got to hit to win," manager John Gibbons said.

Jose Bautista was 0 for 4 to continue his nightmarish April. Playing in his third straight game as the designated hitter because of a strained shoulder, Bautista has five homers but is hitting .155 and could finish below his previous personal low for the month, .181 in 2012. He is 4 for 30 over his last eight games at Progressive Field.

Bautista has never faced TJ House (0-3, 12.60 ERA), who is trying to avoid a fourth straight loss after allowing 14 runs, 17 hits and nine walks in 10 innings. The left-hander has been especially disappointing since he went 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA over his final five outings in 2014.

"I still think he's trying to find his rhythm. When he's going good, he works ahead in the count," manager Terry Francona said. "When he's behind, he never gets back into the count because he's not throwing the ball where he wants to."

House's .421 opponent batting average on balls in play suggests his early struggles have been at least partly due to bad luck, though. Right-handed hitters are 16 for 38 against him with 14 singles.

Toronto's Daniel Norris (1-1, 4.43) has also toiled for much of the month, though he comes off his first quality start. Norris held Tampa Bay to one run and set career highs with seven strikeouts and seven innings Saturday, but a paltry offensive showing and a faltering bullpen left him still seeking his second career win after the Blue Jays' 4-2 loss. He's received four runs of support over 14 2-3 innings after getting five in a victory in his season debut.

Regardless of the lack of a decision, it was an impressive bounce-back performance after the left-hander surrendered a personal-worst four earned runs in 2 2-3 innings of a 5-2 loss to Atlanta.

"It was a progression," he told MLB's official website. "Just going out there not knowing how I was going to feel. It was definitely on my mind the whole week leading up to it, just kind of put it behind me and go out there and compete."

Neither pitcher has faced the other team.

Cleveland (7-13) snapped a four-game losing streak Wednesday with its second home victory, 7-5 over Kansas City. Roberto Perez and Michael Bourn were a combined 5 for 7 at the bottom of the lineup, and Jason Kipnis hit his first home run in 68 games.

David Murphy was 11 for 23 with nine RBIs in six games last season against the Blue Jays, who have won three of four series in Cleveland.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:05 AM

Preview: White Sox (8-9) at Twins (9-11)
Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: April 30, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

The appeal process only is delaying the inevitable for Chris Sale, who likely will have his suspension upheld for his role in a benches-clearing brawl a week ago.

Until then, he'll try to help the Chicago White Sox get back on track when they open a road series against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.

Sale (2-0, 2.37 ERA) has been solid on the mound through three starts, but after pitching through the seventh last Thursday against Kansas City, the left-hander charged out of the dugout in the bottom of the inning during a skirmish that started with an exchange of words between Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura and White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton.

Sale, who allowed two runs in Chicago's 3-2, 13-inning loss, was one of five players to earn suspensions. He appealed his five-game ban, allowing him to pitch until the process is completed.

"In terms of Chris' makeup or character, anything along those lines, no, there's absolutely no concern," general manager Rick Hahn told MLB's official website after the suspensions were handed down. "He has a special makeup and that's part of what makes him great."

Sale could miss his next scheduled start if the suspension is upheld, but the Twins (9-12) likely wish the process had been finished sooner. Sale is 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 34 1-3 innings in his last five starts against them after giving up one run and striking out eight in six innings of a 6-2 victory April 12.

The White Sox (8-10) hope Sale can deliver another solid effort after Jeff Samardzija, who also is appealing a five-game suspension, allowed six of his eight runs in the first inning of Wednesday's 8-2 loss to Baltimore.

That contest was played in front of an empty stadium as a result of rioting in Baltimore, and was believed to be the first in major league history in which no fans attended.

The first two games of the series were postponed until May 28, when the clubs will play a doubleheader at Camden Yards.

"It was just a weird day," manager Robin Ventura said. "It was such a surreal experience that you get past it and get ready for tomorrow."

The Twins jumped ahead by four Wednesday on Trevor Plouffe's three-run homer in the fifth inning, but Detroit rallied for the game's last seven runs to win 10-7.

Oswaldo Arcia hit a two-run homer in the fourth.

Minnesota had won three of four, a stretch that began with an 8-5 win over Seattle on Saturday. Trevor May (1-1, 4.91) got the start in that contest, but he was forced to leave after 3 1-3 innings when he was struck by a line drive on the right elbow.

May, who allowed two runs and struck out five before exiting, suffered a contusion. The right-hander received medical clearance to start this contest.

"It feels good - 100 percent," May said Monday. "I don't expect anything to get worse. I'll just keep treating it and see if I can completely get it gone in the next couple days."

May allowed six runs and struck out 16 in 11 innings over two winning starts against the White Sox last season.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:06 AM

Preview: Tigers (14-7) at Royals (14-6)
Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: April 30, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Alfredo Simon is off to the best start for a Detroit Tigers pitcher in 27 years and he's making it look easy.

Simon looks to become the AL's first five-game winner Thursday night when the Tigers face the Kansas City Royals for the first time since narrowly beating them out for a division title last year.

Simon (4-0, 1.65 ERA) has settled into his new club rather impressively after coming over from Cincinnati in an offseason trade. He's the first Tiger to win his first four starts of a season since Frank Tanana won five in a row in 1988.

"I don't even look at that," Simon said, "because the ERA and the wins, sometimes you pitch a good game and you don't win. Every time I go out there I just try and do my job, try to win the game."

The right-hander has been outstanding over the last three starts, yielding two runs in 22 innings while pitching into at least the seventh inning in each.

"To be honest with you, I haven't caught anybody like Simon. He's unique," catcher Alex Avila told MLB's official website. "It's like he's playing wiffle ball out there. Nothing will affect him."

That seemed to be the case Saturday, as Simon battled through 111 pitches in 6 2-3 innings but yielded one run in a 4-1 victory over Cleveland.

"He just ... he just doesn't look like he breaks a sweat out there," manager Brad Ausmus said.

Simon hasn't faced the Royals since 2011 with Baltimore.

The Tigers (15-7) enter this four-game set having won four of five after overcoming a four-run deficit to beat Minnesota 10-7 on Wednesday. Nine of their 17 hits went for extra bases - including four homers - with Miguel Cabrera going 3 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs.

"We're always in a game," said second baseman Ian Kinsler, one of six players with at least two hits. "I think it helps our pitchers that they understand that, that as long as they can keep us close and keep us in the game we've got a chance to win.

Detroit won eight of 10 at Kansas City last season, batting .319 and averaging 6.6 runs. That dominance was a big reason why the Tigers finished one game ahead of the Royals (14-7) for their fourth consecutive Central crown.

Despite that success, Cabrera went 7 for 37 (.189) with 10 RBIs at Kauffman Stadium in 2014.

The Royals open a seven-game homestand trying to improve on their 7-2 record there. They settled for a split of a six-game road trip with Wednesday's 7-5 loss to Cleveland, but they nearly suffered a far greater blow when Alcides Escobar was hit in the head by a Danny Salazar pitch in the fifth.

Escobar suffered a bruised left cheek and had a headache, but didn't go to the hospital or have X-rays. His status for this game is uncertain.

"It hit straight on my helmet, and I was real dizzy when it happened," the shortstop said. "I feel OK, not bad, way better than when I got hit."

Danny Duffy (1-0, 4.15) seeks a fourth consecutive effecting outing for Kansas City. After struggling in his season debut, the left-hander is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his last three starts. He allowed one unearned run over 5 1-3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Friday and left in line for the win before the Royals lost 3-2.

Duffy is 1-6 with a 3.42 ERA in nine career starts against the Tigers, losing all five decisions over six home meetings.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:08 AM

Preview: Clippers (56-26) at Spurs (55-27)
Date: April 30, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

Drawing parallels to last season's playoffs seems only natural.

The Los Angeles Clippers jumped out to a double-digit lead in Game 5 of their second-round series with Oklahoma City, then lost it down the stretch before a questionable call late in the contest led to a hard-to-swallow defeat.

They were eliminated two nights later.

Los Angeles heads to San Antonio for Game 6 on Thursday night facing a similar situation. The Clippers' 14-point lead in the first quarter of Game 5 evaporated, DeAndre Jordan was called for offensive goaltending with 4.3 seconds remaining and the Spurs took a 3-2 series lead with a 111-107 win.

"That was a tough one last year. I'm assuming every experience you go through has to make you better, stronger, more mentally tough," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "So I'm hoping."

Los Angeles trailed by a point when Jordan's tip-in of Blake Griffin's floater was waved off, and a replay review confirmed the call. It marked another tense moment in a series that has seen momentum shift constantly.

Each club has stolen at least one game on the other's home floor and has won by at least 15 points only to lose the next. San Antonio won Game 2 in overtime by the same score that decided Game 5.

The Spurs overcame their share of momentum swings on their way to a fifth NBA title last season, going seven games with eighth-seeded Dallas in the first round and beating the Thunder in overtime of Game 6 to advance to the finals.

Tim Duncan decided to come back for another run and has delivered a pair of solid performances after celebrating his 39th birthday Saturday. He finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4 before scoring 21 and adding 11 boards Tuesday, shooting 8 of 13 from the field in each contest.

Duncan said he's simply enjoying whatever role he's meant to play on a given night and has produced four double-doubles in the series. He's expecting the Clippers to come out firing Thursday, just as they did while jumping out to a 16-point lead in Game 6 against the Thunder last year before losing by six.

"They know they can win on the road," Duncan said. "They're going to try to knock us on our heels and attack. We know the aggression they're going to come with."

A Clippers loss would mean another early playoff exit for a club that has built championship aspirations since acquiring Chris Paul in 2011-12. Los Angeles fell in six games to the Spurs in the conference semifinals in Paul's first season in Los Angeles and lost to Memphis in the first round in 2013.

The Clippers have never advanced to the conference finals since the franchise's inception as the Buffalo Braves in 1970.

"It's tough, but the series isn't over, and we can't think like that," said Griffin, who finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds in Game 5. "It's going to be a hostile environment in San Antonio."

After the Clippers' bench chipped in 33 points in Game 4, the reserves again struggled while being outscored 48-17 on Tuesday, marking the fourth time San Antonio has had at least a 15-point edge in bench points.

Only Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers and Glen Davis saw time off the bench for Los Angeles on Tuesday, while the Spurs had five reserves see at least 11 minutes.

Rivers said he doesn't plan to make any changes and will continue to ride his starters for big minutes.

'It's tough, but we can't get (Game 5) back,' Paul said. 'We've got to go to San Antonio and play with a sense of urgency.'

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:11 AM

Preview: Flames (45-30) at Ducks (51-24)

Date: April 30, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Stirring comebacks have been normal during this postseason for both the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks, who open their second-round series Thursday.

Yet the biggest comeback in Anaheim will be made by goalie Jonas Hiller. He's going strong in Calgary after the Ducks unceremoniously dumped him last summer.

'I can't deny that it's something special,' Hiller told reporters in Calgary this week. 'Knowing a team you used to play seven years for, I think that makes it a little more special than playing against another team.'

Hiller will start Game 1 for the Flames, who hope to follow up their surprising series win over Vancouver with an even more stunning surge against the top-seeded Ducks. Anaheim's wealth of talented skaters will attempt to crack Hiller.

'He knows what we're like, and we know what he's like,' forward Corey Perry said. 'We know his tendencies, and he knows our tendencies. We've been shooting at him for years. So there's no real advantage either way.'

Hiller once hoped to be a Duck for life after joining the organization out of his native Switzerland and supplanting beloved goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere in the crease. He became an All-Star and backstopped Anaheim's only playoff series victory between the club's 2007 Stanley Cup title and last season.

Although Hiller was a stalwart on several awful defensive teams in Anaheim, he had just enough lapses in his excellence to allow the Ducks to start thinking about the future last spring. Frederik Andersen and John Gibson both appeared ready for their NHL shot, and coach Bruce Boudreau benched Hiller late in the regular season.

All three goalies played in the postseason, but Boudreau went with the 20-year-old Gibson instead of Hiller in the final two games of the second round against Los Angeles. It cost the coach dearly: Gibson flopped, losing both games and getting chased early from the clincher.

The Ducks are hoping to avoid another second-round stumble this year with Andersen in goal, and they're solid favorites against the cardiac Flames.

Here are some more things to watch when the Flames visit Honda Center:

COMEBACK KIDS: Anaheim rallied from a third-period deficit to win the first three games in its sweep of Winnipeg. Comebacks were a theme throughout the regular season, when the Ducks repeatedly struggled in the first two periods before storming back to win with a ferocious offensive push. Yet the Flames are on their own run of comeback victories in the postseason, none more impressive than their clinching victory in Vancouver, where they erased a 3-0 deficit with flair.

ORANGE COUNTY DROUGHT: The Flames have lost 20 consecutive regular-season games in Anaheim since January 2004 (0-15-5), and their 2006 playoff win at Honda Center is their only success in the building. The numbers are stark, but they don't mean much to two rosters with only a fraction of that total history. The Ducks have been an outstanding home team during Boudreau's tenure, but he doesn't claim any responsibility for the streak.

TOP LINE: Calgary relies heavily on its top line - but what a line it is. Johnny Gaudreau has capped his stellar rookie season by teaming with Sean Monahan and Jiri Hudler to form one of the NHL's most exciting trios. They scored seven of the Flames' 18 goals against Vancouver. But the Ducks can deploy destructive center Ryan Kesler against the Flames' stars - and Anaheim has a pretty good top line of its own with Perry and Patrick Maroon flanking captain Ryan Getzlaf, the former Calgary Hitmen junior star.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS: The Ducks have paid more postseason dues than the Flames, although that might just ramp up the pressure. Anaheim is in its third straight postseason under Boudreau, while Calgary hadn't been in the Stanley Cup tournament in six years. After finishing with a top-three record in the NHL for three straight years, the Ducks must make the Western Conference finals to feel good about their progress - while the young, hungry Flames are essentially overachieving already.

WELL RESTED: The Ducks have played just six games in the past four weeks heading into the opener, mowing down the Jets and getting seven straight days off after a slow finish to the regular season. Perry is confident that the rest won't lead to rust, and the break apparently has allowed Gibson and center Nate Thompson to heal from injuries that kept them out of the first round.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:12 AM

Ducks, Rangers back in action after break

April 29, 2015

CHICAGO (AP) - The next playoff opponent for Washington and Minnesota is a reminder of painful losses for each team. It's the second round that brings back bad memories for Anaheim.

The Capitals take on Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Thursday night, and the Ducks host Calgary in their series opener. The Wild begin their conference semifinal against the Blackhawks on Friday night in Chicago.

The last two times the Capitals were in the playoffs, they lost to the Rangers in seven-game series. The Wild have been eliminated by the Blackhawks the past two postseasons, including the second round a year ago. It was at this point in 2014 that the Ducks dropped a heartbreaking series to the Los Angeles Kings.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:14 AM

Capitals and Rangers going at it again

April 29, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals are becoming one of the NHL's annual spring attractions.

Four the fourth time in five years and the fifth time in seven, the Eastern Conference clubs will be meeting in the playoffs. If history is any indicator, expect a long series. The last two have gone seven games, with the Rangers winning both in 2012 and `13.

This year's best-of-seven series conference semifinal gets underway on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

''It's just a rivalry between the two teams, facing each other,'' Rangers center Derick Brassard said. ''We have the same core, they have the same core. We know a lot of their players. They know a lot of our players. It's going to be a tough series. It's going to be a big test for us to see how big we want to compete. I think this team is ready for another challenge.''

New York, which won the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top team in the regular season and knocked off Pittsburgh in five games in the first round, beat Washington three of four times in the regular season. The last win was on the final day of the regular season and it temporarily denied Washington home-ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. The Caps got it later that night when the Islanders lost to Columbus, and they were at home Monday night when they beat the Isles 2-1 in Game 7 of their first-round series.

''They've changed. We've changed,'' Capitals forward Joel Ward said. ''The only things that haven't changed are the buildings and the uniforms. They've got a new coach. We've got a new coach. They've got new players. We've got new players. So it's a whole different ballgame.''

When the teams last met in the playoffs, Adam Oates coached the Capitals and John Tortorella led the Rangers.

Barry Trotz is finishing his first season as the Capitals coach. He has combined the team's physical play with an aggressive forecheck, transforming them into one of the league's top defensive teams.

Vigneault's Rangers are a high-tempo north-south team that likes to get the puck out of its end and go on the attack.

''We can't try to play their game - they have an extremely fast team, they have great transition,'' Capitals forward Brooks Laich said. ''We don't want to get into that type of a run-and-gun game. We just want to stick to our identity.''

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OUTING OVECHKIN

Beating the Caps starts with limiting Ovechkin. The league's leading goal scorer had five of his 53 goals against the Rangers this season. He has 22 goals in 39 career regular-season games against New York, and 10 goals in 26 carrer playoff games.

In New York, defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi will be his constant companions.

''I think we have the perfect defensemen core to play him, and I think he knows that as well,'' Brassard said. ''I think he knows McDonagh and Girardi pretty well from now on, and those guys enjoy playing against him because he brings the best out of them. We just have to play him tight and we have to make sure when he is on the power play we are aware where he is at all the time. He has that big shot and it seems like he wants to be a difference this year.''

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HANK VS. HOLTS

Holtby has played in 14 playoff games against the Rangers with a 2.06 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. He is coming off a career season with 41 wins, nine shutouts and .923 save percentage.

Henrik Lundqvist, who missed two months with a vascular injury before returning late in the season, allowed only one goal in each of the Rangers' four wins over Pittsburgh. His best game was in the clincher in Game 5 when he saved 37 of 38 shots.

''I've never been a guy who really sees a heated rivalry between a goalie on one side or the other,'' Holtby said. ''It's team-wise that you focus on more. But I like playing against guys who do great things professionally, and not only their work on the ice, but off the ice - good humans. And obviously Henrik is.''

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DEPTH IS GOOD

With Mats Zuccarello sidelined indefinitely after being hit in the head with a shot, the Rangers top line will have a new right wing - Martin St. Louis. Not too shabby. Take out a fan favorite and replace him with a third-liner who was the NHL's leading scorer in 2003-04. St. Louis had 21 goals and 31 assists in 72 games this season. Look for James Sheppard to play on the fourth line. Also expect defenseman Kevin Klein to return to the Rangers lineup after missing nearly two months with a broken arm.

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CAPITALS PP

The Capitals had 60 goals on the power play this season with Ovechkin netting 25. In the opening round Washington was 2 of 13 with the extra skater against the Islanders. The key for the Rangers will be to stay out of the penalty box. They did a good job against the Penguins, taking 13 minors and allowing just two goals. New York converted on 3 of 20 power-plays chances. The Capitals were outstanding on the penalty kill in the opening round, not allowing a goal in 14 chances.

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X FACTOR

Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the game winner in Game 7 against the Islanders and had three goals in the series. The 22-year-old Russian looks ready for prime time after a quiet 10-goal regular season.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 02:16 AM

New York Islanders are Brooklyn-bound

April 28, 2015

It's time for the New York Islanders to lower the Hall of Fame and Stanley Cup banners from the rafters, and pack up their pucks and sticks.

Next stop, Brooklyn.

The Islanders are leaving behind their boisterous and ''Yes! Yes! Yes!'' chanting fans at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for far newer digs at the Barclays Center. The end of a 43-year era at what became called ''The Old Barn'' in Uniondale, New York, ended on Monday night with a 2-1 loss at Washington in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series.

''We wanted to get back home,'' Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. ''(Islanders fans) were definitely in our thoughts.''

It was an all-too-familiar exit for a four-time Cup-winning franchise that has spent the past two decades searching to regain its once-proud Billy Smith stick-swinging and Mike Bossy goal-scoring once-proud identity.

The Islanders were eliminated in the first round for the seventh straight time, dating to 1994. That's a disappointing end to a year in which New York's 47 wins were the team's most since winning 50 in 1983-84.

Injuries were an issue. New York opened the playoffs minus top defenseman Travis Hamonic, and then lost two more regulars - Lubomir Visnovsky and Calvin de Haan - to injuries. Hamonic on Tuesday revealed he tore a ligament in his left knee in the second-last game of the season. De Haan said he sprained his shoulder in Game 5 against Washington.

The Islanders' offense also evaporated. After finishing fourth in averaging 2.99 goals per game during the regular season, New York scored 15 against Washington overall, and just six in its final four games. And the Islanders managed just 11 shots in Game 7 against the Capitals.

''There's definitely lessons to be learned,'' forward Cal Clutterbuck said. ''I can promise you the next time we're in a Game 7, guys will feel a little more comfortable and it'll be a different game. That'll be a positive down the road somewhere.''

That road will take them 25 miles west of their current home.

Here are some things to know about the Islanders heading into the postseason:

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CORE INTACT

The Islanders' core group of leaders - from captain John Tavares to goalie Jaroslav Halak - are all back for next season. Tavares scored a career-best 38 goals and finished second in the NHL with 86 points. Halak set a franchise record with 38 wins in his first season in New York.

Among those also under contract next season are forwards Kyle Okposo and Ryan Strome, and newly acquired defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy, who signed seven-year contract extensions this season.

The Islanders have the right to retain forwards Brock Nelson and Anders Lee, and defenseman Thomas Hickey, who are eligible to become restricted free agents this summer. Visnovsky is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.

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POWERLESS PLAY

The Islanders went 0-for-14 on the power play against Washington after converting 50 of 267 chances to finish 16th in the regular season. Capuano specifically referred to the unit's lack of production in a 2-1 overtime loss in Game 4, when the Isles squandered three straight power-play chances in the second period.

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NO PICK

Barring a trade, the Islanders won't have a first-round draft pick in June after sending it to the Buffalo Sabres in a deal to acquire Thomas Vanek in October 2013. Buffalo also acquired the Islanders' 2015 second-round pick, but New York added a second-rounder by trading defenseman Andrew MacDonald to Philadelphia in March 2014.

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POINT OF NO RETURN

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman left little hope for the Islanders returning to Nassau Coliseum ever again. Speaking to Associated Press Sports Editors on Friday, Bettman referred to the facility being ''well past its due date.''

He placed the blame on the region's politicians, who failed numerous times to approve plans for a new arena.

''They've had their time to do what has to be done,'' Bettman said. ''If something else materializes, we can all deal with it at the time. But I'm not focused on anything going on, because their track record is terrible.''

Nassau County Executive Director Ed Mangano responded in an email to The Associated Press by writing: ''Now the job at hand is to build the new Coliseum rather than debate the past.''

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ICE CHIPS

The Islanders lost a playoff series to the Capitals for only the second time in seven meetings. ... New York was outscored 7-3 in the third period by the Capitals and 16-15 overall. ... The Islanders' playoff record in Game 7 dropped to 3-5, with four of those losses coming on the road. ... Isles defensemen combined for no goals and 11 assists, five by Leddy.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 10:53 AM

Preview: Phillies (8-14) at Cardinals (14-6)
Game: 4
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: April 30, 2015 1:45 PM EDT

Tim Cooney likely used to dream about pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Instead, he'll fulfill another dream of becoming a major leaguer by pitching against them.

Cooney makes his big league debut Thursday as the St. Louis Cardinals wrap up their four-game set with Philadelphia.

This was scheduled to be Adam Wainwright's next start before the Cardinals learned he was done for the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles. Wainwright is scheduled for surgery Thursday.

Enter Cooney, a 24-year-old left-hander and a lifelong Phillies fan from Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Cooney wore No. 35 at Wake Forest in honor of Cole Hamels and recalled skipping high school to attend the team's 2008 World Series parade.

"There aren't a ton of guys around from when I watched," Cooney, a third-round pick in 2012, said. "I think it'll just be a fun little challenge. I'm just going to try and treat it like any other game."

It's unclear if Cooney will get an extended chance with Wainwright out, though conventional wisdom suggests Thursday's performance could have a heavy bearing on St. Louis' decision. He enjoyed a strong spring, going 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA over four relief appearances, and won 14 games last year for Triple-A Memphis. He's 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA through three starts there this season.

Manager Mike Matheny said he would avoid giving Cooney too much scouting information in an effort to try to simplify things.

"He doesn't need to break down the Phillies and understand the weakness of every one of their hitters," Matheny said.

Philadelphia's lineup included five left-handed hitters in Wednesday's 5-2 loss. Though the Phillies (8-14) are baseball's least productive offense with 2.7 runs per game, they've hit .291 against southpaws over the last seven.

They were held to the two runs over six innings Wednesday by starter Carlos Martinez, and only had two additional hits against the St. Louis bullpen.

The Cardinals (14-6) improved to 7-2 at home and Kolten Wong is 14 for 38 over his last nine games after a 2-for-4 night. Matt Adams doubled twice and is 5 for 11 in the series with three RBIs.

Philadelphia's David Buchanan (0-4, 7.52 ERA) seeks his first victory since Aug. 6, dropping seven decisions during a 13-start drought. He appeared to show some signs of progress in his most recent outing, however, giving up three runs and two hits over 6 2-3 innings in a 5-2 loss to Atlanta on Saturday.

"I can certainly take some positives from this, no doubt about it," he told MLB's official website. "I made some good pitches. I need to make a few more."

The right-hander continues to be plagued by walks, though, issuing three bases on balls to push his total to 12 in 20 1-3 innings.

Buchanan will look to draw upon his success in two matchups with St. Louis last year in which he went 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA. Matt Carpenter was the only batter to fare particularly well against him, going 3 for 6. Carpenter had recorded two hits in five of six games before going 0 for 4 Wednesday.

A victory for the Cardinals would make them winners of every series since splitting two games with the Chicago Cubs to open the season.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Cardinals
Mon, Apr 27 Final 4 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Cardinals
Tue, Apr 28 Final 5 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Phillies at Cardinals
Wed, Apr 29 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores

GAME 4
Phillies at Cardinals
Thu, Apr 30 - 1:45PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 04-30-2015, 11:12 AM

Preview: Angels (10-11) at Athletics (9-13)
Game: 3
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: April 30, 2015 3:35 PM EDT

Struggling to consistently generate offense, the Los Angeles Angels likely can't afford to be without slugger Albert Pujols for too long.

The visiting Angels won't have the veteran first baseman for at least Thursday's series finale against the Oakland Athletics.

As Los Angeles (10-11) enjoyed some much-needed success at the plate Wednesday, Pujols left after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring while running to first base on a bloop single in the sixth inning of the 6-3 victory.

Though Pujols is batting .208, he's 5 for 15 in the last four games.

'He didn't really feel a pop. It was more a little bit crampish,' said manager Mike Scioscia, who doesn't believe Pujols is headed to the disabled list. "We're definitely going to error on the side of caution. Right now we're optimistic that it's not going to be too long.'

A lengthy stretch without Pujols would obviously be a big blow for Los Angeles, which ranks near the bottom of the majors batting .226 and has scored more than four runs twice in 11 games.

However, the Angels hope reigning AL MVP Mike Trout is about to heat up after he belted a solo homer and a two-run double for his first multi-hit game since April 17.

"Everybody has a role on this team and if we stay with that approach we'll be fine," said Trout, who was 5 for 34 with a homer, two RBIs and 12 strikeouts in the previous 10 games.

Teammate Garrett Richards (1-1, 3.75 ERA) allowed two runs and three hits in seven innings of Friday's 3-2 victory over Texas to earn his first win since Aug. 15. The right-hander suffered a season-ending knee injury in his next start.

Richards, who endured a rigorous rehab to return to the mound April 19, has declared himself fully healthy after two starts.

"One hundred percent," Richards told MLB's official website. "I worked very hard over the offseason to get back to where I am now. For anybody that thought it wasn't going to be that easy, hard work goes a long way."

Richards, however, hasn't had always had an easy time while going 0-2 with a 6.38 ERA in four starts at Oakland.

Josh Reddick is 5 for 12 and walked three times against Richards. He's 11 for 22 with seven RBIs while hitting safely in seven consecutive contests.

A loser in five of six, Oakland (9-13) still might have a decent chance to take this series with Jesse Chavez (0-1, 0.71) facing Los Angeles for a second straight start.

After his first four 2015 appearances came in relief, Chavez yielded a two-run homer to Kole Calhoun over seven innings for the Angels' lone hit in last Thursday's 2-0 defeat. Though the right-hander is 0-2 in three starts versus Los Angeles, he's posted a 1.89 ERA and received two runs of support.

Chavez remains in the rotation for the time being after Kendall Graveman was sent down to Triple-A Nashville.

"It's just a different title change and role," Chavez said. "That's the way I look at it. I still have to go out there and do my job and take the ball whenever I'm asked, throw strikes, and give us the best chance to win and go as deep as I can in the ballgame."

Trout is batting .308 with two homers and a double versus Chavez.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Athletics
Tue, Apr 28 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Angels at Athletics
Wed, Apr 29 Final 6 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Angels at Athletics
Thu, Apr 30 - 3:35PM EDT

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