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Tuesday Trends and Indexes 4/28 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

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  • #16
    MLB


    Tuesday, April 28

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    Trend Sheet
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    7:05 PM
    LA ANGELS vs. BALTIMORE
    LA Angels are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games
    The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games
    Baltimore is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Angels
    The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing LA Angels

    7:05 PM
    NY YANKEES vs. DETROIT
    NY Yankees are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Detroit
    NY Yankees are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing Detroit
    Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
    Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

    7:05 PM
    WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
    Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
    Washington is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games
    Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Washington
    Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington

    7:10 PM
    FLORIDA vs. NY METS
    Florida is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
    The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
    NY Mets are 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Florida
    The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing at home against Florida

    7:10 PM
    HOUSTON vs. CINCINNATI
    Houston is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing Cincinnati
    The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
    The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 11 games
    Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

    7:10 PM
    ST. LOUIS vs. ATLANTA
    St. Louis is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games on the road
    The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
    Atlanta is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
    The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games

    8:05 PM
    BOSTON vs. CLEVELAND
    Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
    The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games
    Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
    Cleveland is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston

    8:05 PM
    OAKLAND vs. TEXAS
    Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
    The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games
    Texas is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Oakland
    The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Oakland

    8:05 PM
    PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
    Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
    Pittsburgh is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games on the road
    Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
    The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games

    8:10 PM
    TAMPA BAY vs. MINNESOTA
    Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
    Tampa Bay is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
    The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home
    Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

    8:10 PM
    TORONTO vs. KANSAS CITY
    Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
    The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
    The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games at home
    The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games

    8:11 PM
    SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
    Seattle is 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
    Seattle is 1-5-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
    Chi White Sox are 3-5-1 SU in their last 9 games at home
    Chi White Sox are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games

    8:40 PM
    SAN DIEGO vs. COLORADO
    The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Diego's last 9 games when playing Colorado
    San Diego is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
    Colorado is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
    Colorado is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

    9:40 PM
    CHI CUBS vs. ARIZONA
    Chi Cubs are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing Arizona
    The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Arizona
    The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 10 games
    Arizona is 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing Chi Cubs

    10:15 PM
    LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
    LA Dodgers are 16-8 SU in their last 24 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
    LA Dodgers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
    San Francisco is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
    San Francisco is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

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    Comment


    • #17
      MLB


      Tuesday, April 28

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      Tips and Trends
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      Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks [WGN | 9:40 PM ET]

      Cubs (-130, O/U 9): Coming off a pair of subpar starts, Carlos Zambrano looks to get back on track tonight. Zambrano (1-1, 4.85 ERA) is 1-2 with a 4.88 ERA in four starts versus Arizona. Despite some poor fielding behind him and a throwing error on his behalf in his last start, the often emotional Zambrano remained poised and believes he can continue to do the same in the future. "The most important thing was that I was able to keep my composure," Zambrano said. "That's good when I behave and I'm calm. You have to be out there to pitch your game. That's the control you have."

      The Cubs are 20-6 in their last 26 games as a road favorite.
      The Cubs are 8-28 in the last 36 meetings in Arizona.

      Key Injuries - 3B Aramis Ramirez (calf) is DOUBTFUL.
      1B Derrek Lee (neck) is QUESTIONABLE.
      OF Milton Bradley (groin, suspension) is QUESTIONABLE.

      PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

      Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks will try for their first three-game winning streak of the season. "Obviously, we'd like to at least triple that," said Arizona manager Bob Melvin, whose team entered the series with a major league-worst .225 batting average and .298 on-base percentage. Yusmeiro Petit (0-1, 6.00) makes his third start while replacing injured ace Brandon Webb. Though the right-hander has not gone more than five innings in either of his starts, he is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in three against Chicago. Chris Young is 6-for-13 in his last three games against the Cubs.

      The Under is 9-2 in Petit's last 11 starts as an underdog.

      Key Injuries - SS Stephen Drew (hamstring) is on the 15-day DL.

      PROJECTED SCORE: 3

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      Comment


      • #18
        MLB


        Tuesday, April 28

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        Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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        New York Yankees at Detroit Tigers (-120, 10)

        Mired in a four-game losing streak, the New York Yankees will turn to a pitcher who failed to make much of an impression with them in 2008 when he started the season in the rotation.

        Phil Hughes will make his debut for the Yankees on Tuesday night when they continue a three-game road set against the Detroit Tigers, who have won three straight.

        New York (9-10) will replace Chien-Ming Wang, who has a 34.50 ERA this year and is on the 15-day disabled list, with Hughes. Last season, the Yankees put Hughes in the rotation to start the year, and he went 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA in six outings in April before being placed on the disabled list.

        The right-hander came back in September to go 0-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two starts, and he had a solid spring this year. Hughes was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on March 21 after posting a 2.19 ERA in four spring training appearances.

        "Hughes had a great camp," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said at the time. "He's in a good frame of mind. He knows he did great."

        Detroit (11-8) won 4-2 Monday behind Justin Verlander, who scattered seven hits and struck out nine over seven scoreless innings. He outpitched CC Sabathia, who pitched a six-hitter for his first complete game with the Yankees.

        Edwin Jackson (1-1, 2.77) looks to bounce back from his first loss of the season for Detroit. Jackson posted a 2.14 ERA in his first three outings before giving up six runs over five-plus innings Thursday in a 10-5 road loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

        Pick: Yankees



        Los Angeles Angels at Baltimore Orioles (+110, 10)

        When Joe Saunders pitches against the Baltimore Orioles, the Los Angeles Angels usually do their best to support him.

        Saunders looks to improve to 5-0 in his career against Baltimore when the Angels open a two-game set Tuesday night at Camden Yards.

        This is a bit of a homecoming for Saunders (2-1, 3.51 ERA), who grew up 60 miles away from Baltimore in Springfield, Va. Los Angeles (7-11) has won all of Saunders' five starts versus the Orioles by scoring 35 runs in those games.

        Saunders has a 4.40 career ERA against Baltimore (9-11). He was in line to improve to 5-0 versus the Orioles on Aug. 4 before the bullpen blew a four-run lead in the ninth inning of a 6-5 victory.

        Saunders did not receive a decision for the first time this season Wednesday in a 12-10 loss to Detroit. He lasted five innings, surrendering five runs and seven hits.

        Los Angeles is 1-5 on the road as it begins an eight-game trip. The Angels went 6-3 against the Orioles last season, and have won the season series each of the last five years.

        Baltimore lost three out of four to Texas after a 6-4 defeat Monday. The Orioles have not had a starter last past the fifth inning in their last three games, forcing the bullpen to work 13 2-3 innings in that span.

        The Orioles will give Adam Eaton (1-2, 7.04) his fourth start of the season. After ugly losses in his first two, Eaton may have saved his spot in the rotation Wednesday when he gave up two runs over 7 1-3 innings and struck out nine in a 6-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.

        Pick: Angels

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        Comment


        • #19
          MLB


          Tuesday, April 28

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          Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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          Streaking

          Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros

          Don’t judge Rodriguez by his 1-2 win-loss record. The late-blooming lefty just might be the Astros’ ace.

          Rodriguez is the owner of a sub-2.00 ERA and struck out 10 batters in his second last start. He’s given Houston quality starts in each of his four appearances in 2009 and he’s been an underdog in three of those outings.

          The under is 9-1 in his last 10 starts dating back to last season. He also hasn’t surrendered a big fly in any of his last 10 trips to the mound.

          Aaron Harang, Cincinnati Reds

          Rodriguez’s pitching counterpart on Tuesday has been equally effective for his club. Harang is doing a wonderful job proving to his backers that the 2008 campaign was just an off year for him.

          After finishing with an ERA below 4.00 from 2005-07, Harang went 6-17 with an ERA close to 5.00 last year.

          The powerful righty has been dominant in three of his four starts and he’s only given up one home run in 27 innings pitched. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is a healthy 19-5 and the under has cashed in all four of his starts in 2009.


          Slumping

          Ricky Nolasco, Florida Marlins

          There have been so many positive stories about the Marlins after their 11-1 start that many overlooked the shaky performances from this youngster.

          Nolasco, a fantasy baseball sleeper pick, was expected to be the top gun on Florida’s starting pitching rotation, but he’s failed to live up to expectations.

          He’s yet to deliver a quality start and hasn’t pitched past the sixth inning. The 26-year-old California native is the not-so-proud owner of a 6.86 ERA and opponents are hitting .387 off him.

          He’s still striking out almost a batter per inning and Florida has been favored in each of his four starts.

          Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins

          Liriano hasn’t been as bad as his 0-4 record indicates, but it’s still been a struggle for the former lights-out lefty. He was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 121 innings pitched during his 2006 rookie campaign.

          His debut year was cut short after he injured his arm and had to have Tommy John surgery. Last year was his first back since the surgery and he did show signs of regaining his past form.

          This year, however, has been a bit rockier for the southpaw hurler.

          His earned run average is a swollen 7.06 and his WHIP (walks + hits per inning) is even worse at 1.36.

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          Comment


          • #20
            MLB
            Baseball Today


            SCOREBOARD

            Tuesday, April 28

            Oakland at Texas (8:05 p.m. EDT). Jason Giambi and the light-hitting Athletics, who have a big league-low seven homers, face Josh Hamilton and the slugging Rangers, who lead the majors with 38 home runs.

            STARS

            Monday

            — Jason Bay, Red Sox, hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning off Cleveland’s Kerry Wood to give Boston its 11th straight win, 3-1.

            — Brian Bannister, Royals, gave up one hit over seven innings to lift Kansas City over Toronto 7-1.

            — Carlos Pena, Rays, hit his majors-leading ninth home run and drove in three runs to lead Tampa Bay over Minnesota 7-1.

            — Justin Verlander, Tigers, pitched seven-plus scoreless innings, allowing seven hits and striking out nine in Detroit’s 4-2 win over the New York Yankees.

            — Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez, Phillies, each hit a grand slam, rallying Philadelphia to a wild 13-11 victory over Washington.

            — Dan Haren, Diamondbacks, threw a three-hitter and broke open the game with a two-run double in Arizona’s 7-2 victory over the Cubs.

            — Rickie Weeks, Brewers, broke open a tie game in the eighth inning with a run-scoring fielder’s choice and had a career-high four RBIs, lifting Milwaukee to a 10-5 win over Pittsburgh.

            TABLE SETTER

            Alfonso Soriano led off the Cubs’ game against Arizona by hitting a 1-1 pitch into the front row of the second deck in left field, his 52nd leadoff homer, third all-time behind Rickey Henderson (81) and Craig Biggio (53).

            BELLS RINGING

            Milwaukee fans got to hear AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” for the first time this season when Trevor Hoffman entered in the ninth for his first outing in a Brewers uniform. Hoffman pitched a perfect inning in a non-save situation as Milwaukee beat Pittsburgh 10-5. Hoffman missed the first 17 games of the season because of a strained right oblique. He was activated from the DL on Sunday.

            RUN DEXTER, RUN

            Colorado’s Dexter Fowler tied a modern-day rookie mark with five stolen bases in the Rockies’ 12-7 win over San Diego. The fleet-footed Fowler gave the Padres fits all night, becoming the first rookie to steal that many bases since Damian Jackson on June 28, 1999. That contest also involved Colorado and San Diego.

            BARRY’S BACK

            Barry Bonds received a warm welcome from San Francisco Giants fans in his first appearance at AT&T Park this season. Bonds sat between team CEO William Neukom and president Larry Baer in the front row next to the Giants’ dugout. Baseball’s career home run king with 762, Bonds appeared relaxed as he smiled and waved during a standing ovation following the first inning of the Giants’ 5-4 victory over the Dodgers.

            OUCH

            The Rockies’ 12-7 win over San Diego was halted in the sixth inning when Brad Hawpe was hit in the neck by San Diego catcher Nick Hundley’s throw to second. Hawpe was taken off the field in a cart and then to a hospital with a possible concussion. … Florida’s Hanley Ramirez left the Marlins’ 7-1 loss to the Mets after getting hit by a pitch from John Maine in the first inning. Florida said X-rays were negative.

            SIDELINED

            Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge has inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee that could keep the Phillies’ star closer off the mound for the next few days. Lidge had an MRI exam last week and is day to day. He had two operations on the knee before last season, but hopes to avoid the disabled list.

            SPEAKING

            “This is a very resilient club. I can’t remember ever being a part of a team that could (come back so often), especially late like that, but they were doing that long before I got here. I’m not going to try and figure it out. I’m just going to try and be a part of it.”—Philadelphia outfielder Raul Ibanez after hitting a go-ahead grand slam that rallied the Phillies past Washington 13-11.

            SEASONS

            April 28

            1901—Cleveland pitcher Bock Baker gave up a record 23 singles as the Chicago White Sox beat the Indians 13-1.

            1930—The first night game in organized baseball was played in Independence, Kan. In a Western Association game, Muskogee defeated Independence 13-3.

            1934—Detroit’s Goose Goslin hit into four double plays, but the Tigers still beat Cleveland 4-1.

            1961—Warren Spahn, at the age of 40, no-hit the San Francisco Giants 1-0 at Milwaukee.

            1971—Hank Aaron connected off Gaylord Perry for his 600th career home run in the Atlanta Braves’ 10-inning, 6-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

            1988—The winless Baltimore Orioles set an American League record by losing their 21st straight, falling to the Minnesota Twins 4-2.

            1989—Rickey Henderson of the New York Yankees set a major league record when he led off a game with a home run for the 36th time in his career, breaking a tie with Bobby Bonds.

            1999—Colorado’s Larry Walker hit three home runs and drove in eight runs to lead the Rockies to a 9-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

            Today’s birthdays: David Freese 26; Shawn Hill 28.

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            Comment


            • #21
              NHL
              Dunkel Index



              Carolina at New Jersey
              The Devils look to bounce back after getting blanked (4-0) in Game Six and build on their 8-2 record in their last 10 games following a loss by 3 or more goals. New Jersey is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Devils favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-150). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

              TUESDAY, APRIL 28

              Game 67-68: NY Rangers at Washington
              Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.128; Washington 12.696
              Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
              Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-250); 5
              Dunkel Pick: Washington (-250); Over

              Game 69-70: Carolina at New Jersey
              Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.054; New Jersey 11.757
              Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5 1/2
              Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-150); 5
              Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-150); Over

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              Comment


              • #22
                NHL
                Long Sheet


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                Tuesday, April 28
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                NY RANGERS (46-33-0-9, 101 pts.) at WASHINGTON (53-27-0-8, 114 pts.) - 4/28/2009, 7:05 PM
                Top Trends for this game.
                NY RANGERS are 17-23 ATS (-15.9 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
                NY RANGERS are 7-15 ATS (-10.8 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
                WASHINGTON is 46-29 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
                NY RANGERS are 7-1 ATS (+8.3 Units) in road games in the first round of the playoffs over the last 3 seasons.
                WASHINGTON is 6-13 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.

                Head-to-Head Series History
                NY RANGERS is 9-9 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
                WASHINGTON is 9-9-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
                11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.3 Units)
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                CAROLINA (48-32-0-8, 104 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (54-29-0-5, 113 pts.) - 4/28/2009, 7:35 PM
                Top Trends for this game.
                CAROLINA is 1-9 ATS (-9.2 Units) after shutting out their opponent in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
                NEW JERSEY is 54-34 ATS (+91.3 Units) in all games this season.
                NEW JERSEY is 13-3 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
                CAROLINA is 48-40 ATS (+2.7 Units) in all games this season.
                CAROLINA is 30-20 ATS (+6.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
                CAROLINA is 21-18 ATS (+41.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                CAROLINA is 14-8 ATS (+22.8 Units) 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 10-8 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
                NEW JERSEY is 10-8-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
                10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.5 Units)

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                Comment


                • #23
                  NHL
                  Short Sheet



                  Tuesday, April 28th

                  Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
                  Game Seven
                  Series Tied, 3-3
                  NY Rangers at Washington, 7:05 ET

                  NY Rangers:
                  7-1 SU AWAY in the first round of the playoffs
                  10-2 SU revenging 2 straight losses by 2+ goals

                  Washington:
                  6-13 SU at home in 1st Round of Playoffs
                  2-5 SU when tied in a playoff series

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                  Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
                  Game Seven
                  Series Tied, 3-3
                  Carolina at New Jersey, 7:35 ET

                  Carolina:
                  1-9 SU after shutting out opponent
                  1-7 SU in a road game where where the total is 5 or less

                  New Jersey:
                  15-5 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150
                  29-11 SU as a home favorite

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                  Comment


                  • #24
                    NHL
                    Write-up



                    Tuesday, April 28

                    NHL Playoffs

                    Washington outscored Rangers 9-3 in winning last two games to force a Game 7 in their building; New York has only one even strength goal in last two games. Road team won four of six series games, with under also 4-2. In the three games played in DC, Caps outshot New York 33-13 in first period (three games in NY, they were outshot 33-32). Pressure now equally divided, since Caps were favored, but Rangers led series 3-1.

                    Home team is 4-2 in Carolina-New Jersey series (2-1 in each building); Devils scored one goal in last two games, haven't scored first period goal in last three games. Teams are a combined 4-48 on power play in series. Total of nine goals were scored in three series games in this building, so this figures to be tense struggle, considering two series games went into OT, and a third was won with 0:00.2 left to play.

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                    Comment


                    • #25
                      NHL


                      Tuesday, April 28

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                      Trend Sheet
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                      7:00 PM
                      NY RANGERS vs. WASHINGTON
                      NY Rangers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
                      The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games
                      Washington is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
                      The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

                      7:30 PM
                      CAROLINA vs. NEW JERSEY
                      Carolina is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
                      The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games on the road
                      The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games
                      New Jersey is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games at home

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                      Comment


                      • #26
                        NHL


                        Tuesday, April 28

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                        Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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                        New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (-260, 5)

                        The Rangers are hoping that head coach John Tortorella’s return in Game 7 will help them get back on track. New York was outplayed by the Capitals during the first 40 minutes of Game 6 allowing Washington to take a 5-1 lead after two periods on its way to a 5-3 victory.

                        The Rangers’ biggest problem hasn’t been Sean Avery’s lack of discipline or Tortorella’s antics, but the uneven play of goalie Henrik Lundqvist. After almost single-handedly winning Games 1, 2 and 4, Lundqvist allowed the Capitals to score nine goals on 34 shots in Games 5 and 6 before being benched for the final period of Sunday’s matchup.

                        “Am I concerned [about Lundqvist]? Absolutely, but we’re concerned about our entire team,” assistant-coach Jim Schoenfeld told reporters. “I don’t think the concern about Henrik will last, but the team has to play better in front of him and Henrik has to be better, absolutely.”

                        The Capitals definitely have momentum heading into Game 7. Since replacing netminder Jose Theodore with Simeon Varmalov in Game 2, Washington has outscored the Rangers 14-6 and got contributions from five different players, including three defensemen, in Sunday’s 5-3 win.

                        The Capitals found themselves in the same situation last year when they forced Game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

                        “We were in this situation,” Tom Potti, who earned one goal and three assists in Game 6, said. “We have a bit of experience and we know what we have to do here. We still have to come out and play a perfect game to win the series.”

                        Pick: Capitals



                        Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils (-160, 5)

                        The Carolina Hurricanes avoided elimination Sunday crushing the New Jersey Devils 4-0 and tying the series 3-3.

                        Carolina’s head coach Paul Maurice tweaked the team’s top line putting Chad LaRose and Ray Whitney with Eric Staal. And it seems to have paid off. Staal racked up two goals and an assist while Whitney had a goal and three assists as the Hurricanes peppered Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur with 37 shots.

                        “I do sense that all great players sense the most critical time to play their best,” Maurice said of Staal after Sunday’s game. “That’s why they’re great. They have the ability to elevate their game.”

                        But the Devils have experience on their side. They are 3-1 at home in Game 7s and although they are 5-9 in sixth games where they could have clinched a win, they ended up winning nine of those series.

                        “We have a team built for this,” Brodeur said. “We have a lot of veterans who’ve been around for Game 7s.”

                        Pick: Devils

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