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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:00 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Friday, May 8

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Celtics and Lakers hit the road for Game 3 of their second-round sets, and the Yankees try for a victory in Baltimore.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The second-round series between the Celtics and Magic shifts to Orlando on Friday night for Game 3. Boston cruised to a 112-94 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday night, with Eddie House exploding for 31 points off the bench. Ray Allen added 22 points for the Celtics in the contest, while Rajon Rondo had a triple-double of 15-11-18. Dwight Howard had 12 points and 12 boards in the loss for the Magic, who played without shooting guard Courtney Lee (facial injuries).

The Lakers also tied up their series with the Rockets on Wednesday night, and they'll try to grab a series lead in Houston on Friday. Kobe Bryant poured in 40 points in Los Angeles' 111-98 home win in Game 2, while Pau Gasol picked up 22 points and 14 rebounds. Andrew Bynum was held scoreless in eight minutes off the bench. For the Rockets, Ron Artest led the way with 25 points, Carl Landry contributed 21 points, and Yao Ming had just 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Magic are pegged as a 4.5-point home favorite for Friday, while the Lakers are 1-point road chalk. Orlando and Los Angeles will each be short one player, however, with guards Rafer Alston and Derek Fisher both serving suspensions.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Yankees starter CC Sabathia will be hoping to avoid a third consecutive loss on Friday night when his team opens a series in Baltimore. Lefthander Sabathia (1-3, 4.85 ERA) is coming off back-to-back losses to the Angels and Tigers, allowing eight earned runs in 14 2-3 innings of work. Countering for the Orioles will be righthander Jeremy Guthrie, who is 2-2 with a 5.05 ERA so far this season.

Boston hosts Tampa Bay on Friday, while Seattle is at Minnesota. Rounding out the American League schedule: Texas at the White Sox, Kansas City at the Angels, Toronto at Oakland, and Detroit at Cleveland. Indians starter Cliff Lee has managed to pick up just one victory in six starts this season, with 3.92 ERA.

Over in the National League on Friday it'll be Atlanta at Philadelphia, St. Louis at Cincinnati, Pittsburgh at the Mets, San Diego at Houston, the Cubs at Milwaukee, Florida at Colorado, Washington at Arizona, and San Francisco at the Dodgers. Los Angeles projected starter Chad Billingsley is 5-0 with a 2.21 ERA this season.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Penguins will be looking to tie up their second-round series with the Capitals on Friday night when the teams meet on the ice in Pittsburgh for Game 4 of the set. Kris Letang potted the overtime winner on Wednesday night in the Penguins' 3-2 home win, while Evgeni Malkin and Ruslan Fedotenko scored for Pittsburgh in regulation time. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 21 of 23 Capitals shots in the win. Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom replied in the defeat for Washington.

The other NHL game on tap for Friday night has Boston at Carolina, with the Hurricanes also grabbing a 3-2 overtime win on Wednesday. Eric Staal, Sergei Samsonov, and Jussi Jokinen (in the extra frame) potted goals in the win for the Canes, who now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Cam Ward had 21 saves in the win. The Bruins got goals from Milan Lucic and Mark Recchi in the loss; both had previously been scoreless in the postseason. Tim Thomas made 38 saves.

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:01 AM

Six-pack for Friday

-- Ominous start to Manny-less period for Dodgers, who scored six runs in bottom of first, but then lost 11-9 to the woeful Nationals, LA's first home loss in fourteen games this season.

-- Ramirez is due back July 3, barring any rainouts.

-- Crawford/Longoria hit back/back homers in 9th inning off Rivera, first time Rivera has ever given up back-to-back taters. Tampa Bay beats the Bronx Bombers 8-6, sweeps two-game series.

-- Buehrle retired first 19 Tigers Thursday in 6-0 win; he is already 11th pitcher this year to have a no-hitter through six innings.

-- Arizona fired manager Melvin, despite fact that its star pitcher Webb has been hurt this season. Doesn't seem fair. After Melvin was fired, pitching coach Price resigned.

-- Manny Ramirez' suspension will cost him $7.7M; take 4% of that, and it costs scumweasel agent Scott Boras $308,000. Too bad.

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Friday's List of 13: Our major league baseball List of 13........

13) Giants 14-13-- I like their starting pitching.

12) Mariners 15-14-- Could use some more starting pitching.

11) Tigers 14-13-- Verlander's last two starts have been excellent.

10) Mets 15-13-- Having good week; Santana has been awesome.

9) Rangers 15-13-- Under Nolan Ryan, Rangers have abandoned the pitch count for hurlers-- they remove pitchers by feel for the game.

8) Cubs 16-12-- Looks like Wild Card will come out of NL Central.

7) Phillies 14-12-- Champs' starting pitching just isn't very strong.

6) Brewers 16-13-- Here are 2009 stats for CC Sabathia, Carl Pavano:
Sabathia: 1-3, 4.85...15 BB, 24 K's 39 IP in six starts
Pavvano: 2-3, 6.61....8 BB, 23 K's 31 IP in six starts.

5) Royals 17-11-- Your 2009 AL Manager of the Year, Trey Hillman

4) Red Sox 17-11-- Manny Ramirez' 50-game suspension will cost him $7.7M, and his agent $308,000. He is due back July 3.

3) Dodgers 21-9-- LA led 6-0 after first inning Thursday, then lost to the hideous Nationals, 11-9; they were sub-.500 team last year before they got Ramirez. The next seven weeks will be interesting.

2) Blue Jays 20-11-- Doing great, but haven't played any of the good divisional rivals yet- their pitching is awful thin.

1) Cardinals 19-10-- Ryan Franklin already has nine saves. You can make argument for Dave Duncan as the greatest pitching coach ever.

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:02 AM

Len’s Top Five

Friday, May 8

Len's Top 5

TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for May 8, 2009 from len berman sports.

Quick Hits

Another one bites the dust. Dodgers star Manny Ramirez suspended 50 games for failing a drug test. Then Dodgers lose first home game of season. (11-9 to Washington)

Step right up, see the bearded lady, buy your cotton candy. A-Rod returns tonight in Baltimore. Yankee haters rejoice, they lost their 5th straight last night (8-6 to Tampa Bay) as Mariano Rivera yields back to back homers for the first time in his career.

Tiger Woods trails Ben Crane by 6 shots after the first round of the Player's Championship.

Dom DiMaggio passed away at the age of 92. Joe's little brother played for the Red Sox. I got to meet him... good guy.

2. When Will it End?

Baseball took another swift kick in the groin yesterday. Manny Ramirez says he had a ************ from a doctor. When you're caught cheating there's always a story. So Mets fans, how do you feel now about the Mets not going after Manny? And one more thing. It's no longer "Manny being Manny." It's "Manny taking many."

3. Say What?

The two newest and biggest cheaters have just been outed. A-Rod and Manny. Both are represented by super-agent Scott Boras. Here's what Boras told Playboy about the Hall of Fame. "The Hall of Fame is for players who distinguished themselves in their day. Each era has distinctive features - from equipment and rules to pharmacology, surgical advancements, labor agreements, federal and state laws – that impact performance." Are you kidding me? There are many different eras, but only one involved cheating! Equating the deadball era to the deadbeat era is insulting the fan's intelligence.

4. Friday Mailbag

Reader M.L. sounds resigned to it all. "I believe that A-rod will be a daily (news) occurrence for the near future. Competition for the swine flu."
Editor's Note: Maybe wacky Joe Biden will have something to say about A-Rod too?

R.P. says: "They should fire (Yankee President) Randy Levine for signing off on this pricing structure (seats for New Yankee Stadium.) Never heard the stadium so quiet in this run. Ludicrous!!"
Editor's note: If they keep losing, it'll sound like a library.

J.G. wasn't pleased with Serena Williams' crassness proclaiming herself the "real #1 in tennis." She said: "Arthur Ashe, Lou Gehrig and Jackie Robinson, we hardly knew ye."
Editor's Note: Amen. And if it makes you feel any better, after her ego explosion in Rome, she promptly lost her first round match.

J.C. is a tad cynical about Brett Favre's latest "comeback." He writes: "Well if Brett signs with the Vikes that will leave only 29 teams left for him to play a 'final' season. I believe he will complete his farewell "retirement" tour by the time he's about 69 years old.
Editor's Note: You get "email of the week," J.C.

5. Genius of the Week

A pilot in Washington state crashed his small plane into a bunch of Port-O-Potties. And Nobody got hurt! But talk about a shitty landing.

Today's Birthday: Mets pitcher John Maine. 28.
Bonus Birthday: Mr. Warmth himself, Don Rickles 83

Today in Sports: The baby is named. The new National League team inNew York City will be called The Mets. (They were never called the Metropolitans.) 1961.
Bonus Event: The fastest broad on earth. Regret becomes the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby. (Only 3 have won it in 135 years.) 1915.

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:02 AM

NBA
Dunkel Index

Boston at Orlando
The Celtics are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as an underdog, while the Magic are just 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games as a home favorite between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Boston is the underdog pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Orlando favored by only 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

FRIDAY, MAY 8

Game 717-718: Boston at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 120.308; Orlando 123.815
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 189
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+4 1/2); Over

Game 719-720: LA Lakers at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 125.973; Houston 128.367
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+1 1/2); Under

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:03 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

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Friday, May 8
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BOSTON (67 - 24) at ORLANDO (64 - 26) - 5/8/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 53-37 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 76-54 ATS (+16.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 51-37 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 44-20 ATS (+22.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 29-10 ATS (+18.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 114-83 ATS (+22.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 57-39 ATS (+14.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) on Friday nights this season.
BOSTON is 53-35 ATS (+14.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-42 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-6 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-5 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (70 - 19) at HOUSTON (58 - 32) - 5/8/2009, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 52-39 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 102-87 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games against Southwest division opponents this season.
LA LAKERS are 47-30 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 62-97 ATS (-44.7 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 9-4 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 8-5 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:03 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, May 8th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round Two
Game Three
Series Tied, 1-1
Boston at Orlando, 8:05 ET

Boston:
15-4 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
12-2 ATS off a home win scoring 110+

Orlando:
14-5 UNDER after BB games
13-5 UNDER after playing a game as an underdog

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Western Conference Playoffs - Round Two
Game Three
Series Tied, 1-1
LA Lakers at Houston, 10:35 ET

LA Lakers:
26-15 ATS AWAY after one or more consecutive overs
8-1 ATS AWAY against Southwest division opponents

Houston:
13-23 ATS when the total is between 190 and 199.5
7-16 ATS if road underdog last game

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:04 AM

NBA
Write-up

Friday, May 8

NBA playoffs

Magic better get Lee (head injuries) back here, because Alston is out for this game (suspension) and Redick gets exposed if he plays too long in stretches-- how else to explain Eddie House scoring 31 points in 27:25 on court in Game 2? Celtics made 51.2% from the floor in Game 2, after a 38.5% shooting night in opener- they had 36 points at half in Game 1, 61 at half in Game 2. Bigger game for Orlando than the Celtics.

Houston is 1-5 against Lakers this season; they held Bryant to 14-31 in Game 1 win, bu the had 40 in Game 2 (16-27) and he got away with the elbow to Artest's throat that got Artest a technical foul. Someone needs to tell Houston guards Yao Ming, the big Chinese dude, is on their team- he was 3-4 from floor in Game 2. The 7-4 guys are supposed to take lot more shots, espcially when they have skills. Lakers are just 8-35 beyond arc in this series. Derek Fisher is suspended for this game.

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:04 AM

NBA

Friday, May 8

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. ORLANDO
Boston is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Orlando is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Boston

9:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. HOUSTON
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Houston
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Houston
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:05 AM

NBA

Friday, May 8

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Tips and Trends
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Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets [ESPN | 9:35 PM ET]

Lakers (-1, O/U 194): The NBA suspended Derek Fisher for Game 3 after he decked Luis Scola with a shoulder block as the Rockets forward set a pick in Game 2. "They're going to be physical, we're going to have to meet that," coach Phil Jackson said. "I don't think we have to retaliate, but we certainly have to be able to contest." "I think it's good for us," Kobe Bryant said. "It elevates our play, it makes the game extremely emotional and kind of raises it to a fever pitch, which brings out the best in a lot of players." The Lakers compiled the league's best road record (29-12) this season, including two wins in Houston.

The Lakers are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Houston.
The Under is 8-1 in the Lakers' last 9 games as a road favorite.

Key Injuries - G Derek Fisher (suspension) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Rockets: Shane Battier, who has guarded Kobe Bryant for most of the series, expects both teams to tone down the unnecessary roughness, because the referees will try to take immediate control. "They'll call a tight game, a lot tighter game than we've seen to this point," Battier said. Coach Rick Adelman said, "We were really stagnant (Wednesday), we stood a lot. We're turning the ball over because they're very aggressive. They're one of the best teams at guarding isolations, guarding post-ups. We have to get them out of their comfort level defensively." Houston went 33-8 at home during the regular season.

The Under is 5-0 in the Rockets' last 5 home games.

Key Injuries - G Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT for the season.

PROJECTED SCORE: 94

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:05 AM

NBA

Friday, May 8

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic (-4.5, 189)

With Rafer Alston suspended and Jameer Nelson already injured, the Orlando Magic are running out of point guards.

The NBA suspended Alston one game Thursday for slapping Eddie House in the back of the head, leaving the team in the hands of 34-year-old Anthony Johnson and seldom-used Tyronn Lue for Friday's Game 3 against the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Alston contended afterward that House goaded him into the play. A Magic spokesman said Alston was not planning to comment until Friday's morning shootaround.

Physical play has frustrated the Magic throughout the playoffs and ballooned into a series of foolish retaliations, a formula the Celtics look to continue as the series shifts to Orlando tied.

Dwight Howard lost his cool and elbowed Samuel Dalembert in the head to draw a suspension for Game 6 of their first-round series against Philadelphia - but Orlando still managed to win. Hedo Turkoglu was ejected in Game 6 for an incident with Dalembert, and the usually calm J.J. Redick was tossed Wednesday against Boston for arguing with officials after he fouled out.

''It is not an easy thing to raise your intensity level and keep your composure and emotions under control,'' Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. ''But it is going to take both of those for us to win this series.''

Orlando has been without Nelson since February when the All-Star suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Lue will likely backup Johnson and the Magic will need them to play well after being dominated by Boston's Rajon Rondo in Game 2.

Starting shooting guard Courtney Lee is still questionable. The Magic's stellar rookie missed the first two games recovering from a fractured sinus. He began practicing with a mask on Wednesday, but his playing status remains uncertain.

Pick: Celtics: +4.5

Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets (+1, 195)

So what's in store for Game 3?

Shane Battier, who has guarded Bryant for most of the series, expects both teams to tone down the unnecessary roughness, because the referees will try to take immediate control.

''They'll call a tight game, a lot tighter game than we've seen to this point,'' Battier said.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson isn't so sure the shoving will stop.

''They're going to be physical, we're going to have to meet that,'' Jackson said. ''I don't think we have to retaliate, but we certainly have to be able to contest.''

Bryant, who scored 40 points in Game 2, said the Lakers are benefiting from the series' ruggedness so far.

''I think it's good for us,'' Bryant said. ''It elevates our play, it makes the game extremely emotional and kind of raises it to a fever pitch, which brings out the best in a lot of players.''

Artest said the Lakers want to prove they can handle physical play after losing to Boston in last year's finals.

''They don't want that to happen again,'' Artest said. ''Last year, that was the word on the street, that they got punked by the Celtics. This year, they came out tough, so I kind of respect them.''

Amid the confrontations in Game 2, Pau Gasol had 22 points and 14 rebounds and Lamar Odom added 11 rebounds, starting in place of struggling Andrew Bynum. The two helped hold Yao Ming to 12 points after Houston's leading scorer had 28 in the series opener.

Houston committed 19 turnovers which Los Angeles turned into 23 points, one of Adelman's main concerns heading into Game 3.

''We were really stagnant (Wednesday), we stood a lot,'' Adelman said. ''We're turning the ball over because they're very aggressive. They're one of the best teams at guarding isolations, guarding post-ups. We have to get them out of their comfort level defensively.''

The Rockets, who took home-court advantage in the series with their Game 1 victory, went 33-8 at home during the regular season. But the Lakers compiled the league's best road record (29-12), including two wins in Houston, so the Lakers are downplaying any edge the Rockets may have stolen.

Pick: Los Angeles -1

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:06 AM

NHL
Dunkel Index

Boston at Carolina
The Bruins need a win to get back to even in the series and look to build on their 20-6 record in their last 26 games as a road favorite. Boston is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Bruins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

FRIDAY, MAY 8

Game 29-30: Washington at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.475; Pittsburgh 13.482
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-170); Under

Game 31-32: Boston at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 12.852; Carolina 11.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Over

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:06 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

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Friday, May 8
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WASHINGTON (56-27-0-9, 121 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (50-32-0-9, 109 pts.) - 5/8/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 33-11 ATS (+19.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 72-46 ATS (-1.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 20-12 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-7 ATS (+12.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 25-15 ATS (+6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 9-6 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 9-6-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.4 Units)

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BOSTON (58-19-0-12, 128 pts.) at CAROLINA (51-33-0-8, 110 pts.) - 5/8/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 51-41 ATS (-10.2 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 33-21 ATS (+2.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 24-19 ATS (+24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CAROLINA is 17-9 ATS (+27.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 8-7 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 8-7-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.6 Units)

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:07 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Friday, May 8th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Semifinals
Game Four
Washington Leads, 2-1
Washington at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET

Washington:
24-7 SU revenging a loss
61-41 SU when playing their 3rd game in 5 days

Pittsburgh:
1-8 SU at home in the 4th game of a playoff series
4-6 SU when trailing in a playoff series

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Eastern Conference Playoffs - Semifinals
Game Four
Carolina Leads, 2-1
Boston at Carolina, 7:35 ET

Boston:
1-5 SU AWAY when the total is 5 or less
37-46 SU revenging a same season loss

Carolina:
29-16 SU at home
10-3 SU on Friday nights

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**pm530** · 05-08-2009, 11:07 AM

NHL
Write-up

Friday, May 8

NHL Playoffs

Pittsburgh won Game 3 in OT to keep this series interesting; they lost five of seven to Washington this year, after being 10-2 in previous three years against the Caps; Penguins are 3-12 on power play last two games, after being 0-17 before that; they outshot Washington 26-10 in 2nd/3rd periods in Game 3. Home side has now won all three series games. Over is 7-2-1 in last ten series games.

Bruins got outshot 41-23 here in Game 3; after winning first five playoff games this spring, Boston needs win here to avoid being in 3-1 hole. B's scored 3rd period goal Wednesday on only four shots to force OT, but they lost, Carolina's third win in four home playoff games. Bruins 0-9 on power play in series; Hurricanes are 1-5, but they've outshot Boston in first period in all three games, an indicator they taking play to favorites.

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Announcement

Friday Trends and Indexes 5/8 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Friday Trends and Indexes 5/8 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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