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**StarDust Bum** · 04-14-2010, 08:01 AM

NHL Playoff Betting Preview – Eastern Conference

Normally, there would be a great deal of clamor about a young, though veteran squad that was seeking a second straight Stanley Cup and third consecutive appearance in the finals. However, all is quiet about Pittsburgh on the Eastern Conference front with the season Washington had. The Capitals are the most dominating offensive team in hockey, as they scored 96 more goals than No. 2 seed New Jersey (allowed 42 more) and the second best scoring team was Vancouver, who was a distant 46 goals behind. If defense wins championships, then Washington is the wrong choice in a conference with only three teams with legit chance to play for Stanley Cup. All lines courtesy of Bookmaker.com.

(1) Washington vs (8) Montreal

How good has Washington been? The Caps are first team in four years to ring up 300 or more goals and have seven snipers that but the puck over the line 20 or more times. Alex Ovechkin is arguably the most dominating offensive player in the game and Mike Green led all NHL defenseman in points. Washington was 30-11 at home, but six of those losses came in overtime. Rejuvenated Jose Theodore has been nearly unbeatable for three months, as his only three losses in 23 starts have come after three periods of play (20-0-3).

Sure Montreal comes in as the eighth seed, performing worse than Kate Gosselin on DWTS with three wins in last 11 outings, but those sweaters are still Le Bleu-Blanc-et-Rouge. The Canadiens might have an edge in speed in their offensive end, but they look like pip-squeaks compared the Washington blue-liners. That would leave Jaroslav Halak to have to stand on his head in net against Capitals onslaught.

These teams split four games, each winning on the other’s frozen pond, but Washington is the top overall choice to win the Cup at +275 and should sweep if focused and win in five if not, being better in all areas against Les Habitants.

Pick- Washington (-565) in four over Montreal (+465)

(2) New Jersey vs (7) Philadelphia

Typically, the second seed would be thrilled their first round opponent had to fight until the 82nd game to make the postseason tournament, however that is not the case with New Jersey. The Devils had a devil of a time, losing five of six times to Philadelphia. New Jersey plays defensive-style, conceding the fewest goals at 2.3 per contest with the remarkable Martin Broduer in front of the cage. Offensively, the Devils are not imposing beyond Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk and they enter the playoffs 22-8 having won three of previous four.

The Flyers are better than what they showed losing eight of 12 (they did win three of final four to sneak in) to gain entry into the playoffs. Philadelphia has components that could lead to upset. Philly is ranked third in the league in power play conversion at 21.5 percent and a respectable 11th on penalty kills. It’s not a coincidence the ’06 Edmonton squad and ’07 Anaheim club were in the finals with Chris Pronger manning the blue line, as he always elevates his play in the postseason. The wild card is third string goalie Brian Boucher, whose been forced to play with others injured. He helped the Flyers make the playoffs, can he lead the upset?

If Philadelphia can light the lamp on man-advantages and curtail New Jersey’s chances, an upset is in the making.

Pick- Philadelphia (+195) in seven over New Jersey (-235)
(3) Buffalo vs (6) Boston

Two teams from the old Adams Division (circa 1974-93) will chase the puck in the third of three first round division matchups. Both Buffalo and Boston had surprising seasons, the Sabres for winning the division with relative ease and the Bruins for scuffling just to make the playoffs after having the most points in the East last season. Watch the total in Buffalo, as these clubs are 8-1 UNDER.

The series is about finding bodies that can produce on the ice. Buffalo has players at less than 100 percent like Tim Connolly, Jochen Hecht and Drew Stafford, which means goalie extraordinaire Ryan Miller will play a key role in Buffalo advancement. If Miller can almost singlehandedly take the USA to Olympic gold, he can certainly contain Boston’s feeble attack. The Sabres split four contests with division partner.

Boston has a number of players out and it’s hard to comprehend a team could be in playoffs after finishing 30th in goals scored, nonetheless, here the Bruins are. Boston suffered a 10-game losing streak from the middle of January into February. They had a stretch of scoring more than three goals once in 19 contests, yet managed to win six of last nine games (all losses by one goal). Coach Claude Julien had to do the unthinkable, turn his team’s fortunes over to 22-year-old Tuukka Rask between the pipes. Though Rask was named starter just 39 times, he led the NHL in both goals-against average and save percentage.

Pick- Boston (+145) in six over Buffalo (-165)
(4) Pittsburgh vs (5) Ottawa

Whether it’s an 8 vs. 9 in the NCAA basketball tournament or 4 vs. 5 in the NBA or hockey playoffs, the presumption is a tight game or series is the forecast. This however is not the case in this Eastern confrontation. The talented Penguins waddled thru the regular season and flip the switch in mid-April. After losing to Detroit in 2008 Finals, Pittsburgh was less than inspired the next season finishing fourth, the very same position they are in presently, on the way to being champions.

Pittsburgh has Sid Crosby and the defending NHL scoring champ Evgeni Malkin, who was hampered by injuries most of the season. He played in 66 games, but was a factor in maybe half and had an off year. Though Pitt’s often dynamic duo will receive light criticism for indifference during the regular season, no player is more emblematic of his team than enigmatic Marc-Andre Fleury. He’s a latter day Grant Fuhr of the Edmonton glory days with Wayne Gretzky and the gang.

Ottawa is more unstable than some of the people that sit with Dr. Phil. The Senators had 11-game winning streak right before Valentine’s Day and a six-game stretch without a defeat afterwards. Throw those in the blender with a four and two 5-game losing streaks and it’s easy to decipher Ottawa as having multiple personalities for extended periods. A bit of research dug up these facts about the Senators that are very telling about their mental makeup. Ottawa is 21-4 SU when leading after first 20 minutes and is 4-24 SU when trailing.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-14-2010, 08:02 AM

NHL Playoff Betting Preview – Western Conference

The best part of the NHL season has arrived, the Stanley Cup chase. Eight teams from each conference all believing they are the team of destiny. The opening round is often treacherous territory as 12 lower seeds have won the last four years and three other went to a game seven, as the higher seed used its home ice edge to conquer opponent. Goaltending is such a huge part of the Stanley Cup dynamic and five of the seven regular starting netminders in the Western Conference have no previous postseason experience, which will just add to the craziness. All lines courtesy of Bookmaker.com.

(1) San Jose vs (8) Colorado

The West has five legitimate teams capable skill-wise of making the Stanley Cup Finals and the top one at least from talent standpoint is San Jose. The Sharks have five 20-goal scorers, but are more thought of as lion from the Wizard of Oz, lacking courage at crunch time. Among the reasons is San Jose’s inability to outwork the opposition in April and May (let alone June) as past playoffs have shown and though Evgeni Nabokov is among the Top 10 goalies in the game, he is 32-31 in the postseason and did nothing to enhance is status with disappointing Olympic performance.

Youth was served in Colorado this season as remade roster was coached by first year coach Joe Sacco. The grind of a long season appeared to wear down the young Avs players, losing 10 of final 13 contests. Their top point producers were mostly first year players like Matt Duchene. Goalie Craig Anderson was 10-4 SU in October, but he too saw his play slip, after facing the most shots of any netminder in the NHL.

San Jose is the third choice to be Stanley Cup champions at +390 and have to take advantage of Colorado’s penalty-killing that has surrendered 15 goals in previous 14 games. San Jose is 5-1 on home ice against the Avalanche and 8-4 in the last three years. If the Sharks are truly hungry as they claim, they dominate Avs at home and at worst split in the Rockies.

Pick- San Jose (-400) in five over Colorado (+330)

(2) Chicago vs (7) Nashville

The Blackhawks are actually the top betting choice to be in Cup Finals; however they will have to navigate a potentially treacherous opponent in Nashville. This will be the last series to commence, starting on Friday and the Predators have blue-line talent like Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. They also have netminder who can turn into stone wall in Pekka Rinne, whose had personal win streaks of four or more games three times to go along with seven shutouts. Nashville is offensively challenged but coach Barry Trotz rings out every bit of talent out of this frugal franchise.

Chicago has splendid offensive players like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith and is stellar as possessing the puck to keep the pressure on opposing defenses. The Blackhawks will look to keep this advantage and force Nashville mistakes, which could prove fatal with the Preds 28th in penalty kills. Chicago’s question mark is between the pipes with Finnish rookie Antti Niemi. The 26-year old has been the nearly impregnable, handing out seven zeroes in only 38 starts and is riding six-game winning streak. How long can it last?

Chicago won four of six, but these Central Division rivals couldn’t be any less familiar with one another, having not met in 2010. These teams only averaged 4.5 goals a game in their meetings, thus the Under and Chicago looks like the best bet.

Pick- Chicago (-410) in five over Nashville (+340)
(3) Vancouver vs (6) Los Angeles

Unlike the 4 vs.5 matchup, Vancouver and Los Angeles will play in the same time zone for the duration of their series, playing every other day. The Canucks organization (to sound Canadien, pronounce it organ-EYE-zation) thinks of itself more than just a fringe player out West. They see themselves as real contenders with NHL's point’s leader Henrik Sedin leading a deep, balanced offense that can apply continual pressure. In net, Robert Luongo is regarded as one of the best keepers in the game, but can melt down like an ice cream cone on a warm summer’s day, leaving a mess. The Canucks were 30-11 on home ice, but face an under the radar Kings club that could be troublesome.

Though Los Angeles is a sixth seed compared Vancouver at No. 3, they only finished two points behind the Canucks in final standings and reached the 100-point total for the first time in 19 long years. The Kings have quality youngsters like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty and have no real expectations, thus can perform pressure-free compared to Vancouver. The Kings stay in the post-season will correspond with the play of goalie Jonathan Quick. The 24-year old was having brilliant campaign, but lost his final eight starts.

L.A. was 24-17 SU on the road, but lost both contests at Vancouver scoring a total of two goals. They will need Quick to be extra quick and score early to make Canucks breathe with greater uncertainty. This could go the distance with upset potential.

Pick- Vancouver (-240) in seven over Los Angeles (+200)
(4) Phoenix vs (5) Detroit

Without a doubt the most compelling first round matchup of all. Phoenix was the most engaging story in hockey all year. A franchise owned by the league trying to find an owner to keep it in the desert, bringing in a coach just days before the start of the regular season, yet miraculously the Coyotes ended up with the 50 wins (fourth best) and are in the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Coach Dave Babcock is a back of the net choice for coach of the year and netminder Ilya Bryzgalov is a legitimate candidate for the Hart (best player) and Vezina (top goalie) trophies this year. Phoenix is the only higher seed not to be favored in a series and realistically for good reason.

It was not that long along Detroit was fighting just to earn the final spot in the West to make the postseason. However, the Red Wings got healthier week by week after the Olympic break and are on serious roll at 17-3-2. They Red Wings have the players known for high-level performances this time of year. Detroit will look to play keep away with the puck to slow down defensive-minded Phoenix and don’t have to fear the ‘Yotes prowess in shootouts (14 of the Coyotes wins came by this method) since regular overtime will decide winners.

These teams split four conflicts and if Phoenix wants to go beyond Cinderella fairy-tale dressed up as dogs, no better team to prove it against. Red Wings rookie goaltender Jimmy Howard has NO experience this time of the year; however Bryzgalov has just 16 playoff games under his sweater. Coyotes have to stay out of the penalty box and play their game to continue dream season.

Pick- Detroit (-185) in six over Phoenix (+165)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-14-2010, 08:03 AM

Wednesday Wagers

After a limited card on Monday and Tuesday, gamblers get back to a full slate of MLB games on Wednesday, including six games in the afternoon. Let’s take a look at a pair of key matchups before touching on a few other points regarding the rest of the card.

Angels at Yankees**

--After raising their first World Series banner at the new stadium, the Yankees went out and beat the Angels by a 7-5 count Tuesday in a business man’s special. They hooked up their backers as minus-200 favorites, with the 12 combined runs soaring ‘over’ the 10-run total.

--Los Angeles (2-6, -573) is all alone in the cellar of the American League West, 3 ½ games back of the division-leading A’s. The Angels have only played one road game, yesterday’s loss in the Bronx.

--New York (5-2, +349) is in second place in the AL East, one-half game behind the loop-leading Blue Jays. Joe Girardi will give the ball to Javier Vasquez, who got absolutely shelled in his first outing of the year. The veteran righty gave up eight earned runs in just 5 2/3 innings of work.

--Vasquez (0-1, 12.71 ERA) has made four career starts against the Halos, going 0-1 with a 2.89 ERA.

--Joel Pineiro (0-1, 4.50) owns a 2-3 record and 3.43 ERA in eight lifetime assignments against the Yankees. The righty’s debut with the Angels didn’t go as scripted, as he gave up three earned runs in six-plus innings of a 10-1 loss to the Twins.

--The ‘over’ is 6-1 overall for the Yanks, 1-0 in their home games. As for the Angels, they have watched the ‘over’ go 4-3-1.

--As of early this morning, most books were listing the Bronx Bombers as minus-210 favorites with a total of 10 ‘under’ (minus-115). Gamblers can pass on the expensive straight price and go the run-line route (minus 1 ½ runs) for a minus-110 price.

**Braves at Padres**

--Atlanta (3-4, -199) continues its West-coast road swing tonight in the second game of this three-game set in Southern California. The Braves got pounded by a 17-2 count Monday before both teams took yesterday off. They are currently tied for third place in the NL East with the Nationals, three games off the pace being set by Philadelphia.

--Bobby Cox will give the starting nod to Tommy Hanson (0-1, 3.38) in this spot. The right-hander pitched well in a 2-0 loss to the Cubs, giving up four hits and a pair of solo homers. Hanson is now 11-5 with a 2.91 career ERA in 22 career starts. He won his only start against the Padres last season, giving up two earned runs in six innings of work.

--San Diego (3-4, -3) is in a last-place tie with the Dodgers in the NL West, 2 ½ games back of division-leading San Francisco. The Padres lost two of three at Arizona and at Colorado before clubbing Atlanta in the series opener.

--Clayton Richard (0-1, 3.86) took the loss against the Rockies in his season debut, but he worked seven innings and gave up just three earned runs. The lefty didn’t fare well in his lone career start against the Braves, surrendering six runs and nine hits in merely 2 1/3 innings of work.

--After coming to San Diego from the White Sox in a late-season trade last year, Richard went 4-0 with a 2.00 ERA in six home starts at Petco Park.

--As of early this morning, most books had the Braves favored at minus-140 odds. They were plus-120 on the run line (risk $100 to win $120). The total was seven ‘over’ (minus-115).

--The ‘under’ is 5-2 overall for the Padres, while the ‘over’ is 4-2-1 overall for the Braves.

--Atlanta scored 16 runs in its season-opening blowout win over the Cubs, but the Braves have scored just 19 combined runs in the six games since then. They have hit just six homers as a team with three of those coming from rookie sensation Jason Heyward.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Kansas City RHP Kyle Davies will get the ball today against Detroit at 1:05 p.m. Eastern. The right-hander has an abysmal 1-6 record and 5.61 ERA in eight career starts against the Tigers.

--Rays LHP David Price owns a 2-0 record and 3.12 ERA in three starts against tonight’s foe, Baltimore. Tampa Bay will face the Orioles at 1:35 p.m. Eastern. Joe Maddon’s squad is a minus-140 road ‘chalk.’

--The ‘over’ is an MLB-best 7-1 for both the Marlins and Pirates.

--The ‘under’ is an MLB-best 5-1-1 for the Indians.

**Spark** · 04-14-2010, 09:25 AM

Good Luck Bum

**StarDust Bum** · 04-14-2010, 07:02 PM

Evening MLB Picks :

Texas - 7:05 PM ET Texas +103 500
Cleveland - Under 8.5 500

Washington - 7:05 PM ET Washington +165 500 ( DOG )
Philadelphia - Over 10 500

Chi. White Sox - 7:07 PM ET Toronto +113 500 ( DOG )
Toronto - Under 8 500

Cincinnati - 7:10 PM ET Florida -134 500
Florida - Under 9 500

NY Mets - 8:40 PM ET NY Mets +169 500
Colorado - Under 9.5 500

Atlanta - 10:05 PM ET Atlanta -130 500
San Diego - Under 7 500 ( TOTAL )

Oakland - 10:10 PM ET Oakland -103 500
Seattle - Under 7.5 500 ( TOTAL )

Arizona - 10:10 PM ET Arizona +165 500
LA Dodgers - Under 8 500

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Wednesday, April 14Game Score Status Pick Amount

Cleveland - 8:00 PM ET Cleveland +4.5 500
Atlanta - Over 195 500

Milwaukee - 8:00 PM ET Boston +2.5 500
Boston - Under 190 500

Chicago - 8:00 PM ET Charlotte +1.5 500 ( POD )
Charlotte - Over 188.5 500

San Antonio - 8:00 PM ET Dallas -6 500
Dallas - Under 197.5 500

New Orleans - 8:00 PM ET Houston -7 500 ( POD )
Houston - Over 216 500

New Jersey - 8:00 PM ET Miami -5.5 500 ( POD )
Miami - Under 190 500

Detroit - 8:00 PM ET Detroit +2.5 500
Minnesota - Under 207.5 500

Memphis - 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City -7 500
Oklahoma City - Under 209 500

Philadelphia - 8:00 PM ET Orlando -11 500
Orlando - Over 207.5 500

New York - 8:00 PM ET New York +7.5 500
Toronto - Over 219 500 ( TOTAL )

Indiana - 8:00 PM ET Indiana -2 500 ( POD )
Washington - Over 213.5 500

L.A. Lakers - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers +6.5 500
L.A. Clippers - Under 194 500

Golden State - 10:30 PM ET Golden State +10 500
Portland - Over 213.5 500

Phoenix - 10:30 PM ET Phoenix +6 500 ( POD )
Utah - Under 217.5 500

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Wednesday, April 14Game Score Status Pick Amount

Ottawa - 7:00 PM ET Ottawa +182 500
Pittsburgh - Over 5.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:30 PM ET New Jersey -184 500
New Jersey - Under 5 500 ( NHL TOTAL )

Detroit - 10:00 PM ET Phoenix +106 500
Phoenix - Under 5 500

Colorado - 10:30 PM ET Colorado +198 500 ( NHL DOG )
San Jose - Under 5.5 500

Good Luck Gang !

**StarDust Bum** · 04-14-2010, 07:03 PM

Meaningful NBA betting choices

It’s the final day of the NBA regular season and rarely have so many questions been left up in the air to be determined. The specific fate of no less than nine teams has to be figured out before the playoffs begin, with eight of them moving on. Here is one-by-one game outlook at the various possibilities sports bettors have to consider.

New York at Toronto 8:00E MSG

Toronto ( 39-42) came with clutch effort at Detroit and needs to defeat New York at home and hope Chicago fails on the road to ensure third invitation to the playoffs in four years. The Raptors are fighting for bid without its best player Chris Bosh and are eight-point favorites according to Sportsbook.com. Though Toronto needs the win, they are far from a safe bet with 4-12 ATS record at home in the second half of the season.

Chicago at Charlotte 8:00E

While V.P. of basketball operations John Paxson and coach Vinny Del Negro decide whether to use eight ounce or 16 ounce gloves in their rematch, the Chicago Bulls players have to win to get in the Eastern Conference postseason party. Bulls’ players have battled like Chicago management, winning nine of last 14 to be in this position and can close the deal with a victory. The Bulls (40-41) are 9-1 ATS in road games when playing against a marginal winning team like Charlotte (win percentage of 51% to 60%) this season. The Bobcats are already locked in to playing Orlando starting this weekend, but coach Larry Brown has vowed not to sit players because it wouldn’t be right and what the much-traveled Mr. Brown says can always be trusted (?).

Milwaukee at Boston 8:00E

The Bucks have found out about life without center Andrew Bogut the last two games and it is not pretty. Milwaukee has been easily defeated by Atlanta and Boston on their home floor and it doesn’t appear to be a coincidence the Bucks have shot under 40 percent in three of five games since the Aussie went on the injured list. Milwaukee can move up to fifth position with win over Celtics and Miami loss, but that would mean four more games with Boston. For tonight, the Bucks are 19-7 following a SU loss and are one-point underdogs.

New Jersey at Miami 8:00E YES

The Heat have been en fuego, winners of 11 of last 12 (7-4-1 ATS) and can wrap the No. 5 slot in the East with a triumph over non-combative New Jersey. Miami has made their own way since on March 1 they were in ninth place in the East, but 17-4 record has them poised to face bumbling Boston this upcoming weekend with a win, for club brimming with confidence. Miami is favored by 10 and is 8-2 ATS against opponent that surrendered 100 or more points in previous outing.
San Antonio at Dallas 8:00E

The Mavericks have won the Southwest Division and have one more bit of business left to complete. If Dallas is victorious over San Antonio, they capture the second seed in the West. A loss and Utah win drops them to third, which doesn’t sound like much, unless they would have to face the Jazz later in the playoffs. A Spurs loss would have them settle into seventh slot, which would place them right back in Dallas this weekend for first round of the postseason. The Spurs can avoid such a matchup with win and Portland loss, moving them to No. 6. The Spurs are 10-4 ATS in last 14 outings and are 7.5-point underdogs.

Phoenix at Utah 10:30E ESPN

This is the lone straight forward conflict that will have both teams deciding fate in head to head battle. This contest is particularly important to Utah, since a victory means they win Northwest Division title, have third seed (at least) and open up at EnergySolutions Arena, where they are 32-8 and 26-12-2 ATS and domineering 20-2 (14-6-2 ATS) since Jan.6. A loss gives idle Denver the division crown and the Jazz fall to fifth place in the conference, which eliminates home court advantage. The Suns are blazing on 12-2 run (9-4-1 ATS) and locked up home court for first round with demolition of Denver last night. A win gives them third overall and means they wouldn’t face the Lakers until the conference finals should both teams advance that far. Almost forgot, a Utah win and Dallas loss has the Jazz really ending on a high note, moving to second seed with tiebreaker in their favor.

Golden State at Portland 10:30E

The Trail Blazers control their fate with a win over Golden State, wrapping up the sixth seed. That would be terrific, but Portland has potentially more pressing problems with guard Brandon Roy suffering torn meniscus in his knee, making his availability an issue going forward. Portland is a nine-point favorite with total of 215. The higher total should work to Blazers advantage as they are 17-6 ATS when they score 105 or more points this season. An upset loss to the Warriors and Spurs win drops Portland down a notch to seventh.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-14-2010, 11:35 PM

How bout those Ottawa Senators....have to watch out for the NHL Roadies.......

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The Bums Wednesday's MLB-NBA-NHL Best Bets !

The Bums Wednesday's MLB-NBA-NHL Best Bets !

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