Tommy Gold NHL 2009/2010 Playoffs Picks

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (22-32-3, -6.74u) 2010.05.11 only pick:

Chicago Blackhawks @ Vancouver Canucks

As we saw in the last game, The Canucks didn't had any problems about leading with pressure. They are since the last game in that bad position of "win or go home". However, the fact is that they were able to lead with it, and get a comfortable win in Chicago to at least delay their elimination. Now, they will play at home, and have the chance to tie the series and take this to game 7.

There is no doubt that is what everyone expects, as NHL fan. In Vancouver, everyone expects to see their team to get a win today, even if they get elimination, it's the only way to keep their hopes alive and even if they get eliminated, ending the home games with a win.

The Blackhawks have been great in their offense this series, particularly in their power plays, that have been the key for both of the wins they achieved at Vancouver. They scored 2 PP goals in the first game at Vancouver and 4 powerplay goals in the second game. Both games were the kind of games that everyone likes to see, 5-2 in the first one and 7-4 in the second one.

Despite being in the lead of the series, their defense has not been one of the keys, as they are allowing 3.4 goals per game in this series. Their offense at road, despite some good games, are not as good as the Canucks at home. They have won all the games at Vancouver this series so far, but as i said, the key was the conversion of the powerplays into goals.

At Vancouver, no one admits the end of this series with a home loss. They didn't won any home game in this series, and are in disadvantage by 3-2 at this point, and only a win can give them the tie and some hopes to go to Chicago try to pass to the final. They just have to be aware that they re giving the edge to the Blackhawks while they make so many faults. If they can reduce their penaltys minutes, they can use their edge in the defense and offense.

They will have a great support tonight, and at home, they can defend much better than they did before, allowing 11 goals in the previous 2 matches. Their offense at home are also one of the best of the league, and they already showed it in Chicago, that if they can control the Blackhawks offense, their offense will never let them down, as they almost always do their job.

Pick: Vancouver Canucks -0.5 +123 (2.23) 5Dimes, Canucks 3Way (1X2) +120 (2.20) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.



NHL PLAYOFFS (22-32-3, -6.74u) 2010.05.10 results recap:

Philadelphia Flyers @ Boston Bruins: Philadelphia Flyers ML +125 (2.25) BetOnline (0-4: WIN)
Philadelphia Flyers @ Boston Bruins: Over 5.5 +120 (2.20) Bookmaker (0-4: LOSS)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Montreal Canadiens: Under 5.5 -135 (1.74) Bookmaker (4-3: LOSS)

NHL 2010.05.10 finished 1-2 and -0.75 units lost/3 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 188-249-7, -13.23 units lost (437 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 156-187-7, +5.37 units won (343 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (22-33-3, -7.74u) 2010.05.12 final 4 picks:

Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Montreal Canadiens ML +210 (3.10) Bookmaker

Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Under 5.5 -140 (1.71) Bookmaker

Boston Bruins @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +120 (2.20) The Greek

Boston Bruins @ Philadelphia Flyers: Over 5 -140 (1.71) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.



Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins

At this point, no one can easily say that the favorite will win. The memories of last last month game, more specifically in 28 April, are among everyone. The Canadiens were able to shutdown the super favorites Caps at Washington in game 7. Can they accomplish the same tonight? After all, one of the most similar teams to the Caps, are the Pens themselves. And against that kind of teams, that are mostly offensive, the Canadiens are able to make great performances due to a solid and cohesive defense. When the game start tonight, it will be impossible to believe that the Pens star with the edge.

They are the big favorites (as it happened at Washington...), but they can be very confident, as nobody forgets to remember the game 7 at Washington. They can see themselves as the Caps, with the offensive power and talent, but due the Caps fail against the Canadiens, they will be to anxious in the approach. In the other way the Canadiens are with their moral high, if they were able to eliminate a big favorite on the road, why not repeat?

They key that the Canadiens used against the Caps, was the defense, holding their offense with a cohesive and solid game. Due to that, they could find some spaces when the Caps get anxious, making their attacks in the right time only, getting a good accuracy, as they scored 2 goals in only 16 shots. In 3 games at Pittsburgh so far in this series, only one of the games went over, when the Canadiens allowed 4 goals in 4 power plays. Since that game, the Canadiens were able to hold the Pens offense, winning one game 3-1 at Pittsburgh and losing another only by 2-1.

The Pens have only two edges, they have a much better offense and will play this game at home. However, that's not all needed to win a game. It doesn't matter how talented are their players, because most of their best players are offensive players. The Canadiens will use an hard defense to stop these players, and the Pens have to be aware about it. They will have to be very patient, as they can't neglect their defense at any time. They will not have an easy game, even if they score first, the Canadiens are not the kind of team that will quit or get scared just because they are playing out of home.

With so many at stake today, both teams will have to be careful. No mistakes are allowed as it could cost the entire season. With a very tactical game, where both teams will have to try to end with a clean nets, the defense will be the key. We can expect a very low pace game, and even thinking that the Pens are favorites, the odds are to high for a game 7, against a team that already proved that have no fear and will play like an equal.

Picks: Montreal Canadiens ML +210 (3.10) Bookmaker & Under 5.5 -140 (1.71) Bookmaker



NHL PLAYOFFS (22-33-3, -7.74u) 2010.05.11 results recap:

Chicago Blackhawks @ Vancouver Canucks: Vancouver Canucks -0.5 +123 (2.23) 5Dimes (1-5: LOSS)

NHL 2010.05.11 finished 0-1 and -1 unit lost/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 188-250-7, -14.23 units lost (438 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 156-188-7, +4.37 units won (344 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (23-36-3, -8.64u) 2010.05.12 results recap:

Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Montreal Canadiens ML +210 (3.10) Bookmaker (2-5: WIN)
Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Under 5.5 -140 (1.71) Bookmaker (2-5: LOSS)
Boston Bruins @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +220 (3.20) The Greek (2-1: LOSS)
Boston Bruins @ Philadelphia Flyers: Over 5 -140 (1.71) Bookmaker (2-1: LOSS)

NHL 2010.05.12 finished 1-3 and -0.9 units lost/4 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 189-253-7, -15.13 units lost (442 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 157-191-7, +3.47 units won (348 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (23-36-3, -8.64u) 2010.05.14 only pick:

Philadelphia Flyers @ Boston Bruins: Philadelphia Flyers ML +108 (2.08) BetPhoenix

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (24-36-3, -7.56u) 2010.05.14 results recap:

Philadelphia Flyers @ Boston Bruins: Philadelphia Flyers ML +108 (2.08) BetPhoenix (3-4: WIN)

NHL 2010.05.14 finished 1-0 and +1.08 units won/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 190-253-7, -14.05 units lost (443 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 158-191-7, +4.55 units won (349 units risked)

NHL 2010 EASTERN & WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS RECORD: 14-18-2, -3.03 units lost (32 units risked)

NHL 2010 EASTERN & WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS RECORD: 10-18-1, -4.53u units lost (28 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (24-36-3, -7.56u) 2010.05.16 first pick:

Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks

Today we will have the first conference final. At the West, the Sharks will host the Blackhawks. With the home advantage for the Sharks side, this series promise good games, whit big clashes in the offense. In the regular season, the Blackhawks are just a little bit better in the offense, as in defense. However, that difference is the average of all the regular season games. At tonight game, the Sharks will have more 3 days than the Blackhawks of rest.

At this point, where they achieve the final, that is an important fact, specially when is the home team that have it at game 1. The Blackhawks, despite a good regular season, will start this conference final at Sharks home. Their number are much better, mostly due to a big home games, where they have their edge. On road, the team have a 28-15 record, and even thinking the great games the Blackhawks have made in this year playoffs, they will face today a different season, that can hold better their offense.

It's curious that the Blackhawks have lost all games 1 in this playoffs, probably as they needed that game to understand better their opponent, as since game 1, the Blackhawks start to crush their opponents. They ended both series they had with a 4-2 result, with only one road loss at Nashville. But their opponents were good offensive teams that weren't so good defenders, giving them the edge in all games.

The Sharks are considered by many as the biggest contenders since the removal of the Caps and Penguins. They had some difficulties to knock out the Avs, needing 3 OT's after the loss in the first game to have the edge. They had a slowly entrance in this playoffs, but since they started to play at their best, they have easily started to win. After a 4-2 result against the Avs, they started the semi final against the Red Wings, for a series that everyone thought would be more balanced.

But the Sharks only let them win in their last home game, after all, a home game to end the series could be god. With a 4-1 result, the Sharks start today at home another series, but this time for the Western Conference. Since the first playoff game, where they lost 1-2 against the Predators, the team were able to make great home games, and all wins. They have a good home defense, a great offense, and have a big edge in the power plays, as they are scoring 2 power plays goals per game, and only allowed one powerplay goal at home in this playoffs.

They are more fresh, aware that this could be their year, and know that they have the edge, as this game is at home and can use the lack of solidity in the Blackhawks side in the first games of the series.

Pick: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (24-37-3, -8.56u) 2010.05.16 results recap:

Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker (1-2: LOSS)

NHL 2010.05.16 finished 0-1 and -1 unit lost/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 190-254-7, -15.05 units lost (444 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 158-192-7, +3.55 units won (350 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (24-37-3, -8.56u) 2010.05.18 final 3 picks:

Montreal Canadiens @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +220 (3.20) The Greek

Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker

Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks: Under 5.5 -105 (1.95) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.



Montreal Canadiens @ Philadelphia Flyers

A really easy game. It was what we have seen in the game 1, something that no one expected. Most of the games played so far have been very balanced, and won by few goals. We have to recoil the second game at Detroit that the Sharks did to see another game in this year playoffs won by 6 goals. At game one, the winner was clear and unquestionable, with a 6-0 result for the Flyers.

The Canadiens have arrived in this conference final due to their will and some demerit from their opponents. Even so, they deserve this spot, as they never gave up, playing a solid defense game and taking their offensive opportunities. They had lost against the Caps one game by 5 goals, but were able to bounce back from a 1-3 result in the series. Against the Pens, they were losing 3-2 in the series, and were able to bounce back again, while losing at most by 3 goals.

This team sometimes allows many goals form their opponents, but it just happened once in each series. One of their biggest problems is when they have penalty minutes and allow powerplays. They are the kind of team that score a lot. Most of all, they defend a lot, making it the base of their game. If their defense doesn't work, they will be closer to a loss than to a win.

The Flyers have been playing an awesome game lately. Their last series was something epic, giving them the moral that makes them one of the strongest contenders to the Stanley Cup. They were 3-0 down in the series against Bruins. And if that wasn't enough, they were also 3-0 down in game 7 at Boston. But they were able to bounce back the series and the game 7, arriving to this eastern conference final.

Now, it is clear how their confidence is, they started this conference final with a 6-0 result at home. Their supporters are delighted and believe that they could raise the Stanley Cup this season. Their support at this point is huge, and they make the difference at home. The Flyers only lost one game at home in this playoffs, the first game at Philadelphia against the Bruins.

They are strong at home, allowing few goals, and scoring easily, with the help of some powerplay situations. They are unstoppable right now, and while they can remember the heroic series they had against the Bruins, this will be a hard team to beat.

Pick: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +205 (3.05) The Greek



Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks

At game 1, we had 85 shots and only 3 goals. The defenses were the starts at that night. Unfortunately, the Sharks lost that game 1-2, after scoring first and ended the first period in the lead. An hard game that could end for both sides. Even with 45 shots, the Sharks were only able to score 1 goal, in Powerplay. With this loss, the Sharks weren't able to end the road winning streak that the Blackhawks have, that have increased for six.

The Blackhawks are showing an incredible defense at this playoffs, specially on road. What seemed their weakest spot, is turning in their best spot, and with this change, the Blackhawks are able to run for this series like equals against the Sharks, who seemed the favorites. However, I still see the Sharks as favorites, as they only have to manage to overcame the Blackhawks defense to win this conference final.

The Blackhawks are playing with their defense, as when they are able to hold the opponent offense, they usually won the games. At least, it's what we have seen lately in the playoffs, as most of the games they won were allowing 2 or less games. After the win in the first game, the Blackhawks are with the home advantage, as they only need to win their home games to won this final conference and run for the Stanley Cup.

Most of all, they will have to play carefully and without madness tonight. Their main goal is won the next two games, but of course, with an eye on the road games. They are aware that is very likely to lose this game, the probability is on Sharks side. Usually, when the favorites lost the Game 1 at home, they won the second game at home. Like we saw in game 5 against the Canucks, the Blackhawks after the loss in game 1 at home, won 3 games in a row, including the 2 road game at Vancouver.

After that, they lost the third game at home, as they were with to much confidence. Tonight, they know that they are in the lead even with a loss tonight,but they will be able to hook a defeat.

The Sharks have no space to to errors. They have the edge to play at home to try to tie the game and go try to snap a game at Chicago. But they have to think only in tonight. Another edge they have, is the powerplays. They are very good in powerplays, specially at home, and as we saw in the last game, where their only goal was a PP goal, they can take advantage of it. They can also play with a good defense, unfortunately they allowed one more goal than the Blackhawks in the last game, but could be them to score it.

They just need to keep that good defense, and push the Blackhawks to their nets. They can score really easily at home, and will have their powerplay chances as well. A defeat is not an option, as they still believe that can win this final and go dispute the Stanley Cup.

Picks: San Jose Sharks (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker & Under 5.5 -105 (1.95) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (25-39-3, -8.51u) 2010.05.18 results recap:

Montreal Canadiens @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +205 (3.05) The Greek (3-0: WIN)
Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker (2-4: LOSS)
Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks: Under 5.5 -105 (1.95) Bookmaker (2-4: LOSS)

NHL 2010.05.18 finished 1-2 and +0.05 units won/3 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 191-256-7, -15 units lost (447 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 159-194-7, +3.6 units won (353 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (25-39-3, -9.51u) 2010.05.20 final 2 picks:

Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens

Today we arrive to game 3 in the eastern conference final. The series are being completely controlled by the Flyers, as they didn't allowed any goal yet. The Canadiens have been shutdown by 6 and by 3 in the first games at Philadelphia. Now, the Canadiens will return to home, where they will have 2 games to try to tie this final. It's well known that in this final, playing at home its a big edge, as both teams got great supporters.

The Canadiens will start the game strong, but they have been unable to score against the Flyers. Their defense at home isn't better than on the road, and due to an emergency sense, we should expect the Canadiens to play at a higher pace. Their offense at home is better, they just have to be more focus to score some goals. Their 3 home games against the Pens, 2 were won by one goal and the other was a loss.

In that 3 games they weren't able to score in a powerplay situation, but had the benefits of playing against a team that didn't give them the credits they deserved. The Canadiens in their last home games were able to hold lots of opponents shots, and score in a few opportunities.

The Flyers will enter the game with one thing in mind; win a game at Montreal. They know that is not an easy thing, but they know that even with a 2-0 in this final, the result is far from done. Themselves were able to bounce back from a 0-3 in the semi-finals of the eastern conference. So, they will not make it easy to the Canadiens, as the Caps and Pens did.

They know that they have to be focus in their defense, just has they did at Philadelphia in the last games. The Canadiens explore a lot the open spaces that the teams opens when get anxious to score in the development of the game. The Flyers have been tactically perfect in this playoffs, and will do their best to frustrate the Canadiens game.

The powerplays have been one of the strongest aspects of this Flyers in the playoffs, as well as their defense. Even with some goals allowed, the Flyers will be able also to score, and will have a strong chance to try to win this game.

Picks: Philadelphia Flyers ML +108 (2.08) BetPhoenix & Over 5 -122 (1.82) BetPhoenix

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (26-40-3, -9.69u) 2010.05.21 final pick:

San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks

Game 3, with the home team leading 2-0. They will have their chance to increase their lead and even end this series as they will have now two home games. However, no one thinks that would happen. First of all, the Sharks aren't less than the Hawks, and are able to win at Chicago as well. But also, no one wants to see this final ending with only 4 games, more games are expected for most of the NHL fans, and it would be unfair to see one team snap this final with a 4-0 result, as both teams are very good.

Both teams have good offensive lines, lines that gives them wins when their defense work. They have to be able to hold the opposite offense lines, as they are not the kind of teams that only try to score more than their opponents, they try to score enough goals while they hold their defense. They are the kind of teams that easily score, but they prefer to play safe. Today, to much is in stake, as the Hawks can today give a huge step to the Stanley Cup, while the Sharks will be in big troubles.

Today the game will be played with big cautions from the Sharks side. They have good defenders, and will have to support their game on it. They can't allow any goal, as at least they have to end the regular time with a tie to try to win in OT. After the loss in game 1, the Sharks were forced to win the second game, but they missed it. If the first game had 85 shots and only 3 goals, its awkwardness to understand why 49 shots gave 6 goals in game 2.

While this western conference walks to it's final, with one team seeing their lead growing, the game starts to get more tactical and were no mistakes are allowed. Today, the Sharks will have to play with all their strength in their defense, making no mistakes, as any mistake can put them in the edge of the elimination.

The Blackhawks are in a good position. They can play their own game, as even a loss today can't take them out of the lead. They know how to stop the Sharks offense, as they only allowed 3 goals in San Jose, where the Sharks are very good in the offense. They are aware of the kind of game that the Sharks will bring up tonight, and will not make it easier to the Sharks just because this game it's more important for the Sharks than the Hawks.

The Hawks at home, in front of their supporters, can't let the Sharks make the party. They will give their best, holding their defense and try to exploit any mistake that Sharks could do.

Pick: Under 5.5 +103 (2.03) BetPhoenix, +100 (2.00) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.



NHL PLAYOFFS (26-40-3, -9.69u) 2010.05.20 results recap:

Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens: Philadelphia Flyers ML +108 (2.08) BetPhoenix (5-1: LOSS)
Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens: Over 5 -122 (1.82) BetPhoenix (5-1: WIN)

NHL 2010.05.20 finished 1-1 and -0.18 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 192-257-7, -15.18 units lost (449 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 160-195-7, +3.42 units won (355 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.05.20 results recap:

San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks: Under 5.5 +103 (2.03) BetPhoenix (3-2: WIN)

NHL 2010.05.11 finished 1-0 and +1.03 units won/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 193-257-7, -14.15 units lost (450 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 161-195-7, +4.45 units won (356 units risked)



NHL PLAYOFFS (27-40-3, -8.66u) 2010.05.23 final 2 picks:

San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks: San Jose Sharks +158 (2.58) JazzSports, +150 (2.50) Bookmaker

San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks: Over 5.5 -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) 5Dimes, JazzSports, BetUS, The Greek, Bet Jamaica, -111 (1.90) Goalwin

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (28-41-3, -8.71u) 2010.05.24 final pick: *

Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +180 (2.80) JazzSports

* One unit each always.




NHL PLAYOFFS (28-41-3, -8.71u) 2010.05.23 results recap:

San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks: San Jose Sharks ML +158 (2.58) JazzSports (4-2: LOSS)
San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks: Over 5.5 -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix (4-2: WIN)

NHL 2010.05.23 finished 1-1 and -0.05 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 194-258-7, -14.20 units lost (452 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 162-196-7, +4.4 units won (358 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (28-41-3, -8.71u) 2010.05.24 final pick: *

Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +180 (2.80) JazzSports

* One unit each always.




NHL PLAYOFFS (28-41-3, -8.71u) 2010.05.23 results recap:

San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks: San Jose Sharks ML +158 (2.58) JazzSports (4-2: LOSS)
San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks: Over 5.5 -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix (4-2: WIN)

NHL 2010.05.23 finished 1-1 and -0.05 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 194-258-7, -14.20 units lost (452 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 162-196-7, +4.4 units won (358 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (29-41-3, -6.91u) 2010.05.24 results recap:

Montreal Canadiens @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +180 (2.80) JazzSports (4-2: WIN)

NHL 2010.05.29 finished 1-0 and +1.8 units won/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 195-258-7, -12.4 units lost (453 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 163-196-7, +6.2 units won (359 units risked)


NHL 2010 EASTERN & WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS RECORD: 14-18-2, -3.03 units lost (32 units risked)

NHL 2010 EASTERN & WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS RECORD: 10-18-1, -5.54 units lost (28 units risked)

NHL 2010 EASTERN & WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS RECORD: 5-5, +1.65 units won (10 units risked)