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**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 01:09 PM

Cavs-Bulls Outlook

**No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Chicago Bulls**

Series Price: Cleveland -2800 Chicago +1600

Series Format: Cleveland 2-2-1-1-1

Head to Head Comparisons
Team SU ATS Home Away O/U PPG DPPG
61-21 38-43 35-6 26-15 39-40 102.1 95.6
41-41 42-38 24-17 17-24 34-47 97.5 99.1

2009-10 Head to Head Meetings
Nov. 5, 2009 Chicago (+11.5) 86 at Cleveland 85 UNDER 191.5
Dec. 4, 2009 Cleveland (-12.5) 101 vs. Chicago 87 UNDER 190
Mar. 19, 2010 Cleveland (-10) 92 at Chicago 85 UNDER 206
Apr. 8, 2010 Chicago (-6.5) 109 vs. Cleveland 108 OVER 194.5

Skinny: LeBron James (29.7 PPG) and the Cavaliers came up short in the playoffs last year and the league's reigning Most Valuable Player is ready to bounce back this season. "I've been waiting personally on this since Game 6 of the Orlando series," he said. "It kind of hurts for a long time. You kind hold that in for all summer and all regular season to get back to this point. I'll be happy Saturday when I get the opportunity to release it."

Standing in Cleveland's way will be a feisty Chicago team that earned a ticket to the postseason on the final day of the season. The Bulls have been very inconsistent this year, but the team has also been through a lot too. Despite deadline with injuries, trades and front office turmoil, they're playing at a much higher level now and they're confident.

Chicago forward Joakim Noah (10.7 PPG, 1.6 BPG) has been known to speak his mind, going back to his days as a Gator, and the defensive stopper has done it recently. "Everybody thinks we're going to get our (butts) whipped. And you know what, we're going to try to shock the world. That's what we're going to try to do. That's pretty cool, I think, " said Noah.

While some folks might not like Noah's brash personality, his effort and energy is one of the main reasons Chicago in the playoffs. After being sidelined with plantar fasciitis for 10 games late in the season, 10 games the Bulls lost, he returned for the stretch run. In the last 14 contests, Chicago went 10-4 straight up and 9-5 against the spread, while the defense held nine of those opponents under the century mark.

Noah garners a lot of attention for Chicago on the defensive side of the ball, but the best player on the Bulls is point guard Derrick Rose (20.8 PPG, 6 APG). Unfortunately for the Bulls, the offense lacks a lot of firepower besides the second-year standout. The attack is ranked 24th in scoring (97.5 PPG), plus they're listed 28th in 3-point shooting (33%). Trading away sharpshooter John Salmons to Milwaukee right after the All-Star break hasn't helped at all. Veterans Ronald Murray (10.1 PPG) and Brad Miller (8.8 PPG) are both experienced, but you can clearly see how much depth the Bulls lack. Cleveland is arguably the deepest team in the league and their offseason and regular season acquisitions will help in the playoffs. Shaquille O'Neal missed the final 23 games due to a thumb injury and should be ready to go in this series. Don't be surprised to see his minutes limited until the Cavs get tested against a quality frontcourt. While LeBron and Shaq are the headliners in Ohio, point guard Mo Williams (5.3 APG) and Antawn Jamison (15.8 PPG) have proven that they can shoulder the burden as well.

Anderson Varejao (hamstring) missed a handful of games late in the season but he's rested as well. Even if Varejao isn't at 100 percent, head coach Mike Brown often relies on key role players in Delonte West, J.J. Hickson, Anthony Parker and even Zyrdunas Ilgauskas.

Gambling Notes: Looking at the four games played in the regular season between the two, it's hard to gain much from the encounters. Cleveland and Chicago both won and covered two games a piece, but the Cavs were without LeBron for one contest and the Bulls didn't have Noah and Rose for the other. The one constant theme in the head-to-head series was the 'under', which cashed in three of the four battles and the lone 'over' came in the meaningless encounter for the Cavs at the end of the season. The total for Game 1 is hovering between 191 and 192, which was comparable to the numbers during the regular season. There was one instance where the 'over/under' spiked up to 206 in the third installment between the pair, but that was during the Bulls' 10-game losing skid when the defense was without Noah and giving up triple-digits on a nightly basis.

Even though the Bulls closed the season on a 12-5 ATS, they're still listed as double-digit underdogs (11.5) in Game 1. Chicago was 2-6 ATS as an underdog of 9 ½ to 13 points this season, but Cleveland was 9-17 ATS as a home favorite of 9 ½-points or more. It's also hard to ignore that the Cavs closed the season on a 2-8 ATS skid, but they were on cruise control. Expect the Cavs to be laying points in Chicago too, most likely between six and nine, regardless of what happens in the first two games in Cleveland.

Before you run to the counter and press the Bulls, be aware that Cleveland swept Detroit in last year's opening playoff round. And, they covered all four games easily in double-digit fashion too.

Outlook: The oddsmakers are expecting a blowout based on the series price and it's real hard to make an argument for Chicago at all, especially when you look at Cleveland's recent playoff history. You could play the rust factor, but this matchup is clearly one-sided. Some folks might point to Chicago's success against Boston in last year's playoffs series but the Bulls had Ben Gordon and the aforementioned Salmons, plus the Celtics were without Kevin Garnett. Will we see a repeat performance by Chicago here? This writer doubts it. Cleveland in four games and anything longer would be disappointing for LeBron and company.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 01:10 PM

Bucks-Hawks Outlook

**No. 3 Atlanta Hawks vs. 6 Milwaukee Bucks**

Series Price: Atlanta (-600) Milwaukee (+400)

Series Format: Atlanta 2-2-1-1-1

Head to Head Comparisons
Team SU ATS Home Away O/U PPG DPPG
53-29 48-34 35-7 18-22 47-35 101.7 97
46-36 53-28 28-13 18-23 40-41 97.7 96

2009-10 Head to Head Meetings
Feb. 28, 2010 Atlanta (-8.5) 106 vs. Milwaukee 102 (OT) OVER 189.5
Mar. 22, 2010 Milwaukee (-6) 98 vs. Atlanta 95 OVER 190.5
Apr. 12, 2010 Atlanta (-1.5) 104 at Milwaukee 96 OVER 188

Skinny: After a nine-year absence from the postseason, Atlanta is back in the playoffs for the third consecutive year. GM Rick Sund did an outstanding job last offseason, acquiring Jamal Crawford for a bag of peanuts and adding a veteran ‘big’ in Joe Smith. Also, he was able to re-sign three key free agents – Mike Bibby, Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams.

The result was a 53-win season and a No. 3 seed. Crawford was instant offense off the bench all year, averaging 18.0 points per game. Joe Johnson continued to play like the All-Star that he is, averaging 21.3 points, 4.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. The improvement of young studs like Josh Smith (15.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG and 4.2 APG) and Al Horford (14.2 PPG and 9.9 RPG) continued. In fact, Horford earned his first invite to the All-Star Game and Smith was considered the biggest snub.

Bibby’s numbers and minutes waned, but he’s still one of the league’s premier shooters from 3-point range who has made clutch shots galore during the playoffs in his career. Mo Evans and Pachulia don’t have big numbers, but both players would start for a slew of other NBA squads. In other words, Mike Woodson doesn’t lose a whole lot when he turns to his second unit.

Milwaukee is back in the postseason for the first time since the days of ‘Big Dog’ Robinson, Sam Cassell and Ray Allen, who took the team to the Eastern Conference finals in 2001. Scott Skiles has done a masterful job for the Bucks, who would’ve most likely garnered the No. 5 seed if not for Andrew Bogut’s season-ending elbow injury on April 3.

Skiles’ club is without perhaps its two best players in Bogut and Michael Redd, who has one of the league’s sweetest shooting strokes but also went down with a season-ending injury. Rookie guard Brandon Jennings has been a huge factor, averaging 15.5 points and 5.7 assists per game. With Redd going down well before the All-Star break, Milwaukee traded for John Salmons (15.4 PPG) and inked veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse, who has loads of playoff experience and a nasty streak. Both have turned out to be great finds.

Gambling Notes: The ‘over’ has hit in eight consecutive head-to-head meetings between these former division rivals (think back to the days of Paul Mokeski and Sidney Moncrief). In the three encounters this year, they combined for the following scoring outputs: 200, 193 and 208. The ‘over’ went 25-16 for Atlanta in its home games at Philips Arena.

Milwaukee has been dynamite as a road underdog this season, compiling a 21-11 spread record in 32 such spots. Even better, the Bucks are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games as a road ‘dog. They cashed tickets at a 28-12-1 ATS clip on the road this year.

Outlook: I like the Hawks to win this series in five games. With that said, Milwaukee might be the team to look at for our purposes. The Bucks will be catching a bunch of points at Philips, as evidenced by the number we see in Game 1. And, as previously mentioned, they’ve been nothing short of sensational when catching points on the road.

Future Bets: I don’t think you risk the minus-600 price for the Hawks in this series, but I’m extremely confident that they advance to the second round for the second straight season. If anything, perhaps make a small play on Atlanta to win the East or win it all. The payout for getting to the NBA Finals would be 10/1 for the Hawks, while winning it all would result in a 25/1 return (risk $100 to win $2,500).

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg reported late Friday afternoon that Celtics' point guard Rajon Rondo was hospitalized for IV work due to flu-like symptoms. Boston head coach Doc Rivers said, “I don’t know how he’s going to feel. I don’t anticipate him feeling great. He’s throwing up and all that.”

--I think bettors should take a flyer on Dwight Howard at 7/1 odds to win NBA Finals MVP honors at Bodog.com.

--Atlanta’s Joe Johnson has 38/1 odds to be the NBA Finals MVP, while Josh Smith’s number is 48/1 (per BoDog.com).

--Atlanta has won six of its last eight games against the Bucks, posting a 5-3 spread record.

--The Hawks have never advanced past the second round of the NBA playoffs in franchise history.

--Crawford, a nine-year veteran who played on horrible teams with the Bulls, Knicks and Warriors before coming to Atlanta, will be making his postseason debut in Game 1.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 01:11 PM

Celtics-Heat Outlook

**No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. 5 Miami Heat**

Series Price: Boston -220 Miami +170

Series Format: Boston 2-2-1-1-1

Head to Head Comparisons
Team SU ATS Home Away O/U PPG DPPG
50-32 32-48 24-17 26-15 41-40 99.2 95.6
47-35 42-39 24-17 23-18 36-44 96.5 94.2

2009-10 Head to Head Meetings
Nov. 29, 2009 Boston (-4) 92 at Miami 85 UNDER 187.5
Jan. 6, 2010 Boston (-1) 112 at Miami 106 (OT) OVER 186
Feb. 3, 2010 Boston (-5.5) 107 vs. Miami 102 OVER 182.5

Skinny:Since Boston created the "Big Three" of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the franchise has made the playoffs in all three years of existence. However, age has definitely played a factor this season, evidenced by the Celtics 50-32 record, the worst mark in the three seasons with this group. Even though injuries have plagued the team all season long, head coach Doc Rivers is confident that his troops can win another NBA championship, which they did in 2008 over the L.A. Lakers.

"This is the healthiest we've been," Rivers said. "I think this is the best Kevin's been since early in the season. I think Paul is feeling fantastic right now." Can the savvy veterans string together another memorable run or will their inconsistencies show up against a red-hot Miami club? The Heat finished off the regular season with an impressive 18-4 run, while the Celtics struggled to a 3-7 mark down the stretch.

Current form is a big factor in handicapping, but it's hard to ignore the fact that this head-to-head series has been all about Gang Green. Boston is 11-1 in its last 12 meetings against Miami, and that includes a perfect 3-0 ledger this year. On paper, the Heat has less overall talent than the Celtics but they will have the best player on the floor at all times in Dwayne Wade. The former Marquette standout had his way against Boston this season, scoring 27, 44 and 30. Even though Miami came up short in all three affairs, the losses were by seven, six and five points.
Two of the three games were played at American Airlines Arena in South Beach and Miami should've won at least one of the two. In Boston's 112-106 overtime win, it was fortunate to watch Rajon Rondo lay in a game-tying alley oop layup in regulation. Sure enough, the Celtics proceeded to outscore the Heat 11-5 in the extra session for the road victory.

The final encounter of the season came at TD Garden and Boston held on for a 107-102 decision without Pierce, who sat out with a foot injury. The Celtics controlled the glass (53-38) and produced 29 assists on 37 field goals. Boston shot incredibly well in all three games against the Heat, connecting on 52, 53.7 and 48.7 percent from the field in the wins.

Miami's main issue is finding somebody else to step up besides Wade. Second-year player Michael Beasley (14.8 PPG) has shown some flashes as has veteran Jermaine O'Neal (13.6 PPG), but the lack of depth in the backcourt will hurt against Rondo (13.7 PPG, 9.8 APG) and Allen (16.3 PPG). Another factor that leans to Boston is experience and while they haven't made a big impression in Beantown this season, the acquisitions of Rasheed Wallace and Michael Finley can only help.

Gambling Notes:The first three games of the series will be on two days rest, while the final four will only have one day in between each contest. Fatigue could be a factor if this best-of-seven series goes deep, with the last four being played over a seven-day span.

Did you know Boston is the only playoff team that has produced more victories on the road (26) than at home (24) this season? For whatever reason, the Celtics haven't been able to get up for contests at home and they've burned gamblers with a horrendous 12-29 ATS record from TD Garden.

The number on Game 1 listed the Celtics as 4 ½-point favorites, which tells you a lot. And Boston has only gone 4-8 ATS as a home favorite of six points or less at home this season. Miami has posted a solid 16-14 ATS mark as a road underdog, and its gone 3-3 ATS as a home underdog. We only mention the Heat's home record as a 'dog because they could be short pups in Game 3 or 4 if they head back to South Beach in a 0-2 hole.

We won't rush to that conclusion yet, considering Miami has been a tough out on the road (23-18 SU, 24-17 ATS) this season. Unfortunately, the Heat's home record (24-17 SU, 18-22 ATS) isn't that impressive for a playoff squad.

Two of three regular season games went 'over' the number with totals ranging from 182 to 188. Boston saw the 'over' go 41-40 on the year. Conversely, Miami watched the 'under' go 45-36. The total for Game 1 was listed at 185 and regardless of the scores in the first couple games, it would be hard to imagine a drop or increase in the totals by more than five points throughout the rest of the series.

Outlook: Most amateur fans will expect Boston to advance in this spot and set up a battle with Cleveland (if it beats Chicago) in the second round. However, the Celtics are primed for an upset here and we've seen Wade carry teams on his back before. Of the four series in the Eastern Conference, this is the closest matchup, and the oddsmakers agree. Wade should go off in this series, but Rondo might put up similar numbers and you wash those two out, the edge still goes to Boston's "Big Three." It will be entertaining, but expect Boston to pull it out in seven games at home.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 01:13 PM

Nuggets-Jazz Outlook

No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz

Series Price: Denver -200, Utah +170

Series Format: Denver, 2-2-1-1-1

HEAD TO HEAD COMPARISONS
TEAM SU ATS HOME AWAY OVER/UNDER PPG DPPG
53-29 49-30-3 32-9 21-20 43-37-2 104.2 98.9
53-29 35-41-6 34-7 19-22 38-44 106.5 102.4

2009-10 Head to Head Meetings
Date Results Total
02/06/10 Denver 106 @ Utah 116 (-10) OVER 207
01/17/10 Utah 112 @ Denver 119 (-7) OVER 212.5
01/02/10 Denver 105 (+7.5) @ Utah 95 UNDER 201.5
10/28/09 Utah 105 @ Denver 114 (-5) OVER 209

Skinny: One month ago, the Nuggets figured they would be the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Less than a week ago, Denver was staring at two road games out of the gate in the first round. With several circumstances going the Nuggets' way, Denver gets home-court advantage in this round, while battling a Jazz team they have beaten three times.

Denver came several games within the NBA Finals last season, only to fall short to the Lakers in six games of the Western Conference Finals. The Nuggets began the season at 19-7, but Chauncey Billups missed eight of the next nine games as Denver went 3-5 SU and 2-6 ATS without their point guard. Carmelo Anthony was also sidelined due to a sprained ankle, keeping their leading scorer out for a total 13 games, but the Nuggets went 8-5. In the final 31 games with both Anthony and Billups healthy, Denver went 19-12 SU, but compiled a 12-16-3 ATS mark.

The Jazz finished one win shy of the Northwest Division title and the all-important third seed in the West. Utah was tripped up in the season finale against Phoenix, losing the division to Denver while playing the first two games of this series on the road as a five seed. Carlos Boozer should be set to take the court against Denver after the forward suffered an injured oblique muscle against Golden State on Tuesday.

Utah struggled down the stretch on the road by dropping six of the final ten games away from Salt Lake. The Jazz pulled off a span of 10 victories in 12 tries on the highway following a mid-January loss at Denver, including a 10-2 ATS mark. The total was tough to gauge over the final two months, as the 'under' hit in nine of the last 13 games after a 10-3 'over' stretch from late February through mid-March.

The Nuggets had plenty of success against the Jazz this season, capturing three of four meetings, while finishing 'over' the total three times. Denver rallied past Utah at Pepsi Center, 114-105 on Opening Night as five-point home favorites. The Nuggets found a way to shock the Jazz without Billups and Anthony in early January, 105-95, as Utah committed 25 turnovers in the loss. Anthony went off for 37 points in a seven-point home win on January 17, but the Jazz managed a 'push' with a late Kyle Korver jumper. Billups and Anthony sat out again in Salt Lake two weeks later, as the Jazz avoided the season sweep with a 116-106 victory as ten-point 'chalk.'

Gambling Notes: Denver's ATS numbers over the final month were terrible, going 4-11-1 ATS the last 16 games. The Nuggets went 6-11 ATS the final 17 contests at Pepsi Center, but compiled a 13-8-1 ATS mark as single-digit home favorites this season. The 'under' hit in 11 of the final 15 games, as the Nuggets scored above 100 points just four times in this span.

The Jazz took care of business at home by covering eight of the final 11 at Energy Solutions Arena. The only three playoff teams the Jazz beat in this stretch were the Bobcats, Thunder, and Celtics, as many people remember that overtime non-cover against Oklahoma City when Kevin Durant was hit on the hand at the buzzer but no foul was called. Utah improved this season as a road underdog (11-10-1 ATS), however, the Jazz dropped each of their final four games both SU and ATS when getting points on the highway.

Series Outlook: The Nuggets received a second-life by getting home-court in this round following a tough stretch. Utah will be without swingman Andrei Kirilenko (calf) in this series, which hurts the Jazz on both ends of the court. Seeing Denver's success against Utah in the regular season, the Jazz will be lucky to grab one or two games in this series. The Nuggets will advance to the next round, setting up a rematch with the Lakers in the second round.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 01:17 PM

Playoff Results - First Round

First Round Results

Favorites have gone 6-5
Home teams have gone 6-6
The 'under' is 6-4 through 12 games
Favorites that have won are 2-4 on the puck-line

Home Visitor Time/Final Score ATS OVER/UNDER

Wed Apr 14, 2010

Penguins Senators (+180) 5-4 UNDERDOG OVER 5.5

Devils Flyers (+145) 2-1 UNDERDOG UNDER 5

Coyotes (+100) Red Wings 3-2 UNDERDOG PUSH 5

Sharks Avalanche (+200 2-1 UNDERDOG UNDER 5.5

Thu Apr 15, 2010

Capitals Canadiens (+240) 3-2 UNDERDOG UNDER 6

Sabres (-155) Bruins 2-1 FAVORITE UNDER 5

Canucks (-185) Kings 3-2 FAVORITE UNDER 5.5

Fri Apr 16, 2010

Penguins (-300) Senators 2-1 FAVORITE UNDER 5.5

Devils (-180) Flyers 5-3 FAVORITE OVER 5

Blackhawks Predators (+210) 4-1 UNDERDOG PUSH 5

Coyotes Red Wings (-135) 7-4 FAVORITE OVER 5

Sharks (-270) Avalanche 6-5 FAVORITE OVER 5.5

Sat Apr 17, 2010

Sabres Bruins 1:00 p.m. EDT - -

Capitals Canadiens 7:00 p.m. EDT - -

Canucks Kings 10:00 p.m. EDT - -

Sun Apr 18, 2010

Red Wings Coyotes 3:00 p.m. EDT - -

Flyers Devils 6:00 p.m. EDT - -

Senators Penguins 6:30 p.m. EDT - -

Blackhawks Predators 8:30 p.m. EDT - -

Avalanche Sharks 9:30 p.m. EDT - -

Mon Apr 19, 2010

Canadiens Bruins 7:00 p.m. EDT - -

Bruins Sabres 7:00 p.m. EDT - -

Kings Canucks 10:00 p.m. EDT - -

Tue Apr 20, 2010

Red Wings Coyotes 6:30 p.m. EDT - -

Senators Penguins 7:00 p.m. EDT - -

Flyers Devils 7:30 p.m. EDT - -

Predators Blackhawks 9:00 p.m. EDT - -

Avalanche Sharks 10:00 p.m. EDT - -

Wed Apr 21, 2010

Canadiens Capitals 7:00 p.m. EDT - -

Bruins Sabres 7:00 p.m. EDT - -

Kings Canucks 10:00 p.m. EDT - -

Thu Apr 22, 2010
Penguins Senators 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Devils Flyers 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Predators Blackhawks 8:30 p.m. EDT - -
Sharks Avalanche 10:30 p.m. EDT - -

Fri Apr 23, 2010
Capitals Canadiens 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Sabres Bruins 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Canucks Kings 10:00 p.m. EDT - -
Coyotes Red Wings 10:00 p.m. EDT - -

Sat Apr 24, 2010
Blackhawks Predators 3:00 p.m. EDT - -
Senators Penguins 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Avalanche Sharks TBD - -

Sun Apr 25, 2010
Red Wings Coyotes 2:00 p.m. EDT - -
Flyers Devils TBD - -
Kings Canucks TBD - -

Mon Apr 26, 2007
Canadiens Capitals 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Bruins Sabres 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Predators Blackhawks TBD - -
Sharks Avalanche TBD - -

Tue Apr 27, 2010
Penguins Senators 7:00 - -
Devils Flyers 7:30 p.m. EDT - -
Canucks Kings TBD - -
Coyotes Red Wings TBD - -

Wed Apr 28, 2010
Sabres Bruins 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Capitals Canadiens TBD - -
Blackhawks Predators TBD - -

Winners in BOLD

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 01:34 PM

Stanley Cup Saturday square up time

Three games are on the NHL playoff list, all with series record of 1-0. Each team that is trailing is essentially in a must win situation, especially the President’s Cup winner, the Washington Capitals, who could ill-afford being down two games having to travel to Montreal. When a seven-game series starts, the road team tries not to put too much into losing the opener, knowing the real mission was to earn a split, which Boston’s and Los Angeles’ mission for today.

Boston at Buffalo 1:00E NBC

Boston is downright futile when it comes to putting the puck in the net. The Bruins were the lowest scoring team in the NHL this season and managed just one goal in opening game 2-1 loss to Buffalo despite outshooting the Sabres by seven. The second period was particularly frustrating, peppering goalie Ryan Miller with 24 shots, while tallying a single goal.

“Same old, same old,” coach Claude Julien said after practice on Friday. “We had enough scoring opportunities to win the game. … We just didn’t capitalize on those opportunities.” Boston is 8-2 in road games revenging an away loss versus opponent this season.

Buffalo is -155 money line favorite with total Un5 at Bookmaker.com and is 7-0 in home games after scoring two goals or less in two straight games this year.

Montreal at Washington 7:00E VERSUS

Washington blamed their terrible Game 1 performance on being “too excited”, which must have been true of their star Alex Ovechkin, who for the first time in 417 NHL games had neither a shot on goal nor an assist. “… we didn’t play our game at all, especially me. I didn’t play my game.” - said Ovechkin.

Coach Bruce Boudreau was unusually blunt in his criticism of Ovechkin after the 3-2 overtime loss Thursday night, and the coach backed off only a little Friday. “I don’t know what he’s thinking all the time,” Boudreau said. “I’d love to be able to know that, but I don’t. I think we’re making mountains out of molehills. He had a bad game. They played very well against him and hopefully it’ll be a little bit different tomorrow.”

The Capitals are 22-6 revenging a loss as a home favorite over the last two seasons and will have to make the right adjustments against Montreal squad that had exceptional game plan. The Canadiens are monstrous +290 ML underdogs and are 29-47 after winning their previous game in overtime.

Los Angeles at Vancouver 10:00E VERSUS

More than one knowledgeable hockey bettor placed a wager on the Kings to upset Vancouver in this opening round series and they just missed getting off to a fabulous start. Los Angeles lost in overtime 3-2, as Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo saved the puck from going in the net by a fraction in the extra session. The Kings were far from distraught or discouraged.

“Being able to stay with them into overtime is definitely a confidence booster knowing we’ve got a lot better,” the Kings Drew Doughty said. “I’m sure some of the guys were pretty nervous before the game.”

Both of L.A.’s goals came via the power play and they are 17-11 in road games against poor power play killing teams, allowing 17.5 percent or more of chances to score.

The win improved Vancouver’s record to 31-11 on home ice and they are -180 ML choice to go up 2-0 in the series. The Canucks are 12-1 at home playing only their second game in five days this season.

**garth** · 04-17-2010, 01:49 PM

good luck, bum

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 04:02 PM

Good Luck to you Garth.......slap the man around today....

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 07:33 PM

Evening MLB Games:

Cincinnati - 7:05 PM ET Cincinnati -131 500
Pittsburgh - Over 8.5 500

Florida - 7:05 PM ET Florida +102 500
Philadelphia - Under 10 500 ( TOTAL )

Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM ET Tampa Bay +121 500 ( POD )
Boston - Over 9 500

Colorado - 7:10 PM ET Atlanta +108 500
Atlanta - Under 8 500

Arizona - 8:35 PM ET Arizona +122 500 ( POD )
San Diego - Over 7.5 500

Detroit - 9:10 PM ET Detroit -132 500
Seattle - Under 7.5 500

**Jimmy The Greek** · 04-17-2010, 08:17 PM

Love Tiger n Arizona As Well............ Lets Get Ummmmmmmmmm

**StarDust Bum** · 04-17-2010, 09:06 PM

Killed them earlier.........kicked some butt......

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/17/10 12-3-0 80.00% +4900 Detail

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