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**StarDust Bum** · 04-04-2011, 02:59 PM

Butler-Connecticut play for National Championship

#8 seed BUTLER BULLDOGS (28-9)

vs. #3 seed CONNECTICUT HUSKIES (31-9)

NCAA Tournament – National Championship
Tip-off: Monday, 9:20 p.m. EDT – Houston, TX
Line: Connecticut -3, Total: 129

It is a journey that began in November, way back when national championship talk focused on strength of schedule, power conferences, and Cam Newton’s eligibility. BCS football was on the brain on November 12, basketball was not. As those heroes played things out on the gridiron, another player of the year candidate got things underway on the hardwood, scoring 18 against Stony Brook, before exploding for 42, 31, 30, 29, and 30 over his next five games, proclaiming to the basketball world there is a beast in the east that you better pay attention to. That is when Kemba Walker and his Connecticut Huskies leased a spot in the national rankings and have been there ever since.

While Walker was taking names and burying treys, the journey for the Butler Bulldogs (still suffering nightmares from last April’s half-court heave clanging off the rim with the subtlety of a church bell) was not as pleasant. After suffering their first loss of the season to Louisville, 88-73 on November 13, the pundits proclaimed the Bulldogs to be in critical condition. By the time their record fell to 4-4 on December 9, more experts were ready to administer last rites. Fortunately for Butler, players and coaches have more faith in a team’s resiliency than sports writers. Even after dropping three straight gut-wrenching losses (two in OT, a third loss by two points) between January 23 and February 3, Brad Stevens knew the truth about his team when they were 14-9 (6-5). To paraphrase the Ballad of Sir Andrew Barton, the Bulldogs were a little hurt, but not slain. They would lay down and bleed for a while, and then rise to fight again. It is that fight which has carried Butler to 14 straight wins, a conference championship game victory on its opponent’s home floor, two NCAA Tournament victories in the final second, a third in overtime, and a spot back in the National Championship game. As much as Monday night is about winning an NCAA title, the victor will be 50% champion, and 50% survivor. The last one standing in a game featuring two teams with so much fight, and so little quit, Ali and Frazier would be proud.

Jim Calhoun and his Huskies are back in the title game for the first time since 2004. Calhoun is 5-1 lifetime in the Final Four, and is looking to make it 3-for-3 in championship game appearances with a win Monday night. Connecticut advanced to the title game with a 56-55 defeat of Kentucky in Saturday’s national semifinal. In a contest that was a lot lower scoring than anticipated, Kemba Walker led the way with 18 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Connecticut pulled out the win by defensively turning the Wildcats strength into a weakness. Kentucky shot 9-of-27 from beyond the arc as the length of the wing players for UConn forced John Calipari’s team to stroke well below its 40% three-point season average. The ‘Cats also suffered at the FT line with their proficiency and their frequency, getting to the line just 12 times, while making only 4-of-12 for the game, a telling number in a game that was lost by a point. The Huskies shot only 8% (1-of-12) from downtown, and were outscored with the three-ball by a 27-3 margin, but overcame the disparity by continuing their defensive vigilance all over the court. It was a bizarre statistical line for the game for Kentucky: 33.9% from the floor, 33.3% from three-point territory, and 33.3% at the foul line.

Jeremy Lamb once again was the second-leading scorer after Walker with 12 points, and he continued his amazing offensive efficiency, going 5-for-8 from the floor Saturday. Lamb is shooting 59.2% during the tournament. While the Huskies held a slight edge on the boards (38-37), they also held an edge where they prefer not to dominate: turnovers. Connecticut committed 15 miscues, including a crucial one by Shabazz Napier with 0:18 left to give the ‘Cats a chance to tie or take the lead with a three. The 15 turnovers more than doubled UConn’s 7.3 per-game average in four NCAA Tournament games. Napier, Walker and their fellow backcourt mates will need to be especially careful protecting the ball against Butler’s experienced guards, whose quickness and physical man-to-man defense has been underrated the entire tournament.

Butler returns to the title game on the heels of a 70-62 victory over Virginia Commonwealth, ending one Cinderella story, and continuing another. Though truth be told, Cinderella was only around for one night, both of these teams survived a lot longer than one night. Butler got 24 points from its top shooter, Shelvin Mack, 17 points from its top all-around player, Matt Howard, and eight points from arguably the most experienced guard in the nation that comes off the bench, Zach Hahn, who will play in his second championship game on Monday night. Once again, the star of the game over the long haul was Butler’s in-your-face defense. Butler outrebounded the Rams by a 48-32 margin. In terms of defending the shooters, VCU’s Jamie Skeen did have 27 points, but if you take away his 10-of-17 shooting day, the Bulldogs held the rest of the Rams to 13-of-41 FG (32%). While the two teams each generated 24 points from beyond the arc, Butler made more free throws by game’s end (20) than VCU attempted (13). The 15-5 advantage on the offensive boards helped to generate second-chance opportunities that wore down the Rams attempts at a comeback. Connecticut’s wing defenders will need to be just as mindful of Butler’s long-range bombers. Mack has one of the quickest releases in the country, was 5-of-6 from beyond the arc Saturday, and is shooting 41.3% (19-for-46) from downtown for the tournament. Teammate Shawn Vanzant is hitting on 35.3% (6-of-17) from deep in the tourney, and Hahn 29% (5-for-17).

If Connecticut has another 1-of-12 three-point FG night like it did against Kentucky, things could get dicey fast for Calhoun’s squad. In championship games, big shots are usually preceded by big rebounds that account for extra possessions. The battle of the boards will be one of the games within the game, as Howard, Andrew Smith, and Khyle Marshall (8, 7 and 9 boards, respectively, in the win over VCU) will duel it out with Alex Oriakhi, Charles Okwandu, and Roscoe Smith (19 total boards vs. Kentucky) to see who can secure the most important possessions in the paint, and stay out of foul trouble at the same time. Because of Connecticut’s depth up front, Butler can least afford to see one of its top forwards taking an early seat with two first-half fouls.

To quote the late, great Red Barber, this game should be tighter than a new pair of shoes on a rainy day, and nobody has handled themselves better in tight games over the last two NCAA Tournaments than Butler, who is 20-13 ATS (61%) overall. Connecticut is 22-12 ATS (65%) overall and has matched them moment-for-clutch-moment, as this astounding 10-game stretch of basketball which began on a Tuesday in the Big East Tournament will end one way or another Monday… maybe with a half court shot? One way or another, by the end of the evening, either a Bulldog or a Husky will be crowned “best in show.” While the spread feels monstrous for two teams who probably can’t remember what a double-digit victory even looks like, I do believe that Connecticut will make it title No. 3 for their coach, and find a way to cover down the stretch. The following highly- rated FoxSheets situational trends support this pick.

CONNECTICUT is 12-1 ATS (92.3%, +10.9 Units) in all neutral-court games this season. The average score was CONNECTICUT 75.3, OPPONENT 65.5 - (Rating = 5*).

Jim Calhoun is 25-8 ATS (75.8%, +16.2 Units) after a close win by 3 points or less as the coach of CONNECTICUT. The average score was CONNECTICUT 74.5, OPPONENT 64.4 - (Rating = 3*).

CONNECTICUT is 9-1 ATS (90.0%, +7.9 Units) in road games versus excellent ball handling teams - committing <=12 turnovers/game this season. The average score was CONNECTICUT 71.6, OPPONENT 65.1 - (Rating = 3*).

CONNECTICUT is 9-1 ATS (90.0%, +7.9 Units) in non-conference games this season. The average score was CONNECTICUT 76.6, OPPONENT 62.7 - (Rating = 3*).

UConn has played five of six games Under the total and these two highly-rated FoxSheets trends also side with the Under on Monday.

CONNECTICUT is 13-2 UNDER (86.7%, +10.8 Units) versus excellent ball handling teams - committing <=12 turnovers/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CONNECTICUT 66.8, OPPONENT 63.4 - (Rating = 3*).

Play Under - All teams where the total is between 120 and 129.5 points (BUTLER) - after 2 or more consecutive overs, in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15+ games. (85-41 over the last 5 seasons.) (67.5%, +39.9 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 04-04-2011, 02:59 PM

Bedard tries to slow down sizzling Rangers

SEATTLE MARINERS (2-1)

at TEXAS RANGERS (3-0)

First pitch: Monday, 8:05 p.m. EDT
Line: Texas -155, Seattle +145, Total: 9

The Texas Rangers look to continue their hot hitting as they open a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners on Monday evening, trying to start 4-0 for the first time since 1996. In its season-opening, three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox, Texas scored 26 runs and ripped 21 extra-base hits, including 11 home runs. Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler each homered in all three games, the first set of teammates in major-league history to accomplish that feat.

The Mariners will attempt to halt the Rangers bats by sending out left-hander Erik Bedard, who is making his first start since July 25, 2009. Bedard has had two shoulder surgeries since then, and is hoping that a strong spring (3-0, 1.13 ERA) has him ready to return to form. His last start in Texas, back in May 2008, was not a good one (2 IP, 7 H, 6 ER). However, his previous start at Rangers Ballpark was one of the best of his career, as Bedard twirled a two-hit shutout, with no walks and 15 strikeouts. Seattle was a miserable 26-55 (.321) on the road last season, but opened up the 2010 campaign by taking two of three games in Oakland.

Entering his third season in the big leagues, left-hander Derek Holland (3-4, 4.08 ERA) gets the start in hopes of establishing himself in the Rangers rotation. Holland has bounced between the rotation and the bullpen the last two years, but earned a spot in the rotation this spring. At home in 2010, Holland was strong, posting a 2-0 mark with a 2.32 ERA.

Texas won all three games against the Red Sox by 4+ runs, continuing its strong play at home from a year ago (51-30 on the season). The last time the Rangers started 3-0 was back in 2009, when they immediately went on a five-game losing streak. Last season in games four through six, Seattle traveled to Texas and lost two of three games. For the entire year, the Rangers were 12-7 against the Mariners, including 6-3 in Texas. Look for Texas to continue its hot hitting and winning ways with another win on Monday.

These two FoxSheets trends also support Texas as the pick to win.

RON WASHINGTON is 20-5 (80.0%, +18.1 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 3.7 or less runs/game on the season as the manager of TEXAS. The average score was TEXAS 6.0, OPPONENT 4.6 - (Rating = 4*).

SEATTLE is 19-51 (27.1%, -29.7 Units) against the money line after 2 or more consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SEATTLE 3.0, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 04-04-2011, 03:00 PM

Yankees look to retain dominance over Twins

MINNESOTA TWINS (1-2)

at NEW YORK YANKEES (2-1)

First pitch: Monday, 7:05 p.m. EDT
Line: New York -145, Minnesota +135, Total: 10

The Minnesota Twins head to the Bronx to take on their nemesis, the New York Yankees, in the opener of a four-game series on Monday evening. In the last two seasons, including postseason, the Twins have lost 17 of 19 games against the Yankees, and have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Yankees in four of their last five appearances in the AL Division Series.

Scott Baker (12-9, 4.49 ERA, 148 K) will start for the Twins, hoping to follow up on a strong stretch run last season for Minnesota. The Twins were 9-1 in his last 10 starts of 2010. However, Baker has struggled out of the gate in the last two seasons, posting a 7.12 ERA in April since 2009. Baker also lost both starts in New York last year (one at Citi Field and one at Yankee Stadium), allowing 11 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings.

The Twins arrive in New York coming off their first win of the season, barely holding on to beat the Blue Jays with Joe Nathan picking up his first save since 2009. Minnesota had lost its first two games by a combined score of 19-4.

Ivan Nova (1-2, 4.50 ERA) gets the call for the Bronx Bombers, looking to follow up on a strong spring during which he earned the fourth spot in the rotation by posting a 1.80 ERA in 20 innings. Nova made 10 appearances a year ago, including seven starts, and the Yankees were 5-2 in those seven starts.

After winning its first two games of the season against the Tigers, the Yankees dropped a 10-7 decision on Sunday in the Bronx, which saw a combined seven home runs on the day. Mark Teixeira, typically a slow starter, has homered in each of the Yankees’ first three games. He’s the second Yankee to do that, matching Dave Winfield’s feat back in 1983. In two seasons at new Yankee Stadium, the Yankees are 9-1 at home against the Twins. Expect that trend to continue on Monday. These two anti-Twins FoxSheets trends show two more reasons to take New York.

Play Against - Any team (MINNESOTA) - good team from last season who won 54% to 62% of their games, after a win. (110-81 over the last 5 seasons.) (57.6%, +49.2 units. Rating = 3*).

MINNESOTA is 13-35 (27.1%, -23.3 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 5.2 or more runs/game on the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 3.7, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 2*).

The FoxSheets also like the Over for this game.

NY YANKEES are 18-5 OVER (78.3%, +13.0 Units) after allowing 8 runs or more over the last 2 seasons. The average score was NY YANKEES 6.2, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 04-04-2011, 03:01 PM

Cubs look to even record hosting Arizona

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (1-1)

at CHICAGO CUBS (1-2)

First pitch: Monday, 2:20 p.m. EDT
Line: Chicago -145, Arizona +135
The Cubs look to bounce back from a disappointing series loss to Pittsburgh when they host Arizona on Monday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Chicago dropped its first series of the season, falling to the Pirates on Sunday, 5-4, after closer Carlos Marmol allowed two runs in the ninth inning. Randy Wells, who finished last season with an 8-14 record and 4.26 ERA, will start on Monday. He won his first three games in 2010, but went 2-12 over his next 21 starts. The right-hander pitched 194.1 innings and allowed 209 hits with 144 strikeouts and a 1.40 WHIP. Wells was just 4-8 at home with a 4.09 ERA in 18 starts. He gave up 120 hits, including 10 home runs, in 110 innings at Wrigley Field and had an opponents' batting average of .275. Wells is 2-0 against Arizona for his career and has 18 strikeouts and just one walk versus the Diamondbacks. But his lone start against them last season was a struggle. He got the win but allowed five earned runs and eight hits in six innings to go with eight strikeouts last April 30.

Arizona had its Sunday game versus Colorado postponed due to rain/snow. On Saturday, it dropped a 3-1 decision to the Rockies after winning the opener, 7-6 in 11 innings, with 15 hits. Joe Saunders was expected to start Sunday's game, but will now pitch Monday at Wrigley Field, which moves Barry Enright to Tuesday.

Saunders had the most losses in the majors last season (17) with Arizona and the Angels. The left-hander finished 9-17 with a 4.47 ERA in a career-best 33 starts and went 4-9 on the road with a 4.43 ERA. He struggled to improve on those numbers during spring training, finishing 1-3 with a horrendous 12.46 ERA in six games. Saunders has faced the Cubs just once in his career, and it was not a good performance. He lasted 2.2 innings and gave up nine hits and eight runs (five earned) in a 12-1 Angels loss last June 20 at Wrigley Field. Saunders surrendered a home run to Geovany Soto, who hit .318 versus the Diamondbacks last season (7-for-22).

The Cubs have won six straight in the series with Arizona, including a 3-1 mark at Wrigley Field in 2010, and I expect that streak to continue Monday with the pitching advantage. This FoxSheets trend also supports Chicago as the pick to win on Monday.

MIKE QUADE is 12-2 (85.7%, +13.8 Units) against the money line after a loss as the manager of CHICAGO CUBS. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 4.4, OPPONENT 2.1 - (Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 04-04-2011, 03:02 PM

NCAAB odds: Bulldogs underdogs vs. Huskies

If only one Cinderella can go to the ball, it might as well be coach Brad Stevens and his Butler Bulldogs. They meet the Connecticut Huskies for the NCAA men’s basketball national championship at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. CBS will televise the event starting at 6:23 p.m. (PT).

The Don Best Sports odds screen has Connecticut as a 3 ½-point favorite, with the total set at 129 points.

Butler (28-9 straight-up, 20-13-2 against the spread) advanced by beating 11th seed VCU 70-62 as 3 ½-point favorites. It was a battle marked by grit and hard work by each school. Both teams shot under 40 percent from the floor, but Butler’s 46-30 advantage on the glass was a big reason for the win.

Guard Shelvin Mack scored 24 points for Butler on 8-of-11 from the floor, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Forward Jamie Skeen had 27 points for VCU, showing a very nice inside and outside game.

The 132 combined points scored snuck just ‘over’ the 131 ½-point total. Late Butler free throws after intentional fouls were the difference. The ‘over’ is 3-2 for Butler this tournament.

Butler, which has now won 14 straight games, is 7-0 ATS dating back to the start of the Horizon League tournament.

Eighth-seed Butler is trying to match the 1985 Villanova Wildcats as the lowest-seeded school to capture the title. Villanova had the huge upset over Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown squad that was looking for back-to-back titles.

Butler lost 61-59 to Duke in thrilling fashion in last year’s championship game, but easily ‘covered’ the seven-point spread. That game also went ‘under’ the 128 ½-point total.

Michigan’s ‘Fab Five’ teams in the early 90s were the last to lose consecutive title games. The 1998 Kentucky squad was the last to win the national championship after losing in the title game the year before.

The No. 3 seed Huskies (31-9 SU, 22-12 ATS) had the more high profile Final Four game, beating Kentucky 56-55 as two-point underdogs.

The 111 combined points scored went way ‘under’ the 138 ½-point total. The ‘under’ is 4-1 for Connecticut in this tournament, with the defense allowing just 59 PPG.

Kentucky shot just 33.9 percent from the floor with freshman point guard Brandon Knight a dismal 6-of-23. The team converting just 4-of-12 from the line also really hurt.

Kentucky trailed 31-21 at halftime, its lowest first-half output of the season. However, coach John Calipari’s guys clawed back in the second half, even taking some small leads. But Kentucky was the more tired team down the stretch with just seven players seeing action.

Connecticut All-American point guard Kemba Walker had to work for his 18 points. He was 6-of-15 from the field and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc. The entire squad struggled from long range (1-of-12), which needs to improve Monday night.

Connecticut has won 10 straight contests starting with winning the Big East Tournament as a No. 9 seed. The only ‘cover’ failure was a 65-63 win over Arizona in the Elite Eight as 3 ½-point favorites.

The Huskies are perfect outside of Big East regular season play, going 22-0 SU and 15-1 ATS.

Coach Jim Calhoun is looking to join some elite company by winning his third national title (1999 and 2004 the others). Only John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski, Adolph Rupp and Bobby Knight have won three or more.

The Monday night matchups will be exciting to watch. Mack (16.1 PPG) is averaging 23.5 PPG in his last four and is much stronger physically than Walker. Walker (23.7 PPG) has the quickness advantage and will play a lot of off-guard with freshman Shabazz Napier handling the ball.

Connecticut has good size up front with starters Alex Oriakhi and Roscoe Smith, plus Charles Okwandu off the bench. Matt Howard, Butler’s big man who is averaging 16.7 PPG, is as crafty as they come drawing fouls around the basket. He had 12 free throw attempts last game and made 11.

The key could be freshman guard Jeremy Lamb (11.1 PPG). He’s been a consistent second scorer this tourney at 17 PPG. He also provides a big matchup problem for Butler with his athleticism and 6-foot-5 length.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-04-2011, 03:03 PM

Twins look to beat MLB odds at NY Yankees

Despite all their great talent, the fate of the New York Yankees may be decided by the effectiveness of their backend starting pitchers.

This means guys like 24-year-old Ivan Nova. He gets the start Monday when the Yankees host Minnesota at 4:05 p.m. PT.

The right-handed Nova captured the Yankees’ fourth starting slot by posting a 1.80 ERA in 20 spring innings.

Nova made seven starts and had 10 appearances for New York last year in his first season. His record was just 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 42 innings. The Yankees, though, are 5-1 during Nova’s past six starts.

The key for Nova is getting through the middle innings. He had a 2.57 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in the first four innings of his starts. Those figures tailed off to a 12.46 ERA and 2.65 WHIP from the fifth inning on.

New York has been dominant at Yankee Stadium going 97-41 in its last 138 home contests through this past Saturday. The Yankees have been real tough at home against right-handers and American League Central Division foes, which isn’t good news for Minnesota starter Scott Baker.

The Yankees are 52-18 during their past 70 matchups versus AL Central competition and were 74-27 in their last 101 home matchups when facing a right-handed starter.

The Twins know all about how tough New York is at Yankee Stadium. They have lost 30 of their last 36 road games to the Yankees.

New York defeated Minnesota in seven of nine meetings last year, including sweeping the Twins out of the playoffs in three straight games for the second consecutive season.

The Twins have won the past five times the right-handed Baker has pitched on the road. Baker, however, is not the ideal pitcher to deal with the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. He’s a fly ball pitcher prone to giving up home runs. Like the rest of the Twins starters, he’s more effective pitching at Target Field.

Baker has a career mark of 55-42 with a 4.32 ERA. The seven-year pro was 12-9 with a 4.49 ERA last season. Baker has good stuff as evidenced by striking out almost eight batters per nine innings and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nearly 3 ½-to-1.

However, he frequently gives up the long ball. He’s been tagged for at least 20 home runs during each of the last three years.

Taking advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short dimensions, the Yankees smacked 201 homers last year, the third-most in baseball. They also led the majors in runs and RBIs and were fourth in slugging percentage.

The Yankees had five players with 24 or more homers last year – Mark Teixeira with 33, Alex Rodriguez with 30, Robinson Cano with 29, Nick Swisher with 29 and Curtis Granderson with 24.

Those who have played the Yankees on the run line at home have been richly awarded most of the time as New York has won 48 of its last 54 home games by two or more runs going into the first Sunday of this month.

The Twins already may have fatigue issues with the bullpen having worked 7 2/3 innings through the first two games.

Baker is 2-2 lifetime versus the Yankees with a 4.15 ERA. Nova worked one inning of relief against Minnesota last year giving up no runs on two hits.

The Twins are 2-8 the past 10 times they’ve gone up against a right-handed starter on the road. Minnesota also was 1-10 on the road in its last 11 road contests through this past Saturday when facing opposition with a winning record.

The ‘over’ was 18-7-1 in the Yankees’ last 26 games entering the first Sunday of April. The ‘under’ has cashed in nine of the last 12 meetings between the Twins and Yankees. The ‘under’ is 32-12-4 the last 48 times the Yankees have hosted the Twins.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-04-2011, 03:04 PM

NHL Betting: LA Kings visit San Jose Sharks

Both Kings, Sharks matchups this season have gone to a shootout.
A late-season matchup between a pair of Pacific Division rivals highlights Monday’s National Hockey League action when Los Angeles (45-27-4-2) visits San Jose (46-23-4-5).

The Kings are currently locked in a tight battle with Phoenix for the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings, entering the weekend with 96 points. The team that finishes fourth will get home-ice advantage for the first-round series.

The Sharks presently find themselves in second place, 12 points behind Vancouver. However, San Jose is just a point ahead of hard-charging Detroit in the standings as the regular season starts to wind down.

Versus will provide coverage of Monday’s Pacific Division matchup beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT from San Jose’s HP Pavilion.

Los Angeles improved to 5-1 its last six games after skating past Dallas Saturday as 128 home ‘chalk,’ 3-1. The combined four goals failed to topple the five-goal closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 7-1 the previous eight outings.

The game was tied heading into the third period before the Kings put the contest away. Defenseman Matt Greene scored the go-ahead goal, just his sixth of the season, while Wayne Simmonds had a goal and an assist and Dustin Brown also lit the lamp. Goaltender Jonathan Quick stonewalled 24 shots in the victory. Los Angeles finished the contest with advantages in faceoffs won, 33-22, and shots on goal, 32-25.

The Kings are 7-2 their last nine games against Pacific Division opponents, while the ‘under’ is 11-4-1 the previous 16 matchups. Los Angeles is now 6-2 its past eight outings following a victory.

San Jose is riding a three-game winning streak after doubling-up Anaheim Saturday as a 157 home favorite, 4-2. The combined six goals eclipsed the 5 ½-goal closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 5-1 the past six performances.

The Sharks rallied from a two-goal deficit with two goals in each the second and third periods. Devin Setoguchi scored the tiebreaking goal, while Patrick Marleau scored twice and Dany Heatley also lit the lamp.

San Jose has now reached the 100-point mark for the fifth straight season. The Sharks can clinch their fourth consecutive division crown with a victory over the Kings. San Jose concluded the contest with advantages in faceoffs won, 29-22, and shots on goal, 33-22.

The Sharks have seen the ‘over’ go 8-1-2 their last 11 games versus Western Conference teams. San Jose is now 20-6 its past 26 games following a victory.

Los Angeles has won the previous two meetings with San Jose, and both outings were determined in a shootout. The Kings prevailed Jan. 26 as 115 home ‘chalk,’ 3-2, and March 24 as a 114 home favorite, 4-3. The ‘under’ is 3-1 the previous four games in this series. Los Angeles is just 8-18 the past 26 matchups in San Jose, and 17-35-1 the previous 53 meetings overall.

Los Angeles center Anze Kopitar (ankle injury) is expected to miss the next month, while right wing Justin Williams (shoulder) is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. San Jose center Scott Nichol (wrist) and defenseman Kent Huskins (upper body) are ‘out.’

The Sharks follow this contest with a two-game road trip against Anaheim and Phoenix before concluding the regular season at home versus the Coyotes. The Kings host Phoenix after this contest before playing Anaheim in a home-and-home series.

**The Boomaster** · 04-04-2011, 10:09 PM

gl bum

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The Bum's Monday's Best Bets MLB-NHL-NCAAB !

The Bum's Monday's Best Bets MLB-NHL-NCAAB !

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