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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:13 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: April 26

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Lakers try to bounce back against the Hornets, while the Blackhawks visit the Canucks for Game 7, and the Tigers play host to the M's.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

On the NBA playoff schedule for Tuesday it's Atlanta at Orlando, Indiana at Chicago, and New Orleans at the Lakers. The Hawks and Bulls both lead their respective best-of-seven first-round series 3-1 and will be looking to close out the set on Tuesday night. The Hornets and Lakers, meanwhile, are all tied up at 2-2 heading into Tuesday's Game 5. New Orleans beat Los Angeles 93-88 at home in Game 4 on Sunday night, with Chris Paul picking up a triple-double (27 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists) in that contest. Trevor Ariza added 19 points for the Hornets that night. Kobe Bryant was held to 17 points in the loss and suffered a late foot injury that required crutches after the game.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Tuesday offers up Boston at Baltimore, Kansas City at Cleveland, the White Sox at the Yankees, Toronto at Texas, Tampa Bay at Minnesota, Oakland at the Angels, and Seattle at Detroit. Felix Hernandez (2-2, 3.37 ERA) will get the ball for the Mariners in that last contest; righthander Hernandez beat the Athletics last time out, holding them scoreless on four hits over 7 2-3 innings of work. The Tigers will counter with Phil Coke (1-3, 2.75 ERA); lefthander Coke was knocked around by the Mariners last week, allowing six runs (two earned) over 3 2-3 innings pitched in that loss.

Over in the National League on Tuesday it's then San Francisco at Pittsburgh, the Mets at Washington, the Dodgers at Florida, St. Louis at Houston, Colorado at the Cubs, Cincinnati at Milwaukee, Philadelphia at Arizona, and Atlanta at San Diego. Jair Jurrjens (1-0, 0.69 ERA) will take the mound for the Braves on Tuesday; righthander Jurrjens has given up just one run in 13 innings of work this season against the Dodgers and Mets. The Padres will go with Aaron Harang (4-0, 1.87 ERA) on Tuesday; righthander Harang has won all four of his outings this season, striking out 21 batters while walking just five.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

As well, the NHL has three playoff games on tap for Tuesday night, with Boston at Montreal, Buffalo at Philadelphia, and Chicago at Vancouver. The Bruins lead the Canadiens 3-2 in their best-of-seven first-round series, while the Sabres/Flyers and Blackhawks/Canucks sets are both tied at three games apiece heading into Tuesday's Game 7 contests. The Blackhawks beat the Canucks 4-3 at home in Game 6 on Sunday night, bringing them back from an 0-3 series deficit. Ben Smith had the overtime winner for Chicago in that game, while Michael Frolik, Dave Bolland, and Bryan Bickell scored in regulation time. Daniel Sedin, Alex Burrows, and Kevin Bieksa replied for the Canucks.

**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:15 AM

Tuesday's betting tips: Lakers big faves, Kobe ailing

Who’s hot

NBA: Atlanta has covered in each of its last eight matchups with Orlando.

NBA: The underdog is 17-5 in the last 22 meetings between the Lakers and Hornets.

NHL: The under is 11-3-2 in Vancouver’s last 16 games.

NHL: Buffalo has won seven of its last 10 contests.

MLB: The Boston Red Sox have won eight of their last nine.

Who’s not

NBA: Orlando is 2-9 against the spread in its last 11 home games.

NBA: Chicago is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight home games.

NHL: Philadelphia is 1-7 in its last eight games following a win and is 3-9 in its last 12 as a favorite.

NHL: Boston has won only nine of its last 30 games in Montreal.

Key stat

8.5 – The Los Angeles Lakers are getting outscored by 8.5 points with Kobe Bryant on the bench so far in the postseason. Bryant suffered another sprained ankle in Game 4 and was on crutches following the loss but fully expects to play on Tuesday. How much he ends up playing is another question all together. Los Angeles is set as a big 10.5-point favorite.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals - It looks as though St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is going to be OK after giving the team a scare with a hamstring issue. The team said Monday that the injury isn’t serious and he could be all right to play Tuesday even though he’s currently listed as day-to-day.

Game of the day

Chicago Blackhawks at Vancouver Canucks (-165, 5.5)

Notable quotable

"A guy as good as Derrick Rose, I know that he knows that this series needs to be over, so I think that ankle won't play a role in the back of his mind. I think the adrenaline will be pumped, and I think he's going to come out here trying to end us.'' – Pacers swingman Paul George on Derrick Rose’s sprained ankle.

Notes and tips

The Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks have announced their respective starting goaltenders as they head into their Game 7 matchups on Tuesday. The Canucks will go back to Roberto Luongo after he was benched for Game 6 while Brian Boucher gets the call for the Flyers.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League first leg against Schalke with a groin strain. Berbatov may have started the game on the bench with Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez up front anyway, but this puts more pressure on Rooney, who is being targeted by Schalke. “It's all about stopping Rooney, he's the key player,” Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder told reporters. “The first match is at home so it will be very important not to concede a goal.” Man U is pegged a +125 on the three-way betting option with the total at two goals.

Derek Roy may give the Buffalo Sabres the spark they need if he does return from injury on Tuesday. Roy, who has been out with a leg injury since Dec. 23, had 35 points in 35 games before hitting the shelf. Roy says he’s 100 percent, but coach Lindy Ruff hasn’t confirmed that the sniper will play yet.

**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:26 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, April 26

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ATLANTA (47 - 39) at ORLANDO (53 - 33) - 4/26/2011, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 10-10 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 12-8 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
16 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (38 - 48) at CHICAGO (65 - 21) - 4/26/2011, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 50-35 ATS (+11.5 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 42-29 ATS (+10.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 9-7 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 11-5 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (48 - 38) at LA LAKERS (59 - 27) - 4/26/2011, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 8-7 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 11-4 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:30 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, April 26

Eastern Conference Playoffs - First Round - Best of 7 - Game 5 - ATL 3-1
ATLANTA at ORLANDO, 7:05 PM ET NBA
ATLANTA: 16-4 Under vs. Orlando
ORLANDO: 0-8 ATS vs. Atlanta

Eastern Conference Playoffs - First Round - Best of 7 - Game 5 - CHI 3-1
INDIANA at CHICAGO, 8:05 PM ET TNT
INDIANA: 1-8 ATS off division win
CHICAGO: 8-0 ATS at home off SU loss as road favorite

Western Conference Playoffs - First Round - Best of 7 - Game 5 - TIED 2-2
NEW ORLEANS at LA LAKERS, 10:35 PM ET TNT
NEW ORLEANS: 52-28 SU off home win
LA LAKERS: 20-8 ATS when tied in a playoff series

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:34 AM

NBA

Tuesday, April 26

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. ORLANDO
Atlanta is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Orlando is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Orlando is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games at home

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indiana's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games when playing Indiana
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana

10:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 10 of New Orleans's last 14 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
New Orleans is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Lakers are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games at home

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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:39 AM

NBA

Tuesday, April 26

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What bettors need to know: Tuesday NBA playoffs
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Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (-7.5, 178)

THE STORY: The Atlanta Hawks look to wrap up their first-round series on Tuesday when they visit the Orlando Magic in Game 5. The Hawks prevailed 88-85 on Sunday to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the team that swept them out of last year’s playoffs by a combined 101 points. Jamal Crawford continued his fine series with 25 points, and Joe Johnson added 20. Orlando had a chance to force overtime but Al Horford messed up the timing of the final play with a near steal, and Hedo Turkoglu’s last-second 3-pointer was off the mark. Orlando has struggled offensively and has scored 88 or fewer points in each of the last three games.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBATV

WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Johnson is averaging 20 points and 6.5 rebounds. Orlando’s Jameer Nelson is shooting only 35.5 percent.

KEY STATISTIC: Turkoglu was 2-of-12 from the field in Game 4 and is shooting 22.9 percent.

LAST WORD: “This series is far from over but we’re running out of time. It’s about stepping up and doing what we do at a high level. We’ve got shooters who haven’t shot very well. We haven’t played anywhere near the level we’re capable of.” – Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy.

TRENDS: Atlanta has covered in each of its last eight meetings with the Magic.
Orlando is 2-9 against the spread in its last 11 home games.

Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (-9.5, 187)

THE STORY: The Chicago Bulls have made a habit of fourth-quarter comebacks in their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. In Game 4, the deficit proved to be a little bit too large. Derrick Rose and company will take another shot at closing out the pesky Pacers when the series returns to Chicago for Game 5 on Tuesday. Rose injured his ankle Saturday, but an MRI revealed it to be only a sprain. He is expected to play Tuesday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, Comcast SportsNet Chicago

WHO’S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Chicago's Joakim Noah posted his third double-double of the series Saturday. Indiana's Tyler HanXXXough went for 22 points in Game 1, but has averaged only 6.7 on 7-of-32 shooting over the last three.

KEY STATISTIC: Chicago struggled from 3-point range in Game 4 when it was 3-for-20, including 1-for-9 by Rose. The Bulls went 20-for-57 (37 percent) through the first three games.

LAST WORD: Chicago shot 33.3 percent in the first half Saturday, its lowest percentage in a half this season. “They’re playing good defense,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “You have to give them credit. We have to read. You have to hit the first open man. When you do that, the ball moves.”

TRENDS: Chicago has covered just once over its last eight home games.
The under is 9-4 in Indiana's last 13 road games.

New Orleans Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers (-10.5, 183)

THE STORY: If the Los Angeles Lakers do not find a way to contain Chris Paul, they could become the victims of a huge upset. The Lakers, who may be without Kobe Bryant at full strength, host the New Orleans Hornets in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series Tuesday. The series is tied 2-2. Paul dribbled past the Lakers and had them literally turning in circles in the Hornets' 93-88 victory in Game 4 Sunday night as he recorded his second playoff triple-double with a fabulous 27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds. Bryant, who injured what he said was his left foot late in the game, was scoreless in the first half and finished with 17 points.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, Fox Sports West

WHO’S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Ariza scored 16 first-half points on 8-for-12 shooting in the first half and helped carry the Hornets before Paul got going. Bryant was 0-for-7 from the field in the first half and finished 5-for-18.

KEY STATISTIC: The Hornets buried the Lakers in second-chance points 20-4 and also outrebounded them 39-32.

LAST WORD: “He's like any great player. Once he gets going and on a roll it's tough to contain him. He was just all over the place tonight. That's just a bad little dude.” – Bryant on Paul.

TRENDS: The road team is 15-5 against the spread in the last 20 meetings between the Lakers and Hornets.
Los Angeles has covered in only three of its last 11 overall.

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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:41 AM

NBA

Tuesday, April 26

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Pick 'n' roll: Tuesday's best NBA bets
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Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (-9.5, 187)

Bulls guard Derrick Rose has single-handedly put his team on his back to guide them to a 3-1 series lead. That’s why there is reason to be concerned following a Game 4 loss that saw the former Memphis star putting on a walking boot after spraining his ankle.

The MRI is negative, but his prognosis is optimistic at best.

"Hopefully, he'll be ready (Tuesday)," Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said. "When we ask him, he says he's fine. (Athletic trainer) Fred (Tedeschi) said (Rose) has a little soreness, but he said the swelling isn't bad."

Without Rose or even with a limited Rose, Chicago must focus on improved ball movement. Rose is the only player on the team who routinely attacks the rim and far too often the team has settled for outside jumpers. Indiana will continue to use its physical play which has taken a toll on Rose and discouraged many of the Bulls players from going to the cup.

In the first three games of the series, Rose averaged more than 16 free throw attempts per game. In Game 4, he got to the stripe only four times with a bum wheel.

"I think I didn't attack enough," Rose said. "I think if I would have kept on attacking, they would have had to make the call. But I eased off, (so) just learn from it and next game be more aggressive."

That will be a tall task for a Rose and a Bulls team which hasn’t won a game by more than six points this series.

Pick: Indiana

Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (-7.5, 178)

Remember when the Magic were the most feared outside shooting team in the game?

By literally using journeymen and D-League castoffs to guard Magic center Dwight Howard, the Hawks are allowing the All-Star to get his points while shutting down all perimeter shooting.

Orlando was a mere 2-for-23 beyond the arc in a Game 4 loss in Atlanta and is nearly as bad for the series. Through four games, the team is just 21-of-96 from distance and is failing to do anything to support Howard’s efforts.

During the season, Orlando was making 36.6 percent of its treys – 10th-best in the league – and was averaging 99.2 points per game. The Magic have cracked 90 points only once in the entire series.

But this approach is nothing new to the Hawks. Atlanta has figured out their rivals and is 6-2 SU and 8-0 ATS in their past eight against the Magic – all as underdogs.

“They’re playing good defense. I’m not taking anything away from them. But we’re getting good enough looks,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “I don’t know what to tell you about the shooting. I really don’t.”

Meanwhile, the Hawks are getting a huge boost from sixth-man Jamal Crawford. The streaky guard is averaging 24 points and 4 assists per game in the series off the bench.

“Jamal is playing with unbelievable confidence. Everything he throws up, he knows it’s going in,” Van Gundy said. “We’re at the opposite end of the spectrum. We have a lot of guys throwing it up, and they have no idea if it’s going in.”

Pick: Atlanta

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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:43 AM

NBA
Dunkel

New Orleans at LA Lakers
The Hornets look to take advantage of an LA team that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 home games. New Orleans is the pick (+10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by only 9. Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+10 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26

Game 515-516: Atlanta at Orlando (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 118.841; Orlando 122.112
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 173
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 7 1/2; 178
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+7 1/2); Under

Game 519-520: Indiana at Chicago (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 115.561; Chicago 127.516
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 12; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9; 187
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-9); Over

Game 521-522: New Orleans at LA Lakers (10:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 117.808; LA Lakers 126.824
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 9; 180
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 10 1/2; 183
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+10 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:45 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Buffalo at Philadelphia
The Flyers look to clinch the series and take advantage of a Buffalo team that is 2-7 in its last 9 playoff games as an underdog from +110 to +150. Philadelphia is the pick (-160) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-160). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26

Game 15-16: Boston at Montreal (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.821; Montreal 11.147
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-110); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-110); Under

Game 17-18: Buffalo at Philadelphia (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.534; Philadelphia 11.805
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-160); Over

Game 19-20: Chicago at Vancouver (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.655; Vancouver 11.838
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-165); Over

**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 08:49 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, April 26

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BOSTON (49-27-0-11, 109 pts.) at MONTREAL (46-31-0-10, 102 pts.) - 4/26/2011, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 46-41 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 49-40 ATS (+113.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 13-5 ATS (+18.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 27-28 ATS (+62.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-20 ATS (+8.8 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 5-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in home games after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 15-12-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
12 of 22 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)

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BUFFALO (46-31-0-11, 103 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (50-25-0-13, 113 pts.) - 4/26/2011, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 10-8-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
13 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.4 Units)

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CHICAGO (47-32-0-9, 103 pts.) at VANCOUVER (57-21-0-10, 124 pts.) - 4/26/2011, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 17-13 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 17-13-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
16 of 27 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.2 Units)

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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 09:03 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, April 26

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Best of 7 - Game 6 - BOS Leads 3-2
BOSTON at MONTREAL, 7:05 PM ET
BOSTON: 11-2 SU Away after allowing 1 game or less
MONTREAL: 5-1 SU when facing elimination in a playoff series

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Best of 7 - Game 7 - Tied 3-3
BUFFALO at PHILADELPHIA, 7:35 PM ET
BUFFALO: 8-2 SU off OT loss
PHILADELPHIA: 12-2 SU off OT win

Western Conference Playoffs - Best of 7 - Game 7 - Tied 3-3
CHICAGO at VANCOUVER, 10:05 PM ET
CHICAGO: 31-9 SU off home win scoring 4+ goals
VANCOUVER: 6-11 SU after allowing 4+ goals

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 09:06 AM

NHL

Tuesday, April 26

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MONTREAL
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games at home
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
BUFFALO vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Buffalo

10:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. VANCOUVER
Chicago is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games on the road
Vancouver is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Vancouver's last 14 games when playing at home against Chicago

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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 09:10 AM

NHL

Tuesday, April 26

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What bettors need to know: Tuesday NHL playoffs
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Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens (-110, 5)

THE STORY: The Boston Bruins bucked the trend Saturday by becoming the first home team to post a victory in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal must follow suit to avoid elimination when it hosts Game 6 at the Bell Centre on Tuesday. History is in the Canadiens' favor as they have forced a seventh game in each of their previous four playoff series against the Bruins in which they've trailed 3-2. In addition, they have went on to win three of those sets. Last year, Montreal trailed 3-2 versus both the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins before winning Game 6 at home and Game 7 on the road. Meanwhile, Boston never has won a postseason series after losing the first two contests, going 0-26.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS, NESN

WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Patrice Bergeron leads Boston with four assists and six points. Milan Lucic, who recorded a team-high 30 goals during the regular season, has yet to score in the series. Cammalleri has collected seven points, four more than his closest teammate. Defenseman Brent Sopel was the only Canadien not to register a shot in Game 5.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Bruins remain the only team yet to register a power-play goal in the postseason, failing to score on three opportunities in Game 5 to make them 0-for-15 in the series. The Canadiens have converted two of their 16 chances.

LAST WORD: "I think we experienced that last year (against the Philadelphia Flyers). You don't want to bring it up, but we know how hard it is. We've got to go to Montreal knowing we've got to be ready. Montreal will come out and play the game of their lives." - Boston coach Claude Julien on the difficulty of closing out a series.

TRENDS: Boston has won just nine of its last 30 games in Montreal.

The favorite is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between the Canadiens and Bruins.

Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers (-160, 5.5)

THE STORY: Aesthetically pleasing it was not, but the Philadelphia Flyers have ridden their carousel of questionable goaltending to Game 7 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the seventh-seeded Buffalo Sabres. The Atlantic Division champions have started three netminders in the series, with veteran Brian Boucher picking up one win in relief of both rookie Sergei Bobrovsky and Michael Leighton, respectively. The 34-year-old Rhode Island native will get the call in the latest turn of the carousel on Tuesday after stopping 24 of the 25 shots he faced in Sunday's 5-4 overtime win in western New York. Ville Leino netted the winner 4:43 into the extra session for the second-seeded Flyers, who will host Game 7.

TV: 7:30 ET, VERSUS, TSN

WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani collected two assists on Sunday. The rookie now has one goal and six helpers to lead the Sabres in points this series. Briere has seven goals and three assists in his last eight games.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Philadelphia scored on one of five power-play opportunities on Sunday and is now 3-for-31 in the series with the man advantage. For its part, Buffalo also went 1-for-5 in Game 6 and is 5-for-27 in the series.

LAST WORD: "If Mike Richards thinks we're getting away with murder, I don't know what he just got away with. Mass murder? Are we stepping it up a notch? Unbelievable." - Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller, referring to Richards' hit on Connolly.

TRENDS: Philadelphia is just 1-7 in its last eight games following a victory.
The over has cashed in on 21 of the last 27 meetings between the Flyers and Sabres.

Chicago Blackhawks at Vancouver Canucks (-165, 5.5)

THE STORY: The most thrilling series of the first round comes to an end Tuesday night as the Vancouver Canucks host the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 7 of their Western Conference quarterfinal showdown. The big question for the deciding game was who the Canucks would put between the pipes. Cory Schneider was given Sunday's Game 6 assignment but suffered an injury. He's good to go for Game 7, forcing Vancouver to choose between him and Roberto Luongo. Right now, it looks like Luongo will get the nod.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS, CSN Chicago

WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Sedin leads both teams with five goals in six games, while Burrows snapped out of a slump with three points in Game 6. Blackhawks F Patrick Kane has a goal and five assists during a five-game point streak.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Neither team converted with the man advantage Sunday night. The Canucks have four goals on 16 power-play chances in the postseason, while the Blackhawks are 6 for 28 with the extra man.

LAST WORD: "I have no idea. We really haven’t really talked about it. (Luongo) looked great in the third period and overtime in a tough spot." - Schneider, when asked who would play in Game 7.

TRENDS: The underdog is 21-10 in the last 31 meetings between the Blackhawks and Canucks.
The under is 7-3 in Chicago's last 10 road games.

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**Udog** · 04-26-2011, 09:12 AM

NHL

Tuesday, April 26

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Ice picks: Tuesday's best NHL bets
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Chicago Blackhawks at Vancouver Canucks (-165, 5)

So much for the vote of confidence given to Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo.

After coach Alain Vigneault said he still had the utmost faith in his netminder, he turned around and started backup goaltender Cory Schneider less than 24 hours later.

The move backfired in his face. Schneider played solid – but not spectacular – before injuring his back in the third period. Luongo returned to the ice to relieve him before surrendering the game winner in overtime off of an atrocious rebound.

As of Monday, not even the coach had fully decided who to use and has left fans, media and bettors questioning his reasoning.

“If I tell you who’s going to play, are you going to believe me?” Vigneault said after the Game 6 loss. He later indicated that Luongo would be his guy for Game 7, but we've heard that story before.

But the way the Blackhawks are playing behind gritty center Dave Bolland, it might not matter who is between the pipes. Since his return from injury for Game 4, the team has rattled off three straight wins as he has registered five points – including two goals – and is plus-6.

Conversely, the Canucks' top players have struggled since Bolland stepped back on the ice. Since the end of Game 3, Daniel and Henrik Sedin have combined for only one point and are minus-13.

Pick: Chicago

Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens (-110, 5)

It’s hard to believe the Canadiens are just two bad bounces away from advancing to the second round. Instead, the team is facing elimination and must win just to face a Game 7 back in Boston later this week.

"We're getting better game to game," Montreal coach Jacques Martin said. "With the character the leadership and what we've overcome in the past, I'm sure we'll be ready on Tuesday.

"There were a lot of positives from [Game 5]. We battled. We attacked. That's competition. We had opportunities in overtime. The guys are positive and confident. I'm confident because of the way we're playing. We'll bring in a couple of adjustments, nothing major. We feel we have a good chance of winning."

One thing that must change for the Canadiens is the play of their power play. Montreal has killed off 15 straight odd-man situations, but has managed just two goals in its last 16 chances. Montreal had the seventh ranked power play during the regular season, converting at a 19.7 percent clip while Boston’s biggest weakness during a strong regular season was the team’s penalty kill.

For the year, the Bruins killed off just 82.6 percent of opposing power plays, putting them 16th in the league on the PK.

Look for Montreal to finally break though at home and send the series back to Boston.

Pick: Montreal

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Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 4/26 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 4/26 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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