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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 08:43 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: May 7

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Churchill Downs stages the Kentucky Derby, the Sprint Cup Series hits Darlington Raceway, and the Celtics look for a win over the Heat.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

Saturday offers up a pair of NBA playoff matchups, with Oklahoma City at Memphis, and Miami at Boston. The Thunder tied up their best-of-seven second-round series at 1-1 with a 111-102 home win in Game 2 of the series on Tuesday night; Kevin Durant poured in 25 points for Oklahoma City in that game. Oddsmakers have Memphis set as a 3-point favorite for Game 3, with the total sitting at 200. The Heat will then look to take a 3-0 lead on the Celtics when those teams meet in Game 3 of their set on Saturday night; Miami won Game 2 by a score of 102-91 on Tuesday night behind 35 points from LeBron James. Boston is listed as a 3-point favorite for Saturday, with that total at 182.5.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

On the American League schedule for Saturday it's Detroit at Toronto, Tampa Bay at Baltimore, Minnesota at Boston, Oakland at Kansas City, Cleveland at the Angels, the White Sox at Seattle, and the Yankees at Texas. New York will give the ball to Bartolo Colon (2-1, 3.00 ERA) on Saturday, while the Rangers counter with Derek Holland (3-1, 4.66 ERA). Righthander Colon took a no-decision against the Tigers in his last trip to the mound, giving up three runs on seven hits in seven innings of work. Lefthander Holland faced the Yankees back on April 16, allowing five runs in 7 2-3 innings in a losing cause.

Over in the National League on Saturday it's then Milwaukee at St. Louis, the Dodgers at the Mets, Cincinnati at the Cubs, Houston at Pittsburgh, Washington at Florida, Arizona at San Diego, Colorado at San Francisco, and Atlanta at Philadelphia. The Braves' Jair Jurrjens (3-0, 1.52 ERA) will take on the Phillies' Kyle Kendrick (1-2, 2.08 ERA) in that last matchup. Righthander Jurrjens beat the Brewers in his most recent start, surrendering just two runs on seven hits over 7 2-3 innings. Righthander Kendrick is filling in for Roy Oswalt (back injury) on Saturday; this will be his first start of the season.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

There's one NHL playoff game on the Saturday schedule, with Nashville at Vancouver in Game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round series. The Canucks took a 3-1 series lead with a 4-2 win in Game 4 of the set in Nashville on Thursday night. Christian Ehrhoff, Alexander Edler, Ryan Kesler, and Henrik Sedin all scored for Vancouver in Thursday's win, while Roberto Luongo stopped 19 of 21 Nashville shots in the contest. Joel Ward and Cody Franson had the goals for the Predators, while Pekka Rinne made 24 saves.

Roaring around the track . . .

The Sprint Cup Series races under the lights at Darlington Raceway on Saturday night in the Showtime Southern 500. Defending champion Denny Hamlin is the race co-favorite along with Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson at 5/1 odds for Saturday, with both Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards at 7/1 on the oddsmakers' list for the weekend. Kevin Harvick is getting 10/1 odds to grab the trophy at Darlington Raceway on Saturday, while Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Greg Biffle have all been listed back at 12/1 odds.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, Churchill Downs stages The Run for the Roses on Saturday, with Dialed In pegged as the oddsmakers' 3/1 favorite to win the 137th Kentucky Derby. Nehro is next on that odds list at 7/1 to win the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown on Saturday, with Mucho Macho Man rounding out the top three contenders at 10/1 odds. Archarcharch, Soldat, and Midnight Interlude are set at 12/1 odds to cross the finish line first at Churchill Downs, while Uncle Mo was scratched from the race due to a stomach ailment.

**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 08:46 AM

Saturday's six-pack

-- RBIs are all about having guys on base when you come to bat; before Friday night, the two hitters who came to the plate with the most men on base this season were: Ryan Howard (111) and Adam Lind (104).

-- Michael Young has come up with a man on third base 11 times this year and knocked him in nine of the eleven times-- 81.8%!!!!!

-- Michael Cuddyer, who came to plate with most men on base in all of big leagues LY, has come up with 61 men on base so far this season, but knocked in only one, one of many reasons the Twins are struggling.

-- Cliff Lee struck out 16 men but also allowed nine hits and lost 5-0 at home to Atlanta. Don't see guys allowing nine hits with 16 Ks a lot.

-- Mets are now 9-3 when Jason Bay plays, 5-15 when he doesn't.

-- Mavericks pulled away late and beat the Lakers 98-92, grabbing a 3-0 series lead. Dallas has won its last five games overall.

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Armadillo's Den: Our handicappers pick the Kentucky Derby

First Saturday in May; hope springs eternal for a group of 19 horses looking for immortality…… OK so we like to think this is what it is all about and maybe it is for some but really it’s the unofficial start of the wagering season (at least for me).

This year’s group, while uninspiring on paper, offer great hope for the owners, trainer and yes, the bettors. A group without a significant standout gives everyone a legitimate shot at making some serious cash.

As I look at the group, I am a little biased having already placed a futures bet on Mucho Macho Man. I win that bet so I can focus on some of the others this time around. I will say that I think if the track is wet and ‘The Man’ doesn’t show his age (really only 2) he has a legit shot.

Shackleford looks like a horse on the improve. His last race was very solid and what’s best is I think it was used as somewhat of a sharpener. He showed speed and held gamely right to the wire. He may be getting good right now. Pants on Fire is interesting. Yes he is going to get hooked early and will not get away with easy fraction but he showed real grit in his last. Remember there are no killers in here and sometimes horses get brave on the front end… Archarcharch ran a nice one in last and puts up the fields highest Beyer with runner-up in that race Nehro. All things being equal I think I would rather be on the rail than out in post 19 (I am not a trainer) especially since I can save ground and rate….Nehro is many people’s pick and he is solid but 2nd last two times; just not sure… Mucho Macho Man as stated earlier has been training very aggressively and may be the future star of this group. He has to figure on his best. Soldat looks very inviting; throw out his last and he just may be the logical favorite. If he is 12-1 he is a huge value but I think he will come down from the morning line. Wet track good, distance no problem; lots to like. Dialed In hooked Shakleford at the end and Mr. Zito knows how to get them ready but I just can’t take 5-2 in this field….

The Rest:

Animal Kingdom: Never run on dirt…

Midnight Interlude: Bullet work in slop but unraced at two

Santiva: Sneaky good but keeps switching barns; head case?

Master of Hounds: Too many unknowns

Twinspired: Only dirt try: YIKES

Derby Kitten: Not good enough to hang with these

Comma to the Top: Maybe a tired horse; too many races

Decisive Moment: Like the mud workouts but Beyer’s a step below

Stay Thirsty: Repole’s only hope, just not sure this is the one he was banking on…

Twice the Appeal: Light Beyer’s but always going up; interesting

Brilliant Speed: Did he fire his best in the Blue Grass or is he really good?

Watch Me Go: Last was really bad ; pass

The Picks:
1st-- Soldat
2nd-- Shackleford
3rd-- Mucho Macho Man

The Bets:

$20WPS Soldat

$15WPS Shackleford

$10WPS Mucho Macho Man (plus $30W in Futures Pool)

$5 Ex Box Soldat/Shackleford/Mucho Macho Man

$1 Tri Box Soldat/Shackleford/Mucho Macho Man/Dialed In

$.10 Superfecta box Soldat/Shackleford/Mucho Macho Man/Dialed In/Archarcharch

Danny the Glover's Derby analysis
Welcome to the 2011 horse racing the season and the run for the roses in Kentucky. With the scratch of division leader Uncle Mo, there is very much a wide open field. With much unpredictability, I have narrowed my choice based on three factors:

1. Who has the potentially fastest time
2. Who can get a relatively clean trip
3. Who hast the best ability to get their best race

So, I am going on a bit of a limb here and making my top pick 15-Midnight Interlude. Yes, un-raced as a two-year old but I think the 15 post will actually work to his favor by providing a little space to his inside for Espinoza to guide him into a decent spot. He found himself in the SA Derby and has had some very sharp works in preparation.

13-Mucho Macho Man is also an interesting selection. I am a little nervous about what type of trip he will get and how he will respond after a tough defeat in last but I am betting he bounces back to be strong here.
6-Comma to the Top should be very close to the lead and could be there in the stretch drive.
19-Nehro and 1-Archarcharch both have a lot to overcome from poor post positions.
And, remember 17-Soldat if things get soggy in Louisville. His best race was in the slop earlier this year.

Wager suggestion - use the horses you like most in exacta combinations. The payouts should be excellent.
Bets:

$10 Exactas
15/13 over 1/6/13/15/17/19

**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:16 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Miami at Boston

The Heat look to come off their 102-91 win in Game 2 and take advantage of a Boston team that 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games after allowing 100 or more points in the previous game. Miami is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Game 721-722: Oklahoma City at Memphis (5:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.459; Memphis 128.328
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 5; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3; 200
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-3); Under

Game 723-724: Miami at Boston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 122.659; Boston 122.663
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3; 183
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3); Over

**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:23 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 7

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OKLAHOMA CITY (60 - 29) at MEMPHIS (51 - 39) - 5/7/2011, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 58-31 ATS (+23.9 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
MEMPHIS is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) in home games this season.
MEMPHIS is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 30-12 ATS (+16.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MEMPHIS is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MEMPHIS is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 37-16 ATS (+19.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 97-77 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-5 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-6 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (64 - 25) at BOSTON (60 - 28) - 5/7/2011, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 38-46 ATS (-12.6 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 29-39 ATS (-13.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 39-52 ATS (-18.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 142-184 ATS (-60.4 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-7 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 13-5 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:24 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 7

Western Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round - Best of 7 - Game 3 - Tied 1-1
OKLAHOMA CITY at MEMPHIS, 5:05 PM ET TNT
OKLAHOMA CITY: 6-0 Over vs. Memphis this season
MEMPHIS: 16-2 ATS off BB road games

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round - Best of 7 - Game 3 - MIA 2-0
MIAMI at BOSTON, 8:05 PM ET TNT
MIAMI: 0-6 ATS off 3+ home wins
BOSTON: 6-1 ATS with triple revenge

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:28 AM

NBA

Saturday, May 7

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Trend Report
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5:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. MEMPHIS
Oklahoma City is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. BOSTON
Miami is 5-18 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Boston's last 25 games
Boston is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games when playing Miami

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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:33 AM

NBA

Saturday, May 7

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What bettors need to know: Saturday's NBA playoff action
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Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies (-3, 100)

Series tied 1-1

THE STORY: The Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies end a brief hiatus when the Western Conference semifinal series resumes Saturday with Game 3 in Tennessee. The two teams are back on the court for the first time since Tuesday, when Oklahoma City evened the series with a 111-102 victory in Game 2. The fourth-seeded Thunder were more than a two-man act as Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook received plenty of help from the bench. James Harden scored 21 points, Eric Maynor added 15 and Nick Collison frustrated Grizzlies star Zach Randolph with stellar defense. The split that eighth-seeded Memphis earned in Oklahoma City places it in good position to notch its second consecutive series upset. The Grizzlies ousted the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

TV: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Randolph had just 15 points on 2-of-13 shooting and Memphis committed 16 turnovers during Game 2. The effort was a sharp contrast from the Grizzlies’ Game 1 triumph that included 34 points from Randolph and just eight turnovers. Mike Conley was Memphis’ top performer in Game 2 with a playoff career-best 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Guard O.J. Mayo had 16 points off the bench for his highest-scoring output of the playoffs. Center Marc Gasol made just 3-of-9 shots in Game 2 after going 9-for-11 in the opener. Gasol is averaging 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in the series. Memphis has won 11 straight home games – including three playoff wins – since last losing at home on March 9 to the New York Knicks.

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Durant (29.5 average) and Westbrook (26.5) have averaged 56 points during the first two games of the series. Maynor was a stunning 6-for-7 from the field in his top playoff effort. Collison had seven points and seven rebounds but his biggest contribution was his stellar defensive work against Randolph, who dominated the Thunder in Game 1. Oklahoma City was 8-for-14 from 3-point range with Maynor hitting all three of his attempts and Durant making both his attempts. Forward Serge Ibaka sprained his left ankle during Game 2 and is listed as probable for Saturday’s game. Ibaka is averaging 10.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.4 blocks during the postseason.

WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Conley is averaging 19.5 points and 7.5 assists in the series. Durant is averaging 31.6 points in seven playoff games.

KEY STATISTIC: Randolph and Gasol combined to shoot 5-for-22 in Game 2 after hitting 21-of-33 shots in the opener.

TRENDS:

* Over is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.
* Home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Thunder are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games as underdogs.
* Grizzlies are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games as favorites.

LAST WORD: “I just wanted to keep his catches further out on the block and try to be physical with him. He’s gonna score, he’s gonna make shots. He’s gonna be tough in all the rest of the games because I’m sure he feels like he can play better so I just have to continue to try to compete.” – Collison on his Game 2 efforts against Randolph.

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (-3, 183)

Miami leads series 2-0

THE STORY: This was the Eastern Conference series everyone wanted to see all season. So far, it has not been very exciting. The Miami Heat have figured out how to let their talent shine through en route to easily dispatched the Boston Celtics in the first two games. The veteran Celtics have a few days to regroup but are now facing a must-win Game 3. If you're looking for positives, well, at least they have home-court advantage for the contest. Boston will welcome Miami to TD Garden for Game 3 on Saturday night.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE CELTICS: Boston has shot under 43 percent in the series and has not received anywhere near the production from its stars that the Heat have garnered from their trio of All-Stars. After leading the team with 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting in Game 1, Ray Allen slipped to seven points on 2-of-7 shooting in Game 2. Allen also sat out for long stretches of the second half after colliding with LeBron James and suffering a bruised chest. Rajon Rondo stepped up his production, finishing with 20 points and 12 assists on Tuesday, but scored seven of his points in the final three minutes after the Celtics were essentially done. Boston had tied the game, 80-80, with less than seven minutes left but went nearly four minutes without scoring a point as Miami sprinted away.

ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami had to answer questions all season about its apparent inability to close out tight games against good teams. Instead of waiting for the final minutes in Game 2, the Heat went ahead and took care of things a little earlier. A 14-0 run in the back half of the fourth quarter included seven points from James and left little suspense over the final seconds. James scored 24 of his game-high 35 points in the second half while Dwyane Wade added 28 and Chris Bosh chipped in 17 and 11 rebounds. James and Wade are a combined 12-0 in their careers when their respective teams have taken a 2-0 lead in a playoff series.

WHO’S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Kevin Garnett has struggled thus far, totaling 22 points on 11-of-29 shooting for the Celtics. Wade has been the most consistent scorer for the Heat through the first two games, averaging 33 points.

KEY STATISTIC: Free throws. The Heat have enjoyed home-court advantage to the tune of a 68-40 discrepancy in free throws attempted. A predictable shift when the series heads to Boston could even things out for the Celtics.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Under is 15-5-1 in the last 21 meetings in Boston.
* Favorite is 15-6 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
* Heat are 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings in Boston.

LAST WORD: “Now the mental discipline begins,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “This thing is just getting started.”

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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:37 AM

NBA

Saturday, May 7

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Pick ‘n’ roll: Saturday’s best NBA bets
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Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies (-3, 200)

No team has been a bigger surprise in the playoffs than the Memphis Grizzlies. They took out Western Conference No. 1 seed San Antonio in six games and have now wrestled home-court advantage from Oklahoma City.

That single Game 1 victory could end up being enough (just as it was against the Spurs), because the Grizzlies have been virtually unbeatable at home. They've been impressive at home all season long, having compiled a 30-11 record during the regular season.

Lionel Hollins’ club has lost only one game at the FedEx Forum since March 9, and that came by just one point (82-81 to the L.A. Clippers on April 5). Memphis has won 11 of its last 12 home games and has covered the spread on 10 of those 12 occasions.

The Thunder hit back in Game 2 for a 111-102 victory following their 114-101 loss in Game 1. The difference was their physicality and attention to packing in bodies in the paint. Memphis scored 52 points in the paint in the series opener, but Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol combined for a mere 28 points on 5-of-22 shooting on Tuesday.

Hollins knows how to get his team back in Game 1 form for Saturday’s tilt.

“We've got to be better in our spacing and better in our timing,” the Grizzlies head coach told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "We've got to play with more pace than we played with in the last game. We did it in the first game. We just got away from it. And you have to give Oklahoma City credit. They came out much more aggressive and much more physical. I expected them to be on Saturday as well."

Pick: Grizzlies

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (-3, 182.5)

Boston got pretty much abused during the first two games of this highly-anticipated series. The visitors lost 99-90 in Game 1 and 102-91 in Game 2.

A return home, though, could be just what the doctor ordered. The Celtics went 33-8 at the Garden in the regular season, tied for the third best home record in the NBA with Denver, trailing only San Antonio and Chicago.

Boston has won six in a row (4-2 ATS) as the home team dating back to the regular season, including a pair of first-round victories over New York that eventually led to a sweep. Doc Rivers’ squad has not lost at home to Miami since 2007, a streak of 10 games (7-3 ATS)—including two this season (2-0 ATS).

Rivers thinks the trend can continue, but only if the Celtics pick up the aggressiveness that was lacking in South Beach.

“Forget all the X and O stuff,” Rivers told the Boston Globe. “I really thought Miami played harder in a lot of ways; all the loose balls, they finished at the basket (going) through us, they got three-point plays. We didn't.”

The Celtics could get a boost from a return by Shaquille O’Neal, who has played only one game (on April 3) since Feb. 1 due to various injuries. Shaq is listed as probable and Rivers said that he expects the big man to play.

Pick: Celtics

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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:39 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Nashville at Vancouver
The Predators look to stay alive in the series and build on their 12-3 record in their last 15 games when playing on 1 days rest. Nashville is the pick (+180) according to Dunkel, which has the Predators favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+180). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Game 19-20: Nashville at Vancouver (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.196; Vancouver 10.960
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-220); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+180); Over

**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:42 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 7

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NASHVILLE (49-31-0-12, 110 pts.) at VANCOUVER (61-21-0-11, 133 pts.) - 5/7/2011, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 61-32 ATS (+93.6 Units) in all games this season.
VANCOUVER is 37-17 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VANCOUVER is 25-11 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NASHVILLE is 97-82 ATS (+180.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 23-17 ATS (+40.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 16-11 ATS (+30.0 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 25-24 ATS (+62.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 2-11 ATS (-14.8 Units) in home games in the second round of the playoffs since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 2-10 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games when leading in a playoff series since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 10-6 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 10-6-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
11 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.1 Units)

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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:46 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 7

Western Conference Playoffs - Second Round - Game 5 - VAN Leads 3-1
NASHVILLE at VANCOUVER, 8:05 PM ET VERSUS
NASHVILLE: 7-1 Under at Vancouver
VANCOUVER: 11-2 SU off BB road wins

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:50 AM

NHL

Saturday, May 7

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. VANCOUVER
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Nashville is 7-14-1 SU in its last 22 games ,when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Vancouver's last 10 games at home
Vancouver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:53 AM

NHL

Saturday, May 7

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Predators at Canucks: What bettors need to know
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Nashville Predators at Vancouver Canucks (-208, 5)

Vancouver leads series 3-1

THE STORY: The Vancouver Canucks failed to put away the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference quarterfinals when they had the chance and were forced to win in overtime in Game 7 to advance. Coach Alain Vigneault is hoping his team learned its lesson as it has an opportunity to eliminate the fifth-seeded Nashville Predators with a win at Rogers Arena in Game 5 of their conference semifinal series on Saturday. Top-seeded Vancouver posted a 4-2 victory in Game 4 on Thursday to take a 3-1 lead over Nashville, which lost twice in its own building after stealing home-ice advantage from the Canucks with a double-overtime win in Game 2 at Rogers Arena. Vancouver is looking to advance to the conference final for the first time since 1994, when it last appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS

ABOUT THE PREDATORS: Nashville was outshot 11-6 in the first period but came away with a 1-1 tie when Joel Ward scored a power-play goal with 42 seconds remaining in the session. It was the first man-advantage tally of the series for the Predators, who went 0-for-12 over the first three games. Jerred Smithson suffered an upper-body injury in the first period Thursday and did not return. According to coach Barry Trotz, he is doubtful for Game 5. Colin Wilson made his first appearance this postseason in place of Steve Sullivan, who was out with a lower-body injury sustained in Game 3. Wilson played just over 13 1/2 minutes and was minus-1.

ABOUT THE CANUCKS: For the second straight game, Ryan Kesler drew a penalty and went on to score the winning goal on the ensuing power play. In overtime of Game 3, Norris Trophy finalist Shea Weber of the Predators was called for hooking Kesler, who netted his second tally of the contest 40 seconds later. A Selke Trophy finalist, Kesler drew a holding penalty on Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter at 6:21 of the the third period and scored 67 seconds afterward to snap a 2-2 deadlock. Kesler, Henrik Sedin and defenseman Christian Ehrhoff each registered a goal and two assists Thursday. Sedin's goal, an empty-netter, was his first of the playoffs. Defenseman Sami Salo returned to the lineup after missing four contests with an undisclosed injury. Salo had not played since Game 6 of the conference quarterfinals.

WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Ward leads the Predators with five goals and nine points in 10 games this postseason. He tallied just 10 times in 80 games during the regular season. Kesler's second straight three-point effort Thursday gave him a team-leading 11 in the playoffs. Kesler and Chris Higgins each have three goals, with two being game-winners.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Both clubs went 1-for-3 on the power play in Game 4. Nashville has converted 16.7 percent (7-for-42) of its opportunities in the playoffs while Vancouver has gone 7-for-31 (22.6 percent). Each team also has allowed two shorthanded goals. The Predators have the league's worst penalty-killing percentage (68.6) in the postseason. The Canucks have successfully killed 84.1 percent of their infractions.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Vancouver.
* Under is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Favorite is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Predators are 1-4 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

LAST WORD: "He's getting some room, he's winning more battles and he'd finding the net for them. I think in the first series, he didn't have anything going for him, but right now he's their best player." - Trotz, on Kesler's recent breakout.

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**Udog** · 05-07-2011, 09:55 AM

NHL

Saturday, May 7

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Ice picks: Saturday's best NHL bets
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Nashville Predators at Vancouver Canucks (-208, 5)

There’s a reason why the Canucks are -208 for Saturday’s contest. It’s because they are going to win.

They have won four of their last five games dating back to Game 7 against the Blackhawks in round one and they just won two in a row on Nashville’s home ice. The biggest reason for their recent hot streak is, of course, goalie Roberto Luongo.

The Canadian Olympic hero is heating up at just the right time. He has played five straight games without allowing more than two goals get past him. Luongo has surrendered a mere six goals in his last five, a span that includes a 2-1 overtime win over Chicago in Game 7 and 44-save performance in Game 2 against the Predators (Vancouver’s only loss to date in this series).

All of that being said, -208 is not good value for any hockey game; especially not one that involves two of the best teams in the Western Conference. The under, though, could be more enticing than a play on Vancouver.

The Canucks and Preds have now faced each other eight times this season and six have gone under the total. Game 4 on Tuesday was pushed and the lone tilt that has gone over was Game 5 on Thursday, only because Henrik Sedin scored a late empty-net goal.

Nashville’s Pekka Rinne has been solid, as well. Rinne has not given up more than three goals in any of his last six outings and he limited Vancouver to one goal in each of this series’ first two games.

Pick: Under

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Announcement

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 5/7 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 5/7 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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