The Bum's NHL Regular and Stanley Cup Playoff's Best Bets !

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2013 Playoff Overtime Goals

May 4, 2013



April 30 - Chicago 2, Minnesota 1, OT, Bryan Bickell, 16:35.


April 30 - St. Louis 2, Los Angeles 1, OT, Alexander Steen, 13:26.

May 2 - Detroit 5, Anaheim 4, OT, Gustav Nyquist, 1:21.

May 3 - San Jose 3, Vancouver 2, OT, Raffi Torres, 5:31.

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NHL
Dunkel

Montreal at Ottawa
The Senators look to bounce back from their 3-1 loss in Game 2 and take advantage of a Canadiens team that is 1-4 in its last 5 games after allowing 2 goals or less in the previous game. Ottawa is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Senators favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Game 1-2: Pittsburgh at NY Islanders (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.620; NY Islanders 12.042
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+145); Over

Game 3-4: Chicago at Minnesota (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.716; Minnesota 10.384
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-165); Under

Game 5-6: Montreal at Ottawa (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.917; Ottawa 12.751
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-135); Under

Game 7-8: Vancouver at San Jose (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.135; San Jose 10.522
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+125); Over




NHL
Short Sheet

Sunday, May 5

Quarterfinals, Game Three (Series Tied, 1-1)
Pittsburgh at NY Islanders, 12:05 ET NBC
Pittsburgh: 9-1 SU away playing with revenge
NY Islanders: 1-9 SU at home off BB divison games

Quarterfinals, Game Three (Chicago Leads, 2-0)
Chicago at Minnesota, 3:05 ET NBC
Chicago: 29-11 SU off a win by 2+ goals
Minnesota: 5-0 Under at home playing with triple-revenge

Quarterfinals, Game Three (Series Tied, 1-1)
Montreal at Ottawa, 7:05 ET NBCSN
Montreal: 7-1 Over away after winning 2 of their last 3 games
Ottawa: 11-4 SU revenging a road loss

Quarterfinals, Game Three (San Jose Leads, 2-0)
Vancouver at San Jose, 10:05 ET NBCSN
Vancouver: 1-6 SU in the first round of the playoffs
San Jose: 9-0 SU at home off 4+ road games




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 5

Penguins scored three goals in first 7:22 to grab 3-1 lead in Game 2, but never scored again and got upset by Islanders, just third loss in last 12 games for Pitt, which also won 27 of its last 36 games vs Isles, who outshot Pittsburgh 42-33 last game, and had only a couple giveaways, compared to 11 for Penguins. Islanders lost four of last five games overall, but won five of last six home games- this is their first home game in 19 days. Penguins won five of last six visits to Long Island, with last four of those going over total. Seven of last ten series games overall went over total.

Minnesota was outscored 21-7 in losing six of its last seven home games; they're 0-6 on power play, allowed a shorthanded goal in Game 2; they're now 4-8 in their last 12 games after getting drilled 5-2 in Game 2, when Chicago outshot them 48-28 (85-55 for series). Blackhawks won 11 of last 13 games overall, eight of last 11 on road; they won last four games with Wild by combined score of 13-6. Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Wild games, 1-5 in last six Chicago games. Minnesota scored total of eleven goals in its last seven games.

Home side won eight of last nine Montreal-Ottawa games; Canadiens lost last three games in this building (2-1ot/5-1/2-1so). Last ten series games went OMOMOMOMOM, so is it Ottawa's turn to win here? Senators are 7-4 in last eleven games overall, with 11 of last 13 staying under the total. Ottawa was outscored 9-3 in losing last three home games in regular season- they're 0-6 on power play in series. All five Montreal goals in this series came in second period; they won last two road games, at Winnipeg/Toronto, after losing five of seven road games before that.

Sharks are underdog in this series, but are 5-0 vs Vancouver this season, allowing total of eight goals in four wins (4-1/3-2so/3-2/3-1/3-2ot). San Jose is now 14-6 in last 20 games overall; they won first round series six of last eight years, are used to success in spring. Canucks are 3-7 in last ten games overall; they're actually 5-3 in last eight visits to Shark Tank. Under is now 6-1-3 in last ten San Jose-Vancouver games. Canucks scored only six goals in last four games overall. San Jose outshot Canucks 25-13 in first period of Games 1-2; Canucks outshot them 28-14 in second period.




NHL

Sunday, May 5

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Trend Report
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12:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NY ISLANDERS
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games on the road
NY Islanders are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

3:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. OTTAWA
Montreal is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Ottawa's last 13 games

10:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. SAN JOSE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, May 5

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Sunday's NHL playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders (+154, 5.5)

Captain Sidney Crosby wasn't shy about expressing concern in regard to his team's play - even though it enjoyed a two-goal lead at the time. That worry proved well-founded as the top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins unceremoniously yielded three unanswered goals and suffered a 4-3 setback to the eighth-seeded New York Islanders on Friday. Tied at one game apiece, the Atlantic Division rivals will vie for the advantage in their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday afternoon, when they meet for Game 3 in Long Island.

"We want to make sure we bounce back," said Crosby, who scored two goals in his first contest since breaking his jaw on March 30. "We didn't play the game we wanted to. It's just a matter of making sure we're better." New York certainly would like to play better at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Islanders were the lone playoff team to finish with a sub-.500 mark at home (10-11-3).

TV: 12 p.m. ET, NBC, TSN, RDS

ABOUT THE PENGUINS: Marc-Andre Fleury was perfect in Game 1 - but far from it in Game 2. After pulling into a tie with Tom Barrasso for the franchise lead in postseason shutouts, Fleury fell victim to an unfortunate bounce off the end boards - before inadvertently knocking the puck into the net. "It's not normal for the puck to come off the boards like that at Consol (Energy Center), so I've just got to be ready for it when it does and not put it into my own net," Fleury said on Saturday.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS: Kyle Okposo picked a fine time to drop the gloves for the first time in his career. Okposo lowered the boom on Matt Niskanen, bloodying the Pittsburgh defenseman while igniting his team in the process. "I didn't really think about it," Okposo said of the fight. "You don't go planning those things, but it gave the team a little spark, and that's it." Former Penguin Colin McDonald scored 14 seconds later and Matt Martin forged a 3-3 tie with a goal nearly 5 1/2 minutes later. Okposo capped the uprising with the game-winning tally 12:23 into the third period.

TRENDS:

* Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings in New York.
* Penguins are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in New York.
* Penguins are 35-16 in the last 51 meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. Pittsburgh RW James Neal briefly skated with the team in practice on Saturday before leaving the ice. Neal is nursing a lower-body injury.

2. After being held without a shot in his team's series-opening 5-0 loss, Islanders C John Tavares made his presence felt in Game 2. Tavares unleashed a team-high six shots, picked up an assist and won 15-of-24 faceoffs.

3. Pittsburgh is 5-2 all-time in the third game of series under coach Dan Bylsma.



Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild (+144, 5)

Chicago leads series 2-0.

The Presidents’ Trophy winning Chicago Blackhawks are rounding into form after two games of their Western Conference first round series against the eighth-seeded Minnesota Wild. The Blackhawks will attempt to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the series when they visit Minnesota on Sunday. Chicago looked much more comfortable in its 5-2 victory in Game 2 than it did in Game 1’s 2-1 overtime triumph, firing 48 shots at Wild netminder Josh Harding on Friday after managing 37 on Tuesday. Patrick Sharp scored twice in Game 2 on feeds from Patrick Kane, who leads the Blackhawks with three points - all assists.

Harding made consecutive starts for the first time in over a year when he got the nod on Friday. Harding was dealing with complications related to his multiple sclerosis for most of the season, leaving Niklas Backstrom to carry starting duties for the Wild. After appearing fatigued in April, Backstrom injured his leg while warming up for Game 1 and is considered day-to-day. Harding has performed admirably in his first two career playoff starts for an outmatched Minnesota team that is 0-for-6 on the power play while allowing a short-handed goal in its first two playoff contests since 2008.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, CBC, NBC, RDS

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Michael Frolik also scored twice on Friday - the first two-goal playoff game of his career. Bryan Bickell scored an empty-netter in Game 2, giving him the final goal in each of the first two contests after ending Game 1 in overtime. With Ray Emery suffering from a lower-body injury, Corey Crawford has started both games for Chicago and performed well aside from allowing an early goal on Tuesday and two late ones on Friday. Crawford has never won a playoff series, starting every game in both of the Blackhawks’ first-round exits over the last two seasons, while Emery guided the Ottawa Senators to the 2007 Stanley Cup final but has only started five postseason games since. Dave Bolland has missed the first two games of the series with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

ABOUT THE WILD: Defenseman Ryan Suter saw his ice-time drop substantially from the 41:08 he played in Tuesday’s overtime loss, skating 24:36 in Game 2 and finishing minus-2 with two shots, two blocked shots and three hits. Zach Parise led the team with seven shots on Friday but has yet to record a point. Captain Mikko Koivu - also without a point in the first two games - showed his frustration in Game 2, taking three minor penalties and leading the series with eight penalty minutes after recording just 26 in 48 games during the regular season. Defenseman Clayton Stoner missed Friday’s game with an undisclosed injury after assisting on Cal Clutterbuck’s goal in Game 1. Stoner was replaced by Justin Falk, who finished minus-1 in 14:09 time on ice in his first career playoff game. Jason Pominville remains day-to-day with a head injury that has kept him out of the opening two games.

TRENDS:

* Blackhawks are 20-6 in their last 26 road games.
* Wild are 1-6 in their last 7 home games.
* Under is 6-0 in Blackhawks last 6 road games.
* Blackhawks are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. Minnesota is 3-5-1 in its last nine home games against Chicago and all three victories came in the shootout. The last time the Wild defeated the Blackhawks in regulation at home was Oct. 27, 2008.

2. Blackhawks captain and 2010 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Toews has been held off the scoresheet in both games thus far. Toews has 50 points in 54 career postseason contests.

3. The Wild’s last home playoff victory was a 3-2 overtime triumph on April 11, 2008 against the Colorado Avalanche. Minnesota won its last postseason contest three days later at Colorado by the same margin.



Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators (-133, 5)

Series tied 1-1.

The Ottawa Senators were the league's best penalty-killing team during the regular season, but the Montreal Canadiens did the better work while shorthanded in Game 2 to deadlock the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series at 1-1. The series shifts to Ottawa for Game 3 on Sunday night, and the Senators will look to ride reclaim the momentum from Montreal, which killed off all four penalties - three in the first period - en route to a 3-1 victory on Friday night.

The Senators were also among the best home teams for much of the season, but they dropped their final three games at Scotiabank Place. Conversely, the Canadiens posted the second-best road mark (15-7-2) in the Eastern Conference. The devastating hit by Ottawa's Eric Gryba on Canadiens center Lars Eller added an edge to the series, and Montreal displayed an added tenacity in Game 2 despite the absences of injured captain Brian Gionta and leading scorer Max Pacioretty. "They played harder than we did for most of the game," Senators coach Paul MacLean acknowledged.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports, CBC, RDS

ABOUT THE CANADIENS: Montreal coach Michel Therrien said prior to the series that he expected goaltender Carey Price to be his team's best player. That certainly was not the case in the series opener, but Price bounced back strong in Game 2 despite losing a tooth when he took a skate to the mask. He did his best work during an Ottawa power play during the second period and was rewarded seconds later when the Canadiens struck for a two-goal edge. "We got a couple more bounces and we buried a couple of opportunities," Price said. "At least I didn't let in any soft goals, so that helps."

ABOUT THE SENATORS: Ottawa was among the league's most offensively challenged teams and ranked 20th on the power play. The Senators have gone 0-for-6 with the extra skater in the series and failed on three first-period chances in Game 2. "We could have used something out of our power play tonight in the first period when we had three opportunities," MacLean said afterward. "I think that was a huge part of the game." Ottawa had been hoping to exploit a Canadiens penalty-killing unit that was wretched down the stretch of the regular season, allowing opponents to convert on 11-of-36 man-advantage chances.

TRENDS:

* Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
* Under is 34-12-10 in Senators last 56 overall.
* Senators are 6-13 in their last 19 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Home team is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. The Senators won both matchups in Ottawa this season - 5-1 on Jan. 30 and 2-1 in a shootout on Feb. 25.

2. Gionta and Pacioretty accompanied the team to Ottawa but remain questionable with upper-body injuries.

3. Gryba said Saturday that he was "disappointed" with his two-game suspension and said he has yet to reach out to Eller, who was released from the hospital on Friday.



Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks (-143, 5)

San Jose leads series 2-0.

After seizing the first two games on the road, the San Jose Sharks have to be feeling pretty confident as they return to HP Pavilion. Sixth-seeded San Jose, which posted a 17-2-5 mark at home in the regular season, will look to claim a commanding advantage over the Northwest Division champion Vancouver Canucks when the teams reconvene for Game 3 on Sunday night. Patrick Marleau scored the tying goal with 56 seconds remaining in the third period before former Canuck Raffi Torres tallied 5:31 into overtime as the Sharks skated to a 3-2 victory over third-seeded Vancouver on Friday.

With six consecutive home postseason losses on their mind, the Canucks are likely thrilled to be leaving British Columbia in their rear-view mirror. They'll need to gain at least a split in their trip to San Jose in order to return home for Game 5 on Thursday. "We deserved better and it didn't fall that way," said Vancouver's Ryan Kesler, who scored twice in the third period. "You've got to win four and there are plenty of games left and we need to go on a winning streak here."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports, TSN, RDS

ABOUT THE CANUCKS: While goaltender Roberto Luongo often receives scrutiny, captain Henrik and Daniel Sedin are also coming under fire for their lack of production in the first two games. “You win because you’re getting contributions from everybody and, right now, we need that," Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault said. "The twins worked hard, but 5-on-5 they need to find the scoresheet, and they know that more than anybody else." The Sedins each received an assist on Kesler's power-play goal for their lone point of the series.

ABOUT THE SHARKS: Torres barely let Friday's winning goal settle in before he began thinking about Sunday's tilt. "They're going to come at us with everything in Game 3," he said. Marleau certainly hasn't been holding back after scoring in both games this series. The veteran has secured at least one point in all seven career playoff games versus Vancouver. Brent Burns notched a pair of assists for the second time in three contests.

TRENDS:

* Canucks are 0-4 in their last 4 overall.
* Sharks are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 15-5-3 in Canucks last 23 vs. Western Conference.
* Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings in San Jose.

OVERTIME:

1. The last time San Jose claimed a 2-0 advantage by winning a pair of road games was 1995. The Sharks were blasted 9-2 by Calgary in Game 3, but regained their composure to outlast the Flames in seven games.

2. Vancouver G Cory Schneider, who has been nursing an undisclosed "body" injury, traveled with the team to San Jose. "On the trip and day-to-day," Vigneault said.

3. San Jose C Tommy Wingels registered a game-high eight hits in just 13:30 of ice time in Game 2. Wingels also matched Burns with five shots on goal.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/04/13 7-*1-*0 87.50% +*3185 Detail
05/03/13 2-*5-*1 28.57% -*2370 Detail
05/02/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*935 Detail
05/01/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*600 Detail

Totals 17-*11-*2 60.71% +2350


Sunday, May 5

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Pittsburgh - 12:00 PM ET NY Islanders +150 500 POD # 1
NY Islanders - Over 5.5 500

Chicago - 3:00 PM ET Minnesota +144 500 POD # 2
Minnesota - Under 5 500

Montreal - 7:00 PM ET Ottawa -133 500
Ottawa - Under 5 500

Vancouver - 10:00 PM ET San Jose -143 500
San Jose - Under 5 500

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Preview: Bruins (0-0) at Maple Leafs (0-0)

Date: May 06, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


BOSTON (AP) - The first-game jitters are gone. Their top players are scoring. And the Toronto Maple Leafs are home for the next two games.

Everything seems to be going their way.

But everything seemed to be going the Boston Bruins' way after a dominant 4-1 win in their playoff opener. Then the Maple Leafs took control with a hard-hitting first period and a 4-2 victory in Game 2.

So all the cheering on Monday night in the first playoff game in Toronto since 2004 won't help if the Bruins bounce back the way the Maple Leafs did.

``There's going to be a lot of, I guess, media coverage and a lot of things said and a lot of things done,' Toronto coach Randy Carlyle said, ``but we have to stay focused on what we can control and we have to prepare ourselves to play a better Boston hockey club.'

The win that evened the best-of-seven series came exactly nine years after the last postseason game in Toronto. The Maple Leafs overcame a 2-0 deficit in the third period but lost 3-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers on Jeremy Roenick's goal 7:39 into overtime in Game 6 of the second round.

On Saturday night, there were plenty of loud fans sporting blue-and-white Maple Leafs jerseys in Boston. Imagine how many there will be in Toronto.

``I don't think we're a team that lets those things distract us,' Bruins coach Claude Julien said Sunday. ``We've been through that before and we've played Montreal so many times in the playoffs, and that's a pretty hostile environment as well.'

The Bruins also will have to handle opposing players who are better prepared for the playoff intensity than they were before the series. Thirteen Maple Leafs players have made their postseason debuts this year - 10 in the first game.

Boston's playoff experience - 17 current Bruins were on the team that won the Stanley Cup two years ago - is no longer as big an advantage.

In Game 2, Toronto forwards Matt Fratin and Ryan Hamilton and defenseman Jake Gardiner saw their first postseason action. Each had an assist.

``It's a great sign when they step in and make a contribution. It's worthwhile because it's not a lot of fun when you're not playing for extended periods of time,' Carlyle said. ``All three players were young players, youthful, and added some enthusiasm to our hockey club.'

So did players Carlyle has come to rely on, forwards whose scoring ability is critical to any success the Maple Leafs have.

Joffrey Lupul scored twice Saturday after getting 11 goals in just 16 regular-season games. Phil Kessel scored on a breakaway after leading the team with 20 goals. And James van Riemsdyk scored after tying for second on the team with 18 goals.

``You want your best players to be your best and lead, but it takes every guy in the playoffs,' Lupul said, ``from defense blocking shots and getting pucks out and playing physical in front of our net to forwards.

``You can't win playoff hockey games with just three, four guys going. It's going to take a team effort.'

The Bruins had that in the opener.

They were the more physical team and continually stymied Toronto's efforts to get the puck out of its zone. They were more aggressive around the net and forced numerous turnovers.

But in the second game, the Maple Leafs set the tone early, delivering 22 hits in the first period while the Bruins dished out only 10.

``Probably the biggest challenge for our hockey club was finding that consistency in our game' in the past month, Boston left wing Milan Lucic said. ``And there's no better time to find it than now.'

The return of Andrew Ference should help, although no one blamed the loss on his absence.

The defenseman who plays in Boston's second pairing was suspended for Saturday's game for elbowing Mikhail Grabovski in the head in Game 1.

``We had different partners as the year went on,' defenseman Johnny Boychuk said. ``We do have chemistry with each other no matter who you're playing with. You've just got to talk a lot and talk loud and be the eyes for your partner when he's going back for the puck.'

No one was back far enough when Kessel got behind the defense and took a pass from Nazem Kadri. The former Bruin who has been jeered on his visits to Boston since he was traded to Toronto in September 2009 shot the puck between Tuukka Rask's pads for a 3-1 lead 53 seconds into the third period.

It was just his fourth goal in 24 career games against Boston and only the first at even strength.

``It was nice to get one,' Kessel said, ``but we've just got to keep going.'

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Capitals (0-0) at Rangers (0-0)

Date: May 06, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


NEW YORK (AP) - In the first-round matchup between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals there is a Vezina Trophy-winning goalie who has taken his team to the Eastern Conference finals, and of course there is ... the other guy.

No, Washington's Braden Holtby doesn't have the awards, the accolades or the attention that New York counterpart Henrik Lundqvist has grown accustomed to.

What he and the Capitals do have is a big 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series that resumes with Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

Holtby yielded only one goal in the Capitals' victory in Game 1, outdueling Lundqvist on a night the star goalie felt at least one if not two of the three Washington goals should have been stopped.

Holtby and Lundqvist were both on top of their games Saturday and pitched regulation shutouts at each other. Mike Green managed to get a power-play shot past Lundqvist in overtime, and the Capitals held serve at home with a stirring 1-0 victory.

First-year Capitals coach Adam Oates is no stranger to Lundqvist's game. Consider him impressed.

``He's exactly what everybody says. He's a great goalie,' Oates said.

Holtby is making a name for himself, too, after going 23-12-1 with a 2.58 goals-against average in 36 regular-season games. He had only been in 21 total NHL games the previous two seasons before getting into 14 playoff games a year ago.

He stayed off the ice on Sunday and enjoyed some well-earned rest time.

``Rest is obviously an important part in preparation,' Holtby said. ``We'll get back on the ice (Monday) in pregame skate and get our legs back under us. Use the rest to our advantage and come in with the right frame of mind and ready to play.'

Madison Square Garden will surely be fired up on Monday, but there will be a healthy dose of nerves in the crowd, too, especially if the Rangers can't find their suddenly absent offense in a hurry.

Carl Hagelin gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead with 3:16 left in the first period of Game 1, and they haven't scored since - going 111 minutes, 16 seconds without putting a puck past Holtby.

``We know they're going to make a push,' Holtby said Sunday after the Capitals held an optional practice before heading to New York. ``It's a big game for both of us.'

If Washington can manage even a split of the next two games in New York, it knows it will return home at worst with a chance to knock out the Rangers in Game 5.

``It's one of the best atmospheres in the league. I believe we have the best here at Verizon Center,' Holtby said. ``They're passionate fans. They obviously want to help the team win. Our job is to block all that out.

``We have a job to do, to win the game. The atmosphere, the fans, the other team, that doesn't matter. We have our goal in mind, and we're going to prepare for that.'

The Capitals have looked ready for the Rangers from the start. Not only isn't New York scoring on the power play (0-for-7), it isn't scoring at all.

``We've got to be better, go to the dirty areas, make it hard, make it so he can't get out of his crease,' said Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh, whose delay-of-game penalty in overtime led to the winning goal.

``In this series, it's tough for both teams to get goals, so maybe we just need to put a couple more bodies around the net and throw it there.'

Washington has relied on its system to shut down the Rangers. Forget about goals, New York didn't even muster a shot on net in the final 17:43 of play Sunday.

``I think a little bit of fatigue came into the game,' Oates said. ``They had more chances. (Rick) Nash gets a breakaway. He didn't get a shot on net, so, one of the most glorious chances of the game. Every statistic is skewed. They were in our zone a lot.'

The Rangers, who reached the East finals a year ago before losing to New Jersey, have only come back once to win a series they trailed 2-0.

``That is the furthest thing as a worry for me,' Rangers coach John Tortorella said Sunday when asked if his team was discouraged. ``This is a good group of guys, and last time I remember you need four games to win a series. Our guys are fully aware of that.'

New York got injured forwards Brian Boyle and Derek Dorsett back in the lineup on Saturday, and they could have Ryane Clowe in there for Game 3.

Clowe, out since sustaining a suspected concussion on April 25, took part in practice on Sunday. He skated hard on Saturday, but was kept out of the lineup. If he isn't ready to go on Monday, it might not be much longer before he is well enough to play.

``I'm not sure. It's a possibility,' he said. ``I feel pretty good. I think it's day by day right now. The first time I really skated hard was (Saturday). It's just nice to get back in the routine of being on the ice every day.'

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Ducks (0-0) at Red Wings (0-0)

Date: May 06, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


DETROIT (AP) - Less than 24 hours after his team was shut out in Game 3 of its first-round series against Anaheim, Detroit coach Mike Babcock wanted no part of any gloom and doom.

``You can make this as a reporter as bad as you want, or you can make it as good as you want. You've just got to choose your attitude,' Babcock said Sunday.

``I'm going to choose mine and I'm going to say we were right there knocking on the door and we're going to win tomorrow and make it a best-of-three.

``That should have wrapped that up. We don't need any more questions, do we?'

Babcock was joking, since there were obviously going to be a few more minutes of questions.

When Babcock spoke to reporters Sunday, the Red Wings were facing the prospect of playing without Justin Abdelkader after the left wing was ejected from Saturday's game for his hit on Anaheim's Toni Lydman.

Sure enough, the NHL suspended Abdelkader for two games later Sunday. He'll miss Games 4 and 5 of this Western Conference playoff series, which the Ducks lead 2-1.

Game 4 is Monday night.

Abdelkader appeared to catch Lydman square in the side of the head with his left shoulder, and he was given a major penalty for charging and a game misconduct with 4:49 remaining in the second period of Game 3.

Anaheim's Nick Bonino scored 18 seconds later to break a scoreless tie. Detroit killed off the rest of the penalty, but the Red Wings allowed three more goals in the third period and lost 4-0.

The league released a video of the hit, saying Abdelkader skated ``a considerable distance' before making contact with Lydman - and caused an injury.

The 26-year-old Abdelkader played all 48 games during the regular season for Detroit, scoring 10 goals with three assists.

Abdelkader did not talk as part of Detroit's media availability Sunday, but Babcock said his piece.

``I watched the hit again today. Holy mackerel. I don't know what you're going to be suspended for,' Babcock said. ``Now if you turn the video around and you pretend like there was contact to the head, maybe you can find something. ... I think it was shoulder to shoulder - bent knees going into a guy, exploding through him.'

The league wasn't buying that explanation, saying Abdelkader elevated and made ``significant head contact' with Lydman.

Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau said Lydman was still feeling the effects.

``Toni has headaches. He's got a stiff neck,' Boudreau said. ``Bright lights are bugging him. ... (Monday) is very questionable for him.'

The Red Wings were 4 of 10 on the power play while splitting the first two games of the series, but they went 0 for 6 in Game 3. Detroit has scored only twice at even strength in the series, and both those goals game in the first period of Game 2.

Abdelkader had one of those two goals, and Detroit went on to win that game 5-4 in overtime. Now the Red Wings will be without him for a crucial Game 4 - a loss Monday night would put them on the brink of elimination, with two of the last three games of the series on the road.

``It's a hard thing to talk about when it's your own teammate, but certainly Abby has no history of this,' Detroit right wing Daniel Cleary said. ``He's not a guy that targets people, but it was a hard hit.'

Lydman might not play Monday night either. The 35-year-old defenseman has never been much of a scorer, but he was playing regularly for the Ducks until Abdelkader's hit knocked him out of Game 3.

Now Sheldon Souray, who played in the first two games of this series before sitting out the third, may be back in the lineup for Anaheim.

``Whoever is in at any time, it's their responsibility to help out the team,' Souray said. ``I've been around long enough to just be here and do what I have to do to support the guys. It's a team-first attitude in here.'

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blues (0-0) at Kings (0-0)

Date: May 06, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Three games into the Los Angeles Kings' tremendously tense playoff series with the St. Louis Blues, it's clear the scores are so low because the stakes are so high.

Two elite Western Conference teams have combined for just seven goals, and nobody has led by more than one goal at any point.

The highlight reels aren't getting filled up when these two sturdy defenses and standout goalies challenge each other, but the entertainment value has been tremendous for fans of tactical hockey and all-or-nothing playoff excitement.

With the Blues holding a 2-1 series lead heading to a pivotal Game 4 on Monday night at Staples Center, both teams are trying to break this defensive deadlock in time to save seasons that began with Stanley Cup aspirations.

``You've got to understand, it's playoffs,' Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter said after a light practice Sunday at the Kings' training complex.

``It's one-goal games. All three of them are one-goal games. Everybody is trying to score a goal, but it's not that easy when you have the two best defensive teams in the conference.'

In the West, only Chicago allowed fewer goals than St. Louis during the regular season. Los Angeles allowed just three more goals than the Blues.

Fourth-seeded St. Louis' imposing defense has allowed only three goals, outmuscling the Kings' talented forwards and keeping their scoring chances largely outside the slot.

After their return to the playoffs ended in a second-round sweep last year, the Blues are desperate to win just their second playoff series since 2002, and their play in front of Brian Elliott has reflected it.

``We knew what we were in for,' Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. ``There's not much difference between the two teams. Both goalies are on top of their game.'

The defending Stanley Cup champion Kings have yielded just four goals, with Jonathan Quick posting a shutout in Game 3 to trim the Blues' series lead to 2-1.

Los Angeles has nearly the same roster as last season's Cup-winning team, and the Kings are determined to show they weren't a fluke during their run from the eighth seed to their first title last summer.

``It's typical playoff hockey,' said defenseman Robyn Regehr, one of Los Angeles' few new additions. ``Every inch of ice is a battle out there. Both teams are struggling offensively, but both goaltenders are a reason for that. There's all kinds of little things that happen within the game. Playoff hockey is the most fun.'

Quick has stopped 93 of the Blues' 97 shots, returning to last season's dominant form in his Saturday night shutout in Game 3, while Elliott has stopped 76 of 79 shots.

While St. Louis knew Quick was one of the NHL's toughest matchups, the Kings have emerged from the first three games with renewed respect for Elliott, who shared the starting job with Jaroslav Halak again this season.

``He's a good goalie,' Kings defenseman Drew Doughty said. ``He makes the first save pretty much every time. I think the one area where he struggles is he lets some rebounds, and I think we haven't been doing a good enough job of pouncing on those rebounds and putting in the second effort.

``Goalies are huge in any series. Elliott played great in the first two games, and that's why they won two, and Quickie was great (in Game 3).'

Sutter shook up his lineup for Game 3, dressing seven defensemen by adding Alec Martinez back to the group. Jeff Carter, Dustin Brown and others double-shifted on the fourth line to make up for the absent forward, and Martinez rewarded the decision by picking up an assist on Slava Voynov's goal in the 1-0 victory.

The Blues left Game 3 lamenting numerous missed scoring opportunities that could have given them a stranglehold on the series. That's why St. Louis is considering the addition of Russian rookie right wing Vladimir Tarasenko to the lineup in Game 4, although Hitchcock said he won't decide for sure until Monday.

``We got our fair share of chances, (but) we just have to be more determined and find ways to score,' said forward Alexander Steen, who has two of the Blues' four goals in the series. ``(In Game 3) I didn't think it was Quick. I thought it was us. We had our chances, and we have to start putting them away.'

The Kings haven't had as many chances, but they largely blame themselves. Los Angeles has been bullied out of the slot and into the corners by the Blues' hulking defense, which added Jordan Leopold and Jay Bouwmeester this season to make a tough team even tougher.

``There's not going to be an easy time for us,' Regehr said. ``It's going to be a challenge all the time.'

Unless the Blues figure out how to break the Kings' mastery at home, they'll be headed back to St. Louis with an even series. Los Angeles improved the NHL's best home record to 20-4-1 with a victory in Game 3, winning every game since March 23. St. Louis has lost six straight games at Staples Center dating to the 2010-11 season.

``We're confident in front of our fans,' Kings forward Justin Williams said. ``We have to come out for Game 4 with the same emphasis. You can't let up for even one period in a series like this, and we know it.'

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Boston at Toronto
The Maple Leafs look to take advantage of a Boston team that is 1-5 in its last 6 road games against a team with a winning record. Toronto is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Maple Leafs favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MAY 6

Game 9-10: Boston at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.576; Toronto 11.456
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+110); Over

Game 11-12: Washington at NY Rangers (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.962; NY Rangers 12.857
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-145); Under

Game 13-14: Anaheim at Detroit (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.659; Detroit 11.940
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-130); Under

Game 15-16: St. Louis at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.767; Los Angeles 11.412
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-150); 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+130); Over




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, May 6

Capitals won 13 of last 15 games to position themselves as one of favorites in the Eastern Conference; they've won four of last five road games. Rangers won seven of last nine in regular season, but scored just one goal in first two games of this series; they've won six in a row at home, with last home loss to Washington March 24, which was Caps' first win in last four visits to Manhattan. New York scored 4+ goals in its last five wins, 1-2-2-0 in its last four losses. Under is 10-0-5 last 15 series games, as all five pushes ended 3-2.

Toronto reduced its penalty minutes from 39 in Game 1 to 7 in Game 2, Boston had only one power play chance, and Leafs evened series with road win. Bruins hit road just 3-8 in last 11 games overall, losing six of last eight games on foreign ice; they've scored 3+ goals in only two of last 11 games, but won 10 of last 12 vs Maple Leafs, taking four of last five visits here. Boston outshot Maple Leafs 71-52 in first two games. Toronto is 3-5 in its last eight games- they split their last six home games. Over is 10-3-2 in last fifteen series games.

Ducks outscored Detroit 8-1 in third period in series so far, though Red Wings did win in only OT game in series. Anaheim's 4-0 win here in Game 3 was just their second in last ten visits to Motor City, where Red Wings won three of last four games overall, allowing seven goals. Ducks are now 5-2 in last seven games, winning last four on road, allowing total of two goals. Seven of last ten Detroit games stayed under the total. Home teams are 13-9 so far in playoffs, with under 11-8-3. Red Wings were 0-6 on power play last game, after being 4-10 in two games in Anaheim.

Total of seven goals in three games, with Blues 1-13, Kings 1-10 on power play in series. Los Angeles won its last seven home games, last six all by a single goal; they've scored one goal in all three games of this series, with home side winning all three. Kings are 10-5 last 15 games vs St Louis, winning five of last six played here. Blues are 14-4 in last 18 games overall, allowing one goal each in last five. Only once in their last 11 games overall have Blues allowed more than two goals. Under is 9-1-1 in Blues' last 11 games overall, 6-1-1 in last eight series games.




NHL

Monday, May 6

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY RANGERS
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
NY Rangers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Anaheim's last 17 games when playing Detroit
Anaheim is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 10 games

10:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


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NHL

Monday, May 6

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Monday's NHL playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (+115, 5)
Best-of-seven series tied 1-1

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle pulled out all the stops in Game 2 to give his team its first postseason victory in nine years, evening its Eastern Conference first-round series with the Boston Bruins at one game apiece. The fifth-seeded Maple Leafs will try to carry that momentum home for Game 3 when they host fourth seed Boston on Monday. Carlyle shuffled his lines on the fly during Saturday’s 4-2 triumph in order to free Phil Kessel from the smothering defense of Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. The moves paid dividends early in the third period when Kessel scored the eventual game-winner on a breakaway for his first even-strength goal in 24 contests against his old team.

Despite the success of the line-shuffling, the Maple Leafs surrendered 41 shots in Game 2. Toronto goaltender James Reimer has been sharp in his first two postseason starts, earning his first career playoff victory on Saturday and stopping 75 of 81 shots thus far. Boston goalie Tuukka Rask has allowed five goals on 29 fewer shots in his first postseason starts since 2010. The Bruins have surrendered a power-play goal in each of the first two games this series after finishing the season ranked fourth in the league in penalty killing. Boston looked much less dominant on Saturday than it did in Game 1 and will now need to contend with the Maple Leafs possessing the crucial last player change as the series shifts to Toronto.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS, NHL Network (U.S.), NESN

ABOUT THE BRUINS: The scoring line of David Krejci, Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton has been Boston’s brightest spot in the series now that Horton has returned from injury, combining on four of the team’s six goals. Krejci leads all players in the series with four points, while Horton has two goals and Lucic has three assists. Veteran Jaromir Jagr, acquired at the trade deadline to bolster Boston’s scoring depth, is minus-2 with no points to open the postseason following a stretch of nine points in 11 contests. Tyler Seguin fired eight shots in Game 2 and leads all players with 15 in the series, but has yet to record a point. Rookie defenseman Dougie Hamilton played 13:32 in his playoff debut in place of suspended blue-liner Andrew Ference, who will be eligible to return to the lineup on Monday.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS: Joffrey Lupul scored the team’s first two goals in Game 2 for his first playoff tallies since 2009 when he was a member of the Philadelphia Flyers. James van Riemsdyk, also a former Flyer, scored in each of his first two postseason games for Toronto and has 10 goals in his last 20 playoff contests. Along with Mike Kostka, who broke his finger in Game 1, Carlyle scratched Frazer McLaren, Clarke MacArthur and John-Michael Liles on Saturday, dressing Ryan Hamilton, Matt Frattin, Jake Gardiner and Ryan O’Byrne in their place. Hamilton, Frattin and Gardiner each contributed an assist, while O’Byrne finished plus-1 with four hits and two blocked shots in 14:49 time on ice. Tyler Bozak led all Toronto skaters in ice-time in Game 2 with 24:22.

TRENDS

* Maple Leafs are 1-4 in their last five games following a win.
* Bruins are 1-4 in last five road games.
* Over is 4-1-1 in last six meetings in Toronto.
* Bruins are 4-1 in last five meetings in Toronto.
* Home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

OVERTIME

1. Boston is 3-6-2 in its last 11 contests overall, dating back to April 11.

2. The last NHL playoff game in Toronto occurred on May 4, 2004, when the Maple Leafs lost 3-2 in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference second-round series.

3. The league chose not to review a hit by Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf on Daniel Paille in the third period of Game 2 despite claims by the Bruins that Phaneuf made contact with Paille’s head.



Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers (-138, 5)
Washington leads series 2-0

If the sixth-seeded New York Rangers hope to get back in their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Southeast Division champion Washington Capitals, they're going to have to generate some offense when they host Game 3 on Monday. New York, which finished in the middle of the pack in goals scored during the regular season despite recording 51 over 14 games in April, has totaled just one over its first two playoff contests and finds itself in a 2-0 hole. And that tally, which was scored by Carl Hagelin to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead in the series opener, went in off Washington defenseman John Erskine's skate.

Third-seeded Washington hasn't been lighting it up offensively either, but its flurry of three goals in a span of 8 minutes, 8 seconds in the second period of Game 1 was enough to produce a 3-1 victory. Like their opponent, the Capitals were unable to break through in regulation on Saturday afternoon, but defenseman Mike Green cashed in on a power-play opportunity eight minutes into overtime to help his team maintain home-ice advantage. Washington should not feel comfortable, however, as it has lost four of the last six series in which it has held a 2-0 lead.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN2, RDS2, CSN (Washington), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE CAPITALS: Coach Adam Oates had all players report to the rink Sunday but made the practice optional. "I just brought them all in just to come to the arena and make sure we just get hockey on your mind," Oates told the Washington Post. "It's a stressful environment, you win in overtime, you're excited, but still it's very stressful. So let the guys just breathe a little bit." Washington's special teams have been impressive through two games. The club is 2-for-7 on the power play and has successfully killed all seven of its penalties.

ABOUT THE RANGERS: After Brian Boyle and Derek Dorsett returned from injuries to play in Game 2, Ryane Clowe could follow suit on Monday. Clowe, who recorded three goals and eight points in 12 games after being acquired from San Jose, has not played since April 25 due to an undisclosed injury that is suspected to be a concussion. He hopes to be in the lineup for Game 3 but won't return prematurely. "You've gotta make sure you're fit to play and you can at least help the team," Clowe said. "I don't want to go in there and come out again, so I want to make sure I'm ready."

TRENDS

* Capitals are 10-2 in the last 12 games following a win.
* Capitals are 8-2 in their last 10 road games.
* Rangers are 6-0 in their last six home games.
* Under is 4-0 in Capitals' last four games.

OVERTIME

1. The Rangers are 1-20 in series in which they've lost the first two games.

2. G Braden Holtby's shutout Saturday was just the second by a 1-0 score in the Capitals' playoff history. Olaf Kolzig blanked Pittsburgh 1-0 on April 12, 2001.

3. New York did not register a shot on goal over the final 17:43 of Game 2, including eight minutes of overtime.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, May 6

Boston at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Boston: 33-11 SU after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread
Toronto: 5-14 SU in home games off a road win scoring 4 or more goals

Washington at NY Rangers, 7:35 ET
Washington: 15-6 SU after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6
NY Rangers: 7-13 SU after playing a game where 4 or fewer total goals

Anaheim at Detroit, 8:05 ET
Anaheim: 5-0 SU in road games off a road win scoring 4 or more goals
Detroit: 0-6 SU after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7

St Louis at Los Angeles, 10:05 ET
St Louis: 2-13 SU in road games after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8
Los Angeles: 11-2 SU after scoring 1 goal or less in 2 straight games

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/05/13 4-*3-*1 57.14% +*620 Detail
05/04/13 7-*1-*0 87.50% +*3185 Detail
05/03/13 2-*5-*1 28.57% -*2370 Detail
05/02/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*935 Detail
05/01/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*600 Detail

Totals 21-*14-*3 60.00% +2970


Monday, May 6

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 7:00 PM ET Boston -125 500

Toronto - Over 5 500 POD # 3

Washington - 7:30 PM ET Washington +132 500 POD # 2

NY Rangers - Over 5 500

Anaheim - 8:00 PM ET Anaheim +114 500 POD # 1

Detroit - Under 5 500

St. Louis - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles -134 500

Los Angeles - Under 5 500 POD # 4

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Penguins (0-0) at Islanders (0-0)

Date: May 07, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) - Jarome Iginla spent parts of 17 seasons as the go-to guy for the Calgary Flames, on and off the ice.

A star player and overall leader on a club that was often outside the hockey spotlight, the fact he forged what will surely be a Hall of Fame career is a testament to his skills.

None of those seasons ended with a Stanley Cup championship, and the Flames haven't even made the playoffs since 2009. But Iginla's career has been reborn with a late-season trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have lots of talent and as good a chance as any to claim the title this year.

``I don't think it's been an adjustment at all,' said Iginla, acquired on March 28. ``As far as doing interviews and stuff, probably a few less, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm just focused on trying to make sure I'm prepared and ready for the games and just keep trying to get better and add that to the group.'

That bunch includes stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marc-Andre Fleury - so Iginla has no trouble keeping to himself. The main reason he attracted attention Monday after the Penguins held an optional practice before Tuesday's Game 4 against the New York Islanders is the fact Crosby and Malkin took the opportunity to rest their legs and their voices.

The top-seeded Penguins lead the best-of-seven, first-round Eastern Conference series 2-1, and they have earned their two wins in different ways.

Pittsburgh jumped all over the Islanders at home in a 5-0 victory in Game 1, and then scratched and clawed all the way to escape with a 5-4 overtime win Sunday on the road in Game 3.

In between, the Islanders rallied for a win in Game 2. The Nassau Coliseum was rocking Sunday, but New York couldn't ride the wave of emotion to a win, despite holding an early 2-0 lead.

``There were emotional rides in the game,' Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Monday. ``They came out with a surge and we turned a turnover right into a goal.

``I can't say we handled it well. We got off to two goals against and led them feed off some speed and energy. From the time we got here, the atmosphere in the building, our players were really excited about the atmosphere here. It was pretty crazy. They chanted from before warm-ups, during warm-ups, during the game. Our guys were really excited about playing in front of that type of atmosphere. That's what it's all about.'

Bylsma allowed himself to smile while recalling Sunday's scene. It was easier because his team erased the early hole and led 3-2 before the first period was over. Even blowing a two-goal lead of their own in the third period didn't seem so bad once Crosby set up Chris Kunitz for the Penguins' third power-play goal of the game in overtime.

``It's playoff hockey, and we haven't been in this building for playoff games before,' Bylsma said. ``It was an awesome crowd. They were great and were energized right from the start. (The Islanders) used it and they got on top and they came with a lot of speed. We need to do a better job.'

That was also the message on the Islanders' side of the hallway. New York now faces the task of shaking off the deflating defeat in time for Game 4. A win in that one and the Islanders are back even. A loss, and suddenly summer vacation becomes a whole lot closer to reality.

``Our penalty kill has to be better. The best way to do that is to stay out of the box,' Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald said. ``Those can end up killing us.'

With the Penguins' power play operating at a supremely high level, connecting six times in 13 opportunities in the series, the Islanders must cut down on the penalties they are committing, and figure out a way to slow down Pittsburgh when there is an advantage to be killed.

``We've got to be more disciplined. No question,' Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. ``The penalty kill is something we've got to clean up. But discipline with and without the puck is a big part of the game, and with their quickness we've got to make sure we defend a little bit harder and a little bit smarter.'

Iginla has smoothly fit in with the Penguins, who are seeking their second Cup title in five seasons. His experience, scoring touch, and toughness are all positives for Pittsburgh at this time of year.

``He's brought a quiet confidence to our room right off the hop,' Bylsma said. ``He hasn't been a guy who stepped right in and started screaming and yelling and rah-rah. We had some injuries and we had some different lineups, and we went on the road and he really developed into a go-to guy on the power play that was a weapon. He has continued to be that for our team.

``It gives us a different dimension to our team that maybe we didn't have before, with that type of shot. He's got a fierce edge that he plays the game with. He has brought that to our team. When you are down there on the ice with him, you certainly know it and see it.'

The Penguins have six power-play goals and eight at even strength. While they are enjoying how well their special teams are performing, they are well aware that 5-on-5 play will likely be the deciding factor.

``We can't just rely on power-play goals or fortunate bounces,' defenseman Paul Martin said. ``We have to make sure that we're taking the game to them and playing the way that we play to feel more confident in our game.'

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Canadiens (0-0) at Senators (0-0)

Date: May 07, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


OTTAWA (AP) - The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators are developing quite a rivalry this postseason.

The Senators beat the Canadiens 6-1 on Sunday night in a fight-filled, emotional game. The teams combined for 236 penalty minutes and nine players were given a game misconduct.

Ottawa has a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven quarterfinal series. Game 4 is Tuesday night.

On Monday players from both sides downplayed the events of the game, saying it's just part of playoff hockey and to be expected at this time of year.

The intensity could ratchet up again Tuesday night.

``This is fun,' Ottawa forward Kyle Turris said. ``It's a great atmosphere, real fun and I don't know if you would call it a hatred on the ice, but it's lots of fun.'

Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban agreed with Turris.

``This is playoffs, this is exciting,' Subban said. ``We knew this being an all-Canadian series that it was going to be a lot of emotion and intensity involved and it's been great so far.'

Turris was targeted by a number of Montreal players on Sunday. He fought Subban, and as the final buzzer sounded Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges fired a puck at Turris.

``Taking a slap shot at a guy at the end of the game isn't something that's really necessary if you ask me,' Turris said. ``I don't think he was trying to get a shot on net.'

While neither team expects things to escalate to the same level in Game 4, it's clear the Senators want to continue to play a physical style while Montreal would prefer to wear Ottawa down with its speed.

``Last night was one game and (Tuesday) will be a totally different one,' Ottawa defenseman Erik Karlsson said. ``They want to come out and win the game, they don't want to win the fights and that's what we have to expect. We know we're going to have to be even better to win Game 4.'

The Canadiens say they need to focus on their own style if they want to win the series.

``We have to get back to playing our game,' Subban said. ``We have to get back to doing the things that make us successful and right now we have a lot of things to play for. We have to make sure that we're doing the right things and we'll be ready for tomorrow.'

Emotion will be a key factor for both teams, but in the end it's likely the team that manages to control its emotions best will have the advantage.

``You want to play on the edge and be physical and play our in-your-face game, hard forechecking, but you have to be smart at the same time,' Montreal forward Colby Armstrong said. ``We took some chippy penalties last game, not in the third, but even before that in the first and second and that was uncharacteristic for our group.'

Ottawa's Eric Gryba, who served a two-game suspension for a hit on Lars Eller in Game 1, could be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game.

While he could be the target of some form of retaliation, the Senators aren't concerning themselves with it.

``I think and I hope that they want to play hockey,' Karlsson said. ``I think they want to win the game and if they throw a couple of extra hits on him it's a part of the game and I don't think it's going to affect our game in any way. We want to come out and be a better team than we were (Sunday).

``I think they're going to dig deep and really try to maintain their focus and I think they want to prove to themselves and everyone else they're still a good hockey team.'

Canadiens coach Michel Therrien admitted his team needs to concentrate on playing hockey and not get caught up by emotion.

Therrien didn't go so far as to criticize the officiating, but he felt both rookie forward Brendan Gallagher and Subban were abused at times during the game which in turn led to them taking penalties as they attempted to defend themselves.

``When Brendan Gallagher drops the gloves it's because he was abused. When P.K. Subban drops the gloves it's because he was abused,' Therrien said. ``There comes a time when a player makes his own law because he's tired and we saw a fair amount of that (Sunday).'

Therrien believes his team will have no trouble focusing on the task at hand Tuesday.

``We have to make sure we play a solid game,' he said. ``We played two solid games in Montreal, I really liked the way we played and (Sunday) was a bad game for us and the Senators played a good game and deserved to win.

``We've proven in the past that we're capable of bouncing back. We have to bounce back (Tuesday).'

Senators coach Paul MacLean says he has made it clear to his team that they haven't accomplished anything yet and need to keep their focus on the next game.

``The hardest part is yet to come,' he said. ``We talked about that (Tuesday) is going to be even harder. That's what keeps us on an even keel is that we understand it's going to be hard.'

Notes: Ottawa D Patrick Wiercioch will not be available for Tuesday's game as he has a lower body injury. ... Ottawa F Jean-Gabriel Pageau was still reveling in the effects of scoring a hat trick in Sunday's game and said among the numerous messages he received was one from Philadelphia's Daniel Briere, a role model of Pageau's growing up. ... Montreal F David Desharnais said he needs to be much better in this series. He has just one assist and zero shots on goal. ... Gallagher, who was celebrating his 21st birthday Monday, was selected a finalist for the Calder Trophy. ... Therien said his unfavorable opinion of MacLean calling a timeout with 17 seconds left in Game 3 hasn't changed, even after hearing MacLean's reason for doing so.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blackhawks (0-0) at Wild (0-0)

Date: May 07, 2013 9:30 PM EDT


ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Trying to keep up with the Chicago Blackhawks would be unwise for the Minnesota Wild.

Running into them over and over and over again, as Game 3 of this Western Conference quarterfinal matchup proved, is probably their best bet.

After a rough-and-tumble effort in an overtime victory, the Wild were bracing for the inevitable pushback from the top-seeded Blackhawks in Game 4 on Tuesday.

``A lot of teams respond well after losses, and that's obviously a tough loss for them. They'll be ready to go,' said Minnesota rookie Jason Zucker, who got the winning goal in the 3-2 decision Sunday that cut Chicago's series lead to 2-1.

The Blackhawks acknowledged without prompting they needed to bring more intensity. But whether they're actually focusing on bruising and banging more with the Wild, well, that depended on who was talking after practice on Monday.

``They played like they had to win the game,' Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said, ``and we didn't. We wanted to make sure we had more urgency to our game.'

Yes, but teams aren't successful in the spring if they change their style too much.

``Sometimes if you're worried about bringing too much physicality and intensity then you're not worried about doing the things we did to score a lot of goals this year,' star Patrick Kane said.

Defenseman Brent Seabrook blamed himself for not playing ``very physical,' the way games usually go in May. But he stopped short of prodding his team to get into a checking challenge with the Wild.

``I don't think we need to give them any kind of response. We have to play our game, and we have to play the way that we know we can play,' Seabrook said.

That means staying in the offensive zone and keeping the puck as much as possible and relying on superior depth to wear down the Wild.

``We're a fast team, and we need to use that to our advantage,' rookie Brandon Saad said.

The Blackhawks have only one goal, by Marian Hossa, from their first line. Saad and captain Jonathan Toews have been shut out. But in the postseason, games are always tighter. The Wild have only one goal, by Zach Parise, from their top group, too.

Gritty usually trumps pretty.

The Blackhawks are clearly missing the tenacity and playoff touch of center Dave Bolland, who's been practicing but was declared out for Game 4 because of a lingering lower-body injury. Quenneville was even asked whether enforcer Daniel Carcillo would be inserted on the fourth line for some extra energy, much like the Wild did with Stephane Veilleux on Sunday.

``He could play,' Quenneville said.

And if not?

``He might not,' the coach said, grinning slightly.

Yes, postseason gamesmanship was on full display. Wild coach Mike Yeo, asked if fourth line forward Mike Rupp was hurt, coyly declined to answer whether his absence from practice was for rest or due to injury. One reporter reminded the coach that Rupp played only four shifts, totaling 2:37 of ice time, in Game 3.

``They were hard shifts,' Yeo said, deadpanning.

The veteran forward the Wild acquired for more punch for the playoffs, Jason Pominville, hasn't participated in two weeks since taking an elbow to the chin in a game against Los Angeles. Pominville was back at practice Monday, but Yeo left his status vague too.

The 21-year-old Zucker, whose uneven, undisciplined play prompted the Wild to keep him at their AHL affiliate much of the year, was recalled from Houston right before the final regular season game. Aside from 36-year-old center Matt Cullen, Zucker is one of the only forwards the Wild have with the speed to match the Blackhawks. He showed that in Game 1 when his overtime shot hit the crossbar, an inch that's the difference now in the lead of this series.

But after his blind, bad-angle shot got past goalie Corey Crawford in Game 3, Zucker has been more interested in talking about the importance of physical play than his scoring touch or skating ability.

``Obviously that's a big part of our game, so we had to come out strong. We have a lot of guys that hit all night and every night, so we had to keep that going,' Zucker said.

The Blackhawks lamented their lack of puck possession in Game 3, and the Wild were quick to point out that their extra effort along the boards and in the corners was the key to them controlling the game. They realized, too, that they're only one-fourth of the way toward finishing an upset of the Stanley Cup favorite Blackhawks. This, after all, is a best of seven.

``Guys are going about their business. That's the nature of the playoffs. You have to put that behind you pretty quick,' Cullen said. ``You can't be in here running around like an idiot because you won a game. We won one game.'

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Preview: Canucks (0-0) at Sharks (0-0)

Date: May 07, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan sees no need to remind his team of the precariousness of a 3-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Sharks nearly squandered that advantage the last time they held it, needing the full seven games to eliminate Detroit in the second round two years ago.

With many of the same core players still around, McLellan is content to let past experience serve as the teaching tool heading into Game 4 of the series on Tuesday night at the Shark Tank.

``We just left it alone,' McLellan said. ``Our group is mature enough. They should know what's coming, what to expect and how to respond.'

Given the comments coming out of the dressing room on Monday, it's clear McLellan is correct. Players echoed the mantra that the fourth win in a series is always the hardest and insisted nothing had been won yet despite a decisive 5-2 win in Game 3 that followed two narrow victories in Vancouver.

``I was here when we went through that and we let a team back into a series,' center Logan Couture said. ``Obviously it went seven games. We were fortunate to win it. We let them back in. That's something we don't want to do. We want to put them away in Game 4.'

There's one big difference from that series two years ago when the Sharks eked out three straight one-goal wins to build their cushion over the Red Wings. Their edge over the Canucks so far has been more convincing, especially in the 5-2 thrashing on Sunday.

The power play clicked to tie a franchise record with three goals, the defense kept pressure off goaltender Antti Niemi and the Sharks showed discipline to stay out of the penalty box even when the game got testy.

The Canucks feel there is another factor: embellishment.

Defenseman Kevin Bieksa singled out Couture and Sharks captain Joe Thornton for exaggerating contact to draw penalties. Bieksa said Couture flails every time he is touched and blamed Thornton for taking off his glove and shaking his wrist to draw a slashing penalty on Dan Hamhuis that led to a 5-on-3 goal that opened the scoring Sunday.

``Those are two Canadian guys that are supposed to be playing the game with integrity,' Bieksa said. ``Maybe our team has to do more of that. Maybe we have to sell calls.'

The Canucks have earned quite a reputation for embellishment themselves over the years with Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows considered two of the main violators.

In fact, Kesler crumbled to the ice grabbing his throat after taking a high stick from Patrick Marleau on the helmet strap Sunday. Kesler quickly recovered and stayed in the game for the ensuing power play.

The Sharks had eight power plays in Game 3, while Vancouver got only two chances with the man advantage.

``That's always something we talk about especially when they have a potent power play like they have,' Marleau said. ``At playoff time you have to try to stay disciplined and not let your emotions get the better of you sometimes after the whistle with pushing and shoving.'

The talk of diving may have been a tactic to divert the conversation from Vancouver's brutal recent playoff past.

After beating the Sharks in the Western Conference finals and taking a 3-2 lead in the Stanley Cup finals over Boston two years ago, the Canucks have been downright abysmal in the postseason.

Vancouver has lost nine of its past 10 playoff games, having also fallen behind 3-0 in the opening round a year ago to Los Angeles before being eliminated in five games.

The Canucks have 15 goals in that span as a normally potent offense led by the Sedin twins has disappeared of late in the postseason.

``There's some good chances there 5-on-5,' coach Alain Vigneault said. ``So far we haven't been able to put the puck in the net. I have to believe that for one game we can do it.'

The other big question for the Canucks comes in goal where former starter Roberto Luongo played well the first two games in place of the injured Cory Schneider before Vigneault made a switch from Game 3.

Schneider allowed five goals on 28 shots and was replaced after giving up three in the opening 4:07 of the third period.

Luongo stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief and has a .915 save percentage in this series.

Vigneault said he has made a decision about his starter for Tuesday, but won't announce it until after he tells the players.

The focus now is on figuring out how to beat the Sharks four straight times after losing the first six meetings between the teams this season.

``I believe we can win one game,' Vigneault said. ``We haven't beaten the Sharks once this year. I believe we can do it tomorrow.'