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

[StarDust Bum]

2013 NHL Playoff Results

May 8, 2013


NHL First Round

-- Home teams are 20-11
-- Favorites are 21-10 straight up
-- Favorites that won are 9-12 on the puck-line
-- The Under has gone 14-12-5
Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result


Tuesday, Apr. 30, 2013

Minnesota Chicago (-270) 2-1 (OT) Favorite Under (5)

Los Angeles St. Louis (-125) 2-1 (OT) Favorite Under (5)

Detroit Anaheim (-145) 3-1 Favorite Under (5)


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Toronto Boston (-180) 4-1 Favorite Push (5)

NY Islanders Pittsburgh (-220) 5-0 Favorite Under (5.5)

San Jose (+120) Vancouver 3-1 Underdog Under (5)


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Ottawa (+125) Montreal 4-2 Underdog Over (5)

NY Rangers Washington (-130) 3-1 Favorite Under (5)

Los Angeles St. Louis (-130) 2-1 Favorite Under (5)

Detroit (+120) Anaheim 5-4 (OT) Underdog Over (5)


Friday, May 3, 2013

NY Islanders (+200) Pittsburgh 4-3 Underdog Over (5.5)

Ottawa Montreal (-135) 3-1 Favorite Under (5)

Minnesota Chicago (-250) 5-2 Favorite Over (5)

San Jose (+115) Vancouver 3-2 (OT) Underdog Push (5)


Saturday, May 4, 2013

NY Rangers Washington (-125) 1-0 (OT) Favorite Under (5)

Toronto (+170) Boston 4-2 Underdog Push (6)

Anaheim (+110) Detroit 4-0 Underdog Under (5)

St. Louis Los Angeles (-145) 1-0 Favorite Under (4.5)


Sunday, May 5, 2013

Pittsburgh (-170) NY Islanders 5-4 (OT) Favorite Over (5.5)

Chicago Minnesota (+145) 3-2 (OT) Underdog Push (5)

Montreal Ottawa (-135) 6-1 Favorite Over (5)

Vancouver San Jose (-145) 5-2 Favorite Over (4.5)


Monday, May 6, 2013

Boston (-130) Toronto 5-2 Favorite Over (5)

Washington NY Rangers (-145) 4-3 Favorite Over (5)

Anaheim Detroit (-130) 3-2 (OT) Favorite Push (5)

St. Louis Los Angeles (-140) 4-3 Favorite Over (4.5)


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Pittsburgh NY Islanders (+145) 6-4 Underdog Over (6)

Montreal Ottawa (-140) 3-2 (OT) Favorite Push (5)

Chicago (-160) Minnesota 3-0 Favorite Under (5)

Vancouver San Jose (-165) 4-3 (OT) Favorite Over (5)


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Boston (-130) Toronto 4-3 (OT) Favorite Over (5)

Washington NY Rangers (-135) 4-3 Favorite Over (5)

Los Angeles (+115) St. Louis 3-2 (OT) Underdog Over (4.5)

Detroit Anaheim (-140) 3-2 (OT) Favorite Push (5)

Thursday, May 9, 2013
NY Islanders Pittsburgh - - -
Ottawa Montreal - - -
Minnesota Chicago - - -

Friday, May 10, 2013
Toronto Boston - - -
NY Rangers Washington - - -
Anaheim Detroit - - -
St. Louis Los Angeles - - -

Saturday, May 11, 2013
Pittsburgh NY Islanders - - -
* Montreal Ottawa - - -
* Chicago Minnesota - - -

Sunday, May 12, 2013
* NY Islanders Pittsburgh - - -
* Ottawa Montreal - - -
Washington NY Rangers - - -
* Boston Toronto - - -
* Minnesota Chicago - - -
* Detroit Anaheim - - -

Monday, May 13, 2013
* NY Rangers Washington - - -
* Toronto Boston - - -
* Los Angeles St. Louis - - -

*If Neccessary

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Ottawa at Montreal
The Senators look to close out the series and build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 road games. Ottawa is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Senators favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

Game 33-34: Ottawa at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 12.076; Montreal 11.093
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+110); Under

Game 35-36: NY Islanders at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.763; Pittsburgh 12.699
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-220); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-220); Over

Game 37-38: Minnesota at Chicago (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.448; Chicago 11.652
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-275); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-275); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 9

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OTTAWA (28-18-0-6, 62 pts.) at MONTREAL (30-16-0-6, 66 pts.) - 5/9/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 12-23 ATS (-18.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 11-9 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 11-9-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (26-18-0-8, 60 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (38-14-0-0, 76 pts.) - 5/9/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 38-14 ATS (+58.1 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 38-14 ATS (+11.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 11-1 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 15-11 ATS (+28.5 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 9-4 ATS (+14.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 14-7-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.9 Units)

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MINNESOTA (27-21-0-4, 58 pts.) at CHICAGO (39-7-0-6, 84 pts.) - 5/9/2013, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 15-30 ATS (+48.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (+25.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO is 39-13 ATS (+58.5 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 39-13 ATS (+14.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 326-341 ATS (-58.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-5 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 10-5-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 9

Penguins won 10 of last 14 games, are 28-10 in last 38 games vs Islanders, but this series is 2-2, as Islanders scored five goals on only 14 shots in last two periods of Game 4- they split last six visits here, after losing previous 14 in Steel City. Nine of last twelve series games overall went over total. Islanders outscored Pittsburgh 6-1 in third period of series, but Penguins did win only OT game. Pitt is 6-15 on power play in series, but was 0-2 last game. New York scored 4-4-6 goals in last three games, after Pens held nine of previous 11 opponents to three or less goals.

Blackhawks won seven of last eight home games, winning 2-1ot/5-2 in Games 1-2 of this series; Chicago is 1-11 on power play in series, with only goal scored in Game 1; Wild is 0-15, going 0-6 last game- they also allowed a shorthanded goal in series. Blackhawks won 12 of last 15 games overall; they won five of last six games with Wild, which lost nine of last 14 games overall. Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Chicago games. Minnesota scored total of 14 goals in its last nine games. Wild lost five of last six visits here. Over is 16-12-6 in playoffs so far, 6-8-4 in Western Conference.

Senators outscored Montreal 10-0 in third period/OT in series; home side won 10 of last 11 Montreal-Ottawa games, with Senators losing five of last six here. Ottawa is 9-4 in last thirteen games overall, with under 11-3-1 in last 15 series games. Ottawa had three power play goals in Game 3, but was 0-9 on power play in other three games. After Game 3 had 236 penalty minutes, Game 4 had 8, yes, 8. Canadiens lost three of last five home games, are 5-9 in last fourteen games overall. Ottawa won five of its last six road games, with the Game 2 loss in Montreal the only loss in that stretch.




NHL

Thursday, May 9

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the NY Islanders last 12 games when playing Pittsburgh
NY Islanders are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games

7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL
Ottawa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Montreal is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Montreal is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games

9:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHICAGO
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games


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NHL

Thursday, May 9

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Thursday's NHL playoff action: What bettors need to know
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New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins (-209, 6)

Series tied 2-2.

Tomas Vokoun was signed to a two-year contract in the offseason, with the primary purpose to serve as the understudy to stud goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. With the latter clearly struggling, Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma has elected to trust the 36-year-old Vokoun with the start for Thursday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series versus the New York Islanders. Fleury was blitzed for six goals on 24 shots as the eighth-seeded Islanders evened the series at two games apiece with a 6-4 triumph on Tuesday.

"We brought Tomas Vokoun in to play big games for us and be a goaltender we could count on to go in and play big games," Bylsma said of Vokoun, who will be making his first postseason start in six years. Vokoun will have the task of shutting down Kyle Okposo, who has scored in three consecutive games - after finding the net just four times in the regular season. John Tavares has also scored in two straight contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN, MSG Plus (New York), ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS: While Pittsburgh made a change in goaltenders, New York isn't ready to go that route - despite Evgeni Nabokov's less-than-stellar numbers. Despite having a gaudy 4.56 goals-against average and an .846 save percentage, the veteran Russian isn't getting down on his performance. "If you look at the goals, they score good goals, they score off their sticks, off their feet. ... I think the biggest thing is, move on to the next shot," Nabokov said. "I tried to make saves and trust the guys that they're going to do the job."

ABOUT THE PENGUINS: Evgeni Malkin has recorded four consecutive two-point performances in the series, but his giveaway in the third period on Tuesday led to Pittsburgh's undoing. The reigning Hart Trophy winner's ill-advised clearing attempt up the middle was intercepted by Tavares, who skated in on Fleury and cleaned up his own rebound to give New York a 5-4 lead. James Neal and defenseman Brooks Orpik returned from lower-body injuries - with the former scoring a goal.

TRENDS:

* Over is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings.
* Under is 7-3-1 in the last 11 meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Islanders are 17-36 in the last 53 meetings.
* Islanders are 5-22 in the last 27 meetings in Pittsburgh.

OVERTIME:

1. Vokoun stopped 98-of-101 shots to win all three contests against the Islanders in 2013. The veteran has struggled in the playoffs, however, posting a 3-8 mark in 11 career appearances with Nashville.

2. New York D Andrew MacDonald suffered a broken hand in Game 4 and could miss the remainder of the postseason, Newsday reported.

3. Fleury has started 79 consecutive postseason games for the Penguins, securing a 45-34 mark with six shutouts.



Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens (-122, 5)

Ottawa leads series 3-1.

The Montreal Canadiens were seconds away from returning home tied with the Ottawa Senators in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Instead, the Canadiens are on the brink of elimination and could be without their starting goaltender and captain when they host the seventh-seeded Senators in Game 5 on Thursday night. Ottawa scored the tying goal with 22.6 seconds left in regulation before Kyle Turris won it in overtime Tuesday to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Montreal goaltender Carey Price suffered a lower-body injury in the waning seconds of regulation and his status is unclear for Game 5. The Canadiens will be without captain Brian Gionta, who will undergo season-ending surgery Friday to repair a torn biceps muscle, as well as well as forwards Brandon Prust and Ryan White. The Senators have owned a decided edge in the pivotal third period of the series, scoring three goals in their Game 1 victory, four times in the Game 3 romp and twice in Game 4 to erase a 2-0 deficit. "That's the nature of our team," Ottawa coach Paul MacLean said. "We play the whole game and don't stop playing until the game is over and that means 60-plus minutes to do it, and we found a way."

TV: 7 p.m. CNBC, CBC, RDS

ABOUT THE SENATORS: Turris got off to a fast start this season, scoring three goals in the first four games. An injury to No. 1 center Jason Spezza forced him to play on the top line and Turris did not respond well, scoring in only three of 35 games at one point, but he has come up big when it counted. Turris scored the winning overtime goal and assisted on the tying tally in Game 4 and also delivered the backbreaking goal in Game 3. He finished the regular season strong by scoring four times in the final six games. "He's been a player that's grown a lot with us this year, having to take over the No. 1 center position even if he's not that No. 1 center," MacLean said. "But he played against a lot of the best guys in the league. He's really started to come out of the tunnel at the other end and there's a light there. His overall game has improved so much this year."

ABOUT THE CANADIENS: Price is scheduled to be re-evaluated Thursday, putting backup Peter Budaj in the precarious position of possibly having to win an elimination game despite making only one start in three weeks. Budaj won seven consecutive starts this season and compiled an 8-1-1 record and 2.28 goals-against average. He will need to have a short memory after getting beat by Turris on a bad-angle shot in the extra session. Budaj made his first start of the season against the Senators and wound up on the short end of a 5-1 rout. Norris Trophy candidate P.K. Subban sounded unconcerned over who was in net. "When we come out of the gates and we're flying, guys are going to realize that we're the better team and there's still life in this series for us," Subban said. "We've been outshooting them every game, we've got good goaltending no matter who's in the net, so I wish them the best of luck."

TRENDS:

* Home team is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings.
*Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Senators are 1-5 in the last six meetings in Montreal.

OVERTIME:

1. Budaj, a former backup to Ottawa G Craig Anderson with Colorado, has never started a postseason game. He had made five career playoff appearances.

2. Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, 40, has five points to tie reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson for the series lead.

3. Game 6 - if necessary - will be played Saturday night in Ottawa.



Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks (-265, 5)

Chicago leads series 3-1.

The Minnesota Wild might run out of goaltenders before they run out of opportunities to stay alive in their Western Conference first-round series. The eighth-seeded Wild will likely start rookie netminder Darcy Kuemper when they visit the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday in Game 5, trailing 3-1 after losing both Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding. Backstrom suffered a leg injury while warming up for Game 1, while Harding - absent for most of the season due to complications with treatment for his multiple sclerosis - left Game 4 with what appeared to be a lower-body injury following a collision with Chicago captain Jonathan Toews. Kuemper was unable to stop the first shot he faced in his postseason career but finished Tuesday’s contest with 16 saves on 18 shots.

The Blackhawks have dominated Minnesota at home in the series, outshooting the Wild 85-55 over the first two contests. Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford made 25 saves in Game 4 for his second career playoff shutout. After Tuesday’s triumph and victories at home in the first two games, the Blackhawks have a chance to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Chicago is 5-0-1 in its last six home contests against Minnesota, the one blemish coming in a 5-4 shootout loss on April 1, 2012. The Blackhawks are 47-12-11 at United Center - including playoffs - since the start of last season and went 4-1-0 in elimination games during their 2010 Stanley Cup championship run.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS2, NBCSN, Fox Sports North, Fox Sports Wisconsin, Comcast Sportsnet Chicago

ABOUT THE WILD: Ryan Suter was nominated for the Norris Trophy on Tuesday as the league’s top defenseman along with Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang and Montreal’s P.K. Subban. Suter, who led the league in time on ice with 27:16 per game, played 30:23 on Tuesday - the third time in four games he reached 30 minutes of ice-time in regulation. Suter has yet to record a point in the series after finishing the season with 32 and has 13 points in 43 career postseason contests. Minnesota coach Mike Yeo would not commit to starting Kuemper in net for Game 5 as Harding and Backstrom both remain day-to-day with their respective injuries. Kuemper, who had a total of 288 minutes in net over six games during the regular season, was selected in the sixth round -161st overall - in 2009 and has one NHL victory to his credit.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Patrick Sharp scored twice for the second time this series on Tuesday after also recording two in the third period of Game 2. Sharp, who was limited to 28 games and only six goals due to injuries during the regular season, leads the series with five points and has 27 career postseason tallies. Ray Emery and Dave Bolland, who have missed the entire series thus far with lower-body injuries, are doubtful for Game 5 despite practicing with the team this week. Bryan Bickell has scored in three of the four games, raising his career playoff total to seven goals and 10 points in 19 contests. Captain Jonathan Toews has yet to record a point in the series after entering the postseason with 50 points in 52 career games.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Chicago.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Home team is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Wild are 1-5 in the last six meetings in Chicago.
* Wild are 1-5 in the last six meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. Chicago’s penalty killing has been flawless in 15 opportunities for the Wild over the first four games.

2. Minnesota captain Mikko Koivu is minus-5 with eight penalty minutes and has been held off the scoresheet for the duration of the series.

3. Wild RW Jason Pominville returned from a concussion on Tuesday and fired three shots in 12:12 time on ice.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Thursday, May 9

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Not betting the home team in Sens-Habs series? Read this
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The home team is on fire and is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens.

Any $100 bettor would be up $763.57 if they had wagered on the home team in the last 11 clashes by the two Canadian hockey clubs.

The feisty playoff matchup continues with Game 5 in Montreal Thursday.

The home team is 3-1 in the series with the lone defeat coming in Game 1 when the Senators prevailed 4-2 as +128 dogs in Montreal.

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NHL

Thursday, May 9

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After hot 'under' start, NHL games are trending 'over'
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After a blazing start for games going under the total in the NHL playoffs, the trend has turned recently with the over going 10-1-5 overall since May 5.

The 'under' was 7-2-1 through the first three nights of the playoffs and reinforced a trend from the first round of the 2012 playoffs.

The $100 bettor would be up more than $978 if wagering on the 'over' in each of the 16 games since May 5.

The series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders has been the best 'over' play of the postseason going 3-1 over/under ($202.61) in the four games. The two teams have combined for 19 goals in the previous two games.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/08/13 3-*3-*2 50.00% -*125 Detail
05/07/13 5-*2-*1 71.43% +*1640 Detail
05/06/13 4-*3-*1 57.14% +*450 Detail
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 33-*22-*7 60.00% +4935


Thursday, May 9

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Islanders 0 0th Pittsburgh -214 500
Pittsburgh 0 Over 6 500

Ottawa 0 0th Montreal -123 500
Montreal 0 Under 5 500 POD # 1

Minnesota - 9:30 PM ET Chicago -265 500
Chicago - Under 5 500 POD # 1

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, May 10

Home side won all four Cap-Ranger playoff games, with home team scoring a power play goal in each game, while visitors are 0-12 in series with man advantage. Capitals won 13 of last 17 games, nine of last ten at home. Rangers won nine of their last 13 games but are 4-8 in last dozen road games- they've lost eight of last 11 games in this building. New York scored 4+ goals in its last seven wins, 1-2-2-0 in its last four losses. Under is 10-2-5 last 17 series games- all five pushes ended 3-2. Rangers beat Washington in seven games LY, with last six games all decided by a single goal.

Bruins outscored Toronto 9-2 in second period in this series, which saw last three games go over total; now Maple Leafs have to win here, where they've won once in last seven visits. Over is 12-3-2 in last 17 series games. Boston is just 3-5 in last eight home games. Toronto threw 95 shots on goal in two home games, after having only 52 in first two games- they have had total of only 27 penalty minutes in last three games, after having 39 in game 1, but Bruins still went 2-5 on power play in Game 4, and are 3-14 in series with man advantage.

Three of five Detroit-Anaheim games went OT; Ducks outscored Detroit 9-3 in the third period in series, but Red Wings' wins are both in OT. Under is 7-3-2 in last twelve Detroit games. Red Wings were 1-10 on power play last three games, after being 4-10 in first two games in Anaheim. Ducks lost nine of last 11 visits to Motor City, but did shut Wings out 4-0 in Game 3 here. Anaheim won four of last five road games, allowing a total of only five goals in those games. Red Wings won four of their last five home games.

Home team won four of first five LA-St Louis games, but Kings are 12-5 in last 17 games vs St Louis, having swept St Louis 4-0 in playoffs LY, and winning last three games this series, Blues lost six of last seven visits here, LA is 2-14 on power play in series, Blues are 2-16. St Louis is 14-6 in last 20 games overall, allowing seven goals in last two games, after giving up one in each of previous five, only second/third times in their last 13 games Blues allowed more than two goals. Under is 9-3-1 in Blues' last 13 games overall, 6-3-1 in last ten series games.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Anaheim at Detroit
The Ducks look to close out the series and take advantage of a Detroit team that is 1-4 in its last 5 home games against a team with a winning road record. Anaheim is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Game 51-52: Toronto at Boston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.215; Boston 11.417
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-220); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-220); Under

Game 53-54: NY Rangers at Washington (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.834; Washington 11.984
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+120); Over

Game 55-56: Anaheim at Detroit (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.169; Detroit 11.330
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+110); Over

Game 57-58: St. Louis at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.479; Los Angeles 13.000
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1 1/2; 3 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-155); 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-155); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, May 10

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TORONTO (27-19-0-6, 60 pts.) at BOSTON (31-15-0-6, 68 pts.) - 5/10/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 16-39 ATS (+65.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 5-19 ATS (+29.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 188-204 ATS (+437.4 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
TORONTO is 30-26 ATS (+66.5 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 211-194 ATS (-93.1 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
BOSTON is 6-11 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 14-6 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 14-6-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
12 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.9 Units)

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NY RANGERS (28-19-0-5, 61 pts.) at WASHINGTON (29-20-0-3, 61 pts.) - 5/10/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 29-23 ATS (+2.6 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-23 ATS (-1.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 1-7 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games when tied in a playoff series since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 14-13 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 14-13-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
12 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.2 Units)

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ANAHEIM (33-12-0-8, 74 pts.) at DETROIT (26-18-0-9, 61 pts.) - 5/10/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 33-20 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 33-20 ATS (+8.2 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 10-6 (+4.3 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 10-6-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.2 Units)

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ST LOUIS (31-19-0-3, 65 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (30-17-0-6, 66 pts.) - 5/10/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 21-5 ATS (+14.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
LOS ANGELES is 21-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 29-16 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 9-2 ATS (+6.5 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 13-7 (+5.1 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 13-7-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)

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NHL
Short Sheet

Friday, May 10

Quarterfinals, Game Five (Boston Leads, 3-1)
Toronto at Boston, 7:05 ET NHL
Toronto: 0-10 SU away off an overtime loss
Boston: 14-7 Under off a road game

Quarterfinals, Game Five (Series Tied, 2-2)
NY Rangers at Washington, 7:35 ET NBCSN
NY Rangers: 16-6 SU away off BB home games
Washington: 3-13 SU revenging a road loss

(TC) Quarterfinals, Game Six (Anaheim Leads, 3-2)
Anaheim at Detroit, 8:05 ET CNBC
Anaheim: 5-19 SU away off a home game
Detroit: 9-1 SU at home after losing 2 of their last 3 games

Quarterfinals, Game Six (Los Angeles Leads, 3-2)
St. Louis at Los Angeles, 10:05 ET NBCSN
St. Louis: 5-15 SU away playing with same-season revenge
Los Angeles: 14-2 SU at home off BB Overs


(TC) = Time Change




NHL

Friday, May 10

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 17 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Boston's last 18 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 17 games when playing Toronto

7:30 PM
NY RANGERS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Rangers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Rangers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

8:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. DETROIT
Anaheim is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Anaheim's last 14 games on the road
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Anaheim

10:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of St. Louis's last 18 games
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing at home against St. Louis

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Friday, May 10

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Friday's NHL East playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins (-205, 5.5)

Bruins lead best-of-seven series 3-1.

With 10 points in four games, David Krejci has the Boston Bruins on the cusp of qualifying for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The fourth-seeded Bruins can finish their Eastern Conference first-round series on Friday when they host the fifth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs for Game 5. Boston holds a 3-1 advantage in the series after denying Toronto in two chances to win its first home playoff contest in nine years, defeating the Maple Leafs 5-2 in Game 3 and 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday. Krejci recorded his second career playoff hat trick in Game 4, capping it with the overtime winner for his third three-point effort in the series.

Toronto outshot the Bruins in both games at Air Canada Centre after stealing Game 2 in Boston 4-2, but could not translate that momentum into a home victory. The Maple Leafs power play, which had scored in each of the first three contests, went silent in Game 4, finishing 0-for-4. Toronto’s penalty kill, which was 8-for-9 before Wednesday, allowed two goals on five opportunities in the overtime loss. James Reimer cannot be blamed for the Maple Leafs’ losses, but the netminder has allowed four goals in each of the team’s three losses. Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask made 45 saves in each of the last two games, looking much more confident after struggling in Game 2.

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

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS: Defenseman Mark Fraser, who left Wednesday’s game after blocking a Milan Lucic slap shot with his face in overtime, underwent surgery to repair a broken bone on Thursday and is resting at home. “[Fraser]’s done a great job all year for us physically, playing big minutes,” Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf told reporters, “he’s just a great teammate. It was a scary situation but we’re glad he’s doing OK.” Blue-liner John-Michael Liles, a healthy scratch since Game 1, will likely take Fraser’s spot in the lineup. After a frustrating regular season, defenseman Jake Gardiner is flourishing in the playoffs with four points in three games. Gardiner played 12 games during the season and registered just four assists, but he has a point in each postseason game he’s played. Gardiner is tied with Joffrey Lupul for the team scoring lead.

ABOUT THE BRUINS: Krejci’s scoring line with Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic has been Boston’s primary offensive weapon throughout the series. Horton (three goals, three assists) and Lucic (six assists) are tied for second in team scoring behind Krejci. Captain Zdeno Chara had a breakout game offensively on Wednesday, assisting on all four goals to vault into fourth on the team with five points. No other Bruins player has more than two. Despite firing a team-high 18 shots, Tyler Seguin has yet to record a point in the series. Patrice Bergeron, second on the team with 16 shots, scored on a power play in Game 4 for his first tally since March 27. Defenseman Johnny Boychuk leads the team with 20 hits and 18 blocked shots, while also contributing two goals after only scoring once in 44 regular-season contests. Both of Boychuk’s goals were in Boston.

TRENDS:

* Over is 3-0-1 in Maple Leafs’ last four overall.
* Over is 4-0-1 in Bruins’ last five overall.
* Maple Leafs are 1-6 in the last seven meetings in Boston.
* Over is 6-1 in Maple Leafs’ last seven Friday games.

OVERTIME

1. Toronto is 2-12-1 in its last 15 games in Boston.

2. Krejci, who led the Bruins with 23 points during their 2011 Stanley Cup championship run, has 57 points in 63 career playoff games.

3. Maple Leafs LW Clarke MacArthur scored his first career playoff goal on Wednesday after being a healthy scratch for Games 2 and 3.



New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (-134, 5)

Best-of-seven series tied 2-2.

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals have held serve at home over the first four games of their Eastern Conference first-round series. After dropping a pair of contests at Madison Square Garden, Washington will look to regain the advantage when the teams reconvene for Game 5 at the Verizon Center on Friday. Defenseman Dan Girardi scored on the power play to snap a tie 59 seconds into the third period and Carl Hagelin collected a goal and two assists in New York's 4-3 victory on Wednesday.

Returning to the nation's capital means that Washington will gain the advantage of having the last change - meaning coach Adam Oates can shuffle superstar Alex Ovechkin on the ice for favorable matchups. The three-time Maurice Richard winner has been limited to just three shots and held off the scoresheet in the last two games. By comparison, Ovechkin registered 12 in the first two contests - scoring a power-play goal in Game 1 and setting up defenseman Mike Green's overtime winner in Game 2.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports, TSN, RDS2

ABOUT THE RANGERS: Rick Nash came to Broadway hoping to make his mark in the postseason. Through four games, the top-line forward has a team-leading 17 shots and an assist on Derek Stepan's winning goal in Game 3 to show for his efforts. "It'll come," Nash said optimistically. Coach John Tortorella said he wasn't worried when asked about Nash. "Not at all. He's not built that way," Tortorella said. "... It hasn't gone for him, but there's no chance that will happen with him (getting down on himself). In the short time I've been with him, I just can't see that ever happening. He's too much of a pro."

ABOUT THE CAPITALS: Ovechkin, who netted a league-best 32 goals, joined Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning stud Martin St. Louis as finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award. The honor is presented to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players' Association. Braden Holby will relish his return to Washington. The netminder stopped 59 of 60 shots in winning the first two games before yielding four goals in both contests in New York.

TRENDS:

* Capitals are 9-1 in their last 10 home games.
* Under is 4-0 in Capitals’ last four home games.
* Under is 8-2-7 in the last 17 meetings.
* Rangers are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Washington.

OVERTIME

1. Washington RW Martin Erat has been ruled out of Friday's tilt with an upper-body injury. The team recalled RWs Joey Crabb and 2012 first-round pick Tom
Wilson from Hershey of the American Hockey League on Thursday.

2. After going 0-for-7 on the power play in Games 1 and 2, New York has scored with the man advantage in each of the last two contests.

3. Washington owns a less-than-stellar 10-20 mark in Game 5 of a postseason series.


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NHL

Friday, May 10

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Friday's NHL West playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Anaheim Ducks at Detroit Red Wings (-123, 5)

Anaheim leads series 3-2.

The seventh-seeded Detroit Red Wings attempt to stave off elimination Friday, when they host Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series with the Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks. Detroit extended its streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 22 campaigns on the last day of the lockout-shortened regular season and was even in the series after four games thanks to a pair of overtime victories. But the Red Wings were unable to accomplish the feat a third time on Wednesday, losing 3-2 in the extra session in Anaheim to fall within one loss of being knocked out in the first round for the second straight year.

Nick Bonino was the hero for the Ducks in Game 5 as he scored his second game-winning goal of the series just 1:54 into overtime. Bonino, who is tied with captain Ryan Getzlaf for the team lead in tallies with three, also netted the winner in Game 3. Second-seeded Anaheim is one victory away from advancing to the second round for the first time since 2009. Should they move on, the Ducks will face the winner of the first-round matchup between the fourth-seeded St. Louis Blues and fifth-seeded Los Angeles Kings.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, CNBC, TSN2, RDSI, KDOC (Anaheim), FSN (Detroit)

ABOUT THE DUCKS: Jonas Hiller posted his 10th career postseason victory Wednesday, giving him sole possession of second place on the franchise list. He had been tied for the spot with Ilya Bryzgalov. Jean-Sebastien Giguere is Anaheim's all-time leader with 33 playoff wins. Coach Bruce Boudreau believes Corey Perry will contribute offensively once he learns to relax. Perry has recorded just one assist over the first five games of the series. "It's one of those things with scorers - if he gets one, I don't think he'll stop," Boudreau said. "He's probably gripping his stick too tight."

ABOUT THE RED WINGS: Justin Abdelkader will return to the lineup Friday after serving his two-game suspension for an illegal hit on Anaheim defenseman Toni Lydman in Game 3. The left wing registered one goal in the first three games of the series. Despite playing in the third period on Wednesday, Dan Cleary will be evaluated Friday morning before coach Mike Babcock determines whether or not the right wing will play in Game 6. Cleary was helped off the ice Wednesday after being boarded by Anaheim's Daniel Winnik late in the second period. "My whole left side was sore - shoulder, hand, ribs, neck, head," Cleary said after Game 5. "I didn't see him coming at all."

TRENDS:

* Under is 3-1-2 in the last six meetings.
* Under is 20-8-3 in the last 31 meetings in Detroit.
* Home team is 38-16-1 in the last 55 meetings.
* Ducks are 9-32-1 in the last 42 meetings in Detroit.

OVERTIME:

1. Bonino is two goals away from matching his total in 27 regular-season games.

2. Detroit has been outscored 9-3 in the third period.

3. Ds Lydman and Luca Sbisa are the only members of the Ducks who have appeared in a game but have not recorded a point in the series.



St. Louis Blues at Los Angeles Kings (-149, 4.5)

Los Angeles leads series 3-2.

The Los Angeles Kings can move one step closer to repeating as Stanley Cup champions with a home victory over the fourth-seeded St. Louis Blues in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series on Friday. Fifth-seeded Los Angeles dropped the first two games in St. Louis by identical 2-1 scores but evened the series with a pair of triumphs at Staples Center. The Kings claimed Game 5 after defenseman Slava Voynov scored during a 3-on-1 rush eight minutes into overtime on Wednesday.

It was the second game-winning goal of the series for Voynov, who also netted the lone tally in Game 3. Jeff Carter scored twice in Game 5 as Los Angeles became the first road team to post a victory in the series. St. Louis got the game to overtime with 44.1 seconds remaining in the third period as defenseman Alex Pietrangelo fired the puck past screened goaltender Jonathan Quick. It marked the third time in the series a tying or winning goal was scored in the final minute of regulation. Los Angeles' Justin Williams tallied with 32 seconds left to forge a tie in Game 1 and Blues defenseman Barret Jackman scored with 51 seconds to go two days later to snap a 1-1 deadlock.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC, RDS, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE BLUES: St. Louis entered having won all 10 playoff series in which it held a 2-0 lead. But recent history is not on the Blues' side as the club has lost seven consecutive elimination games and is 0-6-1 in its last seven visits to Staples Center. Despite those dubious streaks, the Blues have not given up hope. "We're still positive," Jackman said. "We still feel like we have a very good team that can easily skate with L.A. We have to continue to wear them down."

ABOUT THE KINGS: Los Angeles has every reason to feel confident heading into Game 6. After scoring just once in each of the first three games, the Kings have totaled seven goals in the last two contests. Coach Darryl Sutter, however, knows his team cannot afford to be overconfident. "You've got to win four games," he said. "That's what it's about. ... It's not easy just because you have a lead in the series and you're supposed to close it out. Who says you're supposed to close it out? It's not that easy."

TRENDS:

* Home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Blues are 3-13 in the last 16 meetings.
* Blues are 0-7 in the last seven meetings in Los Angeles.

OVERTIME:

1. All five games of the series have been decided by one goal.

2. Los Angeles enters with a nine-game home winning streak. It has not fallen at Staples Center since suffering back-to-back shutout losses to Dallas and Vancouver on March 21 and 23.

3. St. Louis has won Game 6 only seven times in 18 attempts when down 3-2 in a playoff series.

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 10, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


BOSTON (AP) - The third win over the Toronto Maple Leafs was pretty difficult. And yet the Boston Bruins know that the fourth will be even harder.

The Bruins returned to the TD Garden for an optional practice on Thursday, just hours after David Krejci completed a hat trick with an overtime winner that gave Boston a 3-1 lead over Toronto in the best-of-seven playoff series.

``I guess you see yourself already in the second round,' said Krejci, who scored the game-winner at 13:06 of the extra period. ``But sometimes you forget about what you have to do. It's really hard. It's really tough to get the last win.'

Game 5 is Friday night. With a win, the Bruins would advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the fourth time in five years and spoil Toronto's hopes for its first playoff series victory since 2004.

``You know the other team is going to throw everything at you because it's do-or-die for them,' said Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, who stopped 45 shots in Game 4. ``You kind of have to take the same mentality. If you slip even a little bit, if you give the other team life, then they're going to take advantage of that. And I think that's a challenge we're facing too, you know. We have to approach the game like it's a do-or-die game for us.'

The Leafs will try to come back without defenseman Mark Fraser, who took a puck to the face on Wednesday night and had surgery on Thursday. Coach Randy Carlyle said Fraser was resting at home and had been texting and talking to his teammates Thursday morning.

``He's a well-respected guy in our locker room,' captain Dion Phaneuf said. ``He's done a great job all year for us physically, playing big minutes. He's just a great teammate. It was a scary situation but we're glad he's doing OK.'

John-Michael Liles is expected to take Fraser's place in the lineup in Game 5.

Toronto is 2-12-1 in its last 15 games in Boston. The Bruins are 15-2 in series after taking a 3-1 lead, but they are only 9-8 in Game 5 with a chance to finish things off.

``This series isn't over, for sure,' Toronto forward Joffrey Lupul said.

Toronto managed a split in Boston, winning Game 2, but then lost both games at home. On Wednesday night, the Leafs took a 2-0 lead in the first period and then needed less than a minute to tie it after the Bruins went up 3-2.

They outshot Boston 48-45, including a 25-16 edge in the third period and overtime. Matt Frattin hit the goalpost in overtime.

``We've done a lot of good things,' Carlyle said at the team's training facility before flying to Boston. ``You can't change what happened last night. Now it's time to regroup and that's what we're here to do. Gather this group together - reset, refocus, re-energize. Do all those things we normally do. We've got to go in and win a game in Boston.'

The Bruins won it when Phaneuf pinched up to try to stop Boston forward Nathan Horton and let the puck get by, setting up a two-on-one that Krejci used to beat James Reimer. Horton fell to the ice, apparently injured, but coach Claude Julien said he was OK.

Phaneuf took responsibility for ``a split-second decision.'

``Playoffs are about momentum and obviously that was a momentum swing,' he said. ``But we've got a big game there on Friday. ... There's no time to sit here and feel sorry about what happened.'

Only a handful of Toronto players practiced on Thursday at the team's training center, none of them regulars.

The Bruins also had an optional skate that was sparsely attended. Julien does not need to remind his team not to let up; they are just three years removed from losing the Eastern Conference semifinals after leading the series against Philadelphia 3-0.

``We know how hard it is to close. That's the thing you hope your players realize extremely well after all the experiences we've had throughout the years,' he said. ``We now know how hard it is to close and no reason for us to come out tomorrow and not play as hard, if not harder, than we did last night.'

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 10, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


WASHINGTON (AP) - Not a single member of the current Washington Capitals roster is from Washington. In fact, Jeff Halpern remains the only player born-and-bred in the area to make the local NHL team, and he's come and gone twice in his 13 seasons in the league.

So perhaps Jason Chimera, a native of Edmonton who has been with the Capitals only since 2009, could be forgiven for his response when asked Thursday about the collective public angst over the team's latest blown lead in the playoffs.

``I don't know why people keep bringing up pasts, or people keep bringing up stuff that happened,' Chimera said. ``It's different teams every year. It's not like it's the same individuals every year.'

If Chimera were a live-long Capitals fan, he would feel differently.

He would bear the scars from rooting for a franchise that has lost eight - yes, eight - playoff series when holding a two-game lead. Nobody collapses in the postseason quite like the Capitals. 1985. 1987. 1992. 1995. 1996. 2003. 2009. 2010. All series that Washington led either 2-0 or 3-1 - and went on to lose. All were seven-game series, except for a five-gamer in '85.

Even more startling, the Capitals historically are more likely to lose than win a series after taking a 2-0 lead. They've won four, lost five.

They are trending that way again. They were up 2-0 on the New York Rangers. Now it's 2-2 headed into Friday's Game 5 in Washington.

While there's room for plenty of discussion for the technical and strategic reasons for the two losses in New York, one fact remains indisputable: The doubts are inevitably growing among the paying customers, and the players have to make sure those doubts don't seep into the locker room.

``We need to get some momentum back,' forward Troy Brouwer said. ``They've got a lot of it with their two wins in their building. We've been able to get wins at home, and we're relying on that and have confidence in that going into Game 5.'

Take away the weight of the Capitals' history, and the team's plight doesn't look so dire. If they keep holding serve at home, they'll win the series. If they can take fewer penalties and be less sloppy, and if Alex Ovechkin can find more space to make an impact after getting shut out in Games 3 and 4, they should be in good shape to turn the tide.

But then there's this: The Capitals are have a 10-20 all-time record in Game 5s. That's a massive skeleton to have in the closest, but it's a closet the players are trying to keep shut.

``Everyone likes to make things bigger than it actually is,' defenseman Karl Alzner said. ``The fans like to panic a little bit sometimes, but we're not panicking, and everyone will see that tomorrow.'

That's not to say that emotion won't play a part from here on out. Setting aside the history, both teams say that confidence and momentum could be as important as line changes and power plays in the next few days.

``Our resiliency has really shown in these past two games, and we are going to need that when we go to Washington,' New York coach John Tortorella said. ``They are going to surge there, and we just need to find a way to keep our heads above water and find a way to win a game.'

Nevertheless, if the Rangers do win Game 5, the Capitals will have to work a bit harder to keep the angst of history at bay.

``There's always momentum swings,' Washington goaltender Braden Holtby said. ``It's just whoever can keep the levelest head, and keep thinking about the long-term in the series, and not worry about those momentum swings, is usually the team that's going to win.'

Notes: Capitals RW Martin Erat is likely out for Game 5 with an upper body injury suffered in Game 4. Washington recalled RWs Joey Crabb and Tom Wilson from Hershey of the AHL. Wilson, 19, is a 2012 first-round draft pick and made his professional debut last week in the AHL playoffs. ... Washington F Brooks Laich, who hasn't played since April 4, said his recent surgery was a ``small procedure that was groin-related.' He is skating again but needs to improve his conditioning before he can play.

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 10, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


DETROIT (AP) - Ryan Getzlaf has been dominant when the Anaheim Ducks have needed their captain most, scoring clutch goals in two of their three wins.

``Isn't that what he's supposed to do?' coach Bruce Boudreau asked after his team arrived Thursday night in Detroit. ``Your best player is supposed to be your best player.'

It hasn't worked out that way so far for the Detroit Red Wings and their captain, putting them on the brink of elimination at home in Game 6 of their first-round series against Anaheim.

Zetterberg hasn't scored in the playoffs in nearly 13 months. He has gone a career-high seven postseason games without a goal dating to last year's first-round setback against Nashville.

``You want to be on the scoresheet,' Zetterberg said. ``All you can do is continue to work hard, keep putting pucks on the net, and hopefully one or two will sneak by the goalie.'

Two of Getzlaf's three goals - a total that puts him among NHL leaders - helped lift the Ducks to leads in the series.

He had a short-handed goal midway through the third period of Game 3 to give Anaheim a two-goal lead in a game it won 4-0 to go ahead 2-1 in the series. He pulled the Ducks into a 2-2 tie with 31 seconds left in Game 5, helping them extend a game they took 3-2 in overtime to go ahead 3-2 in the best-of-seven matchup.

Getzlaf said the Ducks plan to match the desperation Detroit will have, hoping to avoid playing an up-for-grabs Game 7 back in Anaheim.

``We've worked really hard throughout the year to know what to do in these situations,' he said. ``We're excited about trying to get that win here in Detroit.'

The Red Wings, of course, have other plans and can point to Zetterberg's past production in the playoffs as a source of optimism.

Zetterberg and Philadelphia's Danny Briere lead the league with 48 postseason goals since 2006, according to STATS, and only Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have produced more points in the playoffs than Zetterberg (80) since 2008.

The Swede isn't sweating his scoring slump, or the situation the seventh-seeded Red Wings are in against a bigger and perhaps better team.

``We've been through this before,' Zetterberg said. ``It's first to four, not first to three.'

Zetterberg, though, wasn't in the NHL the last time the Red Wings advanced after trailing a series 3-2.

Detroit, in its 22nd straight postseason, hasn't won Games 6 and 7 in a series since coming back in the Western Conference finals to beat Colorado in 2002 - the season before Zetterberg's rookie year. They went on to hoist the Stanley Cup that season.

As good as Getzlaf is, the Ducks are in the playoffs for just the second time in four years and have made it out of the first round only once - in 2009 - since he led them to a title in 2007.

He bounced back this year with a team-high 49 points in 44 games during the lockout-shortened season after slipping to third on the team in scoring last season. Getzlaf has followed his strong play with more of the same in the playoffs.

``It's not going to hurt his reputation at all, but things change on a dime,' Boudreau said. ``People only remember the end result, quite frankly. If we were to go out and play two duds in a row, then that's all they're going to remember is that we lost.'

The Ducks might also lament that Detroit forward Justin Abdelkader knocked out defenseman Toni Lydman with a blow to the head that led to a suspension for the Red Wing and likely a series-ending injury for Lydman.

Abdelkader landed his left shoulder on the side of Lydman's head in Game 3 and was suspended for the next two games.

While the Red Wings are looking forward to getting Abdelkader back on Zetterberg's line, Anaheim is left to wish Lydman was on their blue line.

``Whether it be (Game 6) or Sunday, I got to believe it would be hard for him to get back in the lineup,' Boudreau said.

---

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 10, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Robyn Regehr broke his nose and got a puck in his ear, while captain Dustin Brown merely has a jagged cut on the bridge of his unbroken nose. Other Los Angeles Kings bear their own souvenirs, and several St. Louis Blues are similarly marked up.

After five bruising games of this first-round playoff series, the Kings and Blues are pretty certain they're hitting each other harder and more often than most NHL clubs. Dustin Penner's friends around the league can tell it's a brutal matchup just by watching on television.

``I have to think it's the most physical (series) I've played in so far,' said the Kings forward, a two-time Stanley Cup winner who is missing a front tooth.

With three straight victories heading into Game 6 on Friday night, the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings are on the brink of a remarkable comeback to win this punishing series. They know they'll still have to knock over the Blues to get that last victory.

While NHL statistics on hits are highly subjective, the players realize the physical peril of this matchup. The Kings won the Cup last season with a roughneck brand of play, and the Blues' roster is populated with big players who excel at hard-hitting hockey.

Put them together, and it's a controlled brawl punctuated by bursts of offense - the slight majority from the Kings, who won Game 5 on Slava Voynov's overtime goal.

``Both teams have some pretty physical guys, and part of what makes both teams successful is hard puck battles,' Brown said Thursday after the Kings returned from St. Louis. ``When you have two teams that are like that, there's going to be more physical play, I think. There hasn't been a lot of open ice in the series. All the goals that have been scored are on odd-man rushes. All the other times, the ice is so hard to gain an advantage on with guys running into each other.'

Although the Kings have won three straight with the same relentless push they made to the Cup last season, the series has been awfully close in every aspect - no surprise from two tough Western Conference teams with similar makeups and attitudes. Every game has been decided by one goal, and neither team has held a large lead for any significant amount of time.

The Blues have won just one playoff series since 2002, but they've played right with the NHL champions through all five games. St. Louis isn't intimidated - but it desperately needs to get a few more timely goals past Jonathan Quick.

``We're still positive,' St. Louis defenseman Barret Jackman said. ``We still feel we have a very good team that can skate with L.A. We've got to continue to wear them down, go into L.A. and continue to do the little things that we did (in Game 5).'

St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock was concertedly upbeat after Game 5, praising the Blues' effort and expressing optimism for a series-changing win in Los Angeles on Friday. That's not always how Hitchcock deals with a defeat, but the Cup-winning coach had little criticism for a team that will be under tremendous pressure from the opening faceoff in Game 6.

``It's always tough going into a road rink in the playoffs, (but) we did a lot of good things in L.A.,' said St. Louis defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who tied Game 5 in the final minute of regulation. ``We've just got to go there and play our game. ... Every opportunity, every goal, is important here. You never know what kind of bounce is going to happen next. That's playoff hockey. We've just got to keep grinding away.'

The Kings' victory in Game 5 was their first road win since March 31, finally putting them back in the role they assumed so easily during their Stanley Cup run. Los Angeles was almost unbeatable on the road last spring, going 10-1 away from Staples Center in the playoffs and winning the first two games of every series on the road.

Staples Center has been largely impenetrable for opponents this season: The Kings have won nine straight home games since March 23, while the Blues are winless in their last seven trips to Los Angeles.

``Our mood hasn't really changed from Game 1 to now,' Brown said. ``Everyone understands. We went through it last year. ... I think that feeling has never really left. We got down 0-2, but our confidence as a group and our belief system as a group has never really faltered. Being down 0-2, it's one of those things you have to deal with, and we have the type of guys in here that can deal with adversity and find a way to get the job done.'

If the Kings intend to complete their second playoff series victory in franchise history after trailing 0-2 in the series, they'll have to keep up their recent offensive improvements. Los Angeles has scored seven goals in the past two games after managing just three in the first three.

Los Angeles has failed to win a series after leading 3-2 just once in seven tries in club history, but the Kings are just 12-10 in series closeout games overall. They lost four potential closeout games during last season's championship run, but their confidence is growing with every win.

``We're playing up to our potential, or closer to our potential than we did in the first two (games),' said Anze Kopitar, who ended a 19-game goal drought in Game 4. ``Maybe we got a little bit lucky in Game 3, but the last couple of games, we feel like we've been playing some pretty good hockey.

``We certainly realize what's at stake. We don't want to go back to St. Louis, (but) we have to get ready like every other game.'

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/09/13 3-*3-*0 50.00% -*215 Detail
05/08/13 3-*3-*2 50.00% -*125 Detail
05/07/13 5-*2-*1 71.43% +*1640 Detail
05/06/13 4-*3-*1 57.14% +*450 Detail
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 36-*25-*7 59.02% +4720


Friday, May 10

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Boston -205 500
Boston - Over 5.5 500

NY Rangers - 7:30 PM ET Washington -121 500
Washington - Over 5 500

Anaheim - 8:00 PM ET Anaheim +115 500 POD # 1
Detroit - Over 5 500

St. Louis - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles -143 500
Los Angeles - Under 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 11, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) - For five games, Sidney Crosby and John Tavares have been on opposite sides in the quest to lead their teams to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

On Friday, the stars of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Islanders found themselves going head-to-head again: this time to be the NHL MVP.

One day before the teams were set to face off in Game 6 of the first-round, Eastern Conference series, Crosby and Tavares were announced as finalists - along with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin - for the Hart Trophy.

The voting is already in, so these stars can't campaign on or off the ice to gain support. All three are also in the mix for the Stanley Cup, but either Crosby or Tavares will be eliminated from that chase by the end of the weekend.

``It's a tremendous honor to be recognized, especially with those two guys and what great players they are, and so many other great players that had great seasons,' Tavares said. ``They've proved to be the best players in the game for a long time. They are still at really young ages, and they keep getting better, as well.

``They are not easy guys to play against each and every night. You see their consistency and what makes them great players. That helps push me to want to become better, knowing I have to compete against those guys. I have to raise the level of my game.'

Tavares (2009), Ovechkin (2004) and Crosby (2005) were all chosen No. 1 in the NHL draft. Crosby is the only one to capture the Stanley Cup, and he was the Hart winner in 2007. Ovechkin won the award in 2008 and 2009.

``He's done a lot, came into the league with a lot of pressure,' Crosby said of Tavares. ``I can relate to what that feels like, knowing there's pressure coming onto his own team. There are similarities but he's his own player. He had a great season and led the way for them and he's definitely gotten better and better each year.'

The 22-year-old Tavares, in his fourth NHL season, increased his goal and point totals in each of his first three years. He was on his way to a career year, scoring 28 goals - the third most in the NHL and just three shy of his best output - and 47 points in this 48-game campaign.

The only Islanders player to win the Hart was Bryan Trottier in 1979. Trottier had two other second-place finishes, and Denis Potvin was runner-up once. The team's best recent result was 1993 when Pierre Turgeon was fifth.

Tavares was the key figure in getting the Islanders into the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

``He just keeps getting smarter and more mature, learning what he is capable of in this league,' linemate Matt Moulson said. ``He just works extremely hard to get better at each area. That's what makes him such a special player.

``He is very deserving. I am sure he probably could've done it with a lot of people on his wing.'

Crosby has the upper hand right now, following the Penguins' dominating 4-0 home victory on Thursday that gave Pittsburgh a 3-2 series lead and put the club within one win of the second round. The teams will meet again Saturday night on Long Island. If the Islanders stave off elimination on home ice they will set up a winner-take-all showdown in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

The Penguins and Islanders have alternated wins each game of this series. But the Islanders have absorbed 5-0 and 4-0 losses among their three defeats against Pittsburgh, and they know they will have to be at their best to stay alive.

``If you lose 9-0 or 3-2, for us it's game by game. It's a loss,' Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. ``We have to reload, we have to refocus, re-energize ourselves - minds and bodies - to get ready.

``We've been in these must-win situations before, and our guys have responded pretty well. We're at home, and hopefully we'll have that barn rocking here again like we had the previous two games to feed off of.'

What they haven't shown is an ability to solve Penguins veteran backup goalie Tomas Vokoun, who took over for struggling starter Marc-Andre Fleury for Game 5 and posted a shutout.

That was just par for the course for Vokoun this year against the Islanders. Counting the regular season and his performance Thursday, Vokoun is 4-0 with an 0.69 goals-against average and .977 save percentage in five games.

The shutouts came in his last two games, and Vokoun hasn't allowed a goal to the Islanders in 122 minutes, 28 seconds, dating to Josh Bailey's score in the second period on March 22 in New York. He has stopped 129 of 132 shots.

``We didn't have too much success against him in the regular season, but we're playing much better in this series than we did in the regular season,' Tavares said.

Penguins coach Dan Bylsma declined to pick a Game 6 starter, but Vokoun is the odds-on favorite to get the nod.

None of the Islanders could explain why they haven't managed to do damage against Vokoun, choosing instead to put the blame on themselves.

``I don't think we challenged him enough,' Capuano said. ``We had our chances, but for whatever reason we couldn't put the puck in the net. He has played well against us, give him credit, but no matter who is in the opposition's goal ... we've just got to continue what we have to do.'

Despite allowing four goals on 27 shots and getting pulled in the third period, Evgeni Nabokov received a vote of confidence from Capuano and was given the starting nod for Game 6.

``It's not too hard to get up for it,' Nabokov said. ``We'll be ready. (Thursday's) game we were prepared to win. It didn't happen, so now we are prepared to win again.'

NOTES: Islanders C Frans Nielsen is questionable for Game 6 because of an undisclosed injury. D Andrew MacDonald will miss the remainder of the playoffs because of a broken left hand - that will require surgery - sustained in Game 4.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Islanders at Penguins
Wed, May 1 Final 0 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Islanders at Penguins
Fri, May 3 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Penguins at Islanders
Sun, May 5 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Penguins at Islanders
Tue, May 7 Final 4 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 5
Islanders at Penguins
Thu, May 9 Final 0 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 6
Penguins at Islanders
Sat, May 11 - 7:00PM EDT

GAME 7
Islanders at Penguins
Sun, May 12 - 7:00PM ED

[StarDust Bum]

2013 NHL Playoff Results

May 11, 2013


Series Results

Ottawa (+130) over Montreal (4-1)
Chicago (-420) over Minnesota (4-1)
San Jose (+105) over Vancouver (4-0
Los Angeles (-120) over St. Louis (4-2)

Overall Game Results

-- Home teams are 25-13
-- Favorites are 26-12 straight up
-- Favorites that won are 11-15 on the puck-line
-- The Under has gone 18-15-5


Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Tuesday, Apr. 30, 2013

Minnesota Chicago (-270) 2-1 (OT) Favorite Under (5)

Los Angeles St. Louis (-125) 2-1 (OT) Favorite Under (5)

Detroit Anaheim (-145) 3-1 Favorite Under (5)


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Toronto Boston (-180) 4-1 Favorite Push (5)

NY Islanders Pittsburgh (-220) 5-0 Favorite Under (5.5)

San Jose (+120) Vancouver 3-1 Underdog Under (5)


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Ottawa (+125) Montreal 4-2 Underdog Over (5)

NY Rangers Washington (-130) 3-1 Favorite Under (5)

Los Angeles St. Louis (-130) 2-1 Favorite Under (5)

Detroit (+120) Anaheim 5-4 (OT) Underdog Over (5)


Friday, May 3, 2013

NY Islanders (+200) Pittsburgh 4-3 Underdog Over (5.5)

Ottawa Montreal (-135) 3-1 Favorite Under (5)

Minnesota Chicago (-250) 5-2 Favorite Over (5)

San Jose (+115) Vancouver 3-2 (OT) Underdog Push (5)


Saturday, May 4, 2013

NY Rangers Washington (-125) 1-0 (OT)
Favorite Under (5)

Toronto (+170) Boston 4-2 Underdog Push (6)

Anaheim (+110) Detroit 4-0 Underdog Under (5)

St. Louis Los Angeles (-145) 1-0 Favorite Under (4.5)


Sunday, May 5, 2013

Pittsburgh (-170) NY Islanders 5-4 (OT) Favorite Over (5.5)

Chicago Minnesota (+145) 3-2 (OT) Underdog Push (5)

Montreal Ottawa (-135) 6-1 Favorite Over (5)

Vancouver San Jose (-145) 5-2 Favorite Over (4.5)


Monday, May 6, 2013

Boston (-130) Toronto 5-2 Favorite Over (5)

Washington NY Rangers (-145) 4-3 Favorite Over (5)

Anaheim Detroit (-130) 3-2 (OT) Favorite Push (5)

St. Louis Los Angeles (-140) 4-3 Favorite Over (4.5)


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Pittsburgh NY Islanders (+145) 6-4 Underdog Over (6)

Montreal Ottawa (-140) 3-2 (OT) Favorite Push (5)


Chicago (-160) Minnesota 3-0 Favorite Under (5)

Vancouver San Jose (-165) 4-3 (OT) Favorite Over (5)


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Boston (-130) Toronto 4-3 (OT) Favorite Over (5)

Washington NY Rangers (-135) 4-3 Favorite Over (5)

Los Angeles (+115) St. Louis 3-2 (OT) Underdog Over (4.5)

Detroit Anaheim (-140) 3-2 (OT) Favorite Push (5)


Thursday, May 9, 2013

NY Islanders Pittsburgh (-220) 4-0 Favorite Under (6)

Ottawa (+110) Montreal 6-1 Favorite Over (5)

Minnesota Chicago (-255) 5-1 Underdog Over (5)


Friday, May 10, 2013
Toronto (+180) Boston 2-1 Underdog Under (5.5)

NY Rangers Washington (-140) 2-1 Favorite Under (5)

Anaheim Detroit (-120)


4-3 (OT)
Favorite Over (5)

St. Louis Los Angeles (-160) 2-1 Favorite Under (4.5)


Saturday, May 11, 2013
Pittsburgh NY Islanders - - -

Sunday, May 12, 2013
* NY Islanders Pittsburgh - - -
Washington NY Rangers - - -
Boston Toronto - - -
Detroit Anaheim - - -

Monday, May 13, 2013
* NY Rangers Washington - - -
* Toronto Boston - - -

*If Neccessary

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Pittsburgh at NY Islanders
The Penguins look to follow up their 4-0 win in Game 5 and take advantage of an Islanders team that is 1-4 in its last 5 games when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in the previous game. Pittsburgh is the pick (-170) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-170). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Game 59-60: Pittsburgh at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.111; NY Islanders 10.952
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-170); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-170); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 11

First Post

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PITTSBURGH (39-14-0-0, 78 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (26-19-0-8, 60 pts.) - 5/11/2013, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 15-7 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 15-7-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.4 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NHL
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 11

Quarterfinals, Game Six (Pittsburgh Leads, 3-2)
Pittsburgh at NY Islanders, 7:05 ET NBCSN
Pittsburgh: 18-6 SU off a win by 2+ goals
NY Islanders: 7-13 SU after allowing 4+ goals




NHL

Saturday, May 11

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NY ISLANDERS
Pittsburgh is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
Pittsburgh is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
NY Islanders are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home