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

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NHL

Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, May 11

Penguins won 11 of last 15 games, are 29-10 in last 39 games vs Islanders, 6-2 in last eight visits here. Nine of last thirteen series games overall went over total. Islanders outscored Pittsburgh 6-2 in third period of series, but Penguins did win only OT game. Pitt is 7-20 on power play in series, Islanders 2-17. New York was blanked in two of three losses in series- they scored 4-4-6 goals Games 2-4. Penguins held 10 of previous 15 opponents to three or less goals. Over is 18-15-7 in playoffs so far this spring. Islanders won six of last eight home games; Pittsburgh won 11 of last 14 games on the road.

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NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 11

Update

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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
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 39-14 ATS (+16.3 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 39-14 ATS (+16.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 9-1 ATS (+7.5 Units) on Saturday games this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 10-23 ATS (+42.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 67-105 ATS (-40.5 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

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)

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NHL

Saturday, May 11

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Penguins at Islanders: What bettors need to know
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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders (+155, 6)

Pittsburgh leads series 3-2.

Sidney Crosby and John Tavares have been elite figures on the ice - so it's no surprise that the two joined Washington superstar Alex Ovechkin as finalists for the Hart Trophy. Crosby can get the better of Tavares in the postseason should the Pittsburgh Penguins eliminate the eighth-seeded New York Islanders in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Top-seeded Pittsburgh will have a chance to do precisely that with a victory in Game 6 Saturday - or, if necessary, at home in Game 7 on Sunday.

Crosby collected a goal and an assist in the Penguins' 4-0 victory in Game 5 Thursday. Pittsburgh's captain has showed little sign of rust since missing over a month with a broken jaw - scoring three goals and setting up five others in four games. Tavares has two goals and as many assists in the first-round series.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports, TSN, MSG-PLUS, ROOT

ABOUT THE PENGUINS: Tomas Vokoun made his presence felt in his first postseason appearance since 2007. Replacing an ineffective Marc-Andre Fleury, the 36-year-old Vokoun registered his second career playoff shutout by turning aside 31 shots Thursday. Vokoun has dominated the Islanders in 2013, posting a 4-0-0 mark with a slim 0.69 goals-against average and impressive .977 save percentage.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS: While the situation is far from ideal, coach Jack Capuano isn't outwardly stressing his team's plight. "We've been in these must-win situations before, and our guys have responded pretty well," Capuano told the team's website. "We're at home, hopefully we'll have that barn rocking here (Saturday) again like we had the previous two games that we can feed off." Capuano also showed confidence in Evgeni Nabokov, who was pulled in Game 5 after yielding four goals. The veteran Russian netminder has allowed at least four tallies in four of the five games in the series.

OVERTIME:

1. Pittsburgh is 7-for-20 on the power play in the series, while New York is 2-for-17.

2. Islanders D Andrew MacDonald suffered a broken left hand in Game 4 and will miss the remainder of the playoffs.

3. Penguins C Evgeni Malkin and RWs Pascal Dupuis and Jarome Iginla each notched an assist in Game 5 to extend their respective point streaks to six contests.

TRENDS:

* Islanders are 6-2 in their last 8 home games.

* Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

* Over is 8-3-1 in Islanders last 12 home games.

* Over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings in New York.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/10/13 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*625 Detail
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 40-*29-*7 57.97% +4095


Saturday, May 11

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Pittsburgh - 7:00 PM ET NY Islanders +153 500 POD # 2


NY Islanders - Over 6 500 POD # 1

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

Date: May 12, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Bruins don't need to be reminded what can happen when a team fails to put away an opponent.

The franchise that blew a 3-0 lead in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals is holding a 3-2 lead in the first round of the playoffs against the Maple Leafs. Boston was up three games to one before Toronto won 2-1 in Game 5 on Friday night.

``The one thing that has been a challenge for us in the past has been closing out series,' coach Claude Julien after practice on Saturday. ``And we know that; we're aware of that. But at the same time, the strength of our team has also been to bounce back from adversity and situations like that.

``As much as yesterday was proof of it, hopefully tomorrow's the proof of the other side that we are capable of bouncing back and playing the type of game we need to to close the series off.'

The teams will meet again on Sunday night in Toronto, where Boston won Games 3 and 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Bruins have not lost on the Leafs' home ice in the playoffs since 1959.

``It doesn't give you a sense of confidence,' Bruins forward Shawn Thornton said, ``but you're not as afraid to go into that building.'

Tyler Bozak scored a shorthanded goal, Clarke MacArthur also scored and James Reimer stopped 43 shots on Friday night as Toronto withstood a late and furious challenge in the second and third periods to avoid elimination.

``We're still kicking,' Toronto defenseman Cody Franson said. ``We didn't get the results we were looking for back home in the last two, but it wasn't from lack of trying.'

The Maple Leafs opened a 2-0 lead and held on as Boston outshot them 32-8 for the latter part of the second period and all of the third.

Zdeno Chara scored for Boston to cut the deficit to 2-1 with 8:48 left. The Leafs killed off a delay-of-game penalty in the last four minutes and then protected the lead when the Bruins pulled Tuukka Rask for an extra attacker with 1:11 left.

``We came in with the mindset to just get it back to Toronto to give ourselves a chance. We've done that,' MacArthur said. ``We want to keep going. We've worked hard all year and I can see it starting to pay off.'

The Bruins are 4-8 in games with the potential to eliminate an opponent since 2010, including the four straight losses to Philadelphia in the second round that year. In all, the Bruins are 15-2 in series after going up three games to one.

And, a year after blowing the three-game lead against Philadelphia, the Bruins won the Stanley Cup

``Since I've been here, it's never been easy, right?' Bruins forward Milan Lucic said. ``Once again, we're not making it easy on ourselves. So let's hope we can make it easy by winning Game 6 and not having to go to Game 7.'

Boston could get a boost from the return of Wade Redden, who missed Game 5 with an undisclosed injury. He was back at practice on Saturday, though Julien said he remained day to day.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Maple Leafs at Bruins
Wed, May 1 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Maple Leafs at Bruins
Sat, May 4 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Bruins at Maple Leafs
Mon, May 6 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Bruins at Maple Leafs
Wed, May 8 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 5
Maple Leafs at Bruins
Fri, May 10 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 6
Bruins at Maple Leafs
Sun, May 12 - 7:30PM EDT

GAME 7
Maple Leafs at Bruins
Mon, May 13 - 7:00PM EDT

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

Date: May 12, 2013 4:30 PM EDT


NEW YORK (AP) - Forgive the New York Rangers if they have a quiet confidence heading into a must-win game against the Washington Capitals.

No, they aren't too young to understand nor are they loaded with postseason experience. But what they do have seems to be serving them well, at least so far.

The Rangers will host Game 6 of their first-round series against the Washington Capitals on Sunday, and they will need to win to force a deciding contest in the nation's capital on Monday.

Through five games, the home team has come out on top in each - including New York's two wins at Madison Square Garden in Games 3 and 4 to erase an 0-2 series deficit.

Washington went back ahead 3-2 on Friday by beating the Rangers 2-1 in overtime - the Capitals' second extra-time win in the series.

``I think the electricity in the building can sometimes get you through moments where maybe you're sluggish,' Capitals coach Adam Oates said Saturday of the benefits of home ice. ``It's your own confines. You just feel good in your own building.

``They're going to be more desperate, but that can't affect the decisions. We've still got to play the way we play.'

The Rangers have a bit of recent history to draw upon, as well, as they came back last year from a 3-2 hole in the first round against the Ottawa Senators - winning Game 6 on the road and completing the rally at home in Game 7 - when they were the No. 1 seed in the East.

New York also avoided elimination with a Game 7 win versus Washington in the second round. So although this situation is hardly ideal, it isn't unfamiliar or particularly daunting.

``You try to just enjoy it,' said Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who shook off Friday's disappointment in time for a brief team practice Saturday. ``I'm definitely not thinking it could be over. That doesn't help your game.

``You go out and focus. I always go and focus on certain things when I play. I try to enjoy the moment. It's a big game for us, everybody knows that, but so far we've been doing pretty good at home.'

That goes for both teams.

The Capitals are bolstered by the knowledge that if the series is extended to a Game 7, they have 10 wins over the Rangers in their last 11 playoff home games and five straight.

``Every little play matters. Every play was magnified,' defenseman Michael Del Zotto said of last year's Game 6 against Ottawa. ``You just feel so into the game, so alive. It was a big confidence boost for our club. Hopefully we'll get confidence out of our next game.'

The Capitals practiced at their rink on Saturday before heading back to New York.

``You never want to take longer than you need to. It just eliminates the rest that you can get further on,' Capitals forward Troy Brouwer said. ``You give the other team life, thinking that they're able to come back in the series.

``You've got to have that killer instinct.'

This one has been tight throughout as every game - except for Washington's 3-1 win in the opener - has been decided by one goal.

``The atmosphere is unbelievable,' Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said Saturday of playing at Madison Square Garden. ``We just have to control our emotions and don't take lots of penalties because we give them chances when they play 5-on-4.

``We just have to be disciplined and stay the same way.'

A penalty turned the tide in Game 5. New York forward Brian Boyle was called for a retaliation penalty in the second period as the Rangers were protecting a 1-0 lead.

The Capitals' potent power play took advantage to tie it. It stayed even until Mike Ribeiro won it at 9:24 of overtime with his first goal of the series.

``You battle so hard through the regular season to try to get the home-ice advantage in case there is a Game 7,' Brouwer said. ``You'd like to have the home crowd and the home familiarity, your own bed the night before as an advantage, but I think all these games have just been so close.

``It's just the way they've gone. I don't think it's because one team is better at home than they are on the road. Everyone is playing good hockey right now, and it's been an exciting series to play in.'

Washington is having success despite only one goal and one assist from Ovechkin, named as a Hart Trophy finalist as NHL MVP.

The Rangers are looking for a breakout from forwards Rick Nash and Brad Richards. Both have one point through five games: Richards with a goal, and Nash with an assist.

``We've just got to win a game on home ice,' Richards said. ``It's a good opportunity for everybody. We all have confidence that we play good (at home). We will forget quick and move on to that.'

Rangers coach John Tortorella didn't even want to address the notion that it could be his club's final game of the season.

``I don't consider it an elimination game,' he said. ``We're trying to win one game. I'm not going to even use that word. We've bounced back. Guys that haven't been in it, it's an opportunity. That's the way they have to look at it. We'll go home and try to win a game.'

The Rangers might again be without rugged forward Ryane Clowe, who was injured earlier in the series and returned for Game 5 on Friday. Another hit has knocked him to the sidelines again. He and fellow injured forward Daroll Powe, who like Clowe might have a concussion, didn't skate Saturday.

Chris Kreider and Kris Newbury are potential replacements for Clowe.

New York defenseman Marc Staal, who came back from a serious eye injury in Game 3, hasn't played in either of the past two games and isn't expected back Sunday. either.

Capitals right wing Martin Erat, who sustained an upper body injury in Game 4, didn't skate on Saturday and is doubtful for the remainder of the series.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Capitals
Thu, May 2 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Capitals
Sat, May 4 Final 0 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Capitals at Rangers
Mon, May 6 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Capitals at Rangers
Wed, May 8 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 5
Rangers at Capitals
Fri, May 10 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 6
Capitals at Rangers
Sun, May 12 - 4:30PM EDT

GAME 7
Rangers at Capitals
Mon, May 13 - 8:00PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 12, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - A theatrical playoff series gets an appropriately grand finale when Anaheim hosts Detroit in Game 7 on Sunday night.

Although the Ducks and Red Wings could be stressed by this test, most are treating it as an opportunity and a reward for nearly two weeks of exhausting work.

After all, somebody gets to be the hero.

``If you can't enjoy it, then you're in the wrong sport,' Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf said Saturday. ``These are situations that many of us have been in, but they're fun. You reach back on those things, and then just remember to embrace the moment and be ready to play.'

After four overtime games, several clutch goals and plenty of wild momentum swings, the second-seeded Ducks have one last chance to finish off the resilient Red Wings, who have one final opportunity to nudge past the talented Pacific Division champions.

Detroit has stayed in this series with three overtime victories, including Game 6 on Friday night, although Anaheim had to rally late just to force two of those overtimes.

Every game has been in the balance in the third period, so both teams know what they'll face in the deciding game at a frenzied Honda Center.

``We were talking about that on the plane (after Game 6),' Anaheim's Corey Perry said. ``When you're a kid, you go into the streets and you're playing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. That's the fun part of hockey. You dream about Game 7, and to be the guy to step up is special.'

Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler has learned a bit about playoff pressure in his first three NHL seasons, and he watched the Red Wings in countless big games while growing up in the Detroit suburbs. The 21-year-old is looking forward to his first taste of the toughest situation any team can face.

``It's more exciting than anything,' Fowler said. ``We're familiar with them, and they know us, so it's about harnessing your emotions and playing. I'm looking forward to it. No butterflies, just excitement.'

The teams have alternated wins throughout the series, with Anaheim taking a one-game lead three times, only to watch the Red Wings catch up.

The Ducks would be preparing for a tantalizing second-round matchup with Los Angeles this weekend if they hadn't allowed three overtime goals by the Red Wings, who will face Chicago in the second round if they hang on.

The Ducks are playing the fifth Game 7 in the franchise's two-decade history, but just the second at home. Anaheim's most recent Game 7 was in 2009 at Detroit, where the Red Wings eliminated the eighth-seeded Ducks.

Detroit is playing Game 7 for the 23rd time in its much longer franchise history, but nearly all of those decisive games were at home. The Wings are just 2-4 in a Game 7 on the road.

``I've been fortunate enough to win some Game 7's and lose some,' said Detroit coach Mike Babcock, who coached the Ducks in their Game 7 loss to New Jersey in the 2003 Stanley Cup finals.

``I've lost at home and on the road, and won that way, too. So it's just a big game. ... We're excited. We said all along, the shorter we could make the series, advantage us. You can't make it any shorter than this.'

Although Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau would rather be playing in a Game 7 than watching it from the bench, he hopes his players embrace their opportunity to create a postseason reputation that could last their lifetimes.

Boudreau has already more than his share of Game 7 heartache in his NHL coaching career: His Washington Capitals went to a seventh game in each of his first four playoff series with the club, and the Caps lost three of them.

``It's a lot easier to play. You just play,' Boudreau said. ``Game 7 playing is a tremendous amount of fun. Game 7 coaching is not so much.'

Boudreau's night could be much more comfortable if Perry emerges from his series-long goal drought. Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg finally got his first goals of the series in Game 6, pushing the Wings to the win - but the Ducks are still waiting for their first goal from Perry, the former Richard Trophy winner during his 50-goal season two years ago.

``I assume that at one point, Corey Perry is going to break out,' Boudreau said Saturday. ``He always has, and he always will. Let's just hope it's tomorrow.'

Perry has been active and aggressive, but hasn't converted any chances into goals. Detroit has done solid work against the Ducks' top line, but few defenses can contain Perry for such a significant length of time, and the former MVP is feeling urgency.

``My job is to go out and score goals and do those offensive things, but it hasn't been coming,' Perry said. ``Hopefully you just try to do something different if things aren't going your way, but I'm not putting any more pressure on myself than anybody else is. I'm not going out there and squeezing my stick any tighter. I've had my chances, and I'm shooting the puck, I'm going to the net. One puck has got to go in - off me, off somebody. Something has got to break.'

Boudreau believes stopping Pavel Datsyuk and Zetterberg are the Ducks' biggest challenges in the finale.

Both veterans have ample experience in big playoff games, including four previous Game 7 appearances, while the Ducks have won just one playoff round since their Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

The Red Wings aren't content with just pushing the higher-seeded Ducks to the brink in what was looking like a rebuilding season for a team with 22 straight playoff appearances.

With one more pressure-packed win, Detroit can keep rolling into another series against a touted opponent.

``It just seems when our backs are against the wall, that's when we play our best,' Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard said. ``The urgency was there from the drop of the puck (in Game 6). There can't be any let up. We've got to have this right into Sunday night.'

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Wings at Ducks
Tue, Apr 30 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Wings at Ducks
Thu, May 2 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Ducks at Red Wings
Sat, May 4 Final 4 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Ducks at Red Wings
Mon, May 6 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 5
Red Wings at Ducks
Wed, May 8 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 6
Ducks at Red Wings
Fri, May 10 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 7
Red Wings at Ducks
Sun, May 12 - 10:00PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Boston at Toronto
The Maple Leafs look to follow up their 2-1 win in Game 5 and take advantage of a Boston team that is 1-5 in its last 6 games after allowing 2 goals or less in the previous game. Toronto is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Maple Leafs favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Game 69-70: Washington at NY Rangers (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.230; NY Rangers 13.089
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-140); Under

Game 73-74: Boston at Toronto (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.867; Toronto 11.766
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Over

Game 77-78: Detroit at Anaheim (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.664; Anaheim 12.835
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-140); Over




NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 12

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WASHINGTON (30-20-0-3, 63 pts.) at NY RANGERS (28-19-0-6, 62 pts.) - 5/12/2013, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 30-23 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-23 ATS (+5.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 188-186 ATS (-95.7 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 145-173 ATS (-101.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 14-14-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
13 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.2 Units)

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BOSTON (31-16-0-6, 68 pts.) at TORONTO (28-19-0-6, 62 pts.) - 5/12/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 28-25 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 28-25 ATS (-1.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 3-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 6-19 ATS (+30.3 Units) 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 14-7 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 14-7-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
12 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.9 Units)

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DETROIT (27-18-0-9, 63 pts.) at ANAHEIM (33-12-0-9, 75 pts.) - 5/12/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 33-21 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 33-21 ATS (+1.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 168-129 ATS (+306.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 11-6 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 11-6-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.9 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 12

Home side won all five Cap-Ranger playoff games, with home team scoring a power play goal in each game, while visitors are 0-16 in series with man advantage. Capitals won 14 of last 18 games; Rangers won nine of their last 14 games, New York scored 4+ goals in its last seven wins, 1-2-2-0-1 in its last five losses. All three Capital wins in this series went under total; two Ranger wins went over the total. Under is 11-2-5 last 18 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. Capitals lost five of their last six visits here.

Home team has 40+ shots on goal in all five Toronto-Boston games, with +52 edge in five series games. Maple Leafs stayed alive with 2-1 road win Friday, just their third win in last 15 games vs Boston. Bruins won six of last seven visits to Toronto, but they're just 5-9 in last 14 games overall, 5-9 in last 14 on road, too. Leafs lost their last four games at home- their last home win was 2-0 vs New Jersey April 15. Three of last four series games went over total; over is 12-4-2 in last 18 series games. Bruins are 3-16 in series with man advantage.

Four of six Detroit-Anaheim games went OT, with home side scoring OT goal in last three games; Ducks outscored Detroit 11-5 in the third period in series, but Red Wings' wins are all in OT. Under is 7-4-2 in last thirteen Detroit games. Red Wings were 2-13 on power play last three games, after being 4-10 in first two games in Anaheim. Detroit didn't have a penalty in Game 6. When was last time a team got to Game 7 without winning a game in regulation time? Detroit is 5-4 in last nine visits here, but they're 4-7 in last 11 road games overall. Ducks are 2-1 at home in series, after losing last three in regular season.




NHL

Sunday, May 12

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Trend Report
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4:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY RANGERS
Washington is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games

7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 18 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston

10:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ANAHEIM
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Anaheim is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home


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NHL

Sunday, May 12

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Sunday's NHL playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Washington Capitals at New York Rangers (-133, 5)

Capitals lead best-of-seven series 3-2.

The host team has held serve in each of the five games of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers. After winning for the third time in as many contests at the Verizon Center, the Southeast Division champion Capitals will look to buck the trend and eliminate the sixth-seeded Rangers on Sunday when the teams reconvene for Game 6 at Madison Square Garden. Third-seeded Washington's bid to end the series will not be easy as New York has won eight straight home contests.

Mike Ribeiro scored 9:24 into overtime as the Capitals skated to a 2-1 triumph in Game 5 on Friday. Coach Adam Oates' team has recorded two of its three victories in the extra session as defenseman Mike Green scored exactly eight minutes into overtime in Washington's 1-0 win in Game 2. Green has a team-leading two goals - while 10 others Capitals have also found the net.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, CNBC, MSG, TSN

ABOUT THE CAPITALS: Braden Holtby overcame Brian Boyle's goal 53 seconds into Friday's contest to finish with 24 saves. Holtby has allowed just two goals in three games at home, but yielded four in each of the losses in New York. Oates stressed that his team can't get unnerved while playing on the road. "They're going to be more desperate, but that can't affect the decisions," he said. "We've still got to play the way we play."

ABOUT THE RANGERS: While his team has struggled offensively, Derick Brassard continued his stellar series by picking up an assist on Boyle's goal. Brassard's team-leading six points (one goal, five assists) were collected over the last three contests. On the other hand, fellow former Blue Jacket Rick Nash has failed to score a goal - after leading the Rangers with 21 in the regular season. "I had some chances, didn't get the job done, though," Nash said of his performance in Game 5. "There's no excuses. I've got to find a way to do it."

TRENDS:

* Over is 8-2-1 in Capitals’ last 11 road games.
* Capitals are 1-5 in the last six meetings in New York.
* Over is 5-1-3 in Rangers’ last nine home games.

OVERTIME

1. After returning from a four-game absence with what was believed to be a concussion, New York RW Ryane Clowe was on the receiving end of a boarding penalty from Washington LW Jason Chimera in Game 5. He logged one more shift before exiting the contest.

2. Hart Trophy finalist Alex Ovechkin has been limited to just one goal and one assist in the series.

3. The Capitals killed off four short-handed situations in Game 5 to improve to 19-for-21 (90.5 percent) for the series.


Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs (+120, 5)

Bruins lead best-of-seven series 3-2.

James Reimer gave the fifth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs some hope in their Eastern Conference first-round series with the Boston Bruins. The Maple Leafs host fourth-seeded Boston on Sunday in Game 6 trailing the Bruins 3-2 and will need to win a home playoff game for the first time in nine years if they want to force a Game 7 at Boston on Monday. Reimer made 43 saves in a 2-1 Game 5 victory on Friday that kept Toronto alive, but the Maple Leafs dropped both home games earlier in the series and have not triumphed at Air Canada Centre in the postseason since April 30, 2004.

With Friday’s loss the Bruins dropped to 9-9 in Game 5 elimination opportunities, but they have only lost twice in the 17 previous series where they led 3-1. Boston, which averaged 3.75 goals over the first four games, fired 36 shots in the final two periods of Game 5 but could only get one puck past Reimer. David Krejci continued his series-long point streak when he assisted on the lone Boston goal on Friday, raising his total to 11 (five goals, six assists). Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask, who made 31 saves on Friday, stopped 45 shots in each victory at Toronto in two of his strongest postseason performances to date.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS, NESN

ABOUT THE BRUINS: Aside from Boston’s top line of Krejci, Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic, Boston’s scorers have struggled thus far. Krejci and Horton have eight of the team’s 16 goals combined, while the only other player on the team with more than two points in the series is captain Zdeno Chara, who is tied with Horton and Lucic at six. Patrice Bergeron - second on the team with 22 shots - scored in Game 4 for his only point of the postseason. Tyler Seguin, who leads the team with 24 shots, has yet to record a point. Jaromir Jagr has two assists to show for his 20 shots and is tied with Chris Kelly at a team-worst minus-3. Defenseman Wade Redden missed Game 5 with an undisclosed injury but participated in Saturday’s morning skate. Rookie Matt Bartkowski took Redden’s place in the lineup and logged 6:40 of ice time in his postseason debut, finishing minus-1.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS: Aside from Reimer, Toronto is still alive thanks to valuable contributions from unexpected sources. Defenseman Jake Gardiner, who was limited to just 12 games this season due to injuries and poor performance and was a healthy scratch in Game 1, logged a team-leading 24:05 of ice time in Game 5. Gardiner has four points in the series, tied for the team lead with Joffrey Lupul. Clarke MacArthur - a healthy scratch for two games after a lackluster Game 1 - has a goal in each of the last two games despite playing under nine minutes in both contests. Defenseman Mark Fraser is out indefinitely following surgery to repair a cranial fracture suffered in Game 4, when a slap shot by Lucic struck him in the forehead. John-Michael Liles dressed in place of Fraser on Friday and finished plus-1 in 14:31 time on ice.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-1 in Bruins’ last six road games.
* Road team is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Maple Leafs are 0-4 in their last four home games.
* Bruins are 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Toronto.

OVERTIME

1. Toronto has not won consecutive games against the Bruins since a three-game streak in 2011, when they won twice on the road and once at home between February and March.

2. In the 2010 playoffs, the Bruins let a 3-0 series lead slip away to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, losing in seven games to a Flyers team that went on to play in the Stanley Cup final.

3. All-time leading scorer and four-time Stanley Cup champion Wayne Gretzky told ESPN.com he likes the character he sees in this year’s Maple Leafs. “They’re legit,” he said, “they’re playing on high emotion right now.”


Detroit Red Wings at Anaheim Ducks (-141, 5)

Best-of-seven series tied 3-3.

The seventh-seeded Detroit Red Wings are no strangers to seventh games. They're also very familiar with overtime this postseason. The Red Wings attempt to knock off the second-seeded Anaheim Ducks when the teams meet in Game 7 of their Western Conference first-round series at the Honda Center on Sunday. Detroit will be appearing in the 23rd seventh game in its history and fifth in as many years. The Red Wings are 13-9 in their previous 22 deciding contests of a best-of-seven series - five of which have gone to overtime, where they are 4-1. Detroit is 2-4 in seventh games on the road.

Four of the first six games of this series - and each of the last three - have been decided after regulation, with Detroit posting all three of its victories in overtime. Anaheim has found itself to be in a tougher battle than it may have anticipated, as it has needed to rally in the third period three times to either record a win or force an extra session. The Pacific Division champion Ducks have outscored the Red Wings 11-5 in the third over the course of the series, including a two-goal spurt in 51 seconds late in Game 6 to forge a tie before suffering a 4-3 loss thanks to Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg's second tally of the contest just 64 seconds into overtime. Anaheim is 2-2 in Game 7s, most recently dropping a 4-3 decision to the Red Wings in the second round of the 2009 playoffs.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN, RDS, FSN (Detroit), FSN West (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS: Detroit was thrilled to have Justin Abdelkader back in the lineup after serving a two-game suspension for an illegal hit in Game 3 on Anaheim defenseman Toni Lydman, who has yet to return to action. "It's not easy, especially this time of year, to be sitting out and watching when you know you could help out the team," the right wing said. Help out the team is exactly what Abdelkader did. After recording an assist on Dan Cleary's goal with 8 1/2 minutes remaining in the third period that gave the Red Wings a 3-1 lead, he set up a screen in front of Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller on Zetterberg's overtime winner.

ABOUT THE DUCKS: After Detroit watched Zetterberg break out with his first two goals of the series in Game 6, Anaheim is hoping Corey Perry can come through on Sunday. Perry has notched just two assists over the first six contests. "My job is to go out and score goals and do those offensive things, but it hasn't been coming," Perry said. "One puck has got to go in - off me, off somebody. Something has got to break." Captain Ryan Getzlaf is excited to be participating in a Game 7 and believes everyone should feel the same way. "If you can't enjoy it, then you're in the wrong sport," he said. "They're a lot of fun. It's an enjoyable time."

TRENDS:

* Under is 3-0-1 in Red Wings’ last four games following a win.
* Under is 9-3-3 in Ducks’ last 15 overall.
* Red Wings are 1-5 in their last six road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.

OVERTIME

1. Anaheim will face the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Kings with a victory, while Detroit will take on the Presidents' Trophy-winning Chicago Blackhawks should it defeat the Ducks.

2. Zetterberg leads all players on both rosters with six career points in Game 7s, while Red Wings C Pavel Datsyuk is tops with four goals.

3. The only playoff series that have featured five overtime games were the 1951 Stanley Cup finals between Toronto and Montreal and last year's first-round matchup involving Chicago and Phoenix.

[StarDust Bum]

2013 NHL Playoff Results

May 11, 2013


Series Results

Pittsburgh (-800) over N.Y. Islanders (4-2)
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 25-14
-- Favorites are 27-12 straight up
-- Favorites that won are 11-16 on the puck-line
-- The Under has gone 18-16-5


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 (-170) NY Islanders 4-3 (OT) Favorite Over (5.5)


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

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

*If Neccessary

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/11/13 1-*1-*0 50.00% 0 Detail
05/10/13 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*625 Detail
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 41-*30-*7 57.75% +4095



Sunday, May 12

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington - 4:30 PM ET NY Rangers -132 500
NY Rangers - Over 5 500

Boston - 7:30 PM ET Boston -132 500
Toronto - Under 5 500

Detroit - 10:00 PM ET Anaheim -141 500
Anaheim - Over 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, May 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Toronto +157 500 POD # 1


Boston- Under 5 500 POD # 2



NY Rangers - 8:00 PM ET Washington -128 500


Washington - Under 5 500 POD # 3

[StarDust Bum]

Playoff Results - Second Round

May 14, 2013

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Ottawa Pittsburgh - - -
San Jose Los Angeles - - -

Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Detroit Chicago - - -

Thursday, May 16, 2013
NY Rangers Boston - - -
San Jose Los Angeles - - -

Friday, May 17, 2013
Ottawa Pittsburgh - - -

Saturday, May 18, 2013
Detroit Chicago - - -
Los Angeles San Jose - - -

Sunday, May 19, 2013
NY Rangers Boston - - -
Pittsburgh Ottawa - - -

Monday, May 20, 2013
Chicago Detroit - - -

Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Boston NY Rangers - - -
Los Angeles San Jose - - -

Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Pittsburgh Ottawa - - -

Thursday, May 23, 2013
Boston NY Rangers - - -
Chicago Detroit - - -
*San Jose Los Angeles - - -

Friday, May 24, 2013
*Ottawa Pittsburgh - - -

Saturday, May 25, 2013
*NY Rangers Boston - - -
*Detroit Chicago - - -

Sunday, May 26, 2013
*Pittsburgh Ottawa - - -
*Los Angeles San Jose - - -

Monday, May 27, 2013
*Chicago Detroit - - -
*Boston NY Rangers - - -

Tuesday, May 28, 2013
*Ottawa Pittsburgh - - -
*San Jose Los Angeles - - -

Wednesday, May 29, 2013
*Detroit Chicago - - -
*NY Rangers Boston - - -

*If Neccessary

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 14, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


PITTSBURGH (AP) - The celebration, at least by the typically all-business standards of the Pittsburgh Penguins, appeared a little over the top.

The second Brooks Orpik's slapshot ripped into the back of the net 7:49 into overtime last Saturday to give the Penguins a 4-3 overtime win and a first-round playoff series victory over the better-than-advertised New York Islanders, Orpik's teammates spilled over the boards and sprinted toward the veteran defenseman like kids running after the bell rings on the final day of school.

For a team used to success this time of year, it appeared a little out of character.

Then again, it's been awhile. The first goal in Orpik's 78 career playoff games propelled the Penguins into the second round starting Tuesday against Ottawa while easing some of the pain of early postseason exits in 2011 and 2012.

``I know a lot of people are making a big deal out of that, trying to connect it to the last couple years,' Orpik said. ``I don't know, maybe it was built up in some people.'

Just not, Orpik insists, the guys in the Pittsburgh dressing room.

``Half the guys in this room weren't here the last couple years,' he said. ``This group that's right here is 1-0 in the playoffs as far as I see it. Hopefully our confidence is just building off the first round.'

The Penguins should feel confident - and a bit fortunate - to escape the relentless Islanders. New York dominated for long stretches in the series, using its speed to fluster Pittsburgh's talented but sometimes plodding roster of veterans. Though the Penguins never trailed, they were seemingly never really in control over the final five games.

They advanced anyway after a well-timed goaltender switch from struggling Marc-Andre Fleury to backup Tomas Vokoun, who fought off the pesky Islanders in Games 5 and 6.

Now Vokoun or Fleury - coach Dan Bylsma isn't saying who will start Game 1 - will face an entirely different product in the Senators, owners one of the NHL's stingiest defenses with one major axe to grind.

Pittsburgh knocked Ottawa out of the playoffs fairly easily in 2008 and 2010, though both clubs believe it is ancient history.

``I think any playoff matchup, I would consider a rivalry,' Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. ``That's kind of typical in the playoffs for anything; it kind of develops as the playoffs go on. With the history with them I'm sure there's a little extra there but I think at this point you want every game just as much as you would against any, I guess, `rival' you could say.'

More pressing is a simmering feud between the Senators and Penguins winger/part-time instigator Matt Cooke.

Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk labeled Cooke ``a goon' after Cooke's skate slashed the Achilles tendon of Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson on Feb. 13. Though initially ruled out for the rest of the season, Karlsson returned 10 weeks later and collected a goal and five assists in Ottawa's five-game romp over Montreal in the opening round of the playoffs.

Cooke insists the slash was an accident brought on by two players mucking in the corner for the puck and hasn't given it much thought over the last three months. The team's last meeting - a 3-1 Pittsburgh win on April 22 - passed without incident. While maintaining his innocence, Cooke has no problem if the Senators search for retribution sometime over the next two weeks.

``I've always approached the games that if teams are thinking about me and worrying about me, they're not focusing on what they have to do,' Cooke said.

Ottawa center Zack Smith allowed the incident is ``still on people's minds' but is not a focal point for a team trying to reach the conference finals for the third time in franchise history.

``We'll be aware of when he's on the ice as we know what he has done in his past,' Smith said. ``So you just have to be aware when he's finishing his checks.'

Something few teams in the NHL do better than the Senators. Ottawa's disciplined attack is built on being physical in front of its own net and counterpunching. The Senators allowed just 104 goals all season - the second-lowest total in the league - and surrendered just nine in five games against the Canadiens.

Ottawa's success comes from understanding what it can and cannot do. The Senators try to frustrate opponents by taking away space in their zone and rely heavily on defensemen like Karlsson and Sergei Gonchar to quarterback the offense from the blue line.

That can leave a very thin margin for error. The Senators had a plus-12 goal differential this season, compared to Pittsburgh's plus-46. If Ottawa tries to make Pittsburgh's dynamic playmaking, the series could be over quickly.

``If we start getting off the same page and doing our own thing they'll start to burn you,' Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson said. ``But if we stick together and stay on the same system and play on the same page we should be able to limit the number of opportunities we give up.'

It might be the only way to hang with the Penguins now that they're unshackled from the pressure of getting out of the first round.

``We started with 30 (teams) then 16 and now we're down to eight,' Bylsma said. ``And now we're moving on focusing on winning the next four.'

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

NHL HEAD TO HEAD

Apr 22, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 3 Cover: 332
OTT 1 Under: 4
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Feb 13, 2013 Score ATS Results
OTT 2 Over: 6
PIT « 4 Cover: 182
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Jan 27, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 2 Cover: 301
OTT 1 Under: 3
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Mar 24, 2012 Score ATS Results
PIT 4 Cover: 181
OTT « 8 Over: 12
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

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

Date: May 14, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Although Joe Thornton and Dustin Brown might not agree on much else over the next two weeks, both captains believe hockey has never been bigger or better in California, from the thriving youth game all the way to their state's three winning NHL clubs.

The San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings are eager to highlight this renaissance in their second-round playoff series. It's the fourth postseason meeting between Golden State teams, but the first beyond the opening round.

Judging by the rivals' two stacked rosters and the series' high stakes, everything is in place for a California classic.

``It's pretty cool,' Thornton said Monday before the Sharks' 45-minute flight south. ``Hockey is big out here now. You have a lot of youngsters playing, a lot of older people, too. Hockey is thriving out here in the West.'

Starting in the series opener Tuesday night at Staples Center, the defense-first Kings and the skill-laden Sharks will showcase their contrasting styles in pursuit of the same goal: Being the California club in the Western Conference finals for the eighth time in 10 years.

Local rivalries and short travel times are taken for granted in the Eastern Conference, but they're special circumstances in the West. Neither team wants to waste the advantages of brief flights and their large fan contingents in both arenas.

``I think it's a great thing for California to get these two teams in this situation,' Brown said at the Kings' training complex. ``It's the perfect time for it because of how well hockey is doing. We know what's at stake after what we did last year, and they know it as well.'

The Kings nearly ended up with a matchup even closer to home against the Anaheim Ducks, but their local rivals were eliminated Sunday night by Detroit, scuttling the Kings' hopes of traveling by bus to the first postseason Freeway Faceoff. They've still got a familiar local foe - and for the first time in 21 years, Los Angeles gets to start a postseason series at home.

The Kings have won five straight playoff series as the lower-seeded team over the past two seasons, setting an NHL record. Instead, they hope to continue their dominant run at Staples Center, where they've won 10 straight since March - including a 3-2 win in the regular season finale on April 27, securing the fifth seed by finishing two points ahead of San Jose.

``We're getting into that groove,' Los Angeles center Anze Kopitar said. ``We had a slow start, but the last few games are a good indication of what we can do. We're familiar with them from so many years. We know what they bring and what they can do, and they know what we want to do, so I think it should be a fun series to see who can do it better.'

Los Angeles is amply wary of the Sharks, who are just one series away from their third Western Conference finals appearance in four years. Both teams won four straight to close out their first-round series, although San Jose swept Vancouver while Los Angeles dropped its first two games before rolling through hard-nosed St. Louis.

``I don't know if it will be as physical,' Kings defenseman Drew Doughty said of the upcoming series. ``They have some guys that will be physical, but I don't think they have as many guys that will work as hard as guys that were on St. Louis. At the same time, I think this team has a lot more skill and a lot more high-profile players, so it will be just as tough to win this series, too.'

Doughty and Logan Couture are probably done texting each other for the month. The childhood buddies and longtime teammates usually don't talk about their teams' rivalry, but Couture admires the Kings' 16-4 roll through the last postseason - something the Sharks have never experienced in nine straight trips to the playoffs.

``The hottest team wins the Stanley Cup at playoff time, that's the way it is every single year,' Couture said. ``They showed it. It was a prime example last year. They played unbelievable hockey. They really tore through every other team. It's a pretty incredible thing to do.'

San Jose and Los Angeles met in the playoffs for the first time two years ago, and the Sharks advanced in six hard-nosed games on the way to their second straight conference finals - but the Kings were still coached back then by Terry Murray, who was replaced in December 2011 by Darryl Sutter, the longtime Sharks coach. Patrick Marleau, Scott Hannan and Brad Stuart all played for Sutter in San Jose.

``They know all of us, and we know all of them, so there won't be many surprises,' Los Angeles' Jarret Stoll said. ``They're having a great run. They're playing the right way, and they'll be fired up. Maybe they're buying in a little more, blocking more shots, and that's why they're still playing.'

The Sharks' biggest asset might be goalie Antti Niemi. The Stanley Cup winner has elevated his formidable game this season, posting a league-best 24 victories with a career-low 2.16 goals-against average as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.

But this series features two Cup-winning goalies, and Jonathan Quick has a Conn Smythe Trophy to go with it. Quick was in his usually formidable postseason form against St. Louis, allowing just 10 goals on 177 shots with the same low-to-the-ice, athletic style that led the Kings to a title.

No matter which team survives this matchup, players and coaches are confident local hockey will get another boost from the clubs' combined success.

``I think it's an incredible thing for the state of California,' said Sharks coach Todd McLellan, whose sons participated in youth hockey programs in the South Bay.

``(The) extreme growth and passion that this community has, and I'm sure it's the same down South, that's a result of the three teams having some success - playing late, becoming young hockey players' heroes and contributing to the community,' McLellan added. ``So if we can continue that trend - obviously we will, because one of these two teams is going to go on - I think it's a great thing for the state.'

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NHL HEAD TO HEAD

Apr 27, 2013 Score ATS Results
SAN 2 Push: 5
LOS « 3 Cover: 241
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 16, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS 2 Push: 5
SAN « 3 Cover: 321
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Mar 16, 2013 Score ATS Results
SAN 2 Over: 7
LOS « 5 Cover: 243
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Mar 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS 3 Over: 7
SAN « 4 Cover: 301
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 7, 2012 Score ATS Results
LOS 2 Push: 5
SAN « 3 Cover: 246
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 5, 2012 Score ATS Results
SAN « 6 Over: 11
LOS 5 Cover: 299
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Mar 20, 2012 Score ATS Results
SAN 2 Over: 7
LOS « 5 Cover: 253
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 25, 2011 Score ATS Results
SAN « 4 Cover: 281
LOS 3 Over: 7
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 21, 2011 Score ATS Results
SAN « 6 Cover: 273
LOS 3 Over: 9
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Second Round Cheat Sheet

May 14, 2013


Western Conference Matchups

(1) Chicago vs. (7) Detroit

-- Blackhawks 36-7-5, 77 points, 1st in Central
-- Red Wings 24-16-8, 56 points, 3rd in Central
-- Blackhawks swept season series, 4-0, by combined score of 14-5
-- Under cashed twice in four matchups (one push)
-- Red Wings are 0-7 in past seven meetings, 1-4 in past five in Chicago

(5) Los Angeles vs. (6) San Jose

-- Kings 27-16-4, 59 points, 2nd in Pacific
-- Sharks 25-16-7, 57 points, 3rd in Pacific
-- Teams split season series, 2-2, with home team winning each game
-- Total pushed twice, other meetings finished over
-- Home team has won past five meetings

Eastern Conference Matchups

(1) Pittsburgh vs. (7) Ottawa

-- Penguins 36-12-0, 72 points, 1st in Atlantic
-- Senators 25-17-4, 56 points, 4th in Northeast
-- Penguins swept season series, 3-0, by combined score of 9-4
-- Over cashed in only meeting in Pittsburgh, under cashed in both meetings in Ottawa
-- Senators are 5-11 in past 16 meetings, 1-4 in past five trips to Pittsburgh

(4) Boston vs. (6) N.Y. Rangers

-- Bruins 28-14-6, 62 points, 1st in Northeast
-- Rangers 26-18-4, 56 points, 2nd in Atlantic
-- Bruins won season series, 2-1, two games decided by one goal
-- Over cashed in two of three matchups

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

San Jose at Los Angeles
The Sharks look to open up the series and build on their 11-1 record in their last 12 games against teams with a winning record. San Jose is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Sharks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+140). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Game 1-2: Ottawa at Pittsburgh (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 12.078; Pittsburgh 13.093
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-200); Under

Game 3-4: San Jose at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.194; Los Angeles 11.053
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+140); Over




NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 14

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

OTTAWA (29-18-0-6, 64 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (40-14-0-0, 80 pts.) - 5/14/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 40-14 ATS (+40.0 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 13-2 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 23-7 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 40-14 ATS (+13.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 18-5 ATS (+9.4 Units) after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 72-69 ATS (+148.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 24-16 ATS (+40.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 28-17 ATS (+45.3 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 18-10 ATS (+29.2 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-4 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.2 Units)

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SAN JOSE (29-16-0-7, 65 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (31-17-0-6, 68 pts.) - 5/14/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 30-35 ATS (-18.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 21-36 ATS (-17.6 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 6-15 ATS (-10.6 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 22-5 ATS (+15.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
LOS ANGELES is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 30-16 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 22-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 18-10 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 13-9 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 13-9-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.8 Units)

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NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, May 14

Conference Semifinals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Ottawa at Pittsburgh, 7:35 ET NBCSN
Ottawa: 11-3 Under after allowing 1 or 0 goals
Pittsburgh: 18-5 SU off a division game

Conference Semifinals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
San Jose at Los Angeles, 10:05 ET NBCSN
San Jose: 1-8 SU away off an Over
Los Angeles: 8-0 SU at home after allowing 1 or 0 goals




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, May 14

Pittsburgh are 3-0 vs Senators this year, winning 2-1/4-2/3-1, with 4-2 game Ottawa's one visit here; Senators lost five of last seven visits here overall. Penguins won 17 of last 20 home games, winning two of three vs Islanders, with both wins shutouts. Six of last eight series games went over total. Ottawa won six of last seven road games; over is 4-1-1 in its last six games overall, 4-1 in Pittsburgh's last five. Senators just beat rival Canadiens, will they be able to get back up right away for next series?

Sharks swept Vancouver, with two wins in OT; Kings won last four games vs St Louis, after falling behind 2-0, with all four wins by a goal. Home teams won nine of last ten in this rivalry, with San Jose losing four of last five visits to Staples Center. Over is 4-1-2 in last seven series games. Sharks' last loss was 3-2 here 17 days ago. Under is 6-1-2 in last nine Los Angeles games; defending champs split four games with San Jose this year, with home side winning all four games.




NHL

Tuesday, May 14

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
OTTAWA vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Ottawa
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa

10:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. LOS ANGELES
San Jose is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing at home against San Jose
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose


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NHL

Tuesday, May 14

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Tuesday's NHL playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins (-193, 5.5)

After receiving a spirited test to begin the postseason, the top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins may get all they can handle on Tuesday when they open their Eastern Conference second-round series at home against the seventh-seeded Ottawa Senators. Sure, the Penguins won all three regular-season contests between the teams, but the Senators have reason to be steamed after Pittsburgh agitator Matt Cooke injured the Achilles tendon of stud defenseman Erik Karlsson on Feb. 13. The reigning Norris Trophy winner was sidelined for 31 games after the incident.

Karlsson seems to have healed well with one goal and five assists and Craig Anderson turned aside 171 of 180 shots as Ottawa eliminated second-seeded Montreal in five games during the first round. The netminder yielded only five goals in two contests versus Pittsburgh in 2013 - but he better be up for the challenge. The Penguins scored 25 goals en route to dispatching the pesky eighth-seeded New York Islanders in six games in the first round.

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

ABOUT THE SENATORS: Ottawa dispatched Montreal in a physical series in the first round, allowing for a peaceful four-day cushion in between games. Captain Daniel Alfredsson (two goals, four assists) matched Karlsson with a team-best six points and Kyle Turris is riding a three-game goal-scoring streak. The Senators do have an ace up their sleeve as Jason Spezza eyes a return following surgery on his back for a herniated disk. Spezza, who has played in just five games this season, did not make the trip to Pittsburgh, however.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS: While Pittsburgh is known for its powerful offense, the focus in the Steel City will likely rest between the pipes. Marc-Andre Fleury struggled mightily after his Game 1 shutout against the Islanders and eventually gave way to veteran Tomas Vokoun, who has been in net in each of the his team's last two victories. "We have confidence in both guys, no matter who it is," said captain Sidney Crosby, who had three goals and six assists in five games. "They've both proven for a long time that they're more than capable of doing a great job. We feel very comfortable with either one as players, but it's not up to us to decide who goes into net."

TRENDS:

* Senators are 6-1 in their last seven road games.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Over is 4-1 in Penguins’ last five overall.
* Senators are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Pittsburgh.

OVERTIME

1. The Senators defeated the Penguins in five games during their first-round series in 2007. Pittsburgh answered by sweeping Ottawa in the opening round in 2008 before winning in six games in 2010.

2. Pittsburgh went 7-for-21 on the power play in the first round while killing off 18 of 20 short-handed situations.

3. Ottawa has scored six power-play goals in its last three contests.



San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings (-155, 5)

The fifth-seeded Los Angeles Kings continue their quest to repeat as Stanley Cup champions Tuesday, when they begin their Western Conference second-round series against the sixth-seeded San Jose Sharks at Staples Center. Los Angeles' hopes to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997-98 took an early blow as it dropped the first two games of its first-round series with the St. Louis Blues. The Kings rallied to win the next four in the tightly contested matchup, as each of the six games were decided by one goal.

San Jose advanced to the all-California showdown by sweeping the Northwest Division champion Vancouver Canucks. The series was not as easy for the Sharks as it would seem, with two of their wins coming in overtime and the other two needing big offensive performances in the third period. San Jose has been idle since finishing off Vancouver on May 7, while Los Angeles has had three days off since dispatching St. Louis on Friday. The Kings, who have home-ice advantage in a playoff series for the first time since 1992, split their four-game set against the Sharks during the regular season.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN

ABOUT THE SHARKS: Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture led San Jose with eight points apiece in the first-round series against Vancouver. Pavelski and Patrick Marleau each scored four goals. Captain Joe Thornton understands the showdown with former Sharks coach Darryl Sutter's club will not be a walk in the park. "They're the champs," Thornton said. "We have to go down there and try to win some games. We're not looking to go down and sweep the champs. We just want to compete hard from Game 1 on and see if we can win." Defenseman Jason Demers appears to have recovered from his left ankle injury but likely will be kept out of the lineup Tuesday. Demers, who missed the final four regular-season games and the entire series against Vancouver, has participated in practice each of the last two days. "Yesterday I was a little tired, but today I felt pretty good," he said.

ABOUT THE KINGS: Mike Richards topped Los Angeles with five points - all assists - against St. Louis, while Jeff Carter scored a team-high three goals in the series. Defenseman Slava Voynov was Mr. Clutch for the Kings, as both of his goals against the Blues were game-winners. Coming back to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two games is no easy feat. It has been done only 45 times in 327 instances, but Los Angeles is not in awe of itself. "There seemed to be just a sense of business as usual," Justin Williams told the Los Angeles Times. "We're happy with the win but not satisfied." The Kings performed well on the penalty kill in the first round, ranking fourth with an 88.2 percent success rate. They'll have to be at least as good against the Sharks, who went 7-for-24 on the power play against Vancouver to rank second at 29.2 percent. "They really thrive on their power play," Kings captain Dustin Brown told the Times. "Our PK was good last series, but it's going to have to be even better against these guys."

TRENDS:

* Over is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings in Los Angeles.
* Over is 4-0-3 in the last seven meetings.
* Home team is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Sharks are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Los Angeles.

OVERTIME:

1. The Kings and Sharks have met just one other time in the playoffs, with San Jose winning the 2011 first-round series in six games. Three of its four victories came in overtime.

2. D Drew Doughty was a 2-year-old the last time the Kings had home-ice advantage in a postseason series.

3. Three of the four regular-season meetings between the Pacific Division rivals were decided by one goal, with one contest going to a shootout.


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NHL

Tuesday, May 14

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NHL Western Conference playoff preview: Round 2
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The first round of the NHL Western Conference playoffs was full of surprises as three of the top-four seeds were sent packing.

The top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks will now get re-acquainted with long-time rivals the Detroit Red Wings in the second round. While the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings turn their focus to the San Jose Sharks, who desperately want to erase their reputation as playoff chokers.

Here's our Western Conference Round 2 playoff betting preview:

No. 1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 7 Detroit Red Wings

Season series: Blackhawks won 4-0 SU, 1-2-1 over/under. * Three games needed overtime or a shootout.*

Series prices: Blackhawks -320, Red Wings +260

Why bet the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks cruised past the Minnesota Wild in five games without top forwards Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane registering a goal. Of the 13 forwards that dressed in the opening round, 11 registered at least a point. The Blackhawks went a perfect 17-for-17 on the penalty kill against Minnesota.

Why bet the Red Wings: The Red Wings dug themselves out of a 3-2 series hole against the Ducks and posted back-to-back wins to earn the right to advance. Detroit’s roster is loaded with playoff experience and it has a clear edge in the coaching department. Mike Babcock is one of the most coveted head coaches in the league and if there’s anyone who can find a way to shut down the high-powered Blackhawks in a seven-game series, it’s him.



No. 5 Los Angeles Kings vs. No. 6 San Jose Sharks

Season series: Kings won series 2-1-1 SU, 0-2-2 over/under.

Series prices: Kings -135, Sharks +115

Why bet the Kings: The Kings dropped the first two games to the Blues before roaring back to win the next four. Drew Doughty anchors a strong defensive corps that limited a potent St. Louis attack to 10 goals in the first round. Jonathan Quick stole the show during L.A.’s cup run a year ago and appears to be rounding back into form. After allowing four goals in the first two contests of the this year's playoffs, Quick regrouped and yielded only six markers in the final four games of the series.

Why bet the Sharks: The Sharks swept the Vancouver Canucks and will have six days between games to rest up. San Jose’s top forwards were firing on all cylinders in the first round as Logan Couture had eight points, as did Joe Pavelski. Jumbo Joe Thornton also dished out five helpers and scored. The Sharks have arguably the most proven big-game netminder remaining in the playoffs. Antti Niemi improved his record to 29-19 in the postseason with a win in Game 4 over the Canucks and boasts an incredible 11-2 record in playoff overtime games. Niemi already has one Stanley Cup ring to his credit, as he backstopped the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup glory in 2009-10.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, May 14

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NHL Eastern Conference playoff preview: Round 2
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The opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs were nothing short of dramatic and featured the Ottawa Senators' upset of the Montreal Canadiens in five games and the Boston Bruins' Game 7 comeback victory that seemed to fly off the pages of a Hollywood screenplay.

The top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Senators with the Matt Cooke/Erik Karlsson subplot looming large ahead of Game 1 Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Bruins and New York Rangers will renew acquaintances in a battle of Original Six franchises.

Here's our Eastern Conference Round 2 playoff betting preview:

No.1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 7 Ottawa Senators

Season series: Penguins won 3-0 SU, 1-2 over/under

Series prices: Penguins -280, Senators +220

Why bet the Penguins: Scoring is never a problem for the Penguins, who led all teams with 25 goals in the first round of the playoffs. Pittsburgh displayed its scoring depth in its opening round series with the Islanders, boasting seven players that registered two goals or more. The Penguins also showed off their depth in goal. Although Marc-Andre Fleury dropped the ball in Round 1, veteran netminder Tomas Vokoun stepped in and stopped 66 of 69 shots in two outings for a sparkling 1.41 GAA and .957 save percentage.

Why bet the Senators: The Senators are well rested after dispatching the Montreal Canadiens in five games. They also won’t be road weary after making the short hour-long trip to Montreal for Games 1, 2 and 5. Stud forward Jason Spezza (back) is on the mend and could make a return at some point in the series. The center hasn’t played since the fifth game of the season and has 51 points in 53 career postseason games. Ottawa did a great job of slowing Pittsburgh’s power play during the regular season, holding them to a single goal on 15 chances with the man advantage.



No. 4 Boston Bruins vs. No. 6 New York Rangers

Season series: Rangers won 2-1 SU, 2-1 over/under

Series prices: N/A

Why bet the Bruins: Momentum. The Bruins battled back to win one of the more memorable Game 7s in recent history against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Down 4-1 with under 11 minutes to play, the Bruins triumphed in the face of adversity. After clawing their way back to 4-2 and with clock ticking, Patrice Bergeron awoke from his series-long slumber to net the equalizer with 51 seconds to play and then, finally, the overtime winner. Center David Krejci leads all playoff scorers with 13 points and linemates Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic have also been a handful for the opposition.

Why bet the Rangers: Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been playing up to his moniker of "King Henrik" thus far in the postseason. The Swede blanked the Washington Capitals in Games 6 and 7 to carry the Rangers into the second round. Lundqvist brings a 1.65 GAA and a sparkling .947 save percentage into the matchup with Boston. Center Derick Brassard has been a revelation for the squad, pacing the offense for the Broadway Blue Shirts with nine points in the seven-game series with the Capitals.