Da Bum's 2014 NHL Playoff Best Bets- News,Stats-Trends !

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Los Angeles at Chicago
The Blackhawks open the Western Conference finals at home today where they are 5-0 in their last 5 games against the Kings. Chicago is the pick (-160) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-160). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

Game 3-4: Los Angeles at Chicago (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.338; Chicago 13.892
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-160); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 18

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LOS ANGELES (54-33-0-9, 117 pts.) at CHICAGO (54-23-0-17, 125 pts.) - 5/18/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 18-3 ATS (+13.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 19-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games after a division game this season.
CHICAGO is 20-6 ATS (+20.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO is 13-3 ATS (+8.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 25-17 ATS (+6.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
CHICAGO is 26-26 ATS (-22.9 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-5 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 10-5-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 18

Blackhawks beat Los Angeles 4-1 in LY's playoffs; they're won five in row, nine of last 11 vs the Kings, who lost last five visits here. LA is 28-20 on road this season, 5-2 in playoffs; they won Game 7 in Anaheim Friday night, left California yesterday for first time since April 10, got on plane for first time this month. Chicago won eight of last ten games since getting down 2-0 in first round to St Louis; they're 6-0 at home in playoffs, allowing total of seven goals. Under is 9-3 in Kings' last twelve visits to Windy City.




NHL

Sunday, May 18

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. CHICAGO
Los Angeles is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


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NHL

Sunday, May 18

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Kings at Blackhawks: What bettors need to know
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Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks (-148, 5)

After failing last postseason, the Los Angeles Kings get another chance to knock off the Blackhawks as the teams begin their Western Conference final series in Chicago on Sunday afternoon. The Kings won four straight to oust St. Louis and outlasted San Jose in a seven-game set that saw the home team capture each contest before falling to Chicago, which won the conference final in five games and defeated Boston to earn the fifth Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. Los Angeles dropped all three contests at Chicago in last year's matchup and its first two at San Jose in this postseason's first-round series to extend its road losing streak to eight before winning five of its last six - including three of four at Anaheim.

The Kings have proven they never can be counted out as they became the fourth team in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit against the Sharks, then were down 3-2 to Pacific Division-champion Anaheim before posting a 2-1 triumph to even the set and trouncing the Ducks 6-2 in the seventh game. Chicago needed six games to dispatch both St. Louis and Minnesota, losing the first two before reeling off four straight wins against the Blues and claiming all three home games before eliminating the Wild with a 2-1 overtime triumph in Minnesota. The Blackhawks are 2-0 all-time versus the Kings, having also defeated Los Angeles in five games in their 1974 first-round matchup.

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

ABOUT THE KINGS: Los Angeles was held to three goals or fewer in each of the first six games against Anaheim before erupting for six on Friday. Five different players recorded a goal and an assist apiece, including Anze Kopitar - who raised his league-leading point total to 19 and has registered at least one point in 13 of the Kings' 14 playoff contests. Marian Gaborik scored his league-best ninth goal and also set up a tally.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Marian Hossa and defenseman Brent Seabrook lead the club in scoring this postseason with 11 points apiece, but the most dangerous players on the roster remain captain Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The dynamic duo has combined for seven of the team's game-winning goals, with Toews leading the NHL with four. Corey Crawford has been superb in net as he has posted a league-best 1.97 goals-against average.

TRENDS:

* Kings are 0-5 in the last five meetings in Chicago.
* Blackhawks are 8-1 in their last nine Conference Finals games.
* Under is 22-8-3 in the last 33 meetings in Chicago.
* Kings are 1-4 in their last five Conference Finals games.

OVERTIME:

1. Los Angeles is 6-0 when facing elimination this postseason.

2. The Blackhawks have won nine of their last 11 meetings with the Kings, including all three in the 2013-14 regular season.

3. Los Angeles played nearly the entire second-round series against the Ducks without Ds Willie Mitchell and Robyn Regehr due to injuries. The latter saw just over 3 1/2 minutes of action in the opener before getting hurt.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, May 18


Carey Price, Montreal - day-to-day

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price left Saturday's game against the Rangers after the 2nd period after suffering an undisclosed injury.


Blackhawks excel in Conference Finals matchups

The Chicago Blackahwks are set to take on the Los Angeles Kings in their Western Conference Final matchup, and they'll look to improve on an already stellar record in previous Conference Finals.

The Hawks breezed through their Conference final versus the Kings in 2013, taking the series 4-1. Prior to that, in the 2010 Western Conference final, they swept the San Jose Sharks 4-0 en route to the Stanley Cup.

Chicago is currently a -160 series fave over the Kings and is a -148 fave in Game 1.


Rangers now -220 to win series after Game 1 thumping

The New York Rangers put together an impressive performance in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference series with the Montreal Canadiens, embarrassing the Habs 7-2 in their own rink.

The Blueshirts opened as +125 underdogs in series prices, but following the Game 1 win, are now priced at -220.

Game 2 is slated for Monday evening from the Bell Centre in Montreal. At the time of writing, lines for the game have not been released.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Sunday, May 18

Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks, 3:05 ET
LA Kings: 21-51 SU after a blowout win by 4 goals or more
Chicago: 12-1 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, May 19


Blackhawks open as big home faves in Game 2

The Chicago Blackhawks skated to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in the opening game of their Western Conference final series, and books have responded by opening them as -149 moneyline faves in Game 2.

Books opened Game 1 with similar odds, ranging from -146 to -161.

The Hawks enter Wednesday's Game 2 hot, with a three-game winning streak and winners of nine of their last 11 in the playoffs.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, May 19

NY Rangers at Montreal Canadiens, 8:05 ET
NY Rangers: 17-10 SU as an underdog
Montreal: 11-27 SU in home games after a blowout loss by 4 goals or more

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, May 19


Blackhawks take Game 1, -320 to take series

The Chicago Blackhawks took Game 1 by a score of 3-1 over the Los Angeles Kings, placing themselves in the driver's seat with Game 2 set to go Wednesday.

With the Game 1 win, books have adjusted their series prices and the Blackhawks are now being offered at -320.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, May 19


Rangers expect a different Habs team in Game 2

Whether it’s Carey Price or Peter Budaj in the Montreal Canadiens’ net in Game 2, Brad Richards told New York Newsday that the New York Rangers anticipate a steeper challenge after Game 1′s 7-2 win.

“We’re going to see a whole different team tomorrow night and we’re expecting a big push from them,” Richards said.

As great as the Rangers looked at times in gaining that lopsided Game 1 victory, it’s probably fair to say that the Rangers were pretty luck at times, too. (Rick Nash finally scoring is a nice example of the bounces going the Blueshirts’ way on Saturday.)

“I think we played a really good game, but we also got lucky with some of the bounces, some of the goals, they just seemed to keep coming,” Dan Girardi said. “We’re obviously very happy with our effort in Game 1, but we’re not dumb. We know it’s not going to happen again. We can’t be satisfied with that.”

From the sound of things, it won’t be difficult for the Rangers to get pumped up against the Canadiens in Montreal on Monday.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

NY Rangers at Montreal
The Canadiens look to bounce back from their 7-2 thrashing in Game 1 and come into tonight's contest with a 9-2 record in their last 11 games after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Montreal is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-130). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

MONDAY, MAY 19

Game 5-6: NY Rangers at Montreal (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.480; Montreal 13.807
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-130); Under




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, May 19

Rangers' win in Game 1 was most decisive win by road team in playoffs since 1950; game was 4-1 when Montreal goalie Price was hurt- check status here. Canadiens won seven of last ten series games, with losing side scoring zero or one goal in nine of ten games. Habs are 2-2 vs the Rangers this season- they shut New York out in four of last six meetings overall. Montreal is 8-4 in playoffs, winning four of six at home. Rangers had three power play goals in Game 1, are 5-3 on road playoffs; under is 5-3-1 in their last nine games.




NHL

Monday, May 19

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. MONTREAL
NY Rangers are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing NY Rangers
Montreal is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games


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NHL

Monday, May 19

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Rangers at Canadiens: What bettors need to know
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New York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens (-127, 5)

The Montreal Canadiens relinquished home-ice advantage in their Eastern Conference final after being on the business end of a 7-2 drubbing in the series opener. Looking to even the set with the New York Rangers, Montreal isn't revealing its cards on whether Carey Price will be in goal for Game 2 on Monday. The Canadian Olympian appeared to injure his right knee in a collision with New York forward Chris Kreider but remained in the contest and yielded four goals in two periods - including two in less than a minute - before sitting out the third.

Price skated for approximately five minutes but did not take part in Sunday's practice, leading to speculation that Peter Budaj may receive the start. "Today was an optional practice," Montreal coach Michel Therrien said. "It was a therapy day for Carey. We'll see if he's able to play." Defenseman Ryan McDonagh certainly was able to play on Saturday, collecting a goal and three assists to etch his name into the franchise record book as the Rangers emphatically drew first blood in the series.

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

ABOUT THE RANGERS: While New York recorded seven goals in the opener, perhaps none was more important - at least psychologically - than the one by Rick Nash. The struggling forward scored on the power play during the third period for his first tally of the postseason and just his second in 27 playoff games as a member of the Rangers. Nash's inclusion with the man advantage came as a result of the absence of Derick Brassard, who is considered day-to-day by coach Alain Vigneault after exiting Game 1 with an undisclosed injury.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS: As one might expect, former Ranger Brandon Prust and Therrien took issue with Kreider's collision with Price. "In this situation, he went skates first right into his leg," Prust said. "We call that accidentally on purpose." Prust attempted to retaliate against Kreider, but instead drew a double-minor and 10-minute misconduct that led to three power-play goals. "Let's put it this way," Therrien said. "(Kreider) didn't put much effort to avoid contact."

TRENDS:

* Rangers are 2-9 in the last 11 meetings in Montreal.
* Rangers are 4-0 in their last four overall.
* Canadiens are 5-2 in their last seven home games.
* Under is 5-2-1 in Canadiens last eight vs. Metropolitan.

OVERTIME:

1. McDonagh tied former Rangers captains Brian Leetch, Brad Park and Dave Maloney as defensemen to record four points in a playoff game.

2. Montreal C Lars Eller collected a goal and an assist in Game 1, increasing his team-leading point total to 11.

3. Collectively as a team, the Rangers attended the funeral of RW Martin St. Louis' mother on Sunday.

[StarDust Bum]

Habs G Price out for Eastern Finals

May 19, 2014



BROSSARD, Quebec (AP) - The Montreal Canadiens will be without star goaltender Carey Price for the rest of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Rangers.

Canadiens coach Michel Therrien announced the decision before Game 2 of the series Monday night. Price hurt his right knee during New York's 7-2 victory Saturday.

''Really disappointed,'' Therrien said. ''He's our best player.''

Rangers forward Chris Kreider crashed into Price skates-first after missing the net on a breakaway in the second period. Price lay on the ice but stayed in the game. He was replaced by Peter Budaj for the third period.

Price tested his knee briefly Sunday but did not take part in an optional practice. Therrien did not say if Budaj or third-stringer Dustin Tokarski would start Game 2.

The coach called Kreider's actions a ''reckless play.''

''That's the truth,'' he said. ''And Kreider, that's not the first time he's going at goalies. So we end up losing our best player, but our group faced a lot of adversity throughout the course of the season. We have the attitude to respond really well, and that's what I'm expecting.''

Therrien said he hopes the team can win without its star goalie to give Price a chance to return for the Stanley Cup final.

Price backstopped Canada to a gold medal at the Sochi Olympics in February and was having strong playoffs for the Canadiens.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, May 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Rangers - 8:00 PM ET Montreal -104 500

Montreal - Under 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

'Hawks' Shaw questionable for Game 2

May 19, 2014



CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw is questionable for Wednesday's Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Kings because of an apparent right leg injury.

He missed the final five games of the previous series against Minnesota with an apparent right leg injury and sat out Sunday's opening win against the Kings.

Coach Joel Quenneville said ''we'll see'' when asked if Shaw will play Wednesday. He said Shaw will practice Tuesday and his status will be evaluated after that.

Quenneville added Shaw has ''made some real good progress'' in recent days.

[StarDust Bum]

2014 Playoff Results

May 20, 2014


Betting Results

Conference Finals
Wager Results
Favorites-Underdogs 2-1
Home-Away 1-2
Puck-Line Favorites 2-0
Over-Under 1-2-0


Eastern Conference Finals

Key: A (Atlantic) M (Metropolitan) W (Wild Card)

(M2) N.Y. Rangers vs. (A3) Montreal
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 N.Y. Rangers (+105) at Montreal 7-2 Underdog Over (5)
2 N.Y. Rangers (-110) at Montreal 3-1 Favorite Under (5)
3 Montreal at N.Y. Rangers - - -
4 Montreal at N.Y. Rangers - - -
5 N.Y. Rangers at Montreal - - -
6 Montreal at N.Y. Rangers - - -
7 N.Y. Rangers at Montreal - - -


Western Conference Finals

Key: C (Central) P (Pacific) W (Wild Card)

(C3) Chicago vs. (P3) Los Angeles
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Los Angeles at Chicago (-160) 3-1 Favorite Under (5)
2 Los Angeles at Chicago - - -
3 Chicago at Los Angeles - - -
4 Chicago at Los Angeles - - -
5 Los Angeles at Chicago - - -
6 Chicago at Los Angeles - - -
7 Los Angeles at Chicago - - -

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Los Angeles at Chicago
The Blackhawks look to follow up their 3-1 victory in Game 1 against a Kings team that is 1-5 in its last 6 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Chicago is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

Game 7-8: Los Angeles at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.796; Chicago 13.901
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150); Under




NHL
Short Sheet

Wednesday, May 21

Los Angeles at Chicago, 8:05 ET
Los Angeles: 7-14 SU off a road loss
Chicago: 19-3 SU at home when the total is 5 or less




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, May 21

Blackhawks beat Los Angeles 4-1 in LY's playoffs; they're won six in row, ten of last 12 vs Kings, who lost last six visits here. LA is 28-21 on road this season, 5-3 in playoffs; Chicago won nine of last eleven games since getting down 2-0 in first round to St Louis; they're 7-0 at home in playoffs, allowing total of eight goals. Under is 10-3 in Kings' last thirteen visits to Windy City. LA outshot Blackhawks 17-6 in second period of Game 1, but Crawford only allowed one shot by him-- Kings had total of nine shots in periods 1-3.




NHL

Wednesday, May 21

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. CHICAGO
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
Chicago is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games


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NHL

Wednesday, May 21

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Kings at Blackhawks: What bettors need to know
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Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks (-149, 5)

The Chicago Blackhawks look to continue their dominating play at United Center on Wednesday, when they host the Los Angeles Kings in Game 2 of the Western Conference final. The Stanley Cup-champion Blackhawks have won all seven of their home contests in these playoffs and 18 of their last 20 postseason games - matching the mark of the high-flying Edmonton Oilers from 1988-90. After defeating Los Angeles in all three meetings in the Windy City in last year's conference final, Chicago received a power-play goal and an assist from Brandon Saad en route to a 3-1 triumph in Game 1 on Sunday.

While the result was not the desired one, Los Angeles has proven itself to be a resilient team as it became the fourth team in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit by upending San Jose in the first round before rallying from a 3-2 hole against Anaheim in the second. "I think we played fine, but as (coach Darryl Sutter) would say, "OK is not OK," Willie Mitchell said. The Kings defenseman recorded two hits in his return following an eight-game absence due to a lower-body injury.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN, RDS

ABOUT THE KINGS: Anze Kopitar leads the league in scoring with 19 points in the playoffs, but did not register a single shot in Game 1 and was held off the scoresheet for just the second time in 15 postseason games. Linemate Marian Gaborik, who leads the NHL with nine goals, was able to record three shots - but failed to secure a point for the second time in nine contests. Tanner Pearson collected a point for the second straight game after his centering feed from along the goal line was redirected home by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period for Los Angeles' lone tally.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Andrew Shaw is in line to make his return from a six-game absence on Wednesday. The gritty Shaw has been sidelined with a lower-body injury, suffered when he was on the receiving end of a check from Minnesota defenseman Clayton Stoner during the second-round series. Chicago won four of the six contests without Shaw, who recorded 20 goals and 19 assists during the regular season and had two of each in the playoffs.

TRENDS:

* Kings are 5-16 in the last 21 meetings in Chicago.
* Blackhawks are 9-1 in their last 10 Conference Finals games.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Blackhawks last six overall.
* Kings are 1-5 in their last six Conference Finals games.

OVERTIME:

1. The Blackhawks thwarted two power-play opportunities for the Kings in Game 1 and have killed off 44-of-48 short-handed chances in the playoffs.

2. Los Angeles G Jonathan Quick yielded three goals on 20 shots on Sunday and has allowed 28 tallies in his team's seven losses. By comparison, Quick has permitted 11 goals in the Kings' eight victories.

3. Chicago G Corey Crawford's 1.90 goals-against average leads the league while his save percentage of .933 trails only Philadelphia's Steve Mason (.939) and Henrik Lundqvist (.934) of the New York Rangers.

[StarDust Bum]

Rangers just 2 wins away from finals

May 20, 2014


NEW YORK (AP) - When you are two wins from the Stanley Cup finals you can afford to be casual and coy. New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault is playing the part perfectly.

Vigneault was all smiles Tuesday at the team hotel in Montreal hours after his surging club beat the Canadiens again to lead the Eastern Conference finals 2-0.

The Rangers are home for the next two games. Two wins at Madison Square Garden will put them in the championship round for the first time since they took the Cup 20 years ago.

Since falling in a 3-1 series hole against Pittsburgh in the second round, the Rangers have won five straight. Quite a turnaround from almost certain elimination to being the favorite to get to the finals.

''What we try to do is - and I know you get sick and tired of hearing it - but one game at a time, one shift at a time. We want to play the right way,'' Vigneault said. ''That's what's gotten us here, and that's what's going to keep us here.''

It is certainly working.

New York is on its longest postseason winning streak since taking seven straight during the 1994 title run. The Rangers have won four in a row on the road - two in Pittsburgh, two in Montreal - for their best playoff stretch since a five-game spurt from May 9, 1972-April 12, 1973.

They are the fourth team to win six consecutive playoff games against the Canadiens, dating to Game 3 of the 1996 first round. The Rangers are the second team to win five postseason games in a row in Montreal.

No club has won more than six straight against the 24-time Stanley Cup champion Canadiens. The Rangers can make it seven in Game 3 on Thursday. It would give them a place in history, and put them in prime position to advance quickly after starting the playoffs with two seven-game series.

The Rangers put themselves in this spot with a stunning 7-2 series-opening win Saturday and followed with a 3-1 victory Monday when Henrik Lundqvist shined with a 40-save effort that Canadiens coach Michel Therrien twice called ''phenomenal.''

''You get on a roll because different things happen,'' assistant captain Brad Richards said. ''Whether one night Henrik keeps you in, you get opportunistic goals, or something. We got a bunch of goals the other night in the third period, and you get some confidence.

''But, really, it's forgotten about, and we have to really get ready for a great opportunity in our first game on home ice.''

The Rangers were overtaxed in the first two rounds, partly by their own doing in needing to win in Game 7 both times, but also falling victim to the schedule that had them playing back-to-back stretches of three games in four days.

They have two days off before Game 3 and then will have another two-day break before Game 4 on Sunday. At this point, though, they might relish the chance to hop back on the ice sooner.

The Canadiens were the tired team this time, hosting Game 1 on Saturday afternoon after finishing off the Bruins on Wednesday night in Boston.

''The first game was tough for us,'' Therrien said Tuesday during a conference call. ''Emotionally, it was tough for us. Physically it was tough for us. We didn't get much time between Game 7 and Game 1. Obviously, it showed with the result. But I thought we regrouped really well.

''I thought we were a team that's pushing the pace, and we played a solid game. It's good for us mentally to get a day off. I'm anxious to see my guys (Wednesday), and go to New York. We are looking for one win, and momentum can change quickly in the playoffs. I'm really optimistic.''

Therrien hasn't said if he will go back to Dustin Tokarski in Game 3 after the 24-year-old goalie made his playoff debut Monday in place of Carey Price - who is out for the series - or Peter Budaj, who replaced the injured Price in the opener. Tokarski made 27 saves in just his 11th career NHL game.

Vigneault implied he has an idea which goalie his club will face Thursday.

''I do, but I'm not willing to share it with you,'' he said.

He was no more forthcoming about the status of Rangers forward Derick Brassard, who was injured in the opener and sat out Monday. But he playfully dropped a hint.

''Day to day right now. If I was a betting man ...,'' Vigneault said.

Heading home with a 2-0 lead can brighten a coach's disposition.

[StarDust Bum]

Blackhawks look to go up 2-0 on Kings

May 20, 2014


CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings have taken similar paths toward the top, hitting big in the draft and making shrewd moves after rough stretches.

They find themselves trying to knock each other out in the Western Conference finals for the second straight year.

The Blackhawks prevailed last year on their way to the Stanley Cup, and they have the early lead this time after taking the opener, 3-1. They will try to go up 2-0 when the best-of-seven series resumes Wednesday night in Chicago.

''We felt this year we're in the toughest division and conference,'' coach Joel Quenneville said. ''We just played two real competitive series (against St. Louis and Minnesota). Every game is tight. I think finding a way to win is what it's all about in today's game. Our guys are really diligent of doing the little things particularly that some nights give you an edge.''

Yes, the Blackhawks keep finding ways.

It's why they're eyeing their third championship in five years and are trying to become the first team to repeat since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. In an era with a hard salary cap where players want raises, that's simply not supposed to happen. Parity is the rule, yet the Blackhawks keep rising toward the top.

The same goes for the Kings.

They're enjoying their most successful era with three straight trips to the conference finals and a Stanley Cup two years ago after following a similar path to the Blackhawks.

The Kings missed the playoffs from 2003 to 2009 and lost in the first round in 2010 and 2011 before winning their first championship in 2012. Like the Blackhawks did with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, they hit in the draft with Anze Kopitar. They also collected a strong cast to support their core and filled in the gaps with key trades, like the one that landed Marian Gaborik from Columbus in March.

''You have to be able to adjust to the game, adjust to the rules, adjust to the style,'' Kings coach Darryl Sutter said. ''I think that's a big reason why we're both in the conference finals again. Whether we can adjust enough to beat the Stanley Cup champions, I don't know.''

The Blackhawks missed the playoffs from 2003 to 2008 and landed at rock bottom, with dwindling attendance and an alienated fan base unable to watch home games on TV because then-owner Bill Wirtz believed it would be unfair to season ticketholders. They finally emerged with a run to the conference finals in 2009, losing to Detroit. A year later, they beat Philadelphia to end a 49-year championship drought, only to have to part ways with a huge chunk of their team because of cap issues.

So they reloaded.

''I think management did excellent job with the team,'' Chicago's Marian Hossa said. ''We got a great coaching staff. I think the whole organization, it's top class. ... (Los Angeles) is a great organization also. They did an excellent job the last few years. They did it three times in a row. It's just amazing these two teams battling for the West again.''

The Kings had a few adjustments to make after losing 3-1 in Game 1.

Their top line of Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Gaborik got shut down by Toews' line, managing just six shots without scoring. Los Angeles will need more from a trio with 16 goals and 24 assists in the playoffs.

Even when the Kings had their chances, Corey Crawford stopped most of them. He made 25 saves with several neat stops, turning back Kyle Clifford on a 2-on-1 rush and stopping Gaborik and Brown in rapid succession.

So it's the Blackhawks with the early lead in the series and the Kings trying to pick themselves up - again. They did it after dropping the first three games to San Jose in the first round and then rallied from 3-2 down to knock out Anaheim in the conference semifinals.

''San Jose and Anaheim had arguably the top two, three, four best home records this year. We went into those tough buildings and won,'' Jarrett Stoll said. ''Chicago is no different. A tough building. We're going to have to figure out a way to win Game 2 and move on.''