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

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NHL

Saturday, May 31


Blackhawks force a Game 7 versus the Kings

There is no quit in this team.

The defending Stanley Cup champions proved that once again when they traveled to the hostile environs of Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday night and skated away with a scintillating 4-3 victory over the Kings in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals.

The triumph was the Hawks' second consecutive in the series when facing elimination and tied the best-of-seven slate at 3-3 with Game 7 scheduled for Sunday night at the United Center.

Patrick Kane continued his amazing run of clutch goals with the game-winner late in the third period as the Hawks denied the Kings a date with the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Final and kept their own hopes alive of becoming the first team since the 1998 Red Wings to repeat as Cup champions.

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Game 7 - Kings at Blackhawks

May 31, 2014

Chicago rallied for a 4-3 road win over Los Angeles on Friday, which helped the Blackhawks force a decisive seventh game in the Western Conference Finals.

The puck will drop at 8:05 p.m. ET on Sunday from the United Center and the oddsmakers have installed the Blackhawks as minus-150 favorites (Bet $100 to win $66) for Game 7 while the Kings are listed as plus-130 road underdogs (Bet $100 to win $130). The total is 5 goals, which has been shaded to the Over (-120).

Even though the Blackhawks won at the Staples Center on Friday, the home team has gone 4-2 in the first six games of this series. Los Angeles won 6-2 at Chicago in Game 2.

During the regular season, Chicago won all three matchups against Los Angeles, two of the wins coming at home.

In the playoffs, Chicago has gone 8-1 at home with the lone setback mentioned above. Puck-line bettors should note that five of the eight wins have come by two or more goals. The ‘over’ has gone 5-3-1.

Los Angeles has produced a 6-5 road mark in this year’s playoffs. Three of the five losses were by two or more goals. During this span, the Kings offense have been held to three goals or less only twice, which has helped the ‘over’ go 7-3-1.

Most would believe playing at home in a Game 7 would be an advantage for Anaheim on Friday but it’s certainly not 100 percent.

There have been 152 Game 7’s in the NHL Playoffs and the home squad owns a 94-58 (61.8%) record.

Statistically, those numbers seem decent for the home team but they haven't held up at all in this year’s playoffs. Bettors have watched six Game 7’s this postseason and the road team has produced a 5-1 (83%) record.

2014
Los Angeles Kings 6 at Anaheim Ducks 2
Montreal Canadiens 3 at Boston Bruins 1
New York Rangers 2 at Pittsburgh Penguins 1
Philadelphia Flyers 3 at New York Rangers 4
Minnesota Wild 5 at Colorado Avalanche 4
Los Angeles Kings 5 at San Jose Sharks 1

The ‘over’ has gone 4-2 in the six Game 7’s this postseason.

Los Angeles is 6-4 all-time in Game 7’s while Chicago has gone 8-5.

Recent Game 7 History

The Kings defeated both the Sharks and Ducks in a Game 7 matchup in this year's postseason, plus they knocked off San Jose in the 2013 playoffs.

Los Angeles

2014 – Los Angeles Kings 6 at Anaheim Ducks 2
2014 – Los Angeles Kings 4 at San Jose Sharks 3
2013 – San Jose Sharks 1 at Los Angeles Kings 2

Since Chicago became competitive again in 2008 and started making the playoffs on an annual basis, they haven't had much experience in Game 7 matchups. The Blackhawks have only played in two and they've gone 1-1 with both results coming in overtime.

Chicago

2012 – Chicago Blackhawks 2 vs. Detroit Red Wings 1 (OT)
2009 – Chicago Blackhawks 1 at Vancouver Canucks 2 (OT)

NHL Game 7 Playoff History (2011-2013)

As mentioned above, road teams have won 83 percent (5-1) of the Game 7’s in this year’s NHL Playoffs and that shouldn’t be surprising. In the previous three playoff campaigns, the road team has been competitive, going 6-10 in the previous 16 decisive battles. Five of the 16 went to an extra session but none of this year’s Game 7’s have seen overtime.

2013
New York Rangers 5 at Washington Capitals 0
Toronto Maple Leafs 4 at Boston Bruins 5 (OT)
Detroit Red Wings 3 at Anaheim Ducks 2
Detroit Red Wings 1 at Chicago Blackhawks 2 (OT)
San Jose Sharks 1 at Los Angeles Kings 2

2012
Ottawa Senators 1 at New York Rangers 2
Washington Capitals 2 at Boston Bruins 1 (OT)
New Jersey Devils 3 at Florida Panthers 2 (2OT)
Washington Capitals 1 at New York Rangers 2

2011
Buffalo Sabres 2 at Philadelphia Flyers 5
Montreal Canadiens 3 Boston Bruins 4 (OT)
Tampa Bay Lightning 1 at Pittsburgh Penguins 0
Chicago Blackhawks 1 at Vancouver Canucks 2 (OT)
Detroit Red Wings 2 at San Jose Sharks 3
Tampa Bay Lightning 0 at Boston Bruins 1
Boston Bruins 4 at Vancouver Canucks 0

[StarDust Bum]

Cup hinges on Game 7 for Chicago, Kings

May 31, 2014


CHICAGO (AP) - Jonathan Quick would rather be resting up than staring at yet another seventh game.

There's not much he can do about that now.

A wild and memorable Western Conference final between the Los Angeles Kings and Blackhawks comes down to a win-or-go-home Game 7 in Chicago on Sunday night.

''I guess we can get used to it,'' Quick, the Kings' goalie, said after a 4-3 loss in Game 6 on Friday night in Los Angeles. ''We don't want to be used to it. If you play Game 7s throughout the whole playoffs, it is going to be pretty tough on your body. Whatever. We're in this situation. Before the series if we were asked, `Would you want to go to Game 7 against Chicago?' and be put in that spot, a one-game thing, I think we would take it.''

It'll be the third Game 7 of the postseason for the Kings, who dropped the first three games in the opening round against San Jose and then went the distance with Anaheim. They blew a 3-1 series lead to Chicago, and now, it comes down to this.

The winner hosts the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals on Wednesday night.

While the Kings tried to put aside their frustration after missing out on two opportunities to clinch the series, the Blackhawks were breathing a little easier after taking Game 6.

''It's nice to see that resilience not only in this game but in this series so far,'' captain Jonathan Toews said. ''We're giving ourselves a heck of a chance going home for Game 7.''

The Blackhawks were just about out of it after dropping Game 4. Back-to-back losses in Los Angeles left them in a 3-1 hole and on the brink of elimination after knocking out the Kings in the conference finals last year on the way to the championship.

Instead, they jumped back into it with two thrilling victories.

There was that epic double-overtime victory in Game 5 at home with Michal Handzus scoring the winner, and Game 6 Friday was about as tense. The Blackhawks survived thanks to a late surge by Patrick Kane after the teams traded leads in the third period.

Chicago led 2-1 after Kane and Ben Smith scored in the second. But there were two big swings in the third.

The Kings looked like they were on their way up 3-2 after Drew Doughty beat a screened Corey Crawford with a wrist shot for his third goal in four games to tie it and fed Alec Martinez for a score.

Kane, whose career has been defined by big plays at the biggest moments, wouldn't let the Blackhawks fade. He set up Duncan Keith for the tying goal with 8:26 left and fired in the winner from a patch of ice near the painted Stanley Cup logo with 3:45 left.

So the series comes down to a Game 7, the third of the postseason for the Kings, who are 6-0 in elimination games this year. The Blackhawks have won nine of their past 11 elimination games.

''We know that we can still beat this Chicago Blackhawks team,'' Doughty said. ''But we also know it's not going to be easy either. They're going to have their best game in this Game 7, especially in their home rink.''

It would help if they contained Kane.

He has come up big in the past two games with seven points after being held to just one in the first four games. He had two goals and an assist Friday and four assists in Game 5, compared to just one assist through the first four games.

He's been able to find at least some open ice, something he wasn't able to do earlier in the series, and the Blackhawks are feeding off that.

''There's still not much room out there in this series,'' Kane said. ''Right now you have to take advantage of your opportunities when you do get space. Playing with two hard workers that work really hard to get the puck back, have made my life a lot better as far as getting the puck in good areas where I can make plays. I give the credit to Saader (Brandon Saad) and Shawsy (Andrew Shaw).''

[StarDust Bum]

Da Bum's Major League Baseball Best Bets-News,Trends For June !

June Pitchers Report

May 31, 2014


April – May

If it’s June, school is out and so too should the NBA playoffs be concluding sometime later this month… we think. It’s also the time of the season when MLB pitchers look to ace exams in hopes of keeping their teams in the pennant chase. To get a better feel on what to expect, let’s examine their results from exams in the past.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of June. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in June team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each June over the last three years.

Note: * designates pitcher was on this list last year.

I’ll be back next month with July’s Good Month Pitchers. Until then, hey batter, batter…

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Buchholz, Clay (9-0)

The Boston right-hander is in the midst of a horrific season at 2-4 with a Godzilla-sized ERA of 7.02. On May 28 he was placed on the DL for a hyperextended left knee and his return is not known.

Burnett, A. J. (9-4)

After escaping the pressure of the Yankees, Burnett has evolved into a more complete pitcher and really mixes his pitches well. No reason he cannot continue his success of the past this month if he does a better job either working further inside or staying away from left-hand hitters, who are batting .297 against Burnett.

Colon, Bartolo (9-2)

The rotund righty from the Dominican just turned 41 years old and has not had the same kind of success in New York as the past couple of seasons in Oakland. He can have another strong June if he spots his fastball better to hit the catcher’s target.

*Dickey, R. A. (12-4)

While the knuckleballer has not been terrific, he’s lowered his ERA a run and been part of the reason Toronto leapfrogged into first place in the AL East. With the Rogers Centre having the roof open more frequently with summer here, that should add a little more “dance” to Dickey’s main pitch to help his club keep posting wins.

*Sabathia, C. C. (12-4)

The big left-hander was placed on the DL on May 14 with degenerative changes in his right knee and according to manager Joe Girardi, the soonest Sabathia will be back with New York is July.

Scherzer, Max (11-4)

While Scherzer has not been as devastating as he was in 2013, he’s still allowing fewer hits to innings pitched and on pace to have well over 200 strikeouts. Right-hand hitters are right on the Mendoza Line with a .204 batting average against him. Expect the positive results to continue.

*Verlander, Justin (13-5)

It has been unusual season to say the least for Verlander. For the first time since 2008, he’s well below a punch-out per inning (27.2 percent lower) and if he continues to dole out free passes at this rate, he could set a career high for walks. The velocity and command have not been there, will the warmer weather help Verlander heat up, or is something simply not right?

*Wilson, C. J. (13-3)

Though he’s behind the pace that made him a 17-game winner a season ago, Wilson’s other numbers are all better to this point of the season which suggests he could be a big winner the rest of the way. In his past 10 outings he has a sharp 2.54 ERA and he’s devouring those to the left side of the plate in the batter’s box, holding them to a .194 average.

Zimmermann, Jordan (13-3)

The Wisconsin native season has gone like his team, not so hot, surrendering 38 base hits in 26.2 innings in May, not once getting beyond the sixth inning. This is uncharacteristic for Zimmermann who is usually very consistent. Let’s see if he turns it around this month and throws like he has in the past compared to opposing hitter’s raking him for .307 BA this season.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Bailey, Homer (2-9)

The Reds righty might be 5-3 as the month starts, but his winning record will not last long if his ERA is still remains around 5 and opposing batters continue to club him at a .295 BA rate. Bailey’s been like a batting practice pitcher versus lefties, who are hitting an astonishing .380 against him.

*Fister, Doug (3-10)

Fister did not join the Washington rotation until May 9 because of injury and has thrown fairly well to this point. A good chunk of the losses in June were thanks to sorry Seattle clubs he toiled for. But given the Nationals scoring woes and disturbing defense, Fister might have to be great to alter his previous fortunes.

*Guthrie, Jeremy (4-9)

A middle of the rotation starter, Guthrie had a couple poor outings in May to help ‘raise’ his ERA to 4.14; however, he’s also been a victim of lack of run support and should have a better record than 2-4. While it is not a vast number of starts, be aware Guthrie has an ERA of over 6 in day games this season.

*Nolasco, Ricky (4-12)

Minnesota must have no pitching prospects ready to join the big club because how else could you explain starting Nolasco with a 6.12 ERA, with opponents hitting a robust .322 against his very hittable tosses.

*Norris, Bud (4-10)

No hiding from this fact, any baseball bettor would at least consider Norris when he’s pitching at home, but put a road uniform on him and he is 15-32 for his career and definite play against material.

*Sanchez, Anibal (4-8)

Throughout his career, Sanchez has never been a pitcher who has received proper run support. Though the Tigers offense has been solid most of the season, Sanchez has a .500 record with a stellar 2.49 ERA and opposing batters have a feeble .183 BA against him. If Detroit scores, he could reverse past indiscretions. If not, another losing month could occur.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Sunday, June 1

Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:05 ET
LA Kings: 6-0 SU when facing elimination in a playoff series
Chicago: 2-7 SU after 2 straight games where both teams scored 3 goals or more




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, June 1

Since last season, Blackhawks are 13-0 in Games 5-7 of a playoff series; they're 12-5 in last 17 games against the Kings. Chicago scored twice in last 8:26 Friday to tie series, force Game 7 here; they're 37-13 at home this season, 8-1 in playoffs. Los Angeles lost eight of last ten visits here; they're 29-24 on road this season, 6-5 in playoffs. Over is 12-5-4 in Los Angeles playoff games this spring; last five games in this series went over. Overall in playoffs, over is 46-27-13 this season.




NHL

Sunday, June 1

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Los Angeles is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Los Angeles
Chicago is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games


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NHL

Sunday, June 1

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Game of the Day: Kings at Blackhawks
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Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks (-144, 5)

Series is tied 3-3

After being a virtual no-show in the first four contests, Patrick Kane has been all the rage as the Chicago Blackhawks staved off elimination on two separate occasions to send the Western Conference final to a decisive seventh game. The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner looks to continue his sizzling stretch as the defending Stanley Cup-champion Blackhawks host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night. Kane followed a four-point performance by scoring his second goal of the contest with 3:45 remaining in the third period to snap a tie as Chicago skated to a 4-3 road triumph in Game 6 on Friday.

"I'm sure it's fun for the fans to watch, but we know (the Kings are) a resilient group," Kane told the Chicago Sun-Times. "They've won two Game 7s on the road in the first two series. It's going to be a tough one." Should the Blackhawks emerge victorious on Sunday, they would vie for their third Stanley Cup title in five years when they face the Original Six-rival New York Rangers. If Los Angeles avoids suffering a third straight setback for the third time this postseason, the Kings would attempt to secure their second title in three years.

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

LINE HISTORY: Line opened at Blackhawks -144 and moved as high as -151 before falling back to the original line.

INJURY WATCH: Kings: D Robyn Regehr (Out - Knee) Blackhawks: G Nikolai Khabibulin (Out - Shoulder)

ABOUT THE KINGS: Drew Doughty has proven himself to be a winner in his career, collecting gold medals at the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2008 and a pair for Team Canada in the last two Olympic Games - as well as the Stanley Cup title in 2012. The 24-year-old defenseman has also been mammoth in this series, recording three goals and setting up four others in the last five games. "We had two chances to close out this series and we're not going to blow a third one," Doughty said.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Jonathan Toews aptly has been nicknamed "Captain Serious" for his even-keel nature - regardless of the circumstance. "I don’t think anything motivates you like having your back against the wall, potentially walking into a game where your season might end," Toews said with little change in tone. "... We have a chance to stay alive and keep playing hockey for a little while longer." Chicago has done precisely that when series have extended past Game 4 over the last two years - posting a perfect 13-0 mark.

TRENDS:

*Blackhawks are 51-18 in their last 69 home games.
*Over is 4-1 in Kings last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
*Home team is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.
*Kings are 1-7 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago.

CONSENSUS: 64 percent of users are backing the Blackhawks at -144.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Los Angeles at Chicago
The Blackhawks look to clinch the Western Conference title tonight against a Kings team that is 1-7 in its last 8 games at Chicago. Chicago is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Game 27-28: Los Angeles at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.138; Chicago 13.759
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150); Over




NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, June 1

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LOS ANGELES (57-35-0-10, 124 pts.) at CHICAGO (57-26-0-17, 131 pts.) - 6/1/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 13-8 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 13-8-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
11 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.2 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, June 1


Kings look to make it 3-0 in Game 7s

When the puck drops on Game 7 between the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks, the former will have the tough task of winning a third-straight Game 7 during this playoff run.

The Kings were pushed to the limit by the San Jose Sharks in Round 1 and the Anaheim Ducks in Round 2, but were able to prevail in both instances, both of which were road games. Sunday evening's Game 7 - with a ticket to the Stanley Cup on the line - will be another road test for the Kings.

Current odds have the home Blackhawks as -144 faves with the Kings as +133 road dogs.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, June 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Los Angeles - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -144 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Chicago - Over 5 500 *****

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Sun, Jun 1

Final OT

Los Angeles at Chicago

Teams ROT 1 2 3 OT T ML OU

LA 27 2 1 1 1 5 122

CHI 28 3 1 0 0 4 -132 5

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NHL

Monday, June 2


Kings stun Blackhawks in Game 7 overtime

Kings defenseman Matt Greene whipped the puck deep into the Blackhawks’ end of the ice early in overtime of Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday. Teammate Justin Williams hustled after it a nanosecond later and gained control behind the net.

Williams then slipped a pass to defenseman Alec Martinez, who closed quickly from the left point. Martinez snapped a shot toward the net. The puck skimmed past the outstretched stick of teammate Tyler Toffoli, struck Chicago’s Nick Leddy and settled into the net.

Suddenly, silence.

Well, almost. The only sounds in the mammoth United Center just then were the screams and shouts of the victorious Kings, who celebrated Martinez’s goal and a clinching 5-4 win over the Blackhawks that sent them to their second Stanley Cup Final appearance in three seasons.


Los Angeles Kings -155 faves in Stanley Cup Final

According to bet365.com, the Los Angeles Kings are -155 faves to win The Stanley Cup. NHL Futures has the Rangers listed as +135 to hoist Lord Stanley's Mug.

The Rangers, who have not been to the Cup Final since they last won in 1994, run into a scrappy Kings team that has already won three game sevens this post-season. The Kings brought the Cup back to the West Coast just two seasons ago.


Stanley Cup finals schedule

Stanley Cup finals schedule, including television coverage in the United States and Canada. All times EDT:

Game 1, Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m., New York Rangers at Los Angeles, NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 2, Saturday, June 7, 7 p.m., New York Rangers at Los Angeles, NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 3, Monday, June 9, 8 p.m., Los Angeles at New York Rangers, NBCSN, CBC, RDS

Game 4, Wednesday, June 11, 8 p.m., Los Angeles at New York Rangers, NBCSN, CBC, RDS

*Game 5, Friday, June 13, 8 p.m., New York Rangers at Los Angeles, NBC, CBC, RDS

*Game 6, Monday, June 16, 8 p.m., Los Angeles at New York Rangers, NBC, CBC, RDS

*Game 7, Wednesday, June 18, 8 p.m., New York Rangers at Los Angeles, NBC, CBC, RDS

*-if necessary

[StarDust Bum]

Stanley Cup Final Tips

June 2, 2014

Rangers vs. Kings

How they got here: New York was taken to the limit in the each of the first two rounds against Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, while finishing off Montreal in six games of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Rangers rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the second round to stun the Penguins with three straight wins, as New York is headed to its first Stanley Cup Final since 1994.

The Kings were one loss away from elimination in the opening round after falling behind the Sharks, 3-0. Los Angeles stormed back with four straight wins to stun San Jose, 4-3, then needed seven games in the second round to knock out another California rival, beating the Ducks, 4-3. Again in the conference finals, the Kings held off the Blackhawks, 4-3, capped off by a victory in Game 7 on the road. Los Angeles is seeking its second championship in three seasons after beating New Jersey in 2012.

Season series recap: Back in October on New York’s lengthy opening road swing, the Rangers downed the Kings, 3-1 at Staples Center as +130 underdogs. On November 17, the Kings picked up revenge with a 1-0 victory as +105 ‘dogs at Madison Square Garden. Kings’ star goalie Jonathan Quick did not start that shutout, as since departed Ben Scrivens made 37 stops in the Los Angeles net.

Record vs. opposite conference:
Rangers: 14-13-1
Kings: 21-8-3

Recent Stanley Cup Final history: The Western Conference champion has hoisted the Cup in five of the past seven championship rounds, including each of the last two seasons (Chicago 2013 and Los Angeles 2012). The last four-game sweep came in 1998 when the Red Wings finished off the Capitals. Each of the last five Stanley Cup Finals have gone at least six games, with the Final in 2009 and 2011 going the distance.

Series price:
Los Angeles: -165
New York: +140

Exact Game Odds courtesy of Sportsbook.ag:

Rangers in 4: 12/1
Rangers in 5: 6/1
Rangers in 6: 9/2
Rangers in 7: 5/1

Kings in 4: 10/1
Kings in 5: 7/2
Kings in 6: 4/1
Kings in 7: 3/1

[StarDust Bum]

Three big betting trends for the NHL Stanley Cup final

Moneyline favorites are a perfect 7-0 SU in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final since 2007.

The Stanley Cup final not only marks the final journey for two teams looking to become NHL champions, it also represents the final game action for bettors before the start of the three-month offseason.

Bettors will note several interesting trends - not only those involving the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers, but those relating to previous Stanley Cup championships. And if past history in either case continues in this year's title showdown, following the trends could pay handsomely.

Here are three trends going into this year's Stanley Cup final:

Favorites Dominate Game 1

The favored team has been automatic since 2007 when it comes to setting the tone, going a perfect 7-0 SU in Game 1. The favorites ranged from a narrow -107, the moneyline the Kings cashed in on with their 2-1 win over New Jersey in the 2012 Stanley Cup opener, to the -188 pricetag the Vancouver Canucks converted in their 1-0 triumph over Boston in the 2011 championship curtain raiser. The Under has also been a strong play in Game 1, with Chicago's 4-3 overtime win over Boston in last year's Stanley Cup opener representing just the second Over in the past seven Game 1s.

Unders Lead the Way

The trend of fewer goals being scored later in the postseason really takes hold in the final, where the Under has been the predominant play for the better part of the previous seven Stanley Cup series. Teams have amassed a 15-24-4 O/U mark in those contests, with the Boston Bruins-Vancouver Canucks seven-game thriller in 2010 (5-1-0 O/U) serving as the only outlier in that time. The Under has been a particularly strong play over the previous two Stanley Cup finals, coming through in eight of the 12 games.

Kings of the Overs

Los Angeles has had a wild ride to the final - rallying from a 3-0 first-round deficit against San Jose and needing Game 7 victories to win each of its first three series. But the most amazing development in the Kings' quest to win a second Stanley Cup may be the extent to which it has bucked its incredible regular-season O/U trend.

Los Angeles had the best Under mark in the league at 22-41 O/U - thanks in large part to the league's best goals-against total - but has turned that on its face in the postseason, going 13-5-3 O/U entering the final. That includes six straight Overs to end its conference final win over Chicago.

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NHL
Dunkel

NY Rangers at Los Angeles
The Kings advanced to the Stanley Cup final with a 6-5 win over the Blackhawks in overtime and face a New York team that is 5-0 in its last 5 games when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in the previous game. New York is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: New York (+130). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

Game 51-52: NY Rangers at Los Angeles (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 13.397; Los Angeles 12.489
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+130); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, June 4

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NY RANGERS (57-38-0-7, 121 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (58-35-0-10, 126 pts.) - 6/4/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 24-15 ATS (+8.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NY RANGERS are 19-11 ATS (+7.2 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 12-4 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 10-3 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 2-1-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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NHL

Wednesday, June 4

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. LOS ANGELES
NY Rangers are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

Conn Smythe Odds

June 3, 2014

Conn Smythe Trophy Odds (Stanley Cup MVP) courtesy of Sportsbook.ag

Henrik Lundqvist (Rangers) 5/2
Drew Doughty (Kings) 7/2
Anze Kopitar (Kings) 7/2
Jonathan Quick (Kings) 4/1
Martin St. Louis (Rangers) 6/1
Jeff Carter (Kings) 8/1
Marian Gaborik (Kings) 18/1
Ryan McDonagh (Rangers) 25/1
Brian Boyle (Rangers) 30/1
Brad Richards (Rangers) 30/1
Justin Williams (Kings) 30/1
Mike Richards (Kings) 30/1
Derek Stepan (Rangers) 35/1
Dustin Brown (Kings) 35/1
Tyler Toffoli (Kings) 40/1
Rick Nash (Rangers) 40/1
Jake Muzzin (Kings) 40/1

Since 2006, only three goalies have won this award (Cam Ward 2006, Tim Thomas 2011, Jonathan Quick 2012). Since the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994, only four defenseman have claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy as L.A.'s Drew Doughty is listed at 7/2 odds to win this award.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, June 4

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Rangers - 8:00 PM ET Los Angeles -150 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Los Angeles - Over 5 500 TRIPLE PLAY