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NHL Western Conference playoff betting preview: Round 1
The Anaheim Ducks are the best of a crowded lot atop the Western Conference playoffs. Anaheim wrapped a sensational season with a conference-best 54 victories and 116 points, but face a challenging road to the Stanley Cup final. Colorado, San Jose and St. Louis all finished with more than 110 points while Chicago and Los Angeles rounded out the 100-point club.
Here's our Western Conference playoff preview:
Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars
Season series: Stars won 2-1 SU, 2-1 over/under
Series prices: Ducks -185, Stars +165
Why bet the Ducks: Anaheim's 1-2 punch of center Ryan Getzlaf (87 points) and winger Corey Perry (82) finished second and fifth, respectively, in league scoring and guided the Ducks to the second-best offense in the NHL (266 goals). The Ducks tied St. Louis for the No. 2 goal differential in the league at plus-57, and finished the season on a high, reeling off four consecutive victories to corral the No. 1 seed in the West.
Why bet the Stars: Dallas gave the Ducks all sorts of problems in the regular season, winning two of three meetings and handing Anaheim one of its worst losses of the season - a 6-3 defeat back on Nov. 26. The Stars were one of the toughest home foes in the entire league, posting a 23-11-7 mark in their own building. Forward Tyler Seguin, who enjoyed a breakout season with 37 goals, could make life miserable for the Ducks defense.
San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings
Season series: Kings won 3-2 SU, 1-2-2 over/under
Series prices: Sharks -145, Kings +125
Why bet the Sharks: No team in the West won more games in their own arena than the Sharks, who tied Anaheim with 29 home victories while earning 63 of a possible 82 points there. Offensive stars Joe Pavelski (41 goals, third-best in NHL) and Joe Thornton (65 assists, second) paced a potent attack that produced the fourth-most goals in the conference, while Antti Niemi (39-17-7, 2.39 GAA, .913 SV%) starred in goal.
Why bet the Kings: Los Angeles had San Jose's number in the regular season, losing just once in regulation while limiting them to just three goals in their final three encounters. The Kings' stout defense and goaltending limited opponents to the fewest goals in the conference (174) by a sizeable margin - and was particularly stingy after the Olympic break, allowing an average of 1.91 goals per contest.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
Season series: Avalanche won 4-1 SU, 2-2-1 over/under
Series prices: Avalanche -135, Wild +115
Why bet the Avalanche: No team in the NHL had a better road mark than Colorado, which went 26-11-4 away from home - mirroring its record at the Pepsi Center. Few clubs in the conference boast the balanced scoring of the Avalanche; five players reached the 20-goal plateau, while another five scored between 10 and 19 goals. Netminder Semyon Varlamov (41-14-6, 2.41 GAA, .927 SV%) emerged as a Vezina Trophy candidate.
Why bet the Wild: Minnesota comes into the post-season with plenty of momentum, having gone 6-1-1 to close out the regular season. Enigmatic goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was sensational down the stretch, allowing two goals or fewer in five straight games bridging March and April - including consecutive shutouts over Pittsburgh and Winnipeg. If he outplays Varlamov, the Wild have a chance at the upset.
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Season series: Blues win 3-2 SU, 2-3 over/under
Series prices: Blues -115, Blackhawks -105
Why bet the Blues: St. Louis positioned itself as a force throughout the regular season thanks to a well-balanced offense and a stingy defense before collapsing down the stretch to see its chances of the No. 1 seed disappear. Netminder Ryan Miller is better than his 0-5-0 record over the final nine days suggests, and the Blues' special teams (eighth in power-play %, second in penalty-kill %) gives them a big advantage in non-5-on-5 situations.
Why bet the Blackhawks: The defending champions know what is required to succeed over the gruelling Stanley Cup playoff stretch, and were able to allow star forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to recover from injury - and earn some extra rest - heading into the post-season. Chicago boasts one of the league's top offenses (3.2 goals per game), and a rejuvenated Toews and Kane may tilt the series in Chicago's favor. -
NHL Eastern Conference playoff betting preview: Round 1
The Boston Bruins are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference after capturing the Presidents' Trophy with 54 wins and 117 points. The 2012 Stanley Cup champions will look to make their third final appearance in four seasons, but could face some stiff competition from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens.
Here's our Eastern Conference first-round playoff preview:
Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings
Season series: Red Wings won 3-1 SU, 1-2-1 over/under
Series prices: Bruins -300, Red Wings +240
Why bet the Bruins: Boston was the class of the league at both ends of the ice, finishing third in the NHL with 261 goals for while surrendering the second-fewest goals against (177). That plus-84 differential was 42 better than any other team in the East; Detroit was a -8 by comparison. Add in the Bruins' 31-7-3 home mark and it's clear they're the team to beat in the East.
Why bet the Red Wings: Detroit gave the powerhouse Bruins one of the toughest times of any team in the league, winning three of four regular-season meetings while outscoring Boston 13-10 over that stretch. The Red Wings handed the Bruins one of their seven regulation home losses while posting an admirable 18-13-10 mark at Joe Louis Arena. If Detroit can steal one of the first two games, it may be able to pull off the upset.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
Season series: Lightning won 3-1 SU, 0-4 over/under
Series prices: Lightning -120, Canadiens +100
Why bet the Lightning: Tampa Bay not only dominated the head-to-head series with the Canadiens, it surged past Montreal for home-ice advantage on the strength of a season-ending four-game winning streak. Electrifying forward Steven Stamkos scored 25 goals in 37 regular-season games and appears to have recovered nicely from his broken leg, while rookie Ondrej Palat surprised most with a 59-point freshman campaign.
Why bet the Canadiens: Bet against Carey Price at your peril. Price solidified his place as one of the world's top big-game netminder in leading Canada to gold at the Sochi Olympics in February, and put together a solid regular season (34-20-5, 2.32 GAA, .927 SV%) despite struggling with consistency. Max Pacioretty finished the year with nine goals over his final 11 games, and his 39 on the year ranked him fourth in the NHL.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Season series: Penguins won 5-0 SU, 3-2 over/under
Series prices: Penguins -235, Blue Jackets +195
Why bet the Penguins: Pittsburgh dominated the head-to-head series in 2013-14, winning all five meetings - three by more than one goal. The Penguins have the league's scoring leader in Sidney Crosby and a host of other scoring options at their disposal, while finishing in the top-five league-wide in power-play success (first, 23.4 percent) and penalty-killing efficiency (fifth, 85 percent).
Why bet the Blue Jackets: Marc-Andre Fleury may not wear a Columbus jersey, but he could be the Blue Jackets' biggest asset. The Pittsburgh netminder has a notoriously poor postseason track record - punctuated by a 4.63 goals-against average in 2011-12 and a 3.52 GAA last year - and has been a popular lightning rod for fans who have seen their team go five years without reaching the final.
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Season series: Tied 2-2 SU, 1-2-1 over/under
Series prices: Rangers -145, Flyers +125
Why bet the Rangers: New York's perennially underrated defense is no longer going unnoticed: the Rangers were one of only two East teams to allow fewer than 200 goals this season, leading to a plus-25 goal differential that tied Tampa Bay for third in the conference. New York also boasted an impressive 25-14-2 mark away from Madison Square Garden, making it a dangerous foe both at home and on the road.
Why bet the Flyers: The Philadelphia offense caught fire at just the right time, finishing second only to the Bruins in goals per game after the Olympic break (3.22) while scoring the sixth-most power-play goals (16) in that span. Superstar forward Claude Giroux finished third in league scoring with 86 points and gives the Flyers a decided edge in scoring; Rangers deadline acquisition Martin St. Louis has just eight points in 19 games with New York.Comment
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Wednesday's American League betting cheat sheet
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Wednesday's American League games:
Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles ()
Hot pitching stat: The Rays are 8-2 in left-hander David Price's last 10 road starts against teams with losing records.
Hot batting stat: Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters is a .368 career hitter in 38 at-bats against Price.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-40s with clear skies and wind blowing in from left field at 14 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 9-1 in Orioles starter Chris Tillman's last 10 starts on four days rest.
Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers ()
Hot pitching stat: Indians right-hander Danny Salazar has racked up 14 strikeouts over his first 9 1/3 innings of the season.
Cold batting stat: Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis is 0-for-10 with six strikeouts against Detroit starter Drew Smyly.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-30s under partly cloudy skies with wind blowing in from left-center field at 11 mph.
Key betting note: Over is 4-0 in Salazar's last four starts against division foes.
Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers ()
Hot pitching stat: Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish has collected 15 strikeouts in 15 scoreless innings to open the season.
Cold batting stat: Texas outfielder Alex Rios is 7-for-32 with 12 strikeouts lifetime versus Mariners ace Felix Hernandez.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s under partly cloudy skies with wind blowing in from right-center field at 11 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 6-1-1 in Hernandez's last eight Wednesday starts.
Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox ()
Cold pitching stat: Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz has surrendered 10 runs in 10 1/3 innings through his first two starts.
Hot batting stat: White Sox slugger Paul Konerko is 7-for-15 with a homer in his career against Buchholz.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s with partly cloudy skies and wind blowing from right to left field at 16 mph.
Key betting note: Boston is 23-5 in Buchholz's last 28 starts against the American League Central.
Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins ()
Hot pitching stat: Toronto is 5-1 in knuckleballer R.A. Dickey's last six starts on five days rest.
Cold batting stat: Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion is 1-for-12 lifetime against Twins starter Mike Pelfrey.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-30s with an 81 percent chance of snow and wind blowing from left to right field at 11 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 6-1 in Dickey's last seven starts on grass.
Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros ()
Cold pitching stat: Houston is just 1-2 in left-hander Dallas Keuchel's last 13 starts on five days rest.
Hot batting stat: Royals outfielder Norichika Aoki is 3-for-8 with four RBIs versus Keuchel.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s under partly cloudy skies with wind blowing out to left field at 9 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 9-1-1 in Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie's last 11 road outings.
Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels ()
Hot pitching stat: Athletics are 5-1 in starter Tommy Milone's last six road outings versus teams with losing records.
Cold batting stat: Angels outfielder Mike Trout is 3-for-16 with six strikeouts in his career against Milone.
Weather: Sunny skies are in the forecast with temperatures in the mid-60s and wind blowing out to center field at 6 mph.
Key betting note: Over is 11-4 in umpire Tim Timmons' last 15 games behind home plate.
Interleague
Chicago Cubs at New York Yankees, Game 1 ()
Hot pitching stat: Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka has racked up 18 strikeouts through his first 14 major-league innings.
Hot batting stat: Yankees second baseman Brian Roberts has seven hits in 17 lifetime at-bats versus Cubs righty Jason Hammel.
Weather: Clear skies are expected with temperatures in the mid-40s and wind blowing from left to right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Over is 7-0 in Chicago's last seven games.
Chicago Cubs at New York Yankees, Game 2 ()
Hot pitching stat: Cubs left-hander Travis Wood has struck out 17 batters in just 12 1/3 innings to open the campaign.
Hot batting stat: Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran is 6-for-20 with a homer against Wood.
Weather: Clear skies are expected with temperatures in the mid-40s and wind blowing from left to right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 5-0-1 in Wood's last six road starts.
** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 12:20 p.m. ET Tuesday.Comment
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Wednesday's National League betting cheat sheet
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Wednesday's National League games:
Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds ()
Cold pitching stat: Pittsburgh is 2-5 in left-hander Francisco Liriano's last seven starts on four days rest.
Cold batting stat: Members of the Pirates' roster are hitting just .189 in 148 at-bats versus Reds starter Johnny Cueto.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-50s with partly cloudy skies and wind blowing in from center field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 9-2 in Cueto's last 11 turns in the third game of a series.
St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers ()
Hot pitching stat: Brewers right-hander Wily Peralta allowed two runs on four hits over seven innings to earn the win in his previous start.
Hot batting stat: Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter is 5-for-9 with a home run lifetime against Peralta.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s under partly cloudy skies with wind blowing in from right field at 16 mph.
Key betting note: St. Louis is 9-2 in starter Joe Kelly's last 11 starts on four days rest.
New York Mets at Arizona Diamondbacks ()
Cold pitching stat: Arizona is 1-5 in starter Brandon McCarthy's last six home starts.
Cold batting stat: Diamondbacks infielder Martin Prado has just four hits in 23 all-time at-bats versus Mets starter Dillon Gee.
Weather: Sunny skies are in the forecast with temperatures approaching 90 and wind blowing out to right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Over is 9-2-1 in Gee's last 12 starts against the National League West.
Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies ()
Cold pitching stat: Phillies starter A.J. Burnett has allowed 11 runs and issued 14 free passes in 16 innings so far in 2014.
Cold batting stat: Braves outfielder B.J. Upton is 9-for-46 with 17 strikeouts in his career versus Burnett.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-40s with clear skies and wind blowing in from right field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 10-4 in Atlanta starter Julio Teheran's last 14 outings against division opponents.
Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins ()
Hot pitching stat: Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA in two career starts against the Nationals.
Cold batting stat: Washington infielder Ian Desmond is 0-for-6 and has struck out five times against Fernandez.
Weather: Fans face a 30 percent chance of rain with temperatures in the high-70s and wind blowing in from right field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: The Marlins are 7-0 in Fernandez's last seven starts against teams with winning records.
Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres ()
Hot pitching stat: Padres starter Andrew Cashner has held opposing hitters to a .137 average through three starts.
Cold batting stat: San Diego third baseman Chase Headley is batting .222 with 11 strikeouts in 36 at-bats against Colorado starter Jorge De La Rosa.
Weather: Partly cloudy skies are expected with temperatures in the low-to-mid-60s and wind blowing out to right-center field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: Colorado is 10-2 in De La Rosa's previous 12 starts against the National League West.
Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants ()
Cold pitching stat: Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong has surrendered eight runs over nine innings in his first two starts.
Hot/Cold batting stat: Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez has just two hits in 15 career at-bats against Vogelsong.
Weather: Sunny skies are in the forecast with temperatures in the high-50s and wind blowing out to center field at 8 mph.
Key betting note: Under is 4-1 in Vogelsong's last five home starts versus Los Angeles.
** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 12:50 p.m. ET Tuesday.Comment
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Three goalies who could lead their teams to the Stanley Cup
The quest for the Stanley Cup often comes down to which team has the hottest goaltender - and this year will be no exception.
With several teams sporting sensational netminding, don't be surprised to see a handful of under-the-radar clubs make some noise on the way to the Stanley Cup final. And if past history is any indication, all it takes to swing a series is a goalie on a hot streak.
Here are three teams that could steal a series or two on the strength of their sensational goaltending (Stanley Cup odds courtesy Bet365):
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings (+1,400)
Quick is no stranger to the Stanley Cup grind, having led the Kings to an unlikely Stanley Cup championship in 2012 on the strength of some eye-popping play (16-4, 1.41 goals-against average, .946 save percentage). The 28 year old was nearly as good last year, posting a 1.86 GAA and a .934 save percentage, but didn't get much help from his offense. Yet, as Quick has proven in the past, he doesn't need much goal-scoring in front of him to steal a win. And that should scare his opponents, starting with the San Jose Sharks in Round 1.
Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens (+2,000)
Price has already faced big-game pressure this year, leading Team Canada to gold at the Sochi Olympics in February. He carried that momentum into the closing weeks of the season, going 8-3-0 with a 2.28 GAA, a .932 save percentage and two shutouts in 11 starts after the tournament. Price faces more pressure than most of his peers thanks to the rabid Montreal fan base, but he has already proven his big-game mettle and has certainly been playing well enough to do it again.
Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets (+5,000)
The Blue Jackets won't be favored in many categories ahead of their first-round matchup with the powerhouse Pittsburgh Penguins, but they should be able to measure up in the goaltending department. Bobrovsky had another terrific season and the defending Vezina Trophy winner, was especially dangerous down the stretch, going 5-1-1 with a 1.82 GAA and a .945 save percentage in April. With the Penguins' Marc-Andre Fleury a notoriously shaky goalie in the postseason, don't be surprised to see Columbus make things interesting thanks to the play between the pipes.Comment
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Baseball Crusher
Miami Marlins -142 over Washington Nationals
(System Record: 10-0, won last 2 games)
Overall Record: 10-6
Hockey Crusher
Anaheim Ducks -160 over Dallas Stars
(System Record: 91-4, lost last game)
Overall Record: 91-73-1
Basketball Crusher
Chicago Bulls +1 over Charlotte Bobcats
(System Record: 78-8, won last 6 games)
Overall Record: 78-85-5
Soccer Crusher
Estudiantes LP + River Plate UNDER 2
This match is happening in Argentina
(System Record: 553-20, lost last game)
Overall Record: 553-474-81
Here are the rest of his baseball, hockey and basketball plays for today...
Baseball
San Diego Padres -139 over Colorado RockiesSeattle Mariners +112 over Texas
Oakland Athletics +102 over Los Angeles Angels
Hockey
Pittsburgh Penguins -175 over Columbus
Montreal Canadiens +109 over Tampa
Dallas Stars + Anaheim Ducks UNDER 5.5
Basketball
Utah Jazz + Minnesota Timberwolves OVER 211.5
Memphis Grizzlies + Dallas Mavericks UNDER 190
Chicago Bulls + Charlotte Bobcats OVER 181.5Comment
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Denver Money NHL Playoff Series Plays
Ah playoff time is here and I love to bet on some playoff hockey.
This year I wanted to go ahead and post who I think is going to win each series. The 2* plays are the ones I am personally playing
2* Tampa Bay Lightning -115
2* St. Louis Blues -125
2* New York Rangers -140 ( I had this team getting deep this year and I still think they can make a run)
1* Dallas Stars +170
1* Colorado Avalanche -150
1* Pittsburgh Penguins -265
1* LA Kings +120
1/2* Boston Bruins -340 ( I think this line is too damn high personally)Comment
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Today's MLB Picks
Seattle at Texas
The Mariners look to bounce back from yesterday's 5-0 loss to the Rangers and come into today's contest with an 8-1 record in their last 9 games following a defeat. Seattle is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Mariners favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+110). Here are all of today's picks.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. ESTGame 901-902: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Liriano) 14.892; Cincinnati (Cueto) 16.386
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 7
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-135); UnderGame 903-904: St. Louis at Milwaukee (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Kelly) 16.774; Milwaukee (Peralta) 15.660
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+100); OverGame 905-906: NY Mets at Arizona (3:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 15.762; Arizona (McCarthy) 13.660
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Arizona (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); OverGame 907-908: Atlanta at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Teheran) 15.602; Philadelphia (Lee) 14.104
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-120); UnderGame 909-910: Washington at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Roark) 15.713; Miami (Fernandez) 14.805
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (-150); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+130); OverGame 911-912: Colorado at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 14.953; San Diego (Cashner) 16.264
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-155); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-155); UnderGame 913-914: LA Dodgers at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Maholm) 14.918; San Francisco (Vogelsong) 16.228
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-115); OverGame 915-916: Tampa Bay at Baltimore (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Odirizzi) 13.995; Baltimore (Gonzalez) 15.037
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+105); OverGame 917-918: Cleveland at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (McAllister) 14.476; Detroit (Sanchez) 16.037
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-160); OverGame 919-920: Seattle at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 16.137; Texas (Darvish) 15.032
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+110); UnderGame 921-922: Kansas City at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Guthrie) 13.584; Houston (Keuchel) 14.677
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+115); OverGame 923-924: Toronto at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Dickey) 16.196; Minnesota (Pelfrey) 14.660
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-145); UnderGame 925-926: Boston at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Buchholz) 15.758; White Sox (Danks) 14.350
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-150); UnderGame 927-928: Oakland at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Milone) 16.985; LA Angels (Skaggs) 15.980
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+100); OverGame 929-930: Chicago Cubs at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wood) 15.204; NY Yankees (Pineda) 14.586
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/AGame 931-932: Chicago Cubs at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Hammel) 14.212; NY Yankees (Tanaka) 15.813
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-210); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-210); UnderComment
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Wednesday's NHL playoffs betting news and notes
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (-119, 5)
Carey Price tuned up for the playoffs with a 41-save shutout - his sixth of the season - in a 1-0 victory over the New York Rangers in the season finale en route to posting a career-best .927 save percentage, but he'll need help from an offense that received a jolt with the trade-deadline acquisition of Thomas Vanek from the New York Islanders. The Canadiens' top line of Vanek, Max Pacioretty (career-high 39 goals) and David Desharnais combined for 18 tallies and 23 assists in 41 games.
The biggest question mark for the Lightning is the health of starting goaltender Ben Bishop, who missed the final three contests of the regular season and will not be available for at least Game 1. Anders Lindback was magnificent in his place, going 3-0-0 and earning the NHL's First Star of the Week. Lindback allowed only two goals in his last three appearances and registered his only shutout of the campaign by blanking Washington in the regular-season finale.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Canadiens are 9-1 in their last 10 games vs. the Atlantic Division.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (-174, 5.5)
Columbus' previous playoff experience was over in the blink of an eye as Detroit unceremoniously swept the Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2009 postseason. The 21-year-old Ryan Johansen obviously was not involved in that series, but he would like a longer stay for Columbus this time around as he enters the series with a team-leading 33 goals and 63 points.
Former Hart Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin (foot) joined fellow injured center Joe Vitale (mid-body) on the ice for Tuesday's practice, but Bylsma wasn't making any declarations about either player's availability. Sidney Crosby scored two goals and set up five others in the season series, registering a three-point performance (one tally, two assists) in his team's 5-3 win on Dec. 29.
TRENDS:
* Over is 12-5 in the last 17 meetings.
* Blue Jackets are 1-6 in their last seven meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Blue Jackets are 0-6 in the last six meetings.
Dallas Stars vs. Anaheim Ducks (-163, 5.5)
Check back later for more info.
TRENDS:
* Over is 13-5 in the last 18 meetings in Anaheim.
* Stars are 13-5 in their last 18 games vs. the Pacific.
* Ducks are 5-1 in their last six games vs. the Central.Comment
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StatFox Super Situations
PHOENIX at SACRAMENTO
Play Against - Home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (SACRAMENTO) off a close home win by 3 points or less, with a losing record 76-37 since 1997. ( 67.3% | 35.3 units ) 1-2 this year. ( 33.3% | -1.2 units )
PHILADELPHIA at MIAMI
Play Against - Favorites of 6 or more points vs. the first half line (MIAMI) very good shooting team - shooting >=48% on the season, averaging 48 or less rebounds/game on the season 65-30 since 1997. ( 68.4% | 32.0 units ) 8-5 this year. ( 61.5% | 2.5 units )Comment
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StatFox Super Situations
TAMPA BAY at BALTIMORE
Play Against - All teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (TAMPA BAY) with a team batting average of .265 or worse on the season (AL), after a loss by 6 runs or more 174-105 over the last 5 seasons. ( 62.4% | 61.0 units ) 2-1 this year. ( 66.7% | 1.0 units )
StatFox Situational Power Trends
CLEVELAND at DETROIT
CLEVELAND is 53-25 (+31.4 Units) against the money line vs. teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was: CLEVELAND (5.0) , OPPONENT (3.6)Comment
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Paul Leiner
100* Rangers -120
100* Marlins -140
50* Reds -125Comment
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Brit Bull
Argentina soccer:
3* Rosario Central PK -137
1* Real-Barcelona U3.25Comment
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