Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack
-- Its worth price of Extra Innings package just to watch Giancarlo Stanton take his hacks at the plate, but if Miami doesn't put a decent hitter behind him, he's going to wind up walking 150 times. Or more.
-- St Louis Blues scored with 0:06 left, beat Chicago in OT for second game in a row, as NHL playoffs prove once again to be a tremendous show.
-- Five defensemen scored in that game, first time that happened in a playoff game since May 3, 1994.
-- Greedy bastard update: they raised price to $3.89 a gallon at the Mobil station closest to my house, $3.87 at one a mile away. Oil company execs are thieves.
-- Cole Hamels is coming off DL to make his first start of the year Wednesday in Los Angeles. Struggling Phillies can use him.
-- Miami Marlins have 588 bobbleheads in their Bobblehead Museum, which has to be great fun to walk through and look at.
*****
Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday.......
13) One of the weird effects instant replay is having on baseball is that fielders are now keeping tags on sliding players at all times, in the hope that the runner will briefly slide off the base and be declared out after a replay review.
You'll probably wind up seeing an increased emphasis on sliding in spring training next year; anything that improves fundamentals is good.
12) Masai Ujiri is the GM of the Toronto Raptors; he's good at his job, having done very good work for the Nuggets until moving to Toronto last summer, but he put his foot in his mouth when he shouted "(Eff) Brooklyn!!!" during a pregame rally Saturday. People carry recording devices everywhere now. Whoops.
Apparently the Raptors took offense to Brooklyn tanking games so they could play the Raptors instead of the Chicago Bulls. Now everyone is offended-- great!!!!
11) In Yu Darvish's first three starts this season, the scores after the fifth inning have been 0-0/0-0/0-2-- the Rangers haven't scored for him in the first five innings.
10) If you're a college football fan watching these spring scrimmages, do you want your team's offense to score a lot of points? After all, the defense knows what the plays are; if they can't stop them, how good can they be?
9) Red Sox closer Koji Uehara went 42.2 innings in between walks. Wow.
8) San Francisco Giants have 13 pitchers, 12 batters on their roster right now, so manager Bruce Bochy doesn't have lot of moves to make, considering the backup catcher usually doesn't get into games, so that makes it three position player subs, and they pinch-hit for pitchers in NL games.
7) Marshall transfer Kareem Canty, who scored 16.3 ppg as a freshman LY, will be playing for Auburn in two years, as Bruce Pearl acts quickly to shore up Tigers' talent base. Think of how well Iowa State did with DeAndre Kane this past year, another Marshall transfer.
6) This is how far BJ Upton's career has slipped; I'm in a 16-team keeper fantasy league with 25 guys on a team, 26 if you have someone on the DL; its a pretty deep league, but no one has Upton. There are guys in the freakin' Southern League that are on teams in our league, but no BJ, he's been that bad.
5) NBA salary cap is going up $5M next year; I'm not kidding when I say the NBA is way more popular around the world than it is here- they're making a killing all over the world, they just can't get people in Atlanta or Detroit to come to games.
4) Brooklyn Nets are an old team, so the hideously drawn out playoff schedule has to help them a lot; if the series goes seven games, Game 7 will be fifteen days after Game 1. Lot of days to rest in between games.
3) Miami Marlins are 5-1 vs lefty pitchers, 3-9 vs righties.
2) Washington manager Matt Williams yanked Bryce Harper for jogging to first after he bounced back to the pitcher Saturday. Harper is supposedly nursing a leg injury, so there has to be more to it than just that. Williams is a rookie manager who was a very good player-- this will be interesting to watch moving forward.
1) So the Orioles-Red Sox play on ESPN Sunday night, then at 11am Monday, in the annual Patriot Day game? What genius thought this was a good idea? They did move the Sunday night game up an hour to 7:00, but still.....
-- Its worth price of Extra Innings package just to watch Giancarlo Stanton take his hacks at the plate, but if Miami doesn't put a decent hitter behind him, he's going to wind up walking 150 times. Or more.
-- St Louis Blues scored with 0:06 left, beat Chicago in OT for second game in a row, as NHL playoffs prove once again to be a tremendous show.
-- Five defensemen scored in that game, first time that happened in a playoff game since May 3, 1994.
-- Greedy bastard update: they raised price to $3.89 a gallon at the Mobil station closest to my house, $3.87 at one a mile away. Oil company execs are thieves.
-- Cole Hamels is coming off DL to make his first start of the year Wednesday in Los Angeles. Struggling Phillies can use him.
-- Miami Marlins have 588 bobbleheads in their Bobblehead Museum, which has to be great fun to walk through and look at.
*****
Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday.......
13) One of the weird effects instant replay is having on baseball is that fielders are now keeping tags on sliding players at all times, in the hope that the runner will briefly slide off the base and be declared out after a replay review.
You'll probably wind up seeing an increased emphasis on sliding in spring training next year; anything that improves fundamentals is good.
12) Masai Ujiri is the GM of the Toronto Raptors; he's good at his job, having done very good work for the Nuggets until moving to Toronto last summer, but he put his foot in his mouth when he shouted "(Eff) Brooklyn!!!" during a pregame rally Saturday. People carry recording devices everywhere now. Whoops.
Apparently the Raptors took offense to Brooklyn tanking games so they could play the Raptors instead of the Chicago Bulls. Now everyone is offended-- great!!!!
11) In Yu Darvish's first three starts this season, the scores after the fifth inning have been 0-0/0-0/0-2-- the Rangers haven't scored for him in the first five innings.
10) If you're a college football fan watching these spring scrimmages, do you want your team's offense to score a lot of points? After all, the defense knows what the plays are; if they can't stop them, how good can they be?
9) Red Sox closer Koji Uehara went 42.2 innings in between walks. Wow.
8) San Francisco Giants have 13 pitchers, 12 batters on their roster right now, so manager Bruce Bochy doesn't have lot of moves to make, considering the backup catcher usually doesn't get into games, so that makes it three position player subs, and they pinch-hit for pitchers in NL games.
7) Marshall transfer Kareem Canty, who scored 16.3 ppg as a freshman LY, will be playing for Auburn in two years, as Bruce Pearl acts quickly to shore up Tigers' talent base. Think of how well Iowa State did with DeAndre Kane this past year, another Marshall transfer.
6) This is how far BJ Upton's career has slipped; I'm in a 16-team keeper fantasy league with 25 guys on a team, 26 if you have someone on the DL; its a pretty deep league, but no one has Upton. There are guys in the freakin' Southern League that are on teams in our league, but no BJ, he's been that bad.
5) NBA salary cap is going up $5M next year; I'm not kidding when I say the NBA is way more popular around the world than it is here- they're making a killing all over the world, they just can't get people in Atlanta or Detroit to come to games.
4) Brooklyn Nets are an old team, so the hideously drawn out playoff schedule has to help them a lot; if the series goes seven games, Game 7 will be fifteen days after Game 1. Lot of days to rest in between games.
3) Miami Marlins are 5-1 vs lefty pitchers, 3-9 vs righties.
2) Washington manager Matt Williams yanked Bryce Harper for jogging to first after he bounced back to the pitcher Saturday. Harper is supposedly nursing a leg injury, so there has to be more to it than just that. Williams is a rookie manager who was a very good player-- this will be interesting to watch moving forward.
1) So the Orioles-Red Sox play on ESPN Sunday night, then at 11am Monday, in the annual Patriot Day game? What genius thought this was a good idea? They did move the Sunday night game up an hour to 7:00, but still.....
NHL
Dunkel
Los Angeles at San Jose
The Kings look to bounce back from their 6-3 loss to the Sharks in Game 1 and come into tonight's contest with a 17-8 record in their last 22 games following a defeat by 3 or more goals. Los Angeles is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+125). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Game 77-78: Philadelphia at NY Rangers (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.843; NY Rangers 10.754
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+150); Over
Game 79-80: Detroit at Boston (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.599; Boston 12.978
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-240); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-240); Under
Game 81-82: Tampa Bay at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.661; Montreal 12.122
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-160); Over
Game 83-84: Los Angeles at San Jose (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.339; San Jose 11.266
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+125); Under
NHL
Long Sheet
Sunday, April 20
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PHILADELPHIA (42-31-0-10, 94 pts.) at NY RANGERS (46-31-0-6, 98 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 12:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 15-17 ATS (-7.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NY RANGERS are 187-188 ATS (-105.1 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 105-109 ATS (-66.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 111-115 ATS (-62.0 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 0-7 ATS (-9.2 Units) when leading in a playoff series over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 92-97 ATS (-34.5 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 100-106 ATS (-72.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 13-21 ATS (-19.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 12-3 (+8.8 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 12-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETROIT (40-28-0-15, 95 pts.) at BOSTON (54-20-0-9, 117 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 68-37 ATS (+106.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 2-6 ATS (-9.6 Units) in April games this season.
BOSTON is 168-142 ATS (-46.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BOSTON is 78-73 ATS (-61.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-1 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-1-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.9 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAMPA BAY (46-28-0-10, 102 pts.) at MONTREAL (48-28-0-8, 104 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 48-36 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 21-15 ATS (-0.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-5 ATS (+17.5 Units) in road games in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 10-1 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games when trailing in a playoff series since 1996.
MONTREAL is 5-18 ATS (-19.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 7-5 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 7-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES (46-29-0-8, 100 pts.) at SAN JOSE (52-22-0-9, 113 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 13-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) after a division game this season.
SAN JOSE is 14-2 ATS (+10.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 106-67 ATS (-9.1 Units) in April games since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 31-14 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN JOSE is 15-4 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 60-50 ATS (+119.8 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 75-74 ATS (-50.4 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 11-10-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Sunday, April 20
Home side won all five Ranger-Flyer games this season; Philly lost last nine visits to MSG. Rangers won five of last six home games; they scored twice in 0:47 span of third period in Gamne 1, when they were 2-6 on power play, Flyers just 0-1. Under is 5-0-2 in New York's last seven games. Flyers lost three of last four and eight of last 12 games- they were outshot 13-1 in third period of Game 1, 36-15 for game. Over is 6-0-1 in Philly's last seven games.
Detroit is 23-19 on road this season after 1-0 win in Game 1, when they scored with 3:01 to play, in game with only three penalties, 44 faceoffs (average thru Friday's games was 72.0); they've won four of five with Boston this season, winning last four games after Bruins won first meeting 4-1. Top-seed Boston is 31-11 at home- they lost six of their last eight games. Obviously, pressure on Bruins to win and avoid going to Motor City down 2-0.
Montreal won first two series games in St Pete, despite going 0-6 on power play and being -10 on faceoffs; they scored nine goals in first two games, after Lightning had given up four in winning last four regular season games. Montreal won nine of last twelve games overall; they've won five of last seven at home, are 26-15 at home this season. Tampa Bay gave up pair of third period goals in each game so far, but they've won four of last six road games.
San Jose is 31-11 at home this season, but they split six games with Los Angeles this year; Kings lost 11 of last 12 visits to this building. Sharks won four of last five home games- they coasted in Game 1, taking 5-0 lead into third period. Kings lost five of last six games, scoring total of 14 goals- they've lost four of last five away games. Five of LA's last seven games went over the total. League-wide, over is 9-2-2 in playoff games so far this week.
NHL
Saturday, April 19
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Trend Report
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12:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-14 SU in their last 18 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of the NY Rangers last 19 games at home
NY Rangers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
3:00 PM
DETROIT vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Detroit's last 17 games when playing Boston
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games when playing at home against Detroit
7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. MONTREAL
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. SAN JOSE
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 7 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
San Jose is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL
Sunday, April 20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday's NHL playoffs betting news and notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers (-161, 5)
With Steve Mason still clearing the cobwebs, Ray Emery has been confirmed to start his second contest of the series. The veteran goaltender finished with 32 saves in Game 1, but was left out to dry after rookie Jason Akeson put Philadelphia in a bind with a four-minute high-sticking penalty. Captain Claude Giroux was held without a shot in Game 1 and has combined with linemates Scott Hartnell and Jakub Voracek to record just one tally in the last five meetings with the Rangers. The Flyers boast a 3-0-0 mark at Madison Square Garden when Giroux scores a goal. They have lost 13 of 14 games when he does not.
While the Flyers were monitoring their goaltending situation, New York didn't seem too concerned with its opponent's worries. "Our game plan isn't going to change," Richards said. "Whoever is in net, we've got to get pucks to the net." Productive special teams play set the tone as New York scored on two of its six power-play opportunities while killing off Philadelphia's lone chance with the man advantage. New York D Ryan McDonagh admitted he had difficulty getting "a good grip on the puck, couldn't feel my skates" in his return from a five-game absence due to an injured shoulder.
TRENDS:
* Flyers are 3-13 in the last 16 meetings in New York.
* Flyers are 1-8 in their last nine vs. a team with a winning record.
* Rangers are 5-1 in their last six Conference Quarterfinals games.
Detroit Red Wings at Boston Bruins (-220, 5)
Jimmy Howard was named to the U.S. Olympic team but it seemed to be a selection based more on reputation than results after he endured a stretch in which he won only once in 12 decisions. Howard did not win three starts in a row until March 18-22, but he finished the regular season by going 4-1-0 and carried the strong play into Game 1, making 25 saves for his third postseason shutout. Pavel Datsyuk's Game 1 tally was his sixth game-winner and 37th overall in the postseason.
Boston played without four regulars in Game 1 but hopes to have defensemen Matt Bartkowski and Kevan Miller back in the lineup - both were dealing with a stomach bug that has been going through the team's locker room. The Bruins have had issues dealing with Detroit's speed throughout the season but they are more preoccupied on ratcheting up an offense that ranked third in the league in goals scored this season. Bruins F Milan Lucic was fined $5,000 for spearing Detroit D Danny DeKeyser in the opener.
TRENDS:
* Red Wings are 4-1 in the last five meetings in Boston.
* Bruins are 1-4 in their last five vs. Atlantic.
* Over is 20-5-7 in Bruins last 32 vs. Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens (-154, 5)
Tampa Bay has shown little resemblance to the team that edged Montreal for second place in the Atlantic Division, allowing four goals in regulation in each contest after permitting a total of four in four regular-season matchups. While rookie Ondrej Palat, the team's leading scorer, remains a game-time decision after missing Friday's loss with an upper-body injury, the bigger question mark is whether coach Jon Cooper will make a switch in goal. Anders Lindback has made five consecutive starts since an injury to No. 1 netminder Ben Bishop but he has not looked sharp in the series - although his teammates have not provided much support in front of him.
The third-seeded Canadiens won both games in Tampa Bay and can push the second-seeded Lightning to the brink of elimination in the best-of-seven series with a win on their home ice. "We are playing as a unit right now," said Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who came within 1:59 of a shutout in Game 2. "We are living in the moment." After a sub-par performance in the series opener, Price played markedly better in Game 2, flashing the form that led Team Canada to the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Montreal scored only three goals in the final three games of the regular season, but concerns about the offense have been allayed in the first two playoffs games.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Montreal.
* Lightning are 4-10 in their last 14 Sunday games.
* Canadiens are 11-1 in their last 12 vs. Atlantic.
Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks (-137, 5)
Jonathan Quick certainly did not display the form that earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012, badly losing track of the puck on San Jose's first tally and yielding a pair of goals from long range. Captain Dustin Brown was not ready to place any blame on this season's William Jennings Trophy winner. "He made a lot of huge saves for us," Brown said. "It just happened they had too many grade-A scoring chances." Defenseman Drew Doughty returned to the lineup after missing the final four regular-season games with an upper-body injury suffered against the Sharks on April 3 and recorded five shots on goal while blocking four.
Raffi Torres hasn't played much for San Jose this season due to knee troubles, but he's been effective on the rare occasions he's been in the lineup. The 32-year-old agitator has landed on the scoresheet in five of the six games he's appeared - including the series opener, collecting four goals and two assists. In addition to scoring a goal Thursday, Torres continued his usual style of play by registering a team-high seven hits. "That's Raffi," Hertl said. "All the guys are happy that Raffi is again playing. Raffi is very, very important for our team."
TRENDS:
* Home team is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings.
* Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Kings last seven games playing on two days rest.
Dunkel
Los Angeles at San Jose
The Kings look to bounce back from their 6-3 loss to the Sharks in Game 1 and come into tonight's contest with a 17-8 record in their last 22 games following a defeat by 3 or more goals. Los Angeles is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+125). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Game 77-78: Philadelphia at NY Rangers (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.843; NY Rangers 10.754
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+150); Over
Game 79-80: Detroit at Boston (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.599; Boston 12.978
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-240); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-240); Under
Game 81-82: Tampa Bay at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.661; Montreal 12.122
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-160); Over
Game 83-84: Los Angeles at San Jose (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.339; San Jose 11.266
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+125); Under
NHL
Long Sheet
Sunday, April 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHILADELPHIA (42-31-0-10, 94 pts.) at NY RANGERS (46-31-0-6, 98 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 12:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 15-17 ATS (-7.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NY RANGERS are 187-188 ATS (-105.1 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 105-109 ATS (-66.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 111-115 ATS (-62.0 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 0-7 ATS (-9.2 Units) when leading in a playoff series over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 92-97 ATS (-34.5 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 100-106 ATS (-72.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 13-21 ATS (-19.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 12-3 (+8.8 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 12-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETROIT (40-28-0-15, 95 pts.) at BOSTON (54-20-0-9, 117 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 68-37 ATS (+106.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 2-6 ATS (-9.6 Units) in April games this season.
BOSTON is 168-142 ATS (-46.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BOSTON is 78-73 ATS (-61.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-1 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-1-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.9 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAMPA BAY (46-28-0-10, 102 pts.) at MONTREAL (48-28-0-8, 104 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 48-36 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 21-15 ATS (-0.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-5 ATS (+17.5 Units) in road games in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 10-1 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games when trailing in a playoff series since 1996.
MONTREAL is 5-18 ATS (-19.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 7-5 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 7-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES (46-29-0-8, 100 pts.) at SAN JOSE (52-22-0-9, 113 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 13-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) after a division game this season.
SAN JOSE is 14-2 ATS (+10.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 106-67 ATS (-9.1 Units) in April games since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 31-14 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN JOSE is 15-4 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 60-50 ATS (+119.8 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 75-74 ATS (-50.4 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 11-10-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Sunday, April 20
Home side won all five Ranger-Flyer games this season; Philly lost last nine visits to MSG. Rangers won five of last six home games; they scored twice in 0:47 span of third period in Gamne 1, when they were 2-6 on power play, Flyers just 0-1. Under is 5-0-2 in New York's last seven games. Flyers lost three of last four and eight of last 12 games- they were outshot 13-1 in third period of Game 1, 36-15 for game. Over is 6-0-1 in Philly's last seven games.
Detroit is 23-19 on road this season after 1-0 win in Game 1, when they scored with 3:01 to play, in game with only three penalties, 44 faceoffs (average thru Friday's games was 72.0); they've won four of five with Boston this season, winning last four games after Bruins won first meeting 4-1. Top-seed Boston is 31-11 at home- they lost six of their last eight games. Obviously, pressure on Bruins to win and avoid going to Motor City down 2-0.
Montreal won first two series games in St Pete, despite going 0-6 on power play and being -10 on faceoffs; they scored nine goals in first two games, after Lightning had given up four in winning last four regular season games. Montreal won nine of last twelve games overall; they've won five of last seven at home, are 26-15 at home this season. Tampa Bay gave up pair of third period goals in each game so far, but they've won four of last six road games.
San Jose is 31-11 at home this season, but they split six games with Los Angeles this year; Kings lost 11 of last 12 visits to this building. Sharks won four of last five home games- they coasted in Game 1, taking 5-0 lead into third period. Kings lost five of last six games, scoring total of 14 goals- they've lost four of last five away games. Five of LA's last seven games went over the total. League-wide, over is 9-2-2 in playoff games so far this week.
NHL
Saturday, April 19
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Trend Report
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12:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-14 SU in their last 18 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of the NY Rangers last 19 games at home
NY Rangers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
3:00 PM
DETROIT vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Detroit's last 17 games when playing Boston
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games when playing at home against Detroit
7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. MONTREAL
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. SAN JOSE
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 7 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
San Jose is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
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NHL
Sunday, April 20
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Sunday's NHL playoffs betting news and notes
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Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers (-161, 5)
With Steve Mason still clearing the cobwebs, Ray Emery has been confirmed to start his second contest of the series. The veteran goaltender finished with 32 saves in Game 1, but was left out to dry after rookie Jason Akeson put Philadelphia in a bind with a four-minute high-sticking penalty. Captain Claude Giroux was held without a shot in Game 1 and has combined with linemates Scott Hartnell and Jakub Voracek to record just one tally in the last five meetings with the Rangers. The Flyers boast a 3-0-0 mark at Madison Square Garden when Giroux scores a goal. They have lost 13 of 14 games when he does not.
While the Flyers were monitoring their goaltending situation, New York didn't seem too concerned with its opponent's worries. "Our game plan isn't going to change," Richards said. "Whoever is in net, we've got to get pucks to the net." Productive special teams play set the tone as New York scored on two of its six power-play opportunities while killing off Philadelphia's lone chance with the man advantage. New York D Ryan McDonagh admitted he had difficulty getting "a good grip on the puck, couldn't feel my skates" in his return from a five-game absence due to an injured shoulder.
TRENDS:
* Flyers are 3-13 in the last 16 meetings in New York.
* Flyers are 1-8 in their last nine vs. a team with a winning record.
* Rangers are 5-1 in their last six Conference Quarterfinals games.
Detroit Red Wings at Boston Bruins (-220, 5)
Jimmy Howard was named to the U.S. Olympic team but it seemed to be a selection based more on reputation than results after he endured a stretch in which he won only once in 12 decisions. Howard did not win three starts in a row until March 18-22, but he finished the regular season by going 4-1-0 and carried the strong play into Game 1, making 25 saves for his third postseason shutout. Pavel Datsyuk's Game 1 tally was his sixth game-winner and 37th overall in the postseason.
Boston played without four regulars in Game 1 but hopes to have defensemen Matt Bartkowski and Kevan Miller back in the lineup - both were dealing with a stomach bug that has been going through the team's locker room. The Bruins have had issues dealing with Detroit's speed throughout the season but they are more preoccupied on ratcheting up an offense that ranked third in the league in goals scored this season. Bruins F Milan Lucic was fined $5,000 for spearing Detroit D Danny DeKeyser in the opener.
TRENDS:
* Red Wings are 4-1 in the last five meetings in Boston.
* Bruins are 1-4 in their last five vs. Atlantic.
* Over is 20-5-7 in Bruins last 32 vs. Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens (-154, 5)
Tampa Bay has shown little resemblance to the team that edged Montreal for second place in the Atlantic Division, allowing four goals in regulation in each contest after permitting a total of four in four regular-season matchups. While rookie Ondrej Palat, the team's leading scorer, remains a game-time decision after missing Friday's loss with an upper-body injury, the bigger question mark is whether coach Jon Cooper will make a switch in goal. Anders Lindback has made five consecutive starts since an injury to No. 1 netminder Ben Bishop but he has not looked sharp in the series - although his teammates have not provided much support in front of him.
The third-seeded Canadiens won both games in Tampa Bay and can push the second-seeded Lightning to the brink of elimination in the best-of-seven series with a win on their home ice. "We are playing as a unit right now," said Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who came within 1:59 of a shutout in Game 2. "We are living in the moment." After a sub-par performance in the series opener, Price played markedly better in Game 2, flashing the form that led Team Canada to the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Montreal scored only three goals in the final three games of the regular season, but concerns about the offense have been allayed in the first two playoffs games.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Montreal.
* Lightning are 4-10 in their last 14 Sunday games.
* Canadiens are 11-1 in their last 12 vs. Atlantic.
Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks (-137, 5)
Jonathan Quick certainly did not display the form that earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012, badly losing track of the puck on San Jose's first tally and yielding a pair of goals from long range. Captain Dustin Brown was not ready to place any blame on this season's William Jennings Trophy winner. "He made a lot of huge saves for us," Brown said. "It just happened they had too many grade-A scoring chances." Defenseman Drew Doughty returned to the lineup after missing the final four regular-season games with an upper-body injury suffered against the Sharks on April 3 and recorded five shots on goal while blocking four.
Raffi Torres hasn't played much for San Jose this season due to knee troubles, but he's been effective on the rare occasions he's been in the lineup. The 32-year-old agitator has landed on the scoresheet in five of the six games he's appeared - including the series opener, collecting four goals and two assists. In addition to scoring a goal Thursday, Torres continued his usual style of play by registering a team-high seven hits. "That's Raffi," Hertl said. "All the guys are happy that Raffi is again playing. Raffi is very, very important for our team."
TRENDS:
* Home team is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings.
* Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Kings last seven games playing on two days rest.
NHL
Sunday, April 20
Steve Mason, Philadelphia - Out Sun
Mason missed the last game of the regular season as well as Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals with an upper-body injury. He will not play Game 2 against the Rangers on Sunday.
Mason out, Emery gets the nod in Game 2
Much to the chagrin of Flyers fans, No. 1 goaltender Steve Mason will not be suiting up for Game 2 against the Rangers. Instead, the Philly faithful will rely on Ray Emery in nets again and that's not too promising.
Emery has not recorded a win for the Flyers in regulation since Feb. 8, which was a mere one goal win over the lowly Calgary Flames. In Emery's two starts against the Rangers this year, including Game 1, he has an 0-2 record allowing eight goals and a feeble .887 goals against average.
The Flyers have only averaged 1.8 goals against the Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist this season and have only once topped two goals in a game.
Philly are +143 dogs to split the series and take Game 2 against the Rangers (-155) Sunday.
Over has been hot at start of NHL playoffs
The Stanley Cup playoffs are in high gear with teams lighting up the lamp at a steady pace, making the over a solid play as we hit the first Sunday of the NHL's second season.
The over is 9-2-2 in 13 playoffs games so far, a success rate of almost 70 percent.
There are four games of playoff action Sunday, with Philadelphia at New York, Detroit at Boston, Tampa Bay at Montreal and Los Angeles at San Jose.
Red Wings big underdogs despite dominance of Bruins
The Detroit Red Wings may be the No. 8 seed, but that does not mean that the Bruins are going to coast. With the Red Wings taking Game 1 in the series, they have now taken four straight against the Bruins.
During the four game stretch for Detroit, they've outscored the Bruins 13-5 with an even offensive output. Of those 13 goals, only Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar are the only players to have scored multiple goals.
The Red Wings are huge +201 dogs against the No.1-ranked Bruins (-220).
Sunday, April 20
Steve Mason, Philadelphia - Out Sun
Mason missed the last game of the regular season as well as Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals with an upper-body injury. He will not play Game 2 against the Rangers on Sunday.
Mason out, Emery gets the nod in Game 2
Much to the chagrin of Flyers fans, No. 1 goaltender Steve Mason will not be suiting up for Game 2 against the Rangers. Instead, the Philly faithful will rely on Ray Emery in nets again and that's not too promising.
Emery has not recorded a win for the Flyers in regulation since Feb. 8, which was a mere one goal win over the lowly Calgary Flames. In Emery's two starts against the Rangers this year, including Game 1, he has an 0-2 record allowing eight goals and a feeble .887 goals against average.
The Flyers have only averaged 1.8 goals against the Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist this season and have only once topped two goals in a game.
Philly are +143 dogs to split the series and take Game 2 against the Rangers (-155) Sunday.
Over has been hot at start of NHL playoffs
The Stanley Cup playoffs are in high gear with teams lighting up the lamp at a steady pace, making the over a solid play as we hit the first Sunday of the NHL's second season.
The over is 9-2-2 in 13 playoffs games so far, a success rate of almost 70 percent.
There are four games of playoff action Sunday, with Philadelphia at New York, Detroit at Boston, Tampa Bay at Montreal and Los Angeles at San Jose.
Red Wings big underdogs despite dominance of Bruins
The Detroit Red Wings may be the No. 8 seed, but that does not mean that the Bruins are going to coast. With the Red Wings taking Game 1 in the series, they have now taken four straight against the Bruins.
During the four game stretch for Detroit, they've outscored the Bruins 13-5 with an even offensive output. Of those 13 goals, only Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar are the only players to have scored multiple goals.
The Red Wings are huge +201 dogs against the No.1-ranked Bruins (-220).
NHL
Short Sheet
Sunday, April 20
Philadelphia at NY Rangers, 12:05 ET
Philadelphia: 80-62 SU in road games off a road loss
NY Rangers: 0-7 SU when leading in a playoff series
Detroit at Boston, 3:05 ET
Detroit: 20-15 SU as an underdog
Boston: 35-52 SU in home games revenging 2 consecutive losses to opponent as a favorite
Tampa Bay at Montreal, 7:05 ET
Tampa Bay: 8-3 SU in road games when trailing in a playoff serie
Montreal: 31-35 SU as a home favorite
LA Kings at San Jose, 10:05 ET
LA Kings: 6-12 SU off a road loss
San Jose: 13-2 SU off an home win scoring 4 or more goals
Short Sheet
Sunday, April 20
Philadelphia at NY Rangers, 12:05 ET
Philadelphia: 80-62 SU in road games off a road loss
NY Rangers: 0-7 SU when leading in a playoff series
Detroit at Boston, 3:05 ET
Detroit: 20-15 SU as an underdog
Boston: 35-52 SU in home games revenging 2 consecutive losses to opponent as a favorite
Tampa Bay at Montreal, 7:05 ET
Tampa Bay: 8-3 SU in road games when trailing in a playoff serie
Montreal: 31-35 SU as a home favorite
LA Kings at San Jose, 10:05 ET
LA Kings: 6-12 SU off a road loss
San Jose: 13-2 SU off an home win scoring 4 or more goals
NHL PLAYOFF RECORD:
6 - 4 .................+ 1.80
6 - 1 .................+ 11.48
1 - 0 ................ + 3.00
Sunday, April 20
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Philadelphia 0 0th Philadelphia +146 500 *****
NY Rangers 0 Over 5 500
Detroit - 3:00 PM ET Boston -208 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Boston - Under 5 500
Tampa Bay - 7:00 PM ET Tampa Bay +142 500 *****
Montreal - Over 5 500
Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET San Jose -137 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Jose - Under 5 500
6 - 4 .................+ 1.80
6 - 1 .................+ 11.48
1 - 0 ................ + 3.00
Sunday, April 20
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Philadelphia 0 0th Philadelphia +146 500 *****
NY Rangers 0 Over 5 500
Detroit - 3:00 PM ET Boston -208 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Boston - Under 5 500
Tampa Bay - 7:00 PM ET Tampa Bay +142 500 *****
Montreal - Over 5 500
Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET San Jose -137 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Jose - Under 5 500
I had a friendly wager with someone and did some research last year to see how many times in the last 10 years the Red Sox played the Yankees at Fenway on a Sunday and it wasn't a night game. I found 3 instances. One was a regular Sunday. One was when it was the last game of the season. The 3rd was when it was the day before Patriot's day.
Armadillo: Monday's six-pack
-- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 46 points, grabbed 18 reobunds in Portland's OT win at Houston. Blazers got only seven points from its bench in the win.
-- Wizards outscored Bulls 30-18 in 4th quarter, Wiz wins 102-93 in Chicago.
-- Road teams won five of the eight Game 1's in NBA's first round.
-- Matt Kuchar chipped in on 18 to win PGA event on Hilton Head; he had shot a combined +10 in his last five Sunday rounds-- he was -7 Sunday.
-- Miami beat Seattle 3-2; Marlins are 9-4 at home, 0-6 on road.
-- Orioles led 5-0 in sixth inning at Fenway, lost 6-5 on 9th inning throwing error-- in first three weeks of season, there has been some horrendous defensive play.
*****
Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend......
13) Can you remember a team falling apart as badly within a season as the Indiana Pacers are right now? Not many top seeds have lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but who has a lot of confidence that these Pacers will advance?
12) Charlotte Bobcats went back home after losing Game 1 in Miami, with Game 2 not scheduled until Wednesday; Michael Jordan doesn't want his guys hanging around South Beach with time on their hands.
11) Clippers/Warriors looks like it'll be a fun series to watch; over last 37 years, these franchises combined to win only seven playoff series.
10) Tampa Bay Rays scored 27 runs Friday/Saturday, after scoring total of 16 runs in their previous 10 games, then they scored one run Sunday. Feast or famine.
9) If they ever make a movie about Ike Davis' life, Ben Affleck has to play Davis; they look an awful lot alike, even talk a little bit the same.
8) Every time I see Evan Gattis play for the Braves, I can't help but think of the old wrestler Ivan Putski. Short, very powerful arms.
7) Speaking of the Braves, Mike Minor is supposed to get back in their rotation this coming weekend; he threw 80 pitches in a rehab start this past weekend.
6) Cleveland Indians are only big league team that hasn't scored in first inning of a home game (0-9); Houston Astros are only team that hasn't scored in first inning on the road (0-9).
5) Minnesota Twins claimed OF Sam Fuld on waivers from the A's; he's not the best hitter but he's a terrific fielder, can run, an outstanding 4th outfielder.
4) Ivan Nova is on the DL with a UCL tear, could be headed under the knife for Tommy John surgery. Lot of those this spring.
3) Orlando Antigua is the new hoop coach at South Florida; he recruited for John Calipari, so its not a surprise we're seeing USF listed on recruits' short lists.
We talked yesterday about point guard Kareem Canty transferring from Marshall to Auburn; turns out that may not happen, with USF now suddenly in the picture. If Antigua turns out to be a bigtime recruiter as a head coach, USF is going to become a force in the AAC, especially with Louisville now out of the league.
2) Cincinnati Bengals brought one QB to their facility to work out this spring; not Manziel, not Bortles, Bridgewater or Carr. Pitt QB Tom Savage; go figure.
1) NHL playoffs provide great drama; how about St Louis Blues winning first two games of their playoff series in OT, after tying both games in last 2:00 of regulation? Blues have only won one playoff series the last eight years- they're playing NHL's defending champ Chicago Blackhawks, who won two of last four Stanley Cups.
-- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 46 points, grabbed 18 reobunds in Portland's OT win at Houston. Blazers got only seven points from its bench in the win.
-- Wizards outscored Bulls 30-18 in 4th quarter, Wiz wins 102-93 in Chicago.
-- Road teams won five of the eight Game 1's in NBA's first round.
-- Matt Kuchar chipped in on 18 to win PGA event on Hilton Head; he had shot a combined +10 in his last five Sunday rounds-- he was -7 Sunday.
-- Miami beat Seattle 3-2; Marlins are 9-4 at home, 0-6 on road.
-- Orioles led 5-0 in sixth inning at Fenway, lost 6-5 on 9th inning throwing error-- in first three weeks of season, there has been some horrendous defensive play.
*****
Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend......
13) Can you remember a team falling apart as badly within a season as the Indiana Pacers are right now? Not many top seeds have lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but who has a lot of confidence that these Pacers will advance?
12) Charlotte Bobcats went back home after losing Game 1 in Miami, with Game 2 not scheduled until Wednesday; Michael Jordan doesn't want his guys hanging around South Beach with time on their hands.
11) Clippers/Warriors looks like it'll be a fun series to watch; over last 37 years, these franchises combined to win only seven playoff series.
10) Tampa Bay Rays scored 27 runs Friday/Saturday, after scoring total of 16 runs in their previous 10 games, then they scored one run Sunday. Feast or famine.
9) If they ever make a movie about Ike Davis' life, Ben Affleck has to play Davis; they look an awful lot alike, even talk a little bit the same.
8) Every time I see Evan Gattis play for the Braves, I can't help but think of the old wrestler Ivan Putski. Short, very powerful arms.
7) Speaking of the Braves, Mike Minor is supposed to get back in their rotation this coming weekend; he threw 80 pitches in a rehab start this past weekend.
6) Cleveland Indians are only big league team that hasn't scored in first inning of a home game (0-9); Houston Astros are only team that hasn't scored in first inning on the road (0-9).
5) Minnesota Twins claimed OF Sam Fuld on waivers from the A's; he's not the best hitter but he's a terrific fielder, can run, an outstanding 4th outfielder.
4) Ivan Nova is on the DL with a UCL tear, could be headed under the knife for Tommy John surgery. Lot of those this spring.
3) Orlando Antigua is the new hoop coach at South Florida; he recruited for John Calipari, so its not a surprise we're seeing USF listed on recruits' short lists.
We talked yesterday about point guard Kareem Canty transferring from Marshall to Auburn; turns out that may not happen, with USF now suddenly in the picture. If Antigua turns out to be a bigtime recruiter as a head coach, USF is going to become a force in the AAC, especially with Louisville now out of the league.
2) Cincinnati Bengals brought one QB to their facility to work out this spring; not Manziel, not Bortles, Bridgewater or Carr. Pitt QB Tom Savage; go figure.
1) NHL playoffs provide great drama; how about St Louis Blues winning first two games of their playoff series in OT, after tying both games in last 2:00 of regulation? Blues have only won one playoff series the last eight years- they're playing NHL's defending champ Chicago Blackhawks, who won two of last four Stanley Cups.
NHL
Long Sheet
Monday, April 21
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PITTSBURGH (52-24-0-8, 112 pts.) at COLUMBUS (44-33-0-7, 95 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-1 (+5.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.4 Units)
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COLORADO (54-22-0-8, 116 pts.) at MINNESOTA (43-28-0-13, 99 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 10-7 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 10-7-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.3 Units)
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ST LOUIS (54-23-0-7, 115 pts.) at CHICAGO (46-21-0-17, 109 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 9-8-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)
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ANAHEIM (56-20-0-8, 120 pts.) at DALLAS (40-33-0-11, 91 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 56-28 ATS (+15.7 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 187-191 ATS (+413.9 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 21-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak this season.
ANAHEIM is 30-10 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 9-7 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-7-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)
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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Monday, April 21
Columbus got first-ever playoff win in second OT at Igloo Saturday; Blue Jackets are 5-2 in last seven games overall, with seven of their last eleven staying under total. Columbus lost seven of its last eight games with Pittsburgh, losing last four vs Pens at home by combined score of 17-6. Penguins are 4-5 in last nine games, 26-15 on road this season- five of last six games went to OT or SO. Columbus is 24-17 at home this season, 0-3 against the Penguins.
Blues won first two games of series in OT, tying both games in last 2:00 of regulation- they scored goals in last 0:10 of both 1st/3rd periods in Game 2. St Louis had lost their last six in regular season, but they outshot Chicago in both games, scoring pair of first period goals both games. Chicago lost six of last eight games with Blues; they're 29-12 at home this year, 7-1 in last eight at home. Over is 11-2-4 in playoff games so far this month.
Colorado has won six of seven vs Minnesota this year, winning 3-1/4-2 in two visits to this building; Avalanche is 28-13 on road this season- they won first two games of this series in spite of going just 1-7 on power play- they tied Game 1 with 0:14 left, won in OT, had lot easier time in Game 2. Last five Minnesota games went over total; eight of last 12 Colorado games stayed under. Wild hasn't won a playoff series since '03, its third year in NHL.
Ducks won last six games after allowing total of five goals in pair of home wins to open this series; nine of their last twelve games overall went over total. Ducks won five of last six vs Dallas- seven of last eleven series games stayed under. Anaheim was outshot 25-9 in last two periods of Game 2, but held on for win. Dallas is just 6-6 in last twelve games, with seven of last nine games staying under total; Stars 2-11 on power play in series.
NHL
Monday, April 21
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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLORADO vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Columbus is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Columbus is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
8:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHICAGO
St. Louis is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Chicago
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Chicago is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
9:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS
Anaheim is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Anaheim
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NHL
Monday, April 21
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's NHL playoffs betting news and notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (+111, 5.5)
Penguins' Brian Gibbons scored two goals 54 seconds apart early in the first period on Saturday before exiting with an undisclosed injury. Coach Dan Bylsma said the rookie is considered day-to-day but would not elaborate. Fellow forward Marcel Goc skated on Sunday as he attempts to work his way back from a nine-game absence due to a foot injury.
Fedor Tyutin suffered an undisclosed injury during Saturday's tilt, but fellow defenseman Jack Johnson picked up the slack by scoring a power-play goal with 6:01 remaining in the third period to tie the game at 3-3. Johnson logged a team-best 38:21 of ice time as Columbus played with five blue-liners. Coach Todd Richards remained tight-lipped on Tyutin's status, although defensemen Dalton Prout and Nick Schultz took part in Sunday's optional practice.
TRENDS:
* Penguins are 5-0 in the last five meetings in Columbus.
* Penguins are 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Over is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in Columbus.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild (-125, 5)
There was some debate as to whether Colorado should select defenseman Seth Jones or MacKinnon with the top overall pick in last year's draft. No more. MacKinnon matched Stastny by scoring a highlight-reel goal and collecting three assists in Game 2 to give him seven points in the series, tying a record set by Montreal's Odie Cleghorn in 1919 and matched by Boston's Barry Pederson in 1982 for the highest point total by a player in his first two career playoff games. MacKinnon became the first 18-year-old to collect six assists in a postseason series.
Trade-deadline acquisition Ilya Bryzgalov was thrust into an unexpected starting role due to injury and responded by going 7-0-3 in his first 10 starts to seize the No. 1 netminder's job entering the playoffs. But after Bryzgalov surrendered eight goals in the first two games, there is a widespread feeling that rookie Darcy Kuemper will be between the pipes for Game 3 after stopping all 14 shots he faced in a relief role Saturday. Kuemper missed the final seven games of the regular season with a concussion but said he is up to the challenge of starting.
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Avalanche are 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Avalanche are 5-3 in the last seven meetings in Minnesota.
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks (-156, 5)
After complimenting Corey Crawford for his play in Game 1, coach Joel Quenneville agreed with his goaltender's assessment that he needs to be better if Chicago is going to rally in this series. "He said he needs to be better, and he needs to be better," Quenneville told reporters on Sunday. Making the Blackhawks' bid to repeat all the more challenging is the loss of defenseman Brent Seabrook, who was suspended three games by the NHL for his hit to the head of St. Louis captain David Backes on Saturday afternoon.
Coach Ken Hitchcock wasn't too forthcoming with information on Backes (upper body), saying on Sunday that "he's upright and that's about it right now." Patrik Berglund, who has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, could return to the lineup should Backes be unable to compete. "I told the boys (Saturday) I can't take this anymore," Berglund said. "Hopefully, I will heal fast and be able to help them out on the ice. It's easier that way."
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Blues are 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Home team is 37-18 in the last 55 meetings.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars (-116, 5.5)
Check back later for an in depth preview.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Dallas.
* Home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Ducks are 16-35-2 in the last 53 meetings in Dallas.
Long Sheet
Monday, April 21
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PITTSBURGH (52-24-0-8, 112 pts.) at COLUMBUS (44-33-0-7, 95 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-1 (+5.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.4 Units)
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COLORADO (54-22-0-8, 116 pts.) at MINNESOTA (43-28-0-13, 99 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 10-7 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 10-7-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.3 Units)
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ST LOUIS (54-23-0-7, 115 pts.) at CHICAGO (46-21-0-17, 109 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 9-8-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)
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ANAHEIM (56-20-0-8, 120 pts.) at DALLAS (40-33-0-11, 91 pts.) - 4/21/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 56-28 ATS (+15.7 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 187-191 ATS (+413.9 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 21-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak this season.
ANAHEIM is 30-10 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 9-7 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-7-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)
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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Monday, April 21
Columbus got first-ever playoff win in second OT at Igloo Saturday; Blue Jackets are 5-2 in last seven games overall, with seven of their last eleven staying under total. Columbus lost seven of its last eight games with Pittsburgh, losing last four vs Pens at home by combined score of 17-6. Penguins are 4-5 in last nine games, 26-15 on road this season- five of last six games went to OT or SO. Columbus is 24-17 at home this season, 0-3 against the Penguins.
Blues won first two games of series in OT, tying both games in last 2:00 of regulation- they scored goals in last 0:10 of both 1st/3rd periods in Game 2. St Louis had lost their last six in regular season, but they outshot Chicago in both games, scoring pair of first period goals both games. Chicago lost six of last eight games with Blues; they're 29-12 at home this year, 7-1 in last eight at home. Over is 11-2-4 in playoff games so far this month.
Colorado has won six of seven vs Minnesota this year, winning 3-1/4-2 in two visits to this building; Avalanche is 28-13 on road this season- they won first two games of this series in spite of going just 1-7 on power play- they tied Game 1 with 0:14 left, won in OT, had lot easier time in Game 2. Last five Minnesota games went over total; eight of last 12 Colorado games stayed under. Wild hasn't won a playoff series since '03, its third year in NHL.
Ducks won last six games after allowing total of five goals in pair of home wins to open this series; nine of their last twelve games overall went over total. Ducks won five of last six vs Dallas- seven of last eleven series games stayed under. Anaheim was outshot 25-9 in last two periods of Game 2, but held on for win. Dallas is just 6-6 in last twelve games, with seven of last nine games staying under total; Stars 2-11 on power play in series.
NHL
Monday, April 21
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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLORADO vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Columbus is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Columbus is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
8:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHICAGO
St. Louis is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Chicago
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Chicago is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
9:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS
Anaheim is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Anaheim
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NHL
Monday, April 21
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Monday's NHL playoffs betting news and notes
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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (+111, 5.5)
Penguins' Brian Gibbons scored two goals 54 seconds apart early in the first period on Saturday before exiting with an undisclosed injury. Coach Dan Bylsma said the rookie is considered day-to-day but would not elaborate. Fellow forward Marcel Goc skated on Sunday as he attempts to work his way back from a nine-game absence due to a foot injury.
Fedor Tyutin suffered an undisclosed injury during Saturday's tilt, but fellow defenseman Jack Johnson picked up the slack by scoring a power-play goal with 6:01 remaining in the third period to tie the game at 3-3. Johnson logged a team-best 38:21 of ice time as Columbus played with five blue-liners. Coach Todd Richards remained tight-lipped on Tyutin's status, although defensemen Dalton Prout and Nick Schultz took part in Sunday's optional practice.
TRENDS:
* Penguins are 5-0 in the last five meetings in Columbus.
* Penguins are 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Over is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in Columbus.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild (-125, 5)
There was some debate as to whether Colorado should select defenseman Seth Jones or MacKinnon with the top overall pick in last year's draft. No more. MacKinnon matched Stastny by scoring a highlight-reel goal and collecting three assists in Game 2 to give him seven points in the series, tying a record set by Montreal's Odie Cleghorn in 1919 and matched by Boston's Barry Pederson in 1982 for the highest point total by a player in his first two career playoff games. MacKinnon became the first 18-year-old to collect six assists in a postseason series.
Trade-deadline acquisition Ilya Bryzgalov was thrust into an unexpected starting role due to injury and responded by going 7-0-3 in his first 10 starts to seize the No. 1 netminder's job entering the playoffs. But after Bryzgalov surrendered eight goals in the first two games, there is a widespread feeling that rookie Darcy Kuemper will be between the pipes for Game 3 after stopping all 14 shots he faced in a relief role Saturday. Kuemper missed the final seven games of the regular season with a concussion but said he is up to the challenge of starting.
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Avalanche are 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Avalanche are 5-3 in the last seven meetings in Minnesota.
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks (-156, 5)
After complimenting Corey Crawford for his play in Game 1, coach Joel Quenneville agreed with his goaltender's assessment that he needs to be better if Chicago is going to rally in this series. "He said he needs to be better, and he needs to be better," Quenneville told reporters on Sunday. Making the Blackhawks' bid to repeat all the more challenging is the loss of defenseman Brent Seabrook, who was suspended three games by the NHL for his hit to the head of St. Louis captain David Backes on Saturday afternoon.
Coach Ken Hitchcock wasn't too forthcoming with information on Backes (upper body), saying on Sunday that "he's upright and that's about it right now." Patrik Berglund, who has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, could return to the lineup should Backes be unable to compete. "I told the boys (Saturday) I can't take this anymore," Berglund said. "Hopefully, I will heal fast and be able to help them out on the ice. It's easier that way."
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Blues are 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Home team is 37-18 in the last 55 meetings.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars (-116, 5.5)
Check back later for an in depth preview.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Dallas.
* Home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Ducks are 16-35-2 in the last 53 meetings in Dallas.
NHL
Dunkel
Pittsburgh at Columbus
The Penguins look to bounce back from their Game 2 loss as the series shifts to Columbus where Pittsburgh is 5-0 in its last 5 games against the Blue Jackets. Pittsburgh is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
MONDAY, APRIL 21
Game 1-2: Pittsburgh at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.492; Columbus 10.738
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135); Under
Game 3-4: Colorado at Minnesota (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.615; Minnesota 10.722
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); Over
Game 5-6: St. Louis at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.170; Chicago 12.690
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-165); Under
Game 7-8: Anaheim at Dallas (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.395; Dallas 11.208
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-120); 5 1
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+100); Over
Dunkel
Pittsburgh at Columbus
The Penguins look to bounce back from their Game 2 loss as the series shifts to Columbus where Pittsburgh is 5-0 in its last 5 games against the Blue Jackets. Pittsburgh is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
MONDAY, APRIL 21
Game 1-2: Pittsburgh at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.492; Columbus 10.738
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135); Under
Game 3-4: Colorado at Minnesota (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.615; Minnesota 10.722
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); Over
Game 5-6: St. Louis at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.170; Chicago 12.690
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-165); Under
Game 7-8: Anaheim at Dallas (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.395; Dallas 11.208
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-120); 5 1
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+100); Over
NHL
Monday, April 21
Chicago's Seabrook suspended three games for hit on Backes
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook received a three-game suspension for his hit to the head of St. Louis Blues center David Backes in Game 2 of the Western conference playoff series.
Seabrook hit Backes in the head, sending him into the boards late in the third period of the Blues' 4-3 overtime win Saturday night. Backes appeared dazed after the hit. He then left the game and did not return.
Seabrook is not eligible to return to the lineup until Game 6, if the series gets that far. The Blues are up two games to none, with Game 3 Monday in Chicago. The Blackhawks are early -165 favorites.
18-year-old MacKinnon, fueling Avs' offense
Nathan MacKinnon led the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-2 victory in Game 2 of their opening round playoff series, becoming just the third player in NHL history to record a four-point night in a playoff game at the age of 18.
MacKinnon now has seven points in his first two playoff games, which ties an NHL playoff record for the most points to start a playoff career.
Game 3 of the Avalanche's playoff series with the Wild will take place Monday in Minnesota, with Colorado currently listed as +115 road dogs.
Monday, April 21
Chicago's Seabrook suspended three games for hit on Backes
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook received a three-game suspension for his hit to the head of St. Louis Blues center David Backes in Game 2 of the Western conference playoff series.
Seabrook hit Backes in the head, sending him into the boards late in the third period of the Blues' 4-3 overtime win Saturday night. Backes appeared dazed after the hit. He then left the game and did not return.
Seabrook is not eligible to return to the lineup until Game 6, if the series gets that far. The Blues are up two games to none, with Game 3 Monday in Chicago. The Blackhawks are early -165 favorites.
18-year-old MacKinnon, fueling Avs' offense
Nathan MacKinnon led the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-2 victory in Game 2 of their opening round playoff series, becoming just the third player in NHL history to record a four-point night in a playoff game at the age of 18.
MacKinnon now has seven points in his first two playoff games, which ties an NHL playoff record for the most points to start a playoff career.
Game 3 of the Avalanche's playoff series with the Wild will take place Monday in Minnesota, with Colorado currently listed as +115 road dogs.
2014 Playoff Results
April 20, 2014
Betting Results
First Round
Wager Results
Favorites-Underdogs 12-5
Home-Away 12-5
Puck-Line Favorites 5-7
Over-Under 11-2-4
Eastern Conference
Key: A (Atlantic) M (Metropolitan) W (Wild Card)
(A1) Boston vs. (W2) Detroit
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Detroit (+180) at Boston 1-0 Underdog Under (5)
2 Detroit at Boston (-200) 4-1 Favorite Push (5)
3 Boston at Detroit - - -
4 Boston at Detroit - - -
5 Detroit at Boston - - -
6 Boston at Detroit - - -
7 Detroit at Boston - - -
(A2) Tampa Bay vs. (A3) Montreal
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Montreal (+100) at Tampa Bay 5-4 (OT) Underdog Over (5)
2 Montreal (+105) at Tampa Bay 4-1 Underdog Push (5)
3 Tampa Bay at Montreal (-155) 3-2 Favorite Push (5)
4 Tampa Bay at Montreal - - -
5 Montreal at Tampa Bay - - -
6 Tampa Bay at Montreal - - -
7 Montreal at Tampa Bay - - -
(M1) Pittsburgh vs. (W1) Columbus
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Columbus at Pittsburgh (-200) 4-3 Favorite Over (5 ½)
2 Columbus (+180) at Pittsburgh 4-3 (2OT) Underdog Over (5 ½)
3 Pittsburgh at Columbus - - -
4 Pittsburgh at Columbus - - -
5 Columbus at Pittsburgh - - -
6 Pittsburgh at Columbus - - -
7 Columbus at Pittsburgh - - -
(M2) N.Y. Rangers vs. vs. (M3) Philadelphia
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Philadelphia at N.Y Rangers (-155) 4-1 Favorite Push (5)
2 Philadelphia (+140) at N.Y. Rangers 4-2 Underdog Over (5)
3 N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia - - -
4 N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia - - -
5 Philadelphia at N.Y. Rangers - - -
6 N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia - - -
7 Philadelphia at N.Y. Rangers - - -
Western Conference
Key: C (Central) P (Pacific) W (Wild Card)
(C1) Colorado vs. (W1) Minnesota
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Minnesota at Colorado (-140) 5-4 (OT) Favorite Over (5)
2 Minnesota at Colorado (-135) 4-2 Favorite Over (5)
3 Colorado at Minnesota - - -
4 Colorado at Minnesota - - -
5 Minnesota at Colorado - - -
6 Colorado at Minnesota - - -
7 Minnesota at Colorado - - -
(C2) St. Louis vs. (C3) Chicago
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Chicago at St. Louis (-115) 4-3 (3OT) Favorite Over (5)
2 Chicago at St. Louis (-110) 4-3 (OT) Favorite Over (5)
3 St. Louis at Chicago - - -
4 St. Louis at Chicago - - -
5 Chicago at St. Louis - - -
6 St. Louis at Chicago - - -
7 Chicago at St. Louis - - -
(P1) Anaheim vs. (W2) Dallas
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Dallas at Anaheim (-170) 4-3 Favorite Over (5 ½)
2 Dallas at Anaheim (-170) 3-2 Favorite Under (5 ½)
3 Anaheim at Dallas - - -
4 Anaheim at Dallas - - -
5 Dallas at Anaheim - - -
6 Anaheim at Dallas - - -
7 Dallas at Anaheim - - -
(P2) San Jose vs. (P3) Los Angeles
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Los Angeles at San Jose (-135) 6-3 Favorite Over (4 ½)
2 Los Angeles at San Jose (-140) 7-2 Favorite Over (5)
3 San Jose at Los Angeles - - -
4 San Jose at Los Angeles - - -
5 Los Angeles at San Jose - - -
6 San Jose at Los Angeles - - -
7 Los Angeles at San Jose - - -
April 20, 2014
Betting Results
First Round
Wager Results
Favorites-Underdogs 12-5
Home-Away 12-5
Puck-Line Favorites 5-7
Over-Under 11-2-4
Eastern Conference
Key: A (Atlantic) M (Metropolitan) W (Wild Card)
(A1) Boston vs. (W2) Detroit
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Detroit (+180) at Boston 1-0 Underdog Under (5)
2 Detroit at Boston (-200) 4-1 Favorite Push (5)
3 Boston at Detroit - - -
4 Boston at Detroit - - -
5 Detroit at Boston - - -
6 Boston at Detroit - - -
7 Detroit at Boston - - -
(A2) Tampa Bay vs. (A3) Montreal
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Montreal (+100) at Tampa Bay 5-4 (OT) Underdog Over (5)
2 Montreal (+105) at Tampa Bay 4-1 Underdog Push (5)
3 Tampa Bay at Montreal (-155) 3-2 Favorite Push (5)
4 Tampa Bay at Montreal - - -
5 Montreal at Tampa Bay - - -
6 Tampa Bay at Montreal - - -
7 Montreal at Tampa Bay - - -
(M1) Pittsburgh vs. (W1) Columbus
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Columbus at Pittsburgh (-200) 4-3 Favorite Over (5 ½)
2 Columbus (+180) at Pittsburgh 4-3 (2OT) Underdog Over (5 ½)
3 Pittsburgh at Columbus - - -
4 Pittsburgh at Columbus - - -
5 Columbus at Pittsburgh - - -
6 Pittsburgh at Columbus - - -
7 Columbus at Pittsburgh - - -
(M2) N.Y. Rangers vs. vs. (M3) Philadelphia
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Philadelphia at N.Y Rangers (-155) 4-1 Favorite Push (5)
2 Philadelphia (+140) at N.Y. Rangers 4-2 Underdog Over (5)
3 N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia - - -
4 N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia - - -
5 Philadelphia at N.Y. Rangers - - -
6 N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia - - -
7 Philadelphia at N.Y. Rangers - - -
Western Conference
Key: C (Central) P (Pacific) W (Wild Card)
(C1) Colorado vs. (W1) Minnesota
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Minnesota at Colorado (-140) 5-4 (OT) Favorite Over (5)
2 Minnesota at Colorado (-135) 4-2 Favorite Over (5)
3 Colorado at Minnesota - - -
4 Colorado at Minnesota - - -
5 Minnesota at Colorado - - -
6 Colorado at Minnesota - - -
7 Minnesota at Colorado - - -
(C2) St. Louis vs. (C3) Chicago
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Chicago at St. Louis (-115) 4-3 (3OT) Favorite Over (5)
2 Chicago at St. Louis (-110) 4-3 (OT) Favorite Over (5)
3 St. Louis at Chicago - - -
4 St. Louis at Chicago - - -
5 Chicago at St. Louis - - -
6 St. Louis at Chicago - - -
7 Chicago at St. Louis - - -
(P1) Anaheim vs. (W2) Dallas
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Dallas at Anaheim (-170) 4-3 Favorite Over (5 ½)
2 Dallas at Anaheim (-170) 3-2 Favorite Under (5 ½)
3 Anaheim at Dallas - - -
4 Anaheim at Dallas - - -
5 Dallas at Anaheim - - -
6 Anaheim at Dallas - - -
7 Dallas at Anaheim - - -
(P2) San Jose vs. (P3) Los Angeles
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Los Angeles at San Jose (-135) 6-3 Favorite Over (4 ½)
2 Los Angeles at San Jose (-140) 7-2 Favorite Over (5)
3 San Jose at Los Angeles - - -
4 San Jose at Los Angeles - - -
5 Los Angeles at San Jose - - -
6 San Jose at Los Angeles - - -
7 Los Angeles at San Jose - - -
NHL PLAYOFF RECORD: ( RATED GAMES )
7 - 5 .................+ 2.26 *****
7 - 1 .................+ 13.48 DOUBLE PLAY
2 - 0 ................ + 6.00 TRIPLE PLAY
ALL GAMES COMBINED
Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
04/20/14 4-*2-*2 66.67% +*1180 Detail
04/19/14 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*1295 Detail
04/18/14 2-*3-*1 40.00% -*1025 Detail
04/17/14 5-*2-*1 71.43% +*1400 Detail
04/16/14 3-*3-*0 50.00% -*25 Detail
7 - 5 .................+ 2.26 *****
7 - 1 .................+ 13.48 DOUBLE PLAY
2 - 0 ................ + 6.00 TRIPLE PLAY
ALL GAMES COMBINED
Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
04/20/14 4-*2-*2 66.67% +*1180 Detail
04/19/14 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*1295 Detail
04/18/14 2-*3-*1 40.00% -*1025 Detail
04/17/14 5-*2-*1 71.43% +*1400 Detail
04/16/14 3-*3-*0 50.00% -*25 Detail
Monday, April 21
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Pittsburgh - 7:00 PM ET Pittsburgh -127 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Columbus - Under 5.5 500
Colorado 0 0th Colorado +110 500 *****
Minnesota 0 Over 5 500
St. Louis - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -143 500 *****
Chicago - Over 5 500
Anaheim - 9:30 PM ET Anaheim +106 500 TRIPE PLAY
Dallas - Under 5.5 500
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Pittsburgh - 7:00 PM ET Pittsburgh -127 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Columbus - Under 5.5 500
Colorado 0 0th Colorado +110 500 *****
Minnesota 0 Over 5 500
St. Louis - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -143 500 *****
Chicago - Over 5 500
Anaheim - 9:30 PM ET Anaheim +106 500 TRIPE PLAY
Dallas - Under 5.5 500
Preview: Lightning (46-27) at Canadiens (46-28)
Date: April 22, 2014 7:00 PM EDT
MONTREAL (AP) - When Lars Eller and Rene Bourque are outscoring the team's top line, things are going well for the Montreal Canadiens.
But it took until the playoffs for the Canadiens to find the balanced attack they have sought all season.
Getting offensive production from all four forward lines has helped them win the opening three games of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
They can sweep the best-of-seven series with a win on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre.
'That's a big strength,' Eller said Monday. 'I can't stress how important it is to have everybody involved, everybody contributing.'
Players who have struggled offensively during the regular season, notably Eller and Bourque, have found new life in the postseason.
It has helped the normally low-scoring Canadiens average four goals per game against the Lightning, who are missing top goaltender Ben Bishop to an injury.
Bourque, a two-time 27-goal scorer who had only nine goals in the regular season, has three in as many games in the playoffs while playing left wing with center Eller and right wing Brian Gionta.
Eller, who had 12 goals in 77 games including stretch of 24 games with only one assist, has two goals and shares the team scoring lead with four points with Brendan Gallagher and defenseman P.K. Subban.
The Eller line has produced five goals, one more than Gallagher's line with Tomas Plekanec and Brandon Prust.
The top line of David Desharnais, Max Pacioretty and Thomas Vanek has scored only twice, but has combined for 29 shots in three games.
The fourth line of Daniel Briere with Michael Bournival and Dale Weise has only one goal, but it was a big one as Weise scored in overtime in Game 1.
'Right now we have momentum and we're riding that wave,' Eller said. 'We knew depth was going to be important and I think a big part of why we're having success is we have all four lines contributing in one way or another.
'I guess the playoffs are just bringing out the best in all of us.'
The Lightning are aware they have dug themselves a deep hole.
Only three teams have ever come back from a three-game deficit to win an NHL playoff series, most recently the Philadelphia Flyers against Boston in the second round in 2010. The Canadiens are 31-0 when holding a 3-0 lead.
Tampa Bay had its best outing in Game 3 on Sunday night, but dropped a 3-2 decision. The Lightning thought they had a 2-1 lead in the second period, but Ryan Callahan's goal was waived off due to Alex Killorn's incidental contact on goalie Carey Price.
'That was obviously a tough one to swallow,' Lightning star Steven Stamkos said. 'A couple of calls didn't go our way.
'We can't dwell on it now. We realize the situation we're in. We just have to win one game. Our backs are against the wall. I'm pretty sure you're going to see a good effort from us. That's our motto right now: Just win one, then let's go back home and see what happens.'
Some wondered if Stamkos would be fit to play after taking an accidental knee to the head from Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin late in the second period. He returned for the third, but admitted later he took a major whack to the head.
'I feel pretty good so, yeah, I'm expecting to play,' he said. 'I got tangled up with Prust there and slid in.
'I don't think Emelin saw me and I got a pretty good knee to the head. Now that I saw it, I don't think there was any intention or anything. It was just kind of a play that happens in a game.'
Emelin and his defense partner Andrei Markov were given a day off as the Canadiens held a short practice at their suburban training center at the same time the Lightning skated at the Bell Centre.
After Vanek was acquired at the NHL trade deadline, he, Pacioretty and Desharnais produced 20 goals in the last 18 games of the regular season.
'I'm not surprised,' coach Michel Therrien said. 'We have to play well as a team defensively and that includes our forwards and our defense.
'We have to stick to our structure, stick to the game plan. This is when we're at our best offensively. When we start running around, that's when we get in trouble. But a lot of credit goes to the players. They stick to the game plan and they believe in it. And they have a lot of fun to play in that structure because they get results.'
Montreal's biggest area of concern is special teams. The power play that went 0 for 23 over the final eight regular season games has only one goal in 11 chances in the playoffs. They spent the time leading up to the series working on the power play, but it continues to struggle.
'The only thing we need to improve on is the power play,' Vanek said. 'We got some good chances again, but we've got to start burying our chances. It's something I'm sure we'll address and get better at.'
The Lightning have two goals in six chances against Montreal's penalty killing, which was fourth-best in the league in the regular season.
So far, the Canadiens have done enough at even strength to beat coach Jon Cooper's young Lightning. Now they hope to end it in four games.
As teams have always done in that situation, the Canadiens told each other the fourth win in the hardest to get.
'The first three were pretty tough, too,' Vanek said. 'Cliches are cliches. We enjoyed the win. Everyone felt good about it. Today's a new day. We'll get back to work and hopefully we can close it out.'
Cooper's message was much the same - just win the next one.
'I'm not going to throw out all the cliches and `let's win one for the Gipper' and all those little kinds of things,' he said. 'The reality is you can't win a series in one game.
'I truly believe there's not much more wrong that can go against us. At some point karma's going to come around and we just need it for one night.
'All of a sudden you just gotta win one and you win that one and everybody's back on a plane. Who knows what happens after that?'
Date: April 22, 2014 7:00 PM EDT
MONTREAL (AP) - When Lars Eller and Rene Bourque are outscoring the team's top line, things are going well for the Montreal Canadiens.
But it took until the playoffs for the Canadiens to find the balanced attack they have sought all season.
Getting offensive production from all four forward lines has helped them win the opening three games of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
They can sweep the best-of-seven series with a win on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre.
'That's a big strength,' Eller said Monday. 'I can't stress how important it is to have everybody involved, everybody contributing.'
Players who have struggled offensively during the regular season, notably Eller and Bourque, have found new life in the postseason.
It has helped the normally low-scoring Canadiens average four goals per game against the Lightning, who are missing top goaltender Ben Bishop to an injury.
Bourque, a two-time 27-goal scorer who had only nine goals in the regular season, has three in as many games in the playoffs while playing left wing with center Eller and right wing Brian Gionta.
Eller, who had 12 goals in 77 games including stretch of 24 games with only one assist, has two goals and shares the team scoring lead with four points with Brendan Gallagher and defenseman P.K. Subban.
The Eller line has produced five goals, one more than Gallagher's line with Tomas Plekanec and Brandon Prust.
The top line of David Desharnais, Max Pacioretty and Thomas Vanek has scored only twice, but has combined for 29 shots in three games.
The fourth line of Daniel Briere with Michael Bournival and Dale Weise has only one goal, but it was a big one as Weise scored in overtime in Game 1.
'Right now we have momentum and we're riding that wave,' Eller said. 'We knew depth was going to be important and I think a big part of why we're having success is we have all four lines contributing in one way or another.
'I guess the playoffs are just bringing out the best in all of us.'
The Lightning are aware they have dug themselves a deep hole.
Only three teams have ever come back from a three-game deficit to win an NHL playoff series, most recently the Philadelphia Flyers against Boston in the second round in 2010. The Canadiens are 31-0 when holding a 3-0 lead.
Tampa Bay had its best outing in Game 3 on Sunday night, but dropped a 3-2 decision. The Lightning thought they had a 2-1 lead in the second period, but Ryan Callahan's goal was waived off due to Alex Killorn's incidental contact on goalie Carey Price.
'That was obviously a tough one to swallow,' Lightning star Steven Stamkos said. 'A couple of calls didn't go our way.
'We can't dwell on it now. We realize the situation we're in. We just have to win one game. Our backs are against the wall. I'm pretty sure you're going to see a good effort from us. That's our motto right now: Just win one, then let's go back home and see what happens.'
Some wondered if Stamkos would be fit to play after taking an accidental knee to the head from Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin late in the second period. He returned for the third, but admitted later he took a major whack to the head.
'I feel pretty good so, yeah, I'm expecting to play,' he said. 'I got tangled up with Prust there and slid in.
'I don't think Emelin saw me and I got a pretty good knee to the head. Now that I saw it, I don't think there was any intention or anything. It was just kind of a play that happens in a game.'
Emelin and his defense partner Andrei Markov were given a day off as the Canadiens held a short practice at their suburban training center at the same time the Lightning skated at the Bell Centre.
After Vanek was acquired at the NHL trade deadline, he, Pacioretty and Desharnais produced 20 goals in the last 18 games of the regular season.
'I'm not surprised,' coach Michel Therrien said. 'We have to play well as a team defensively and that includes our forwards and our defense.
'We have to stick to our structure, stick to the game plan. This is when we're at our best offensively. When we start running around, that's when we get in trouble. But a lot of credit goes to the players. They stick to the game plan and they believe in it. And they have a lot of fun to play in that structure because they get results.'
Montreal's biggest area of concern is special teams. The power play that went 0 for 23 over the final eight regular season games has only one goal in 11 chances in the playoffs. They spent the time leading up to the series working on the power play, but it continues to struggle.
'The only thing we need to improve on is the power play,' Vanek said. 'We got some good chances again, but we've got to start burying our chances. It's something I'm sure we'll address and get better at.'
The Lightning have two goals in six chances against Montreal's penalty killing, which was fourth-best in the league in the regular season.
So far, the Canadiens have done enough at even strength to beat coach Jon Cooper's young Lightning. Now they hope to end it in four games.
As teams have always done in that situation, the Canadiens told each other the fourth win in the hardest to get.
'The first three were pretty tough, too,' Vanek said. 'Cliches are cliches. We enjoyed the win. Everyone felt good about it. Today's a new day. We'll get back to work and hopefully we can close it out.'
Cooper's message was much the same - just win the next one.
'I'm not going to throw out all the cliches and `let's win one for the Gipper' and all those little kinds of things,' he said. 'The reality is you can't win a series in one game.
'I truly believe there's not much more wrong that can go against us. At some point karma's going to come around and we just need it for one night.
'All of a sudden you just gotta win one and you win that one and everybody's back on a plane. Who knows what happens after that?'
Preview: Bruins (54-19) at Red Wings (39-28)
Date: April 22, 2014 7:30 PM EDT
DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Red Wings have figured out what they need to do to beat the Boston Bruins.
Detroit used its skill to win Game 1 against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Bruins.
Boston evened its first-round series against the eighth-seeded Red Wings by beating them up physically. The Red Wings want to flip the script in Game 3 on Tuesday night when the series shifts to Joe Louis Arena.
Detroit defenseman Brendan Smith said emotions got the best of him when he stood skate to skate and face to chest with Boston's 6-foot-9 defenseman, Zdeno Chara, during Sunday's game. Smith said the Red Wings have to play their fast-paced game and avoid trying to get physical with the bigger, bruising Bruins.
Here are five things to watch when the series resumes in Detroit:
PLAY POOL OR FIGHT?: Detroit does not want to play Boston's game. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock explained why in quite a unique way on Monday, when he was asked what his message was to Smith about challenging Chara. 'You walk into the bar and there's this beautiful young gal standing next to this 6-foot-5 monster, who you know makes his living fighting for a living and you're the best pool player in the bar,' Babcock said. 'Are you going to play pool or are you going to fight?'
LOUI, LOUI!: Bruins forward Loui Eriksson failed to play up to high expectations during the regular season after Boston traded Tyler Seguin - a young, rising star - to the Dallas Stars for him last summer. Eriksson had 10 goals and 37 points in 61 games, a far cry from the 70-plus seasons in each of the three years before the lockout-shortened season, at least in part because of a concussion that kept him out of the lineup. In the playoffs, Eriksson has been healthy and productive. The Swede assisted on the first goal of Sunday's 4-1 win and is one of just six players on his team with a positive plus-minus rating through two games against Detroit. 'Loui has just been good for us ever since he got over those injuries,' Bruins coach Claude Julien said.
ISN'T THAT SPECIAL: Boston evened the best-of-seven series because it took advantage of power plays, and didn't let Detroit score with an extra skater. The Bruins scored on two of four power plays and held Detroit to 0 for 4 when it had a man advantage in Game 2. 'We're in the box for too many penalties and down the road that can hurt you,' Bruins coach Claude Julien said Monday before his team traveled to Detroit. 'So playing within the rules and being physical is part of our strength, so we have to be that team.' The Red Wings have scored only one power-play goal in 19 chances over the last five games overall.
NYQUIST, NILL: Detroit's Gustav Nyquist does not have one goal in the eight games since he skated around Chara and scored the game-winner in a 3-2 victory over Boston on April 2. With that goal, he had scored 23 times in 28 games after having just 63 NHL games of experience. Alex Ovechkin and Pavel Bure were the only other NHL players who had pulled off that feat since the 1989-90 season. 'Suddenly, instead of being a guy nobody ever heard of, like last year in the playoffs, you're a guy they heard of,' Babcock said. 'His space is probably a little harder to come by.
HOLDING SERVE: The Red Wings took home-ice advantage by opening the series with a 1-0 victory on Pavel Datsyuk's dazzling play and sharp shot, and they hope to keep it by winning Game 3 on Tuesday night and Game 4 on Thursday night. After the first two games were split on the road, Smith insisted where games are played do play a factor. 'For sure, it matters,' Smith said. 'I any series, home ice matters. ... I think coming back home is going to help us a lot.'
Date: April 22, 2014 7:30 PM EDT
DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Red Wings have figured out what they need to do to beat the Boston Bruins.
Detroit used its skill to win Game 1 against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Bruins.
Boston evened its first-round series against the eighth-seeded Red Wings by beating them up physically. The Red Wings want to flip the script in Game 3 on Tuesday night when the series shifts to Joe Louis Arena.
Detroit defenseman Brendan Smith said emotions got the best of him when he stood skate to skate and face to chest with Boston's 6-foot-9 defenseman, Zdeno Chara, during Sunday's game. Smith said the Red Wings have to play their fast-paced game and avoid trying to get physical with the bigger, bruising Bruins.
Here are five things to watch when the series resumes in Detroit:
PLAY POOL OR FIGHT?: Detroit does not want to play Boston's game. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock explained why in quite a unique way on Monday, when he was asked what his message was to Smith about challenging Chara. 'You walk into the bar and there's this beautiful young gal standing next to this 6-foot-5 monster, who you know makes his living fighting for a living and you're the best pool player in the bar,' Babcock said. 'Are you going to play pool or are you going to fight?'
LOUI, LOUI!: Bruins forward Loui Eriksson failed to play up to high expectations during the regular season after Boston traded Tyler Seguin - a young, rising star - to the Dallas Stars for him last summer. Eriksson had 10 goals and 37 points in 61 games, a far cry from the 70-plus seasons in each of the three years before the lockout-shortened season, at least in part because of a concussion that kept him out of the lineup. In the playoffs, Eriksson has been healthy and productive. The Swede assisted on the first goal of Sunday's 4-1 win and is one of just six players on his team with a positive plus-minus rating through two games against Detroit. 'Loui has just been good for us ever since he got over those injuries,' Bruins coach Claude Julien said.
ISN'T THAT SPECIAL: Boston evened the best-of-seven series because it took advantage of power plays, and didn't let Detroit score with an extra skater. The Bruins scored on two of four power plays and held Detroit to 0 for 4 when it had a man advantage in Game 2. 'We're in the box for too many penalties and down the road that can hurt you,' Bruins coach Claude Julien said Monday before his team traveled to Detroit. 'So playing within the rules and being physical is part of our strength, so we have to be that team.' The Red Wings have scored only one power-play goal in 19 chances over the last five games overall.
NYQUIST, NILL: Detroit's Gustav Nyquist does not have one goal in the eight games since he skated around Chara and scored the game-winner in a 3-2 victory over Boston on April 2. With that goal, he had scored 23 times in 28 games after having just 63 NHL games of experience. Alex Ovechkin and Pavel Bure were the only other NHL players who had pulled off that feat since the 1989-90 season. 'Suddenly, instead of being a guy nobody ever heard of, like last year in the playoffs, you're a guy they heard of,' Babcock said. 'His space is probably a little harder to come by.
HOLDING SERVE: The Red Wings took home-ice advantage by opening the series with a 1-0 victory on Pavel Datsyuk's dazzling play and sharp shot, and they hope to keep it by winning Game 3 on Tuesday night and Game 4 on Thursday night. After the first two games were split on the road, Smith insisted where games are played do play a factor. 'For sure, it matters,' Smith said. 'I any series, home ice matters. ... I think coming back home is going to help us a lot.'
Preview: Rangers (45-31) at Flyers (42-30)
Date: April 22, 2014 8:00 PM EDT
VOORHEES, N.J. (AP) - Calling himself a Band-Aid, Ray Emery has held the Philadelphia Flyers together nicely.
Emery will make his third straight start for an injured Steve Mason when the Flyers host the New York Rangers in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series Tuesday night. The Razor was excellent in Sunday's 4-2 win at Madison Square Garden, making 31 saves to help the Flyers even the best-of-seven series at 1-1.
'The more frequently you play, the more comfortable you are in net,' Emery said Monday. 'I appreciate being in there in consecutive games. I'm kind of a Band-Aid there while Mase gets better.'
Mason said he won't dress for the game and his status for the series remains iffy because of an upper-body injury. He shared practice time with Emery on Monday and is hopeful to return Friday night for Game 4.
Mason hasn't played since he was injured in a collision in the next-to-last game of the regular season on April 12.
'Right now, the way Razor's playing, there's no hurry,' Mason said. 'He's the reason we won yesterday, so I think even if I was ready there's no reason to take him out right now.'
Flyers coach Craig Berube wouldn't speculate about his goalies.
'Ray is playing next game. That's it,' Berube said. 'That's where I'm leaving it. There's nothing really else to talk about. The other guy is not ready, so I'm going to play the guy that is ready. And that's it.'
Mason was 33-18-7 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .917 save percentage this season. He helped the Flyers overcome a 1-7 start and coaching change to make the playoffs.
Emery has more playoff experience, however. He helped lead Ottawa to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007 and was a backup for the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks last year.
'Any experience definitely helps,' Emery said. 'But seeing a team be successful in the playoffs, seeing the ups and downs a team has to go through to win a championship definitely leads to a positive experience that you can learn from.'
Emery's win Sunday was his first in the postseason anywhere in exactly three years since a 6-3 victory with Anaheim at Nashville on April 20, 2011. It was Philadelphia's first road win against the Rangers since Feb. 20, 2011.
Now the series shifts to the Wells Fargo Center where the Rangers will try to wrestle home-ice advantage back from the Flyers. The Rangers were 0-2 in Philadelphia this season, and have dropped four of five there. But New York set a franchise record this season by winning 25 road games.
'It's going to be a loud building, and they're going to come,' Rangers center Brad Richards said. 'Our regular season road record doesn't really matter unless we can win some road games in this series. That's all we're really looking at. It doesn't matter what we did before. Starting tomorrow we need to go in and try and win a game.
The Flyers must be more disciplined against New York. They got away with six penalties in Game 2, killing off five of them.
'We have to be better. We can't take penalties the way we are,' Berube said. 'You're going to get penalties in a game just because, but you can't take emotional, dumb ones. It's going to hurt you.'
The Rangers, who were twice whistled for diving, struggled on the power play and couldn't get much going after taking an early 2-0 lead Sunday. They were outhustled, and allowed the Flyers to upset their rhythm. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist gave up three goals on 24 shots, excluding the empty-netter at the end.
Eleven skaters took part in New York's optional practice at the Garden, including Richards, Brian Boyle, Derek Dorsett, Dominic Moore, Dan Carcillo, J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Justin Falk and Raphael Diaz, and backup goalie Cam Talbot.
'They come out a little different (at home), and we know they're a pretty good home team, play well in front of their fans,' Boyle said. 'It's going to be a pretty fun atmosphere, and we're a pretty good road team. Should be fun.'
Date: April 22, 2014 8:00 PM EDT
VOORHEES, N.J. (AP) - Calling himself a Band-Aid, Ray Emery has held the Philadelphia Flyers together nicely.
Emery will make his third straight start for an injured Steve Mason when the Flyers host the New York Rangers in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series Tuesday night. The Razor was excellent in Sunday's 4-2 win at Madison Square Garden, making 31 saves to help the Flyers even the best-of-seven series at 1-1.
'The more frequently you play, the more comfortable you are in net,' Emery said Monday. 'I appreciate being in there in consecutive games. I'm kind of a Band-Aid there while Mase gets better.'
Mason said he won't dress for the game and his status for the series remains iffy because of an upper-body injury. He shared practice time with Emery on Monday and is hopeful to return Friday night for Game 4.
Mason hasn't played since he was injured in a collision in the next-to-last game of the regular season on April 12.
'Right now, the way Razor's playing, there's no hurry,' Mason said. 'He's the reason we won yesterday, so I think even if I was ready there's no reason to take him out right now.'
Flyers coach Craig Berube wouldn't speculate about his goalies.
'Ray is playing next game. That's it,' Berube said. 'That's where I'm leaving it. There's nothing really else to talk about. The other guy is not ready, so I'm going to play the guy that is ready. And that's it.'
Mason was 33-18-7 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .917 save percentage this season. He helped the Flyers overcome a 1-7 start and coaching change to make the playoffs.
Emery has more playoff experience, however. He helped lead Ottawa to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007 and was a backup for the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks last year.
'Any experience definitely helps,' Emery said. 'But seeing a team be successful in the playoffs, seeing the ups and downs a team has to go through to win a championship definitely leads to a positive experience that you can learn from.'
Emery's win Sunday was his first in the postseason anywhere in exactly three years since a 6-3 victory with Anaheim at Nashville on April 20, 2011. It was Philadelphia's first road win against the Rangers since Feb. 20, 2011.
Now the series shifts to the Wells Fargo Center where the Rangers will try to wrestle home-ice advantage back from the Flyers. The Rangers were 0-2 in Philadelphia this season, and have dropped four of five there. But New York set a franchise record this season by winning 25 road games.
'It's going to be a loud building, and they're going to come,' Rangers center Brad Richards said. 'Our regular season road record doesn't really matter unless we can win some road games in this series. That's all we're really looking at. It doesn't matter what we did before. Starting tomorrow we need to go in and try and win a game.
The Flyers must be more disciplined against New York. They got away with six penalties in Game 2, killing off five of them.
'We have to be better. We can't take penalties the way we are,' Berube said. 'You're going to get penalties in a game just because, but you can't take emotional, dumb ones. It's going to hurt you.'
The Rangers, who were twice whistled for diving, struggled on the power play and couldn't get much going after taking an early 2-0 lead Sunday. They were outhustled, and allowed the Flyers to upset their rhythm. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist gave up three goals on 24 shots, excluding the empty-netter at the end.
Eleven skaters took part in New York's optional practice at the Garden, including Richards, Brian Boyle, Derek Dorsett, Dominic Moore, Dan Carcillo, J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Justin Falk and Raphael Diaz, and backup goalie Cam Talbot.
'They come out a little different (at home), and we know they're a pretty good home team, play well in front of their fans,' Boyle said. 'It's going to be a pretty fun atmosphere, and we're a pretty good road team. Should be fun.'
