Series Picks
Washington (-110) -- risking 2.2 to win 2: I did not really think I would be wagering on this series, because it's so close. However, I feel that Washington has just enough of an advantage in several areas to make this a worthwhile investment. First, Pittsburgh is in a lot of trouble on defence. Their big names (Gonchar, Letang) don't have the defensive ability or strength to handle the Washington attack, while several big guys (Eaton, Gill) don't have the footspeed to handle the attack. I would be much more confident with John Erskine handling Malkin than Mark Eaton handling Ovechkin. I also like the depth and checking ability of the Caps in comparison to the Pens. The Caps have guys like Bradley, Steckel, Gordon, Clark who can handle themselves decently against the Pens' big guns. Finally, what looked to be a Pens advantage, has become a stalemate in net. Both Fleury and Varlamov are playing excellent hockey. Getting a goalie who can handle himself under the pressure (albeit only one round) is a huge boost for the Caps.
Game Picks
Vancouver (-140) -- risking 1.4 to win 1: I was worried about Game 1, so I held off. Now, the series has begun. I don't think it's too early to say that Game 1 was a real turning point. As much as I liked the Canucks, had they lost that game I would have been extremely worried the rest of the way. They pulled it out, and I think are much better off to handle the Hawks the rest of the way. Toews is injured/sick, and Kane looks to be neutralized except for the powerplay. Like the Canucks to take control of Game 2 against an inexperienced Hawks team that is probably looking forward to going home after 6 strait days away from Chicago.
Record: 10-8-1, +10.07 units
Washington (-110) -- risking 2.2 to win 2: I did not really think I would be wagering on this series, because it's so close. However, I feel that Washington has just enough of an advantage in several areas to make this a worthwhile investment. First, Pittsburgh is in a lot of trouble on defence. Their big names (Gonchar, Letang) don't have the defensive ability or strength to handle the Washington attack, while several big guys (Eaton, Gill) don't have the footspeed to handle the attack. I would be much more confident with John Erskine handling Malkin than Mark Eaton handling Ovechkin. I also like the depth and checking ability of the Caps in comparison to the Pens. The Caps have guys like Bradley, Steckel, Gordon, Clark who can handle themselves decently against the Pens' big guns. Finally, what looked to be a Pens advantage, has become a stalemate in net. Both Fleury and Varlamov are playing excellent hockey. Getting a goalie who can handle himself under the pressure (albeit only one round) is a huge boost for the Caps.
Game Picks
Vancouver (-140) -- risking 1.4 to win 1: I was worried about Game 1, so I held off. Now, the series has begun. I don't think it's too early to say that Game 1 was a real turning point. As much as I liked the Canucks, had they lost that game I would have been extremely worried the rest of the way. They pulled it out, and I think are much better off to handle the Hawks the rest of the way. Toews is injured/sick, and Kane looks to be neutralized except for the powerplay. Like the Canucks to take control of Game 2 against an inexperienced Hawks team that is probably looking forward to going home after 6 strait days away from Chicago.
Record: 10-8-1, +10.07 units
Game Picks
Anaheim +1.5 & LA Lakers ML (+105) -- risking 1 to win 1.05: Same old story for the Ducks. They need to stay out of the box. The Wings have the best PP in the league. Last game they capitalized on Brown's stupid mistake. I think just eliminating that mistake alone will be enough to give Anaheim a great shot at the outright victory. They continue to impress, and are showing that they are just as good as the Wings. They have the superior defensive core, and if they can get some secondary scoring they will be in great shape for the rest of the series. Like them to keep Game 2 close.
Record: 10-9-1, +8.67 units
Anaheim +1.5 & LA Lakers ML (+105) -- risking 1 to win 1.05: Same old story for the Ducks. They need to stay out of the box. The Wings have the best PP in the league. Last game they capitalized on Brown's stupid mistake. I think just eliminating that mistake alone will be enough to give Anaheim a great shot at the outright victory. They continue to impress, and are showing that they are just as good as the Wings. They have the superior defensive core, and if they can get some secondary scoring they will be in great shape for the rest of the series. Like them to keep Game 2 close.
Record: 10-9-1, +8.67 units
Game Picks
Anaheim +1.5 & Vancouver +1.5 (-105) -- risking 1.05 to win 1: Been leaking units lately, but really like this play. Anaheim has yet to lose by 2 goals through 8 playoff games. They play it tight, and have the defence and goaltending to stay in every game. Vancouver is hurting, but I like them better without Salo. Edler can rip it just as hard on the PP, and Vaananen is quicker in the defensive end. Demitra is a game time decision, but if he doesn't draw in, Pyatt will. This will unquestionably be a huge boost to the team. Pyatt will skate with Bernier and Wellwood, while Raymond would move up to take Demitra's spot on the second line.
GL
Record: 10-11-1, +4.87 units
Anaheim +1.5 & Vancouver +1.5 (-105) -- risking 1.05 to win 1: Been leaking units lately, but really like this play. Anaheim has yet to lose by 2 goals through 8 playoff games. They play it tight, and have the defence and goaltending to stay in every game. Vancouver is hurting, but I like them better without Salo. Edler can rip it just as hard on the PP, and Vaananen is quicker in the defensive end. Demitra is a game time decision, but if he doesn't draw in, Pyatt will. This will unquestionably be a huge boost to the team. Pyatt will skate with Bernier and Wellwood, while Raymond would move up to take Demitra's spot on the second line.
GL
Record: 10-11-1, +4.87 units
Game Picks
Boston (-120) -- risking 1.2 to win 1: I have not given the Bruins much respect all year, and if they get through this series, I probably will back the other team in the East Final. However, I feel the Bruins have clearly been the better team in both games. Chara has been a beast, especially towards Eric Staal. If the Bruins keep flying, and doing what they've done thus far, I like them to take Game 3.
Record: 11-11-1, +5.87 units
Boston (-120) -- risking 1.2 to win 1: I have not given the Bruins much respect all year, and if they get through this series, I probably will back the other team in the East Final. However, I feel the Bruins have clearly been the better team in both games. Chara has been a beast, especially towards Eric Staal. If the Bruins keep flying, and doing what they've done thus far, I like them to take Game 3.
Record: 11-11-1, +5.87 units
Game Picks
Anaheim +1.5 & Vancouver +1.5 (+109) -- risking 1 to win 1.09: I still like this play, even going into Game 4. Nine playoff games for the #8 seed, and still zero losses by more than one goal. Vancouver has gone back to a more defensive system, and look better at protecting the early lead that they have had in every game so far in the series.
Record: 11-11-1, +5.87 units
Anaheim +1.5 & Vancouver +1.5 (+109) -- risking 1 to win 1.09: I still like this play, even going into Game 4. Nine playoff games for the #8 seed, and still zero losses by more than one goal. Vancouver has gone back to a more defensive system, and look better at protecting the early lead that they have had in every game so far in the series.
Record: 11-11-1, +5.87 units
Game Picks
Boston (-125) -- risking 1.25 to win 1: I still like Bruins, even though they were outclassed in Game 3. I'm glad the Pens/Caps game was on at the same time, because I don't think I wanted to see the entire Game 3. From what I saw, the Bruins looked bad. Yet, they did take the game to OT. If they are able to find their form, this is a Canes team that can be tamed. I would put more on this game, but it's not a must win for Boston. Nevertheless, the mountain will be very hard to climb should they go down 3-1 in the series. Time to get the PP going.
Record: 11-13-1, +3.67 units
Boston (-125) -- risking 1.25 to win 1: I still like Bruins, even though they were outclassed in Game 3. I'm glad the Pens/Caps game was on at the same time, because I don't think I wanted to see the entire Game 3. From what I saw, the Bruins looked bad. Yet, they did take the game to OT. If they are able to find their form, this is a Canes team that can be tamed. I would put more on this game, but it's not a must win for Boston. Nevertheless, the mountain will be very hard to climb should they go down 3-1 in the series. Time to get the PP going.
Record: 11-13-1, +3.67 units
Game Picks
Washington -0.5 (+110) -- risking 1 to win 1.1: This series is turning into a sham. I expect the Caps to get all the calls at home and Ovie to look more like his old self. I have not seen him play a game so bad in a long time.
Vancouver -0.5 (+105) -- risking 2 to win 2.1: Canucks are back to being the best team in this series. Now that they have found a way to completely shut down the Hawks' high flying offence, all they need to do is get their own game going. They played the perfect Game 3, and played a bit too defensive in Game 4. They need to remember that they have Luongo back there, which affords them to take a chance now and then. I think they bounce back in style tonight.
Vancouver FIRST PERIOD (-130) -- risking 1.3 to win 1: They have scored the first goal in every game. They have not lost a single first period. Coming back home in front of their fans should only help.
Record: 11-14-1, +2.42 units
Washington -0.5 (+110) -- risking 1 to win 1.1: This series is turning into a sham. I expect the Caps to get all the calls at home and Ovie to look more like his old self. I have not seen him play a game so bad in a long time.
Vancouver -0.5 (+105) -- risking 2 to win 2.1: Canucks are back to being the best team in this series. Now that they have found a way to completely shut down the Hawks' high flying offence, all they need to do is get their own game going. They played the perfect Game 3, and played a bit too defensive in Game 4. They need to remember that they have Luongo back there, which affords them to take a chance now and then. I think they bounce back in style tonight.
Vancouver FIRST PERIOD (-130) -- risking 1.3 to win 1: They have scored the first goal in every game. They have not lost a single first period. Coming back home in front of their fans should only help.
Record: 11-14-1, +2.42 units
Game Picks
Washington (+130) -- risking 1 to win 1.3: There is no statistical data to backup this pick, other than Ovie being 5-1 lifetime in do or die games. Call it going down with the ship. Call it a tough economic year for the NHL, and the need for this series to go 7. People are already talking about how much the East Final is going to suck after this series is over.
Vancouver (+130) -- risking 1 to win 1.3: Really believe Vancouver takes this one. Their best games were 3 & 4 in Chicago. Luongo's time is now to prove himself as a big game goalie, although I don't think he'll need to be spectacular. Brightspot from last game was that Mats Sundin is getting slightly better... he's almost upto 3rd line centre quality now.
Record: 11-16-2, -0.58 units
Washington (+130) -- risking 1 to win 1.3: There is no statistical data to backup this pick, other than Ovie being 5-1 lifetime in do or die games. Call it going down with the ship. Call it a tough economic year for the NHL, and the need for this series to go 7. People are already talking about how much the East Final is going to suck after this series is over.
Vancouver (+130) -- risking 1 to win 1.3: Really believe Vancouver takes this one. Their best games were 3 & 4 in Chicago. Luongo's time is now to prove himself as a big game goalie, although I don't think he'll need to be spectacular. Brightspot from last game was that Mats Sundin is getting slightly better... he's almost upto 3rd line centre quality now.
Record: 11-16-2, -0.58 units
Game Picks
Road Teams (-140) -- risking 1.4 to win 1: I'm gonna go against the Ducks for the first time in the playoffs. We have two teams in the Bruins and Wings who are coming off big wins, are higher seeds, and seem to have a lot of momentum going into Game 6 (especially the Wings).
Record: 12-18-2, -6.28 units [including Canucks ass kicking]
Road Teams (-140) -- risking 1.4 to win 1: I'm gonna go against the Ducks for the first time in the playoffs. We have two teams in the Bruins and Wings who are coming off big wins, are higher seeds, and seem to have a lot of momentum going into Game 6 (especially the Wings).
Record: 12-18-2, -6.28 units [including Canucks ass kicking]
@)I hardly ever take props with the kinda juice that is usually attached, but this one looks very good...
Game Picks
Eric Staal More Points than Marc Savard (+150) -- risking 1 to win 1.5: Staal is the focal point of the Canes' attack, a clutch performer who has already delivered in a Game 7 this year. I don't know who wins this game, but I think Staal is a factor.
Record: 13-19-2, -7.48 units [including Caps ass kicking]
Game Picks
Eric Staal More Points than Marc Savard (+150) -- risking 1 to win 1.5: Staal is the focal point of the Canes' attack, a clutch performer who has already delivered in a Game 7 this year. I don't know who wins this game, but I think Staal is a factor.
Record: 13-19-2, -7.48 units [including Caps ass kicking]
