Respect your elders

Common on, be honest, you had the Boston Celtics playing in the NBA Finals right along with the thought of changing the oil in your car. The truth is you didn’t really believe either was going to happen, but it sounds good right now, having learned what veteran pride and know how can do.

While much of corporate America looks to slice payroll, force more early retirements and generally speaking hire a cheaper labor force without necessarily having a better replacements, the Boston basketball franchise embraces the elderly.

No question it is a fine line to walk, as for months Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were having a difficult time keeping up with their hefty reputations, let alone playing a higher caliber of basketball. Boston limped into the playoffs with 3-7 SU and ATS record to close the season and most basketball fans and sports bettors thought the only way the light goes on for the Celtics was the “Clapper”.

For all that had gone wrong with Boston (27-26, 20-31-2 ATS since Dec. 27 until the end of the regular season), once the playoffs began, youth was served.

Rajon Rondo strapped the (aging) veteran stars on his back went took off. Rondo destroyed Miami and as that series wore on, one by one the “Big Three” from the Celtics joined him as a cohesive unit. Much like a younger person showing an older adult how to use their cell phone and various apps, Rondo got Boston rolling and they are 10-3 SU and ATS in the postseason, including punching winners on the last five contests.

After the C’s unceremoniously chopped up Cleveland, Orlando was supposed to finish of this Celtics revival. The Magic were younger, quicker and reportedly hungrier, playing the best basketball of any team for 2 ½ months.

Then something weird happened, something that would make legendary Red Auerbach smile. Boston went to Central Florida and ripped Orlando apart. Word was the Rondo and Jameer Nelson matchup was supposed to be special; instead it’s been the like Buffalo Bills in a Super Bowl.

The way the other Magic guards and forwards (except for J.J. Redick and Vince Carter in non-pressure situations) have wilted against Boston, you would have thought the games were being played outdoors on Church Street.

For roughly 35 minutes of each of the first two games, the way Orlando was scrambling on defense, you would swear it was 6 on 5, with Boston always finding the open man. The Magic might be 26-14 ATS having won 15 or more of their last 20 games this season, but they look like a befuddled bunch.

Online sports betting outlets have Boston as 3.5-point favorite, with total of 190 and they are 25-14 ATS after a win by six points or less. The Celtics have controlled the tempo series after series and is 13-3 UNDER against teams with winning records. Orlando still has a heartbeat, but is 15-31 ATS off two or more consecutive home losses and 9-1 UNDER after a close loss by three points or less.

ESPN will have Game 3 at 8:30 Eastern, with the favorite 1-6 and 0-7 ATS since May 17 of last year.

Philadelphia Flyers hope not to crack

It doesn’t come up often in sports, but when it does it sends shockwaves thru the participating cities and ends up catching the attention of those following the sport from coast to coast. The Philadelphia hockey franchise and Boston Bruins have enjoyed many memorable meetings decades ago but this Game 7 could surpass all of those depending on the outcome. Even so, as this series heads to nerve-wracking deciding contest, it has already left a mark.

The History

One team wants to embrace history the other wants nothing to do with. Philadelphia has comeback from 3-0 series deficit to even up this Eastern semi-final confrontation. Philadelphia will attempt to become the third NHL team to win a series after losing its first three games Friday night in Boston. The other two successful teams were the 1975 New York Islanders and the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Flyers are the fifth different team to force such an occurrence (The Islanders did it twice) and the originally trailing team is 2-3 all time.

This year was the 17th time Boston has taken a 3-0 lead in a series and this will be the second time in their history (1939 they beat the New York Rangers) they will be playing seventh game.

What Philly changed

Flyers coach Peter Laviolette decided to attack the Bruins differently after falling behind 3-0 in the series and why not, what was there to lose at the time.

Philadelphia became more aggressive when Boston reached the blue line on offense and was aggressive in stick-checks, getting into passing lanes and giving total effort in blocking shots. Though it didn’t work at first in 5-4 overtime win in Game 4, the results the last two games has Boston putting the puck in the net once the last two contests on 54 shots.

With goaltender Michael Leighton coerced into action because of injury to Brian Boucher, the Flyers players blocked 30 shots plus the 30 Leighton stopped in Game 6’s 2-1 triumph. Philadelphia has won eight of last 11 with a day between games.

Where Boston went wrong

After playing almost flawlessly, Bruins players are hurting their own team taking penalties that lack discipline. Boston has been called for 13 penalties the last two games compared to Philly’s six and the Flyers are 2-0 in scoring in man advantage situations.

“We have to do a better job at being disciplined,” said Boston forward Milan Lucic. “They’re doing a good job with that, so we have to do an even better job than them. It’s important. It sucks for me in the second when we take a bunch of penalties in a row and I’m sitting on the bench for the last six minutes. It gets guys sitting around for a bit who don’t penalty kill. We have to do a better job as a team not taking penalties.”

It’s starting to look like the losses of Marcus Strum and David Krejci in this series are taking their toll for squad that wasn’t good offensively to begin with. Though Boston has kept up a good volume of shots on goal, the degree of difficulty for the goaltender has been relatively simple. The Bruins need a player or two to manufacture a goal for team that is 4-1 after scoring two or fewer goals.

What the numbers say

Boston is a -125 money line favorite with total of Ov5. The Bruins have taken seven of eight as home faves and have issues to deal with.

“I’m sure the pressure is mounting even more,” the Flyers Daniel Briere said. Boston is 1-8 at home after two or more defeats and 16-6-6 UNDER as a favorite of -110 to -150.

Philadelphia has all the momentum and conviction they are team of destiny, even if they are 3-9 as road underdogs. “Now that we’re here and now that we’ve climbed all the way back in this series, we want it too,” Briere said. “We have to realize that the last game will be the toughest to leave with.” The Flyers are 7-1 as visitors after a home win by a single goal.

This series finale has a 7:00 Eastern start on VERSUS with Philly 6-2-1 UNDER as postseason dogs. The winner will have home ice advantage in the East Finals against Montreal.

Are Montreal and Philadelphia teams of fate?

Montreal rubbed out the team with the best record in the NHL and is 60 minutes away from knocking off the defending Stanley Cup champions as the eighth seed, is this crazy or what? What about Philadelphia, they were nearly swept in four games by Boston, but an overtime goal and extremely impressive road shutout has them three periods away from evening up this series at 3-3 and having the Flyers going after history seldom seen. Are the Canadiens and Flyers teams destined to meet in East Finals? Everyone begins to find out Wednesday night.

Montreal at Pittsburgh 7:00E VERSUS

If the Canadiens beating Washington seemed improbable, what were the odds for them turning right around and taking Pittsburgh squad that has as much or more star power and better defense?

It turns out besides the players and coaches, there are two other nervous types coming into this win and move on Game 7. Those holding Pittsburgh series tickets at -435 have to be quaking, since whom in their right or left mind would have believed the Penguins would be in this predicament.

In addition, long shot bettors have to salivating at the thought of cashing a +365 series winner on Montreal, who once again takes a better team to the max and couldn’t be more confident and feeling less pressure than what they are.

“Game 7, it’s all about passion, details, and the team that’s going to want the game the most is going to win,” Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre said.

Montreal has been like the guest that doesn’t know when to go home, hanging around to the point of annoyance and is 4-0 facing elimination. The Habs are a +210 money line underdog at Sportsbook.com, tell them something new. With a 7-6 record in the postseason, Montreal is inconceivable +11.55 units.

Pittsburgh can say they don’t feel the pressure, well that would not be truthful. Twice in their history the Penguins were decided home favorites heading into a Game 7, however they lost in 1993 and 1996. “This is a challenge for us,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said Tuesday. “It’s 3-3. There are some views out there this should have been an easy series. But we’re not losing. It’s tied. They’re here.”

The Pens are 30-8 at home after suffering a defeat, nonetheless, who the better team is right now? Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak, has outplayed his Pittsburgh’s counterpart Marc-Andre Fleury. If the Conn Smythe Trophy for Stanley Cup Playoffs most outstanding player was being handed out today, Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin wouldn’t be in the conversation. The most amount of talk would center on Halak or Mike Cammalleri, who has six goals for the Canadiens.

"No, not at all. For us, it is the reality," Cammalleri said when asked about if his team finds these circumstances unbelievable. "If you pinch yourself, you are beat. I remember when you first come into the league, if you start sitting around and staring in awe and catching flies, you'll be out pretty quick.

"Now, we belong and we're having fun. Now, we have an opportunity to go knock these guys off in Game 7, so let's go enjoy it."

Boston at Philadelphia 7:00E TSN

Forget the pipes and netting on the Philadelphia goal, what they really need is a revolving door. Netminder Michael Leighton was pressed into service in Game 5 after goalie Brian Boucher sprained MCL in his left knee, forcing Leighton into action as the seventh different player between the pipes with the heavy pads for the Flyers.

Leighton and Boucher became just the second pair to pitch a shutout in Stanley Cup playoffs history. Leighton hadn’t played since Mar. 16 because of a sprained ankle and was put on the active roster for the first time since then for the last contest. “My legs were shaking a little bit, I was nervous,” Leighton said. “Once I made a few saves, you kind of forget about that and just get focused. It kind of goes away.”

Off their 4-0 beat down of Boston, Philly has gone from a team just hoping to extend the series to one that envisions a seventh game with the momentum of three consecutive triumphs. The Flyers are 7-3 with day between games and have never given up.

“Even when we were down 3-0, we had the feeling we could win the series,” Flyers forward Simon Gagne said. “We could win some hockey games against that team.”

For the Bruins, the possibility exists losing the scoring prowess of David Krejci and Marco Sturm to injury in this series is finally catching up to the second lowest scoring squad during the regular season. Boston players and coaches were disconsolate about something else after the white-washing, the lack of effort.

"We lost battles from start to finish," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "They were the hungrier team tonight (Monday), and when that happens, you get those kinds of results."

Boston is 7-2 in road games after allowing four goals or more this year and comprehends its situation. "They came in and slapped us in the face," said Bruins veteran Mark Recchi. "Now we have to go there and realize that this is a series now."

Philadelphia is -135 ML home ice favorite, with total Ov5. The Flyers are on 6-1 run as chalk and 7-2-1 OVER after permitting two or fewer goals. Boston has won last four after compiling two or fewer pucks in the net and is 11-2 UNDER playing into double revenge.

Philadelphia is 2-6 vs. the Bruins at the Wachovia Center, but might have destiny on their side to force one more second round contest.

Boston and Pittsburgh try to win and move forward

The Bruins and Penguins have their first shot of moving to East Finals when they play Monday night. Boston theoretically has the easier task, playing on home ice at TD Garden, however they are not as large a favorite as Pittsburgh is on the road north of the border. Will both emerge victorious and get ready to meet each other or will they be forced to play another game?

Philadelphia at Boston 7:00E TSN

The Bruins can’t feel too bad losing to the Flyers in Game 4. Philadelphia had to win to avoid the embarrassment of being swept on their own frozen pond and Boston pushed them to overtime before falling.

Normally reliable defenseman Zdeno Chara turned the puck over at center ice, leading to the winner for Philly.

"We had our chances," said Boston coach Claude Julien. "There were chances in overtime for both sides. It's just the way it goes. Sometimes its one little mistake, one little miscue, and it's in the net."

The B’s are back home and are 41-16 having won three of their last four. This is a confident club, knowing what it takes from this point.

“Just play the same way: Play to win," said right wing Mark Recchi, who had two more goals Friday night. "We came in here (Philadelphia) and played two pretty good games. They battled hard and got a big win. But we're going home. We've got home-ice (advantage) in this series and we've kept it.”

The Bruins have to revert back to defensive-style, which has allowed them to be 36-13 when they permit two or less goals. Offensively it is about finding the right opportunities and the importance of center Patrice Bergeron is greatly enhanced with of fellow C David Krejci out for the rest of the playoffs with broken wrist.

Boston is a -145 money line favorite with total Ov5 and they are unbeaten at home in the postseason (5-0) and 7-0 as Bean-Town favorites. The Bruins are 14-4 UNDER in dark home jerseys when playing with two days’ rest.

Philly survived their first elimination game and is 9-2 away after a one goal victory on home ice. Nevertheless, the Flyers are 3-9 after a game where nine or more total goals were scored this season.

Pittsburgh at Montreal 7:00E VERSUS

The Canadiens have kept Sidney Crosby locked up, as he has failed to score in this series and has been held without a point in three of five conflicts. This has shifted the focus over to Evgeni Malkin, last year’s regular-season scoring champ and playoff MVP.

Malkin has been a factor in each contest against Montreal, but he was dominating when his team needed him most with series tied 2-2. Malkin controlled the puck for long stretches of time in the Canadiens zone. He led Pittsburgh with six shot attempts in Game 5 and though he didn’t score, he set up a power-play goal by Kris Letang, and later controlled the rubber in the offensive zone before Sergei Gonchar tallied what would be the winner in tight 2-1 tussle.

"It's great to watch. It's great to have him on your team," said veteran forward Bill Guerin, who returned to the lineup after an undisclosed injury kept him out of Games 3 and 4. "When he takes it to that level, it's really, really hard for other guys to stop him. Even two guys, he's going to make it difficult on you. If he's not taking it to the net himself, he's going to find somebody. If he gets in that zone of playing, it's really difficult for the other team."

The Pens have won five of last six as visitors and are -175 ML pick to close out series. Pittsburgh is 5-1 as visiting favorite of -151 to -200 and are 27-14 UNDER in road games after allowing one or fewer goals in previous contest.

Montreal doesn’t sound like a team getting ready to play golf and have the summer off. “We're not going to go away. You know that," Habs forward Mike Cammalleri said. "Now we just have to win one game at home and we're right back where we want to be."

The Canadiens might be 6-14 as playoff underdog, but all six wins have come this postseason and if they can contain Pittsburgh again and limit them to two goals, they are 26-14 when the opponent registers that scoring total.

Philadelphia and Vancouver pleased to be home

The Flyers and Canucks gladly return home. Philadelphia has tennis in mind tonight trying to hold serve in their rink and get back into series. Vancouver earned the always desired split on the road in the first two contests, however it was the manner in which it happened that left them unfulfilled. Two home teams with the same thought process, protect home ice.

Boston at Philadelphia 7:00E VERSUS

It’s often funny how life works, especially if you are goalie Brian Boucher of Philadelphia. Boucher has been around the NHL for a number of years and was in goal in his first go-round with the Flyers a decade ago when they trailed Pittsburgh 0-2 in playoff series. Thanks in part to some of his heroics, Philadelphia rallied and overcame the deficit for just the second time in their history. Boucher will be called on again 10 years later to perform the same miracle.

“We were pretty down going to Pittsburgh, feeling pretty bad about ourselves,” Boucher said.

“We had not played well the first two games. We’re at home here. That’s one of the advantages. To be honest, we could probably play a bit better.”

The Flyers will look to achieve flying start on home ice and get back into this Eastern semi-final and have five of last six at Wachovia Center, including four in a row.

Philly hasn’t played poorly, just lacking that something extra that wins games.

“It’s not that we’ve played bad, but just play with more desperation than we’ve shown the last two games,” forward Danny Briere said. “We need a little bit more of the way we played in the first round against Jersey, kind of take their will away. I think we can do a better job of that.”

The Flyers as -155 money line favorites with total at Ov5; however they are just 5-13 revenging consecutive losses to same foe in favorite’s role. Philly is 13-3 UNDER off a one goal defeat.

Boston comes in brimming with confidence with the offense clicking, having score 12 goals in last three contests, the most since they totaled 14 in three games way back on Dec. 5-12. The Bruins are 40-16 having won three of four and are 14-5 UNDER as visitors with three or more straight wins.

Chicago at Vancouver 9:30E VERSUS

The Canucks waylaid Chicago 5-1 in the opening contest of the series and grabbed a 2-0 lead in Game 2 in the Windy City, but left their killer instinct in the locker room and let the Blackhawks off the hook.

Vancouver had only 15 shots in the final 55 minutes (zero in two critical third period power play chances), as Chicago scored the last four goals of the contest and evened the series.
Never has a road split felt so hollow. The Canucks have ghosts in their closets and need to get past these events in order to win the series. Last season they lost an eerily similar game to Chicago in the fourth game of the playoffs and never recovered, losing in six.

"We’re not even thinking like that right now,” Canucks forward Ryan Kesler said. “Game 4 last year is out of our mind. You guys are acting like it’s over. It’s not over by any means. We lost a game. So what? We could have been up 2-0. So what?”

Though Kesler comes off a little testy, he has to feel good about being back at the GM Place where Vancouver is 32-12 this campaign.

The Canucks top center Henrik Sedin was asked what his team learned from Monday’s fallout. “We played on the outside too much,” Sedin said. “We didn’t create enough offensively.” His club is 13-4 off a road loss by two goals or more this season.

Chicago’s advantage coming into the series was bigger, stronger forwards against Vancouver’s ordinary defense and with Ben Eager and Adam Burish back in the lineup (missed Game 1 with lingering ailments) the Hawks were more aggressive in offensive end and won the physical battle.

“They put their meat in the lineup and they did the job,” defenseman Shane O’Brien of Vancouver said. “Their guys are going hard to the net, snowing (Luongo), bumping him, slashing him. We’ve got to play a lot meaner, a whole lot grittier.

“It’s playoff time. I was upset with the way we kind of didn’t respond physically and emotionally. There has been a lot of talk about the fine line of not scrumming up, this and that. But at the end of the day, we’re playing for the Stanley Cup here. You’ve got to push back. Show them that you want it.”

Vancouver is -150 ML pick and is 11-2 after conceding two or more goals in third period. With total at Ov6, the Canucks are 6-0 OVER at home in the second round of the playoffs.

Chicago will attempt to use the momentum they created and are 16-3 after lighting the lamp four or more times at the United Center.

Eastern Conference NHL Playoff Preview

The wreckage the lower seeds did in the East changed the entire playoff picture. Most believed Pittsburgh would have a challenging time repeating as Eastern Conference champions for a third straight year, but with the top three seeds now on vacation the Penguins are unquestionably the team to beat now. Pittsburgh is a -165 favorite to rule the East, with their dubious opponent Montreal at +700. Three weeks ago it would be hilarious to believe Boston (+375) or Philadelphia (+400) would have an inkling of opportunity to be in the Eastern finals, yet one of them will.

(4)Pittsburgh vs (8) Montreal

On occasion in sports, an individual will do something so unusual, their name will be associated it. In baseball, Mario Mendoza was a slick fielding shortstop in the 1970-80’s, but was a terrible hitter during his career and his name became used as the Mendoza Line, for batters hitting above or below .200.

If goalie Jaroslav Halak can continue to play like he did against Washington and Montreal could upset Pittsburgh, a hot goal-tender might forever me known as having the “Halak Effect”. Montreal became the first team to knock off a No.1 seed in the first round since the NHL playoffs went to present format in 1994 and though dominated frequently in puck possession and shots, they played well enough and made sure the Capitals felt the mental pressure and let Halak do the rest.

An understated aspect of what the Canadiens accomplished was they were quicker to the puck and willing to block shots with the body and clogged passing lanes to mess up Washington’s timing. Though the Caps had a ton of shots, quality was certainly lacking.

Pittsburgh has the benefit of watching more tape on Montreal and has the confidence of being in The Finals the last two years, which will make them tougher to rattle. This is where the Habs have to continue to forecheck expertly and Mike Cammalleri, Brian Gionta and Tomas Plekanec have to score. Montreal will begin the series extremely confident and is 18-10 in road games after two or more Under’s.

Sidney Crosby continues to be dumbfounding and he leads by example, which is why Pittsburgh is unflappable. Lose first game at home to Ottawa, win the next three. Lose Game 5 to clinch series and trail in next contest on the road 3-0, score four straight goals and wrap up series, nothing to it.

With Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Stall, Pittsburgh has a relentless attack that offers no quarter for opposition. The trio had 25 points in six games (10 goals and 15 assists) and each is a creative operator, which leaves Montreal with situations they cannot prepare for. A rested Penguins squad is all but unbeatable with 13-0 record playing five or fewer games in two week window.

Metminder Marc-Andre Fleury will let in the occasional soft goal, but is sturdy when needed most and savvy veteran Sergei Gonchar is dependable blue-liner along with other lesser known teammates on this star-studded squad. They will try to take advantage of the Canadiens frailties in the second round that shows 3-16 record.

Pittsburgh will attempt to crack the Halak code and grab leads to unsettle Montreal. The Penguins do play looser than necessary and Montreal will have to take advantage of each opportunity and try and bottle up the Pitt power play similar to what they did to Washington. The Canadiens will battle valiantly, but come up short like they did in losing three of four this season.

3Daily Winners Pick- Pittsburgh (-435) in six over Montreal (+365)

(6) Boston vs (7) Philadelphia

The Bruins secured a playoff berth on the second to last day of the season and now have home ice advantage in the Eastern semi-finals vs. Philadelphia club that needed to win last regular season contest just to be invited to the postseason. Go figure, it must be the Stanley Cup playoffs.

This series is expected to be very physical and reminiscent of the 1970’s when the Big Bad Bruins battled the Broad Street Bullies.

Philadelphia had New Jersey’s number all season and got into the Devils’ heads and exploited even their smallest weakness. The Flyers will have fewer dependable scoring options without Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne, both out for the series because of foot injuries, which leaves youngsters Claude Giroux James van Riemsdyk and Ville Leino to pick up the scoring slack. The Flyers still have offensive firepower with Michael Richards (eight points) and Daniel Briere, both very sharp at present.

The strength of the Philly is the blue-liners with the always reliable Chris Pronger and Matt Carle matched together along with Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn, giving the Flyers the best group of defensemen still left in the East. Goalie Brian Boucher turned back the clock and has remarkable .940 save percentage and 1.59 GAA; however it is safe to assume if Philadelphia takes the six-plus penalties per contest they had against the Devils, there will be hell to pay after conceding only four goals. The Flyers enter round two on 7-2 run.

Boston doesn’t have a lot of offensive weapons, which is why coach Claude Julien took his chances and turned the Bruins into physical, tough-minded defensive team, leaning on goaltending as the last line of defense. Though the Bruins didn’t lead until the later stages of the games they won over Buffalo, they manhandled the Sabres and wore them down. Zdeno Chara was tougher than day old pork chop and has taught the cub Bruins how to take the body and clear the puck out of their zone when pressured.

Rookie netminder Tuukka Rask held up well in permitting 14 goals in his first six playoff games but will have to deal with the always annoying (if he’s not on your team) Daniel Carcillo, who is known for creating mayhem.

Boston outscored Buffalo by one goal in their series and won the special teams battle 6-0 for the difference. The Bruins power play could be further enhanced with the return of their best center Marc Savard, who probably earns most of his playing time in man-advantage situations and rebuilds his strength taking intermittent shifts. Boston starts series with 38-16 mark having won three of four.

Miroslav Satan had a reputation as soft player, which is how Boston was able to sign him at midseason with all their injuries; however he had two game-winning goals and three assists in last series. David Krejci has been one of the Bruins best players the last six weeks, yet he will need help against the bigger Flyers and Marco Sturm has to do more than just take his shift, he has to produce points.

For fans that love hitting, this series is a true delight. These teams divided four games, with Boston taking the last two. Home ice means zilch when these two collide, with the visitor 14-5 in last 19 matchups. I’ll use the slightest of leans with Philadelphia being more skilled offensively and as good defensively. Leave open to change my mind after seeing how goalies perform in series opener and take adjusted series odds if necessary.

3DW Pick- Philadelphia (+130) in seven over Boston (-150)

NHL trio pushes for a Game 7

On Monday night, a trio of NHL teams will try and follow the lead of the Phoenix Coyotes and force a deciding game in their first round series. Buffalo would appear to have the most difficult task, winning on the road, but that is what Phoenix did. Montreal and Nashville will at least be on home ice, needing a victory to push a Game 7, both as non-favorites.

Buffalo at Boston 7:00E NESN

The Sabres are scratching their helmets wondering how they are in this predicament. Buffalo has scored the first goal in all five games against Boston and has been ahead or tied over 70 percent of game minutes yet could be eliminated tonight. Buffalo is still hopeful leading scorer Thimas Vanek can go, giving the team a lift.

“I never said I can’t play,” Vanek said. “I wanted to play the last two, but, obviously, we talked. We have to be realistic about it. And I said before, if (Ruff) doesn’t feel like, if we both feel like I can’t really help the team, then there’s no point of going and taking a spot away from somebody else.”

Off their 4-1 win in Game 5, the Sabres are 14-5 after allowing one goal or less in their previous contest this season. Buffalo is a +125 money line underdog to the Bruins and is 3-11 in road games against meager offensive teams scoring 2.55 or fewer goals a game. They will hope Boston’s 2-7 record at home revenging a loss where opponent scored four or more goals this season continues.

Washington at Montreal 7:00E VERSUS

Montreal knows they will have a chance in a Game 7 against top-seeded Washington since they have already won twice on the Capitals home ice this series. Getting there could be the issue as the Canadiens have failed to defeat Washington is both home tilts in the opening round.

Montreal is 6-13 at home in the playoffs since its current streak of sellouts began in 2003. “We appreciate and respect our crowd very much,” Habs forward Michael Cammalleri said Sunday after practice. “It’s the reason why it’s so much fun to play for the Montreal Canadiens. You get chills every game when you get on that ice.”

The Canadiens are +175 home underdogs and have 15 wins in 41 tries as +150 to +200 ML dogs.

Washington found a way to keep this series extended, after falling in previous contest 2-1 and is 23-6 revenging a loss vs. opponent as a home favorite.

“It’s important because it’s an important game,” Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said. “You just have to be ready as we’re sure the crowd will be ready and they will be ready. It will be an electric atmosphere again. The Caps are 41-13 after permitting two or less goals in next outing.

Chicago at Nashville 9:00E VERSUS

The Predators have been one of the most resilient NHL teams all season and their mettle faces a max test in Game 6.

For all intents, Nashville won in Chicago Saturday. Leading 4-3 with 63 seconds, the Preds were going on the power play and didn’t need to score, just ice the puck for the remainder of the contest and head home for potential series upset.

Instead the Blackhawks scored a shorthanded goal with 13.6 seconds remaining and won in overtime 5-4.

“This game is certainly difficult, the hardest way to lose as possible,” Nashville defenseman Dan Hamhuis said Sunday. “It’s going to take a little bit more to rebound from it. Sometimes when things go really bad, you bounce back even harder and come out with a better effort again.” Nashville is 27-13 revenging a loss.

The Predators are +145 ML home underdogs; however is 8-3 if opposing club scored five or more goals in last encounter. Chicago knows how lucky they were; nevertheless they made their own breaks and have won last nine of 12 as postseason chalk.

NHL Playoff teams try avoid 3-1 deficit

Two road teams and one playing at home look to stay away from having to win final three games of their opening round series. Buffalo and Vancouver both came in as No. 3 seeds from the respective conferences and each are trying to avoid a third defeat to upstart. Montreal was feeling so good after taking Game 1, but its defense has been shredded for 11 goals the last two contests and the Canadiens goal light looks like a flashing blue light from K-Mart. All three clubs have their sights set on evening their series tonight.

Buffalo at Boston 7:00E VERSUS

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has a simple message for his team. - “We win that game (Game 4), we’re back in our own building with momentum,”

Buffalo needs to turn up the offensive pressure on Boston to get this series back 2-2. Top scorer Thomas Vanek missed the last contest with undisclosed injury and no word has come down if he’s available tonight. Either way the Sabres are not beating the Bruins defensive men in their own end and have to start feeding the middle more. Buffalo is 10-30 this year when they score two or less goals.

Even when Buffalo has put on a few surges on goalie Tuukka Rask, he has stoned them. “We are making mistakes and we have Tuukka making huge saves for us.” said Mark Recchi “We have been in these close games for a long stretch now, and have been playing playoff hockey for over a month.” Since March 27, Rask has permitted 14 goals in 10 games during regulation. Boston has won 11 in a row on home ice against teams from their own division.

DiamondSportsbook.com has the Sabres as +120 money line underdog and they are 12-3 after scoring one goal or less and 12-4 UNDER revenging a road loss versus opponent this season.

Washington at Montreal 7:00E TSN

The old adage of “win, survive, advance” sure sounds good to Montreal right now as it feels like Washington is assaulting them with a barrage of weapons. In best Dennis Leary voice, “Here’s the crazy part”.

The Canadiens have given up 11 goals in last 6+ periods, but haven’t allowed one goal in 14 opportunities against the Capitals down a man in penalty kills. If they had, how much worse would the blood-letting be!

Though the task is monumental, Montreal has to attempt to control neutral ice better and maintain possession of the puck like they did in the opener. Washington has far too many guys that can bury the rubber into the netting. The Canadiens had chances in the first period to claim a lead; they just failed to do so. Montreal is 11-26 at home after a blowout loss by four goals or more; however they are 4-0 revenging a home defeat vs. opponent of three goals or more.

Montreal is +170 ML underdog and faces Caps club that is 8-0 after three straight games with eight or more shots edge on goal.

Vancouver at Los Angeles 10:00E VERSUS

The Canucks would do well to tighten their overall play and stay out of the penalty box, since they are getting killed when down a man. Los Angeles has score 10 times in this series, seven via the power play.

Vancouver has to find a way to contain Jack Johnson and Dew Doughty of the Kings as these young guys have been running the power play from the top expertly. “They’re great on our blue line,” said L.A.’s Michal Handzus who scored two power-play goals set up by the defensemen. “They’re very strong and really creative, (but) they know how to keep it simple, too.”Los Angeles will look to create a 3-1 lead in the series at the Staples Center and they are 22-6 after game where eight or more total goals were scored.

Vancouver is professing not to panic. “We’re confident in ourselves, even after a couple of losses,” said Henrik Sedin, who has three assists. “We realize we just have to execute, because we’ve done it before. The penalty killing has to improve, and the power play has to be more active and more effective. Once we get that done, we’ll be all right.” The Canucks are 16-4 after a loss by two or more goals.

Vancouver is a -120 ML choice with total Ov5 and is 8-3 after their opponent scored five or more goals and 15-5 OVER after allowing three goals or more in consecutive games this season.

Hoping Kate Gosselin falls on her ego on DWTS on Monday

A good quality 2-1 Sunday brings us to today and a notch NHL system arises at 82 percent. The Top Trend was a winner against yesterday and peeks in on NL West this evening. The Free Pick hasn’t been so hot of late, but Ron gives it go in the NBA. Good Luck

What I thought yesterday- How interesting it was to watch the last two innings Ubaldo Jimenez no-hitter and watch him throw out of the stretch. Good for him for swallowing his ego and doing what was right for him and the team and just “drop and drive” his way to history books.

I did think it was sort of stupid however the Rockies TV announcers didn’t say he was pitching a no-hitter, like they were being superstitious like the players about it. Kind of a reach, just report the action.

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Hockey System -1) Play On a favorite against the money line like Boston with a goalie having 91.5 percent or higher in the second half of the season, whose team has five straight games with 30 or more shots on goal. This winning system has lit the lamp with 41-9 record, 82 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Matt Cain and the Giants are 11-2 after a loss over the last two seasons.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Ron of the LCC is 7-2 in last nine NBA selections and sees Denver continuing to roll against Utah.

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NHL Playoff Preview – Eastern Conference

Normally, there would be a great deal of clamor about a young, though veteran squad that was seeking a second straight Stanley Cup and third consecutive appearance in the finals. However, all is quiet about Pittsburgh on the Eastern Conference front with the season Washington had. The Capitals are the most dominating offensive team in hockey, as they scored 96 more goals than No. 2 seed New Jersey (allowed 42 more) and the second best scoring team was Vancouver, who was a distant 46 goals behind. If defense wins championships, then Washington is the wrong choice in a conference with only three teams with legit chance to play for Stanley Cup. All lines courtesy of Bookmaker.com.

(1) Washington vs (8) Montreal

How good has Washington been? The Caps are first team in four years to ring up 300 or more goals and have seven snipers that but the puck over the line 20 or more times. Alex Ovechkin is arguably the most dominating offensive player in the game and Mike Green led all NHL defenseman in points. Washington was 30-11 at home, but six of those losses came in overtime. Rejuvenated Jose Theodore has been nearly unbeatable for three months, as his only three losses in 23 starts have come after three periods of play (20-0-3).

Sure Montreal comes in as the eighth seed, performing worse than Kate Gosselin on DWTS with three wins in last 11 outings, but those sweaters are still Le Bleu-Blanc-et-Rouge. The Canadiens might have an edge in speed in their offensive end, but they look like pip-squeaks compared the Washington blue-liners. That would leave Jaroslav Halak to have to stand on his head in net against Capitals onslaught.

These teams split four games, each winning on the other’s frozen pond, but Washington is the top overall choice to win the Cup at +275 and should sweep if focused and win in five if not, being better in all areas against Les Habitants.

3DW Pick- Washington (-565) in four over Montreal (+465)

(2) New Jersey vs (7) Philadelphia

Typically, the second seed would be thrilled their first round opponent had to fight until the 82nd game to make the postseason tournament, however that is not the case with New Jersey. The Devils had a devil of a time, losing five of six times to Philadelphia. New Jersey plays defensive-style, conceding the fewest goals at 2.3 per contest with the remarkable Martin Broduer in front of the cage. Offensively, the Devils are not imposing beyond Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk and they enter the playoffs 22-8 having won three of previous four.

The Flyers are better than what they showed losing eight of 12 (they did win three of final four to sneak in) to gain entry into the playoffs. Philadelphia has components that could lead to upset. Philly is ranked third in the league in power play conversion at 21.5 percent and a respectable 11th on penalty kills. It’s not a coincidence the ’06 Edmonton squad and ’07 Anaheim club were in the finals with Chris Pronger manning the blue line, as he always elevates his play in the postseason. The wild card is third string goalie Brian Boucher, whose been forced to play with others injured. He helped the Flyers make the playoffs, can he lead the upset?

If Philadelphia can light the lamp on man-advantages and curtail New Jersey’s chances, an upset is in the making.

3DW Pick- Philadelphia (+195) in seven over New Jersey (-235)

(3) Buffalo vs (6) Boston

Two teams from the old Adams Division (circa 1974-93) will chase the puck in the third of three first round division matchups. Both Buffalo and Boston had surprising seasons, the Sabres for winning the division with relative ease and the Bruins for scuffling just to make the playoffs after having the most points in the East last season. Watch the total in Buffalo, as these clubs are 8-1 UNDER.

The series is about finding bodies that can produce on the ice. Buffalo has players at less than 100 percent like Tim Connolly, Jochen Hecht and Drew Stafford, which means goalie extraordinaire Ryan Miller will play a key role in Buffalo advancement. If Miller can almost singlehandedly take the USA to Olympic gold, he can certainly contain Boston’s feeble attack. The Sabres split four contests with division partner.

Boston has a number of players out and it’s hard to comprehend a team could be in playoffs after finishing 30th in goals scored, nonetheless, here the Bruins are. Boston suffered a 10-game losing streak from the middle of January into February. They had a stretch of scoring more than three goals once in 19 contests, yet managed to win six of last nine games (all losses by one goal). Coach Claude Julien had to do the unthinkable, turn his team’s fortunes over to 22-year-old Tuukka Rask between the pipes. Though Rask was named starter just 39 times, he led the NHL in both goals-against average and save percentage.

3DW Pick- Boston (+145) in six over Buffalo (-165)

(4) Pittsburgh vs (5) Ottawa

Whether it’s an 8 vs. 9 in the NCAA basketball tournament or 4 vs. 5 in the NBA or hockey playoffs, the presumption is a tight game or series is the forecast. This however is not the case in this Eastern confrontation. The talented Penguins waddled thru the regular season and flip the switch in mid-April. After losing to Detroit in 2008 Finals, Pittsburgh was less than inspired the next season finishing fourth, the very same position they are in presently, on the way to being champions.

Pittsburgh has Sid Crosby and the defending NHL scoring champ Evgeni Malkin, who was hampered by injuries most of the season. He played in 66 games, but was a factor in maybe half and had an off year. Though Pitt’s often dynamic duo will receive light criticism for indifference during the regular season, no player is more emblematic of his team than enigmatic Marc-Andre Fleury. He’s a latter day Grant Fuhr of the Edmonton glory days with Wayne Gretzky and the gang.

Ottawa is more unstable than some of the people that sit with Dr. Phil. The Senators had 11-game winning streak right before Valentine’s Day and a six-game stretch without a defeat afterwards. Throw those in the blender with a four and two 5-game losing streaks and it’s easy to decipher Ottawa as having multiple personalities for extended periods. A bit of research dug up these facts about the Senators that are very telling about their mental makeup. Ottawa is 21-4 SU when leading after first 20 minutes and is 4-24 SU when trailing.

3DW Pick- Pittsburgh (-275) in five over Ottawa (+235)

Last exit to make NHL postseason

The hockey season is down to a precious few days and several teams have been fighting for survival just to make the playoffs, let alone worrying about what happens when they get there. Each conference has teams fighting to hang on or struggling to get in, looking to join the chase for the Stanley Cup. Here is look at the possibilities for all the contenders.

Eastern teams presently in

Montreal, Boston and Philadelphia occupy slots six thru eight in the Eastern Conference. Canadiens coach Jacques Martin has all but confirmed that Jaroslav Halak will be the starting goaltender for the remainder of the regular season. Montreal is 19-20 SU on the road and has winnable games at the New York Islanders and at Carolina before returning home to close the season against Toronto. Montreal should emerge as sixth seed.

After finishing second in goals scored a year ago in the NHL, the Bruins have been last most of the season putting the puck in the net and their only saving grace has been defense, with only New Jersey allowing fewer goals. Boston has home games against Buffalo and Carolina; however that isn’t necessarily a good thing for team that is 3-14 SU on home ice since Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Boston’s last game at Washington may be critical, however the Capitals might not bring best effort having wrapped up everything for the playoffs.

Philadelphia has lost nine of last 12 and has placed itself in precarious position. The Flyers can determine their own fate playing home and home with the New York Rangers whom they lead by a point in the standings. Right now Philadelphia also has an edge in a tie-breaker, with the first aspect looked at being number of wins.

Eastern teams trying to move up

The Rangers have won five of six including last three in a row and could use wins over Buffalo and Toronto to set up “all in” matchups with the Flyers. “We do not want to be the New York Rangers team that didn't make the playoffs," Brandon Dubinsky told the New York Post. "That's really important to us.”

Atlanta had a brutal close to the season schedule-wise, facing Washington and Pittsburgh twice along with taking on New Jersey. The Thrashers already lost to the Caps and Penguins last week and have to come up with six points in final three games to realistically even have a chance. Against this type of competition, that could be too tall an order.

Western teams presently in

Detroit has placed themselves in good position in the West, winning 10 of 13 and being as healthy as they have been all season. Rookie Jimmy Howard’s fine play between the pipes is the biggest reason why the Red Wings have gone from being a shaky participant to virtually in and has two matchups with Columbus that should give them the stamp of approval.

Of all the teams fighting to make the postseason, the Los Angeles Kings are the most impressive on their body of work for the year. The Kings are +22 in goal differential, basically the same as New Jersey and Phoenix, both who are comfortably in the playoff picture. L.A. can end Anaheim’s faint hopes with a victory and should earn two easy points hosting Edmonton before closing out the regular season at Colorado.

The Avalanche is gasping for air having tumbled to eighth in the West standings, by virtue of losing seven of nine. This young squad by appearances is just worn out from a long season after playing beyond expectations most of the year, which is evident on the defensive end, conceding three or more goals in all but one of their defeats. Playing at Edmonton should be a win; however with games at Vancouver, plus Chicago and the Kings on home ice, nothing is secured yet. The Avs are 24-15 SU on home ice which could help.

Western teams trying to move up

Calgary is attempting to make late charge, winning six of last 10, but its anemic offense will have to come up big vs. San Jose, Minnesota and at Vancouver to sneak into the playoffs.
Anaheim and St. Louis mathematically are still alive; however each has to win remaining contests to even get a sniff.

Thursday Night Action

Finally! Nailed down a pair of winners, so let’s go for the whole enchilada today and sweep the board. The Best System involves tonight’s NFL matchup at 80 percent. The Top Trend is perfect 13-0 on the ice this evening and Marty looks to continue Hot streak in college football. Good Luck

New Poll Question at bottom of the page

What I learned yesterday – Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks looks like a very good rookie. He has weakness, but what first year player wouldn’t. Definitely impressed.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Football System-1) PLAY ON favorites like San Fran when playing on a Thursday. (24-6 ATS, L5Y)

Free Hockey Trend-2) The Boston Bruins are 13-0 when playing against a team with win percentage of 25 to 40 percent in the first half of the season over the last two years.

Free Football Pick -3) Marty of the LCC has hit 10 of last 11 CFB plays and is on Rutgers.

3Daily Winners Guaranteed CFB Winner

The Platinum Sheet has expert hitting 66 percent on Best Bets.

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Wednesday Update with New Feature

Pleased to announce 2-1 day, especially with two NHL Winners. We have an another NHL play, this time a Prefect Trend. The Best System is for the NFL this Sunday involving totals at 83.9 percent. Good Luck

NEW Feature: Take our Poll at the bottom of the page.

What I learned today- Alex Rodriguez had three hits, a home run, two RBIs, three runs scored, a stolen base and a walk in the Yankees victory over the Angels on Tuesday night. Since 1920, the first year that RBIs were officially recorded in the major leagues, only one other player reached all six of those statistical levels in one postseason game: the Phillies' Lenny Dykstra in Game Four of the 1993 World Series vs. Toronto. Rodriguez has five home runs and 11 RBIs in the 2009 postseason. The only other player to hit at least five home runs and drive in 10-or-more runs in his first seven games of one postseason was Carlos Beltran (six HR and 12 RBIs) for Houston in 2004. (Thanks Elias)

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Free Football System-1) PLAY OVER on home teams like the Bengals when the total is between 35.5 and 42 points, being an average offensive team (295 to 335 YPG), against a team with an average defense (295 to 335 YPG), after allowing 450 or more total yards in their previous game. Mark this totals system down as 26-5, 83.9 percent since 1983. (Thanks StatFox)

Free Hockey Trend-2) The Boston Bruins are 12-0 when playing against a bad team (win percentage 25 to 40 percent) in the first half of the season over the last two seasons.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Take the Phillies to wrap up series with the Dodgers. Though Padilla deserves a lot of credit, check the facts. In last eight starts, he's faced five opponents that could not hit (AZ-2, SF-2, Wash.) and caught Colorado the day after clinching pennant in meaningless game on the last day of the season. Padilla pitched well against Cardinals who were in hitting slump and was impressive against Philly in Game 2. Given his usual track record and Phils urgency before home crowd, take the Phillies.

Guaranteed College Football Winner!

The Platinum Sheet has a capper at 24-9-1 ATS in college football Best Bets. (Not me)

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NHL Playoff Preview – Conference Semi-finals

With one series already started, the other three conference semi-finals will begin this weekend. The amazing Anaheim Ducks will look to play spoiler for a second consecutive series, after knocking off top-seeded San Jose. In the East, No.1 Boston goes up against a cagey Carolina club who won a game seven in New Jersey. Washington came back from 3-1 deficit to ruin the Rangers postseason plans and faces Pittsburgh who is trying to get back to Stanley Cup Finals.

(8)Anaheim vs (2) Detroit

The Anaheim Ducks present a ticklish road block for Detroit, whose path to the Finals has been cleared in part with San Jose dismissed. Though Anaheim doesn’t have as many talented performers from the team that won the Cup two years ago, they still have a solid core of performers, well acquainted with the type of mental toughness needed to play hockey in May and June. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer are on the top of their game at present and the rest of the Ducks defensemen are likely the strongest group of those remaining. Goalie Jonas Hiller had Sharks players talking to themselves, with .957 save percentage and two shutouts.

Detroit has more depth and talent and can take stranglehold on this series by jumping on the Ducks. Teams off big upsets will often not be able to sustain momentum against new opponent. What makes the Red Wings so difficult is points come from everywhere. They had 11 different players register three or more points against Columbus. Detroit has no problem mixing it up with Anaheim, but takes far fewer penalties, which should give them edge throughout with potent power play.

Though Anaheim will be awfully physical with Detroit, they tend to take too many dumb penalties and the Red Wings do exceptional job screening goaltenders, ask Columbus net-minder Steve Mason. With too much talent and smarts, Detroit is 21-6 as playoff favorites and advance to West Finals.

Pick- Detroit (-320) in five

(1)Boston vs (6) Carolina

This time of year, rest is believed to be a good thing, taking a mental break and let tired bodies recover. However, how much rest is too much when you have nine days between games like Boston? What the Bruins have to watch for is Carolina carrying momentum into series after winning last two games to upset New Jersey and advance. Boston has a plethora of scorers, going four lines deep, with goal scorers. Goalie Tim Thomas is Vezina finalist and Zdeno Chara leads a sturdy group of defensemen. The Bruins are 31-12 on home ice and have been particularly effective late in the season, winning 10 of last 11.

Carolina is a treacherous opponent for Boston and likely anybody in the East. The Hurricanes have won 13 of last 18 to blow into the second round and have piping-hot goaltender in Cam Ward. He should have a great deal of confidence after staring down future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur and downing the Devils. Carolina has Eric Staal who is still a force and Erik Cole might be due to break out after going scoreless against New Jersey. The Hurricanes come into series 9-3 against offensive teams scoring three goals a game in the half of the season.

Two dynamics really standout in this series. How quickly does Boston find its legs against a real opponent, as an injured Montreal team proved to be nothing more than hard practices? If the Bruins lack focus from the get-go, Carolina could catch them off guard. The Hurricanes lost all four games to Boston this season and have dropped five in a row dating back to last year. Will they be able to shake the confidence of Bruins who are not battle-tested in playoff action like they are? Carolina will have no real fear heading to Bean-town having won 20 of last 28 games there.

Pick- Boston (-240) in seven

(2)Washington vs (4) Pittsburgh

The NHL bosses couldn’t have asked for a better set-up to build the drama of the Stanley Cup playoffs than this matchup. This will be the first of what could be several postseason meetings between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. What about the undercard, with Ovechkin facing off against regular season scoring champ Evgeni Malkin?

If that isn’t enough to bring the circus to town, what about the goaltender matchup? Rookie Simeon Varlamov is 21-years old and entered the playoffs in net in Game 2, which turned out to be a gutsy call by Washington coach Bruce Boudreau. Varlamov did his job, however the Penguins snipers are much better sharp-shooters than what the Rangers had. The Capitals were able to comeback against New York when Alexander Semin became a factor. For the series, he scored five times and totaled eight points. Washington starts this best of seven 37-16 as home favorites.

Pittsburgh has responded to coach Dan Bylsma, who lost the interim tag this week. Besides his collection of young, but veteran players, he has goalie Marc-Andre Fleury who is back to playing like he did at the end of last season. The Pens won’t be intimidated by setting, having won six of last seven as +150 or less money line road underdogs.

This series has everything imaginable and how the stars focus on their own team as opposed to the opponent will be critical. Washington won three of four this year; nonetheless the Penguins could start swiftly having emerged victorious five of six in Washington.

Pick- Pittsburgh (-105) in seven

Interview with a Hot Handicapper

Rocky Atkinson, the Rocketman, is a professional handicapper who has been around the block. He knows the ins and outs of the game and is having a year most handicappers and sports bettors would only dream of. It would take up pages of space to list all the accomplishments of the Rocketman and would suggest viewing his website for detail at RocketmanSports.com. As Rocky put it, he may be “old school”, but sports bettors know, winning never gets old.

Doug Upstone: Rocky, you are having a monster year, after many years of success. What are you doing differently then in the past?

Rocketman: I haven’t changed a whole lot, if things don’t do well for a certain season or sport I tinker, overall still doing about the same thing.

DU: When you say you tinker, what do you tinker with?

RA: Let’s take the NHL for example; this has been my best year in the NHL EVER, in any sport, by units won. I took an idea from Major League baseball and added it to my NHL handicapping. It’s really worked out; I’m up +137.7 units right now.

DU: I checked around and see you leading in the NHL at every sports monitor by a large margin, awesome job. While on the topic of hockey, the NHL has gone to the conference semi-finals, what thoughts do you have on the four series about to commence?

RA: In the Western Conference, Vancouver is extremely hot right now. Vancouver swept St Louis four games to none in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Vancouver has now won seven games in a row heading into Round 2 against Chicago. Vancouver has had a ton of rest as they haven't played in nine days. Is that good or bad for them? I'm thinking good in this case. Vancouver has won eight of the last 12 meetings with Chicago the past three years and 15 of the last 22 in Vancouver since 1996. I feel like Vancouver gets the job done in this series but it won't be easy.

Anaheim is coming off an incredible series against San Jose as they ousted the #1 seed in the West in six games. Detroit swept a pesky Columbus team, winning the first three games by three or more goals. I'm expecting a letdown from Anaheim here in this series and Detroit definitely has the better team and I feel is now the team to beat this year. Detroit is 24-7-2 at home vs Anaheim since 1996 giving them a huge edge there. Detroit is playing with seven days rest while Anaheim is playing with three. Detroit should get the job done easy here in this series, but the price is too high.

DU: What about the Eastern Conference?

RA: It took Carolina all seven games to beat New Jersey, but they got the job done. Carolina is a team that seems to step it up in the big games. They are 8-3 in the second round games since 1996, while Boston is only 2-4 in the same time frame in conference semis. Boston swept their series against Montreal beating them four games to none. Boston has won the past five meetings against Carolina; however Carolina is 19-8-2 at Boston since 1996. Over the past three years, this series is tied at six wins each. I'm going to lean to Carolina in this series to pull the upset. You will be getting good price in this one.

In the other series, I'm looking for Pittsburgh to upset Washington. The Rangers took Washington all the way to a Game 7 in their series while Pittsburgh got by the Flyers in six games. Washington had to win three in a row to escape elimination. Pittsburgh has won eight of the last 12 meetings in this series including a very nice 5-1 record in Washington the past three years.

DU: Great info, mentioned correlation you’ve made between baseball and hockey, could you explain further?

RA: What I do in those two sports is I’ve developed power ratings; I call them The Rocketman Line. I do this for each sport. I take my lines and compare them to Las Vegas line and when I have a differential that meets my criteria, I look deeper into that game.

DU: In talking about baseball, I know you are off to sensational start in that sport also, what are some of your keys to beating baseball and getting through the daily grind, since baseball has 15 games, five of the seven days of the week for the most part.

RA: The one thing I do in baseball and in every other sport actually, that differs me from other handicappers, is they think they have to have something to put out and sell. Most will put out a ton of plays; the fact is if you don’t have anything on the shelf, people surely can’t buy it. I try not to worry about that. I feel that proper money management is a huge ingredient to the overall winning recipe. I don’t play a game because it’s on TV, just because its Monday Night football or the playoffs. I don’t force a play that isn’t there; I simply pass and wait for something better that comes along the following day. In baseball, I’ve only has 18 plays for entire season. I’m 14-4, 78 percent and my top Major League baseball plays are 8-0, those are my four and five unit plays. In fact, I just checked Sports Monitor standings and I’m No. 1 there.

DU: Beautiful. I saw on your website, you have a line that says –Stop Gambling, Start Investing- explain what you mean by that.

RA: I give out plays, but I also try and teach people about proper investing. A gambler and I used to do this, will play every NFL game on Sunday. You are definitely going to play the Monday Night football game, trying to double down to win or try and get your losses back. That’s not smart; you have to be like more of an investor. If I release a play, bet that play for the exact amount of units I give out, don’t bet with your heart, don’t bet on all the TV games. Stay with the investment. Try one of my packages and in the long term, you will beat the man.

DU: I see you cover seven different sports, where do you find the time?

RA: (Chuckle) That’s where the Rocketman Line comes in. I look at every single game on the board each day. I start handicapping over night and often don’t finish till about lunch time the following day, except for on the weekends of course. I put in many, many hours, I’m an old-school guy, I do most of my work on paper. I update my power ratings each day, that’s where I start and I go from there.

DU: Many handicappers have bad reputations with the public and deservedly so, but you have always stayed above the fray. I understand you are involved with Relay for Life, tell me about your involvement?

RA: I started with Relay for Life about five years ago; it is with the American Cancer Society. We start at 7:00 PM on Friday night and we go till 7:00 AM on Saturday morning. We have different teams to raise money for the Cancer Society at a park here in South Carolina. The money is used for research and to help those who are in need.

My team is from my church and the idea is to have one person from your team on the track the entire 12 hours doing a lap. Last year our county raised $157,000.00. I’m a sponsor and try to help out as much as I can. The first lap of event is done by cancer survivors, it’s called the Survivor lap and they let go of doves. It’s really a nice cause to be a part of.

DU: I can tell by your voice, you are passionate about it as well.

RA: A couple of years ago, my wife’s first cousin’s child, contracted a very rare disease, she was two or three when she was diagnosed. She had to go to St. Jude’s in Memphis, TN and have operation to have part of both of her kidney’s taken out. She is in remission and doing well. It is a joy to see her leading the pace lap.

DU: Wow that is great and very inspiring. It’s nice to tell people about the human side of handicappers. Too often the story is all the bad news.

RA: Very true.

DU: In summation, what piece of advice would you have the sports bettor looking to improve?

RA: Definitely work on money management. I’ve been on fire, yet I have some members who say, “Hey man, I need some help! I’ve lost” even though I killed it with the plays they bought. They start adding plays of their own or other people. Stay with a money management system; don’t play games just to play them. A lot of people start doing what is called recreational betting, that’s where they get into trouble. Like I said, stop gambling and start investing. You don’t have to play every day.

DU: Great advice Rocky and continued success to you for the rest of the year.

RA: Thanks Doug, it’s been a pleasure.

NHL Playoff Preview – Eastern Conference

The NHL Stanley Cup tournament is set, now we just need the games to begin. Before we arrive at that point starting Wednesday evening, it is time to breakdown what should happen and we will start in the Eastern Conference, where a lower seed has pulled at least one upset each of the last two years. Odds are courtesy of Bookmaker.com.

(1) Boston vs (8) Montreal

For Boston Bruins fans this is an uncomfortable matchup. Are the Bruins better, yes, they have hardnosed players and though not having a scorer in the top 11 in the league, they finished second in the NHL in scoring. Boston’s top three lines all can score, making them dangerous across the board and they do not allow opposing netminders like Montreal’s Casey Price to catch his breath often. The Bruins slumped for about a month, from the first part of February to the mid-point of March, mostly due to injury. Nearly all the injured players have returned and they closed 8-2.

Montreal can play with the Bruins, despite the disparity in seeding. The Canadiens have the physiological edge having won 24 of 31 playoff series and in 2002 and 2004 they beat Boston as the lower seed, just like this time. If the referees allow more physical play, Montreal will be at a serious disadvantage, since they are in hockey terms “soft”. After having the best power play each of the last two years, the Habs fell to 13th, while Boston’s improved to fourth.

There is no compelling argument to make for Montreal with goalie Casey registering five wins in last 18 games between the pipes, however it’s the Bruins and Canadiens and anything is possible. Boston needs to jump on Montreal at home and they were 29-12 on home ice this season with the Canadiens having lost 15 or last 20 road games.

Pick- Boston (-325) in six

(2) Washington vs (7) N.Y. Rangers

If one has a hockey preference towards end to end action and scoring or prefers tight low scoring hockey, both will be in evidence in this series. The Capitals scored 272 goals, the third highest total in the league. They are led by Alex Ovechkin, who finished second in points scored and they have a whole stable of forwards that can all bury the puck in the net, with the likes Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin. Washington isn’t going to scare anybody with its defense that ranked 19th in goals surrendered. Goalie Jose Theodore is a wild card of sorts and has to prove he can be consistent, which is not his trademark.

The Rangers are as comfortable as any team in the league with a 1-0 lead, since they were sixth in defensive scoring and dowdy 28th in putting the puck in the net. Though Henrik Lundqvist didn’t have his usual glimmering numbers in net, he’s capable of turning into a brick wall at any time. The matchup of the Rangers number one penalty kill unit and the Caps second ranked power play will be key. Even with the Blueshirts having offensive issue, they still have seasoned playoff vets like Scott Gomez and Chris Drury who can light the lamp and Sean Avery could get Theodore off his game with his antics.

Washington won three of four meetings this season, but didn’t dominate as 14-11 total score shows. If the Capitals receive a better than average effort from Theodore, they will pepper the net to wear down New York. The Caps are 37-14 on home ice, but don’t have a ton of experience in Stanley Cup action. If the Rangers can take advantage of Washington being up ice and capitalize a few times, they can lock up the net against Ovechkin and company. The Rangers are 8-1 in this playoff round the last two years.

Pick- Washington (-215) in seven

(3)New Jersey vs (6) Carolina

For fans that don’t watch or follow the NHL until the playoff chase begins, seeing New Jersey and Carolina colliding is like putting on your favorite most comfortable shirt. This will be the fourth postseason matchup between these teams over the last eight years. Carolina lost two meaningless games to close the season and was on 12-3 roll prior to that. Goalie Cam Ward put the clamps down on opposing snipers, giving the Hurricanes much needed confidence. The return of forward Erik Cole gave Carolina three complete lines and Eric Staal and Ray Whitney have made the Hurricanes exceedingly dangerous.

New Jersey isn’t the same boring team that played the neutral zone trap; this team actually tries to score as opposed to just picking spots. The return of future Hall of Famer Martin Broduer was welcomed, though he finished just 4-7 and hasn’t been nearly as effective in the postseason in years. Zach Parise has become an elite point producer for the Devils; however he will be marked man, as Carolina will try to find out if New Jersey has any secondary scorers.
New Jersey first has to stop Staal, since Carolina is 22-5 when he scores. The Devils have to win home games and won 24 of last 32 contests at the Prudential Center. These teams are very similar and goaltending will be tantamount and a piece of evidence could make the difference in this series. The Hurricanes blue-liners have outscored their New Jersey counterparts by better than 2 to 1 on the season. If that continues, Carolina will advance.

Pick- Carolina (+120) in six

(4) Pittsburgh vs (5) Philadelphia

Sometimes announcers will trot out clichés like, “These two teams don’t like each other” and the fact is it just isn’t true. However, when it is true, that just leads to a heighten sense of excitement for a best of seven series. This is the Keystone State clash and these teams went toe to toe in the East Finals a year ago. Both teams are different from 2008, but how either could win is still pretty much the same. How Philadelphia handles players named Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal will help determine their fate. All three are as healthy as they have been all season and why replacement coach Dan Bylsma was able to steer the Penguins from 10th in the East to fourth with 18-3-4 finish.

Philadelphia can bring a little offense to the party as well, having six players that totaled 20 or more goals, including four like Jeff Carter who broke the 30-goal barrier. The Flyers blew last game of the season to lose home ice advantage in this series, which places added pressure on goalie Martin Biron to perform at high level, something he has struggled over stretches of games.
To say these teams are evenly matched is an understatement. They finished the regular season with 99 points each and scored the exact same number of goals on the season at 264. Neither is stellar in there own end and they are separated by a one in goals allowed. Pittsburgh prefers to dazzle opponents with its array of stars and scorers, which means Philly has to hit, to slow down Penguins. Whatever team that can win the special team’s battle with gain an edge and it is more incumbent on the Flyers to do so, since Pittsburgh is better five on five.

Pick- Pittsburgh (-155) in six

What to look for Wagering on the NHL

Ron Raymond of Phoenix Sports.com has been a pioneer in the handicapping business when it comes to on-line presence. Ron is a well-known authority when it comes to NHL sports wagering and it only seems like he has been around since it was just the Original Six. With less then 20 games left in the regular season, thought we would converse with Ron about what teams might be good or bad plays the rest of the season and who might be in or out of the playoffs, come the completion of the season.

3Daily Winners: Let’s start in the East, Pittsburgh has moved up to be among the eight teams that would currently make the postseason in the East with a 7-2-1 spurt and is only six points behind Philadelphia for the No.4 seed, what do you see happening?

Ron Raymond: What happened to Pittsburgh is they lost a lot of their “sandpaper”. What I mean by that is guys on the third and fourth lines, who bring that edge to the game. Names like Ryan Malone, Georges LaRaque and Gary Roberts, those were guys that went into the corners and made room for the superstars like Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby on the ice. Pittsburgh just lost too much of their “sandpaper” guys in the off-season. Now, Pittsburgh superstars are fending for themselves and their chemistry looks poor. In those tight checking games, especially in the division, when the opposing team is taking a run at your superstars, you don’t have the players to respond. Plus let’s face it; Pittsburgh went to the Stanley Cup finals last year and any team that goes to the Super Bowl, World Series or the NBA Finals, it’s tough to come back, since every playoff series in hockey is a best of seven and you are playing every other night, it takes a toll on the body. What you end up seeing is teams like Pittsburgh going through dry periods, which in hockey circles is known as the Stanley Cup hangover.

3DW: Do you see Pittsburgh making the playoffs or falling back?

Ron: I see them falling, with Carolina and Buffalo pushing them. The Sabres lost goalie Ryan Miller leaving open the possibility they could sneak in, but I see them finishing eight or ninth. When Pittsburgh has to play those road games the remainder of the season, I see them coming up empty.

3DW: What about Carolina?

Ron: Carolina is coming on strong and had recent win over Washington. Cam Ward has been playing well in goal.

3DW: So you’re thinking Pittsburgh could be playing golf by late April?

Ron: Pretty much.

3DW: Only Ottawa and the Islanders have scored fewer goals than the New York Rangers, can the Rangers survive and make the playoffs with such a lack of offense?

Ron: The Rangers is a funny situation. If you look at all the teams that went to Europe last year, Pittsburgh, Ottawa and the Rangers, all have lost their head coach. The Rangers are bringing in Sean Avery and the big question is how that will affect the dressing room. Guys like Scott Gomez and Markus Naslund have not produced and you can’t expect the defense to carry the entire load. I would not support the Rangers, especially as a heavy favorite.

3DW: In summation, you see Carolina in and Pittsburgh out in the East.

Ron: That is correct.

3DW: One other question about the East, Boston has been very loose in the defensive end and has only three wins in last 10 games, what has happened?

Ron: What happened was Michael Ryder got injured about a month ago in Montreal and Phil Kessel was also injured. When you start losing goal scorers from your lineup and playing at the pace they were (21-5-3 from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31), there is no way you can keep up that pace, as they don’t have the talent on that team like the Detroit Red Wings or San Jose Sharks. Boston has fallen back more towards their talent level, being among the top 10 teams in hockey.

3DW: Out in the Western Conference, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Colorado look to be finished with recent slumps, of the remaining teams, Anaheim, Dallas, Minnesota and St. Louis, which would be good plays to pick up points and make the postseason?

Ron: Of the teams to be the best bet to make the playoffs, I’d put my money on Dallas. Goalie Marty Turco has come back and since they have gotten rid of Sean Avery, the Stars have had one of the best records since January. The loss of Mike Modano is set back, but Mike Ribeiro has picked up his game and Dallas proved last year they know how to win on the road. Look for Dallas to make run at the playoffs.

3DW: Nashville is 7-2-1 in last 10 games, what do you see from them?

Ron: In a given week, Nashville could go from 8th to 10th and probably back again.

3DW: Vancouver has made a big move, winning eight of 10, are they for real?

Ron: What happened for Vancouver is they got Mats Sundin. Anytime you get a quality superstar like that, he changes the dynamic of the team. I thought Vancouver was a little too confident after acquiring him. They seemed to think Sundin would their savior. It took Sundin about a month to get his timing, especially overcoming a groin injury. Any time a hockey player has a groin injury, he’s not going to trust it, always wondering if he will re-injure himself. Until the groin was 100 percent, he didn’t trust it. Now Sundin is healthy, got his confidence back and the rest of the team is playing well. Vancouver looks very good right now.

3DW: With San Jose and Detroit neck and neck for most points in the West, who do you see coming out ahead?

Ron: I like San Jose. Even though they are not a strong playoff team with unsure goaltending and Joe Thornton having never proven to a playoff hockey player, Detroit lost Marian Hossa for the second time in a week and their 8-0 loss at Nashville could signal a problem since the Red Wings don’t lose by eight goals. I checked my database at Phoenix Sports and Detroit has only lost by six or more goals twice since 1996.

3DW: In looking at the rest of the regular season, is their any wager or wagers you see that might be worthwhile?

Ron: There is always that one team in the playoffs you don’t understand, they screw up the whole party. I’m telling you right now, people better look out for Florida. If I was a betting man and I am, the Panthers are +1200 to win the East and +3000 at Bookmaker.com to win the Cup. If you have an extra few dollars to play with, might be worth looking into. I remember in 2004, I put nickel ($500) on the Calgary Flames at 44-1 to win the Stanley Cup and they got to the Finals. I hedged my bet once they got there, and I was lucky enough to come out a winner. If you have some fun money, put it on the Florida Panthers and let it ride.

3DW: That is great stuff Ron, I appreciate you wisdom and insights and good luck the rest of the regular season.

Ron: Thanks, Doug it’s been fun and good luck to you also.

Winning Hockey Systems offer G-R-E-A-T Profits

With most NHL teams having less than 30 games left on the regular season docket, the juggling for playoff positions is about to begin in earnest, thought now would be an excellent time to pinpoint a narrow group of hockey systems that would be easy to follow and have quite a track record of success. Let’s start the perusing the action with one of the best.

Play Against - Road underdogs against the money line, revenging a road loss versus opponent, who is winning 30 percent or less of their games into the second half of the entire season.

If this underdog is matched up against an inferior opponent, who has already beaten them and the oddsmakers think so little of this hockey team on the road, why should we put what money we have made betting on the NHL on this loser? At this juncture, we are talking about a team that wins maybe one of every three games, being a home favorite. Yet those setting the money line are telling us the road dog is not to be trusted. Since 1996, playing against this droopy road pooch has yielded 26-3, 89.7 percent record.

Play On - Road favorites against the money line, after failing to cover four of their last five against the spread - versus opponent after having covered two of their last three games.

This renowned system takes into consideration the “due” factor and matches it with the oddmakers judgment. If a hockey club is in a minor slump, like virtually all teams will suffer, and is still well thought of enough to be road chalk, this deserves our attention. The home team has played fairly well, but doesn’t impress anyone, especially those setting the numbers as a home underdog. If the home dog would have beaten a San Jose, Boston or Detroit, they would certainly have earned more respect, particularly versus a club down on its luck. Over the last three years, a 21-2 record is more than good; it’s Tony the Tiger G-R-E-A-T!

Play Against - Road favorites against the money line, who are a good offensive team - scoring 2.85 or more goals a game, after four straight wins by two goals or more in the second half of the season.

This system plays to the fact it is hard to keep giving domineering performances, no matter how talented a team may be offensively. This would be similar to a baseball team averaging eight runs a game and winning by four or more over extended time, it can’t last forever. With most hockey totals hovering around 5.5 goals and home teams winning a hair over 56 percent of the time this season, it is extremely difficult for a road favorite to keep winning later in the season as 22-5, 81.5 percent record shows.

Play Against - Any team against the money line, after successfully winning two or more consecutive games - in a game involving two marginal losing teams (40 to 49 percent).

This is not a system that is profitable every NHL season, nonetheless it is this year. A few teams have separated themselves in division races and only Ottawa, Atlanta and the New York Islanders are truly dreadful. This means if a team is below .500, they are unlikely to put together a substantial winning streak, even facing similar competition. In 2008-09, this system has been a winner 15 out of 20 times.

Play Against - road teams against the money line, who are weak defensively, allowing three or more goals a game on the season, after a loss by two goals or more in their previous game, after half the season is completed.

No need to pull that online degree you can buy having a doctorate in Mathematical Sciences, this is merely a case of sieve-like defenses unable to stop the puck in the own end. Whether its poor defensemen or a goalie having another off-night between the pipes, this squad is going to have to play unusually well on defense or score a handful of goals to pull out a win on the road. Since the start of the 2006-07 campaign, this money line system is 47-20, 70.1 percent. At present, a dozen teams meet the criteria of being poor on defense, which is the point of entry for this situation.

Need a Profile for Winning NHL Wagers?

All of us have heard endlessly that defense wins championships, which is fine if you are betting in the postseason of a particular sport or the final game or series of games. However, the vast majority of action occurs during the regular season in any every sport, giving us countless more chances to win. With the NHL on the backside of their regular season, decided to see what characteristics one could find in determining winning hockey wagers.

Other than in Canada, the vast majority of people are now betting the money line in the NHL, based on its simplicity of having winners and losers, without a puck line (spread) to deal with. Here is the list of the Top 5 money-making teams in the NHL at this given moment with their true won/loss records.

1) Boston 38-14 +19 units
2) San Jose 36-12 +13.9 units
3) Washington 33-19 +10 units
4) New Jersey 32-19 +9.7 units
5) Calgary 30-20 +5.7 units

It is not a coincidence that each of these five teams leads their respective divisions. The only team missing is Detroit, who should creep back up in this list; however, they are like the New York Yankees, with bloated numbers placed on them. When the Red Wings lose as -200 to -300 favorites, it takes a toll trying to recoup those losses.

What do these teams do that separates them from the pack to win games and beat betting lines, they score goals. Fine, it’s not solving the current financial crisis; nonetheless it opens the door to potential wagering wealth. Here are the top scoring teams in the NHL.

1) Detroit
2) Boston
3) Washington
4) San Jose
5) Chicago

If you score on a consistent basis, your chances of winning are significantly increased. I know this sounds like Fox’s Tim McCarver in stating the obvious, but too often we can become overindulged in trying to find every edge imaginable, we lose sight of the obvious. Noted baseball expert and historian Bill James, probably said it best, “The idea of team sports is to score more than the other team.” Detroit making this group is not a surprise and Chicago actually has a winning record for the first time in years (28-21), because, they can score.

Next I took a gander at the importance of fast starts in a game and looked at from two angles. The first part of this study was to understand importance of scoring first and secondly, what scoring goals in the first period meant.

Scoring First
1) Detroit
2) San Jose
3) Vancouver
4) Boston
5) Philadelphia

In the 2008-09 campaign, seeing three of the top four teams here is not earth-shattering, as they pounce on opponents and keep the pressure on for 60 minutes. Philadelphia is close to showing a profit, with Vancouver the only anomaly. New Jersey and Washington are one goal behind Philadelphia, thus right in the mix.

Goals Scored 1st Period

1) San Jose
2) Chicago
3) Washington
4) Detroit
5) Boston

Very similar to above, as the more talented squads are able to secure an early lead and force the competition to play catch-up, which has been shown this season, the opposing teams don’t do very well.

The next category was team’s abilities to either close out games or come from behind which either did or could lead to victory. Deeper, more talented clubs have the resources to wear down inferior opposition and win presumably close games. Here are the best teams for goals scored in the 3rd period.

1) Boston
2) Washington
3) Detroit
4) Atlanta
5) Calgary

By now, the picture should start to look like a Vizio flat panel HDTV.

To wrap up our study of profiling winning bets in the NHL, we addressed the segment of power play goals. Since the strike season, a greater emphasis has been placed on special teams, meaning those that can either score with man advantage situations or are skilled as penalty killers, have a distinct edge in most games. Staying with our theme of scoring goals, hockey teams that can put the pressure on in the offensive zone have a real advantage. This can lead to opposing teams being out of position, playing scared, trying to not make a miscue. This can lead to goals or taking penalties, which leads to more scoring chances for these offensive-minded clubs. Here are the top 5 teams in power play goals scored this year.

1) Detroit
2) San Jose
3) Washington
4) St. Louis
5) Boston

Living in a very complicated world, sometimes taking the easiest route can be the most profitable.