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CNOTES
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Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543

Wednesday, April 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Toronto -101 500
Tampa Bay - Over 6 500

Los Angeles - 7:30 PM ET Detroit -131 500
Detroit - Under 5 500

Chicago - 9:30 PM ET Edmonton +144 500 POD
Edmonton - Under 5.5 500

San Jose - 10:00 PM ET Phoenix -114 500
Phoenix - Under 5 500




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 12:14 AM
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Preview: Senators (0-0) at Capitals (0-0)

Date: April 25, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


Claiming the Southeast Division title was an impressive feat for the Washington Capitals given their slow start.

Reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, meanwhile, could provide a huge boost to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night as they seek the victory that would reward them with a postseason spot of their own.

In this compressed lockout season, reaching the playoffs - let alone claiming the division - was a steep challenge to the Capitals after a brutal 2-8-1 start under first-year coach Adam Oates.

While playing in the mediocre Southeast gave Washington (26-18-2) some time to right itself, having Alexander Ovechkin return to playing at a superstar level after finding a comfort zone following his switch from right to left wing was a huge factor in tearing to a fifth division title in six seasons.

Ovechkin assisted on Nicklas Backstrom's go-ahead goal before scoring an empty-netter that capped a 5-3 win Tuesday night over Winnipeg that also clinched the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

"He's played great the last couple months, as we talked about his willingness to change positions for the team and for what I think will make him a better player," Oates said of Ovechkin, who has 13 goals and six assists in helping the Capitals win 10 of 11.

"He's had a good two months and he's pulled us along and all 20 guys have gotten better because of it. He's given us a lot of confidence, but like he's said, he's one piece of it - it's 20 guys."

Ovechkin echoed his coaches thoughts, noting the contributions of Matt Hendricks, Mathieu Perreault and Jason Chimera after each scored Tuesday.

"They played unbelievable," he said. "They scored a huge three goals for us. (Chimera) can't score almost all year and right now we need him to score and he's scoring goals. I hope that's going to give him more confidence."

Ovechkin's only off game recently came in Washington's lone loss this month, a 3-1 defeat last Thursday at Ottawa in which he had a minus-3 rating. The Senators (23-16-6) have dropped both their games since that victory, including 3-1 to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

But Karlsson's expected return for this game - he will decide after Thursday's morning skate - from a lacerated Achilles tendon suffered Feb. 14 would be a sorely needed boost to their offense from the blue line.

Ottawa has scored two goals in its last two games, converted 3 of 44 power plays in losing seven of 11 and failed to tally more than three goals in any of its last 13.

"I think he's closer, there's always a chance," coach Paul MacLean said following Wednesday's practice about Karlsson, who had six goals and four assists in 14 games before the injury. "He practiced and took a regular turn today so that's another step in the process and we'll see how it goes (Thursday). He's kind of an infectious personality, he's helped the tempo of our practices so it would help the tempo of our game."

The Senators can also clinch a playoff berth if Winnipeg loses in regulation to Montreal on Thursday night.

Craig Anderson, who made 31 saves in a 3-2 win over Washington in the other meeting Jan. 29, will start for Ottawa. He had 18 saves last Thursday in his third straight victory over the Capitals.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 04:45 PM
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Preview: Maple Leafs (0-0) at Panthers (0-0)

Date: April 25, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


The Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to regain their momentum and potentially improve their seeding before heading into the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

They'll try to sweep a season series from the Florida Panthers for the first time in seven years Thursday night.

Toronto (25-16-5) has already clinched a postseason berth, and is trying to gain ground in the race for home-ice advantage in a first-round playoff series.

The Maple Leafs are fifth in the Eastern Conference, four points behind fourth-place Montreal with two games left. They're also one point ahead of the sixth-place New York Islanders with Ottawa and the New York Rangers lurking three points back.

Toronto may have a chance to gain ground on the Canadiens, who visit a Winnipeg team on Thursday playing its season finale in the hopes of keeping its playoff hopes alive.

The Leafs and Canadiens conclude the regular season in Toronto on Saturday.

Before that, the Maple Leafs will try to shake out of a 1-3-0 funk after going 7-1-1 over the previous nine games.

Their recent struggles continued with Wednesday's 5-2 defeat at Tampa Bay.

"Our execution with the puck has to get better," coach Randy Carlyle said. "We can't make these same mistakes in the postseason."

Joffrey Lupul has a goal in each of the past three games, giving him 11 with six assists over his past 11 contests. That includes a pair of third-period goals in a 3-2 win over Florida (14-26-6) on March 26.

Phil Kessel, who has seven goals and eight assists in nine games, assisted on both of Lupul's tallies in that meeting after scoring one of his own in a 3-0 win at Florida on Feb. 8.

The Maple Leafs last swept a season series from the Panthers in 2005-06, winning all four meetings.

The Panthers are trying to conclude their home schedule with back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.

They played the role of spoiler Tuesday, beating the New York Rangers 3-2 to keep them from clinching a playoff spot.

Coach Kevin Dineen, though, doesn't care what opponents are playing for while Florida misses the postseason for the 11th time in 12 seasons.

"Our goal is to concentrate on our game," he said.

Tomas Fleischmann had a goal and an assist against the Rangers, giving him seven points over the past seven home games.

The left wing scored in the most recent meeting with Toronto, while Jonathan Huberdeau managed an assist.

With two games left in the regular season, Huberdeau is making a final push to become the first member of the Panthers to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.

He's the rookie scoring leader with 14 goals while his 28 points are tied for first with Ottawa's Cory Conacher. Huberdeau, though, has one goal and is a minus-7 over his last 11 games.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 04:48 PM
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Preview: Penguins (0-0) at Devils (0-0)

Date: April 25, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


Having already clinched the top seed in the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins look to rebound from a rare defeat while continuing to heal up their banged-up stars.

Even with all its key players, Pittsburgh has had a difficult time in Newark.

After having their seven-game winning streak snapped, the short-handed Penguins will try for their third win in 12 road meetings on Thursday night when they take on the Devils.

Pittsburgh (35-11-0), which has found a way to keep winning despite dealing with several injuries, appeared to get a boost with the return of reigning MVP Evgeni Malkin on Tuesday.

Malkin, who had missed four games because of a shoulder injury, assisted on Jarome Iginla's game-tying power-play goal in the third period before Buffalo scored the final two in a 4-2 win that handed the Penguins their first loss since April 3.

"We've been pretty physical lately and we've been skating well and I don't think we did that quite as much,' said Iginla, who extended his scoring streak to four games.

Malkin may also be able to give the Penguins a spark in this contest since he's had four goals and five assists over his last seven games against the Devils (18-18-10), who were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday.

Pittsburgh, though, could be missing another important piece - defenseman Brooks Orpik is uncertain for this contest after suffering a lower-body injury in the first period on Tuesday.

The Penguins hope to get back to full strength by the start of the playoffs next week, but continue to be without captain Sidney Crosby (broken jaw), forward James Neal (concussion) and defenseman Paul Martin (hand injury).

Pittsburgh has still won 22 of its last 25 games overall, but New Jersey has taken two of the first three meetings after sweeping home-and-home contests on Feb. 9-10.

The Devils, who are the only team with a winning record against the Penguins, have also won nine of 11 at home in this series. New Jersey claimed its third win in four games following a 10-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over Montreal on Tuesday.

"Without a doubt, there's a lot of pride on this team," said winger Steve Sullivan, who keyed the win with a goal and an assist. "We want to win every game. We weren't going to just give up.'

Ilya Kovalchuk played a major role with a pair of assists in a 3-1 home win over Pittsburgh on Feb. 9. He's looking to extend a five-game point streak (3 goals, 7 assists) at home in this series.

Leading scorer Patrick Elias has three goals in his last three games overall, but has scored only once in his last 14 against the Penguins.

Johan Hedberg is expected to start in goal after snapping a three-game losing streak in this series with 23 saves in a 3-1 road victory on Feb. 10.

Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma, meanwhile, has already named goalie Marc-Andre Fleury his starter for the final two contests.

Fleury, who had won four straight starts before losing to the Sabres, has a 3.58 goals-against average while losing five of his last six starts at New Jersey.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 04:50 PM
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Preview: Predators (0-0) at Red Wings (0-0)

Date: April 25, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


Now that the Detroit Red Wings control their own destiny, they hope to make it count.

After their latest victory moved them back into playoff position, the Red Wings look for a third straight win Thursday night when they face the visiting Nashville Predators, whom they've shut out in the last two meetings.

Detroit (22-16-8) has earned at least one point in six of seven games and with a second straight victory Wednesday, 3-1 over Los Angeles, moved one point ahead of Columbus into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Red Wings are one point behind seventh-place Minnesota.

"We're trying to crawl our way back into the playoffs,' Detroit's Jimmy Howard said after he made 23 saves Wednesday.

With two games remaining, the Red Wings have only themselves to blame if they don't reach the playoffs for a 22nd straight season - and last before heading to the Eastern Conference.

"We still have it in our own hands," said captain Henrik Zetterberg, who has five assists in two games. "We've been playing pretty good and if we play like that, we'll be fine.

"There's been ups and downs, but mostly we've been able to keep working hard."

Johan Franzen wasn't able to finish Wednesday's game because of an undisclosed injury, but coach Mike Babcock hoped he would be healthy enough to play Thursday.

After its home finale, Detroit travels to Dallas on Saturday for what it hopes will not be the final game of the year. The Blue Jackets, who visit the Stars on Thursday, host Nashville (16-21-9) on Saturday.

"They've all felt like a playoff game here for a while,' Howard said. "So, it's just two more here, and hopefully get the job done.'

Howard has been a big reason behind Detroit's last two victories, stopping 57 of 58 shots. He's made 55 saves while the Red Wings have outscored the Predators 7-0 in the last two meetings.

Detroit last recorded three straight shutouts of the same opponent against Colorado from Jan. 8-Feb. 8, 2008. Nashville, meanwhile, has never been blanked by the same foe in three consecutive contests.

Pavel Datsyuk, who had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings on Wednesday, has one score with five assists in three games versus Nashville this season.

Looking to avoid their first nine-game road slide since one of the same duration spanned the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, the Predators have dropped 14 of 15 (1-10-4) away from home.

However, Nashville snapped a franchise-worst eight-game slide (0-7-1) with a 4-3 win over Calgary on Tuesday. Austin Watson scored his first NHL goal in his sixth career game and Shea Weber added two assists for the Predators, who will miss the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.

"We won the game. We haven't won for a while, so we weren't quite sure what to do,' Nashville coach Barry Trotz joked. "The guys have been working hard and they are not getting rewarded. (Tuesday night) it was good to get rewarded.'

Filip Forsberg, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2012 draft acquired from Washington in the trade for Martin Erat earlier this month, recorded his first NHL point with an assist Tuesday.

Weber scored the winner and added an assist in Nashville's 4-3 overtime home win over Detroit on Feb. 19.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 04:53 PM
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Preview: Flames (0-0) at Blues (0-0)

Date: April 25, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


Currently in his 10th NHL season, defenseman Jay Bouwmeester has never appeared in a postseason game.

That will change when the St. Louis Blues open the playoffs next week, thanks to a trade prior to the deadline that ended his days with the struggling Calgary Flames.

Bouwmeester will face his former team for the first time since the deal as St. Louis seeks a season-best, five-game home winning streak Thursday night.

The Blues sought defensive depth as they clung to eighth place in the Western Conference when they sent a conditional first-round pick and two prospects to the Flames for Bouwmeester on April 1.

St. Louis (27-17-2) has won nine of 12 with Bouwmeester in the lineup and guaranteed the veteran his first postseason experience with a 3-1 win over Colorado on Tuesday.

"It's one little item checked off our list," captain David Backes said of clinching a playoff berth. "We've had a pretty good run to get to where we need to get."

The Blues, who conclude their regular season Saturday at home against NHL-best Chicago, are battling Los Angeles and San Jose for home-ice advantage in the first round.

Bouwmeester, who leads active players with 633 consecutive games played, spent six seasons with Florida before signing a five-year contract with Calgary in 2009, never making the postseason.

"You want to have success," said Bouwmeester, who recorded his fifth assist with the Blues on Patrik Berglund's power-play goal Tuesday. "It's fun winning. We've had a pretty good stretch here."

His former team, eliminated from the playoffs for a fourth straight year, also has excelled lately despite making multiple trades earlier this month.

Calgary (19-23-4) had won five of six and three straight before falling to Nashville 4-3 on Tuesday. Rookie Roman Cervenka scored twice to give him three goals and an assist during a season-best, three-game point streak.

The Flames have been playing with plenty of new faces with eyes on the future after trading Bouwmeester as well as franchise cornerstone Jarome Iginla to Pittsburgh and Blake Comeau to Columbus.

"There's a lot of new guys playing," said 36-year-old goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff, who reportedly is considering retirement after the season. "You know, it's not fun to lose but it's good to see our young guys. They played well again (Tuesday) and good to see them getting chances to play."

Kiprusoff has a career-worst 3.44 goals-against average this season, but he made 36 saves and Cervenka scored twice as the Flames beat St. Louis 3-2 in the last meeting March 24 to end a three-game skid in the series.

Both matchups this season have been in Calgary, including the Blues' 5-2 victory Feb. 15 as David Perron scored twice and Alexander Steen had a goal and two assists.

St. Louis has held opponents to one goal in four consecutive home games - all victories. Brian Elliott started each of those contests after going 1-4-1 with a 4.31 GAA in his first six home outings.

Elliott is 7-2-0 with a 1.14 GAA in his last nine starts overall and has a 1.83 GAA in five career starts versus the Flames.

Kiprusoff is 7-3-1 with a 1.36 GAA in his last 11 versus St. Louis, which may be without defenseman Barret Jackman after he was injured blocking a shot Tuesday.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 04:54 PM
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Preview: Ducks (0-0) at Canucks (0-0)

Date: April 25, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


The Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks both just clinched their respective divisions. There's a lot of work ahead for both clubs if they're going to meet in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Anaheim will try to close out its road schedule with a third straight victory on Thursday night when the Cory Schneider-less Canucks go for a ninth consecutive victory at Rogers Arena.

After missing the playoffs last season, the Ducks (29-11-6) clinched the Pacific with Monday's 3-0 victory at Edmonton. The Ducks' only previous division title came in 2007 when they won their lone Stanley Cup title.

Anaheim defeated the Canucks in the conference semifinals that year in the only playoff series between these clubs.

"We still have to keep working hard, but the last two games have been a step in the right direction for us," rookie goaltender Viktor Fasth said Monday after the Ducks swept two in a row visiting the Oilers following four straight defeats. "I think we were even better in this game than we were the night before. We still have things to work on before the playoffs, though.'

The Ducks, five points ahead of Vancouver (26-13-7), will open the postseason as the No. 2 seed behind Chicago.

The Canucks locked up the third seed and their fifth consecutive Northwest Division title with Monday's 3-1 victory over the Blackhawks.

"It's always nice to beat the best team in the NHL, but our second goal every year after making the playoffs is to clinch the division title,' said Schneider, who finished with 24 saves. "It speaks to the success this team has had in the past five, six years of winning titles and stuff like this.

"We'll enjoy this for about 10 minutes and then worry about the (Anaheim) Ducks coming to town (Thursday).'

The Ducks, though, won't have to worry about Schneider, who has been ruled out of this game with an undisclosed injury. The Canucks called up Joe Cannata from AHL Chicago on Wednesday, meaning Roberto Luongo will get the nod from coach Alain Vigneault for the first time in 10 days.

Luongo, who has won his last two starts, has faced the Ducks once this season, stopping 10 of 12 shots in relief of Schneider in a 7-3 season-opening home loss on Jan. 19.

The Canucks, who evened the season series six days later with a 5-0 victory in Anaheim, will try to end the Ducks' five-game point streak in Vancouver. The Canucks' current run at Rogers Arena is their best since their franchise-record 11-game home winning streak ended with a 6-5 shootout loss to Anaheim on April 2, 2009.

The Ducks would like nothing more than to snap another streak in Vancouver before hosting Phoenix on Saturday in their regular-season finale.

"First and foremost we needed to get back to our game and playing well,' defenseman Francois Beauchemin said. "We needed to get some confidence and score some goals."

Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, tied for the team lead with 15 goals, have one total in the two games against Vancouver, while Canucks leading scorers Henrik and Daniel Sedin have combined for two goals and five assists in those matchups.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 05:00 PM
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NHL
Dunkel

Columbus at Dallas
The Blue Jackets look to build on their 9-3 record in their last 12 games against a team with a losing record. Columbus is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jackets favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

Game 1-2: NY Rangers at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.946; Carolina 11.347
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-150); Over

Game 3-4: Ottawa at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.974; Washington 11.440
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+110); Under

Game 5-6: NY Islanders at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 12.299; Philadelphia 11.942
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-105); Over

Game 7-8: Toronto at Florida (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.421; Florida 10.637
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 9-10: Pittsburgh at New Jersey (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.248; New Jersey 11.028
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total:
Dunkel Pick:

Game 11-12: Nashville at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.603; Detroit 12.346
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-220); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-220); Under

Game 13-14: Montreal at Winnipeg (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.133; Winnipeg 12.097
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-110); Over

Game 15-16: Calgary at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 12.333; St. Louis 11.919
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+115); Under

Game 17-18: Columbus at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.136; Dallas 11.833
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+110); Over

Game 19-20: Anaheim at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.331; Vancouver 12.184
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 21-22: Tampa Bay at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.801; Boston 12.087
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-230); Under
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Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 05:01 PM
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NHL

Thursday, April 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home dogs bringing huge profits for NHL bettors
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Home underdogs have been a hot play for bettors over the last nine days in the NHL. The $100 bettor would be up more than $1,036 when taking the home underdog since April 16.

Home dogs are 12-5 since that date and went 5-0 Tuesday night before a 1-1 record Wednesday. The New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild all cashed in for bettors Tuesday. Tampa Bay paid out as a +102 home pup versus Toronto Wednesday.

Thursday's schedule presents two opportunities for hockey bettors to continue to cash in on home underdogs. New Jersey is a small home pup hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina is a +129 home dog against the New York Rangers.

The Hurricanes came up big as +126 home underdogs in a 4-3 shootout win versus the New York Islanders Tuesday. The Devils also cashed in at plus money at home in their last outing, edging the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 as +115 underdogs Tuesday.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-25-13 05:05 PM
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Thursday, April 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Islanders 0 0th NY Islanders +119 500 POD # 3
Philadelphia 0 Under 6 500

Ottawa 0 0th Washington -117 500
Washington 0 Over 5 500

NY Rangers 0 0th Carolina +148 500
Carolina 0

Pittsburgh - 7:30 PM ET New Jersey +114 500
New Jersey - Over 5.5 500

Toronto - 7:30 PM ET Toronto -155 500
Florida - Over 5.5 500

Nashville - 7:30 PM ET Detroit -235 500
Detroit - Over 5 500

Tampa Bay - 7:30 PM ET Tampa Bay +207 500
Boston - Over 5.5 500

Montreal - 8:00 PM ET Montreal -107 500
Winnipeg - Under 5.5 500

Calgary - 8:00 PM ET Calgary +206 500 POD # 1
St. Louis - Under 5 500

Columbus - 8:30 PM ET Columbus +108 500 POD # 2
Dallas - Under 5 500

Anaheim - 10:00 PM ET Anaheim +157 500 POD # 4
Vancouver - Under 5 500
__________________

Old Post 04-26-13 12:53 AM
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NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, April 25

NY Rangers at Carolina, 7:05 ET
NY Rangers: 21-5 SU off a loss by 1 goal
Carolina: 16-33 SU off a home win

Ottawa at Washington, 7:05 ET TSN
Ottawa: 0-7 SU off 6+ Unders
Washington: 8-0 SU after winning 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

NY Islanders at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
NY Islanders: 9-4 SU away off a road game
Philadelphia: 4-9 SU at home off a home win by 3+ goals

Toronto at Florida, 7:35 ET
Toronto: 9-3 SU away off a loss by 3+ goals
Florida: 3-12 SU at home with a total of 5.5 goals

Pittsburgh at New Jersey, 7:35 ET NBCSN
Pittsburgh: 9-0 SU away revenging a loss as a favorite
New Jersey: 6-14 SU off an Over

Nashville at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Nashville: 7-0 SU off 4+ games allowing 3+ goals
Detroit: 2-9 SU off BB home games

Montreal at Winnipeg, 8:05 ET RDS
Montreal: 16-6 SU off a road loss by 1 goal
Winnipeg: 3-12 SU after winning 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

Calgary at St. Louis, 8:05 ET
Calgary: 0-10 SU away off a road game scoring and allowing 3+ goals
St. Louis: 18-3 SU at home off a home win

Columbus at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Columbus: 6-2 SU away after winning 2 of their last 3 games
Dallas: 4-13 SU at home off a loss by 1 goal

Anaheim at Vancouver, 10:05 ET NHL
Anaheim: 8-20 SU away with a total of 5 runs or less
Vancouver: 11-1 SU at home off an Under


Write-In Game:

Tampa Bay at Boston, 7:35 ET
Tampa Bay: 1-10 SU away playing with same-season revenge
Boston: 31-9 SU after losing 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
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Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-26-13 12:58 AM
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Preview: Islanders (0-0) at Sabres (0-0)

Date: April 26, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


Though the New York Islanders have ensured the end of their playoff drought, they don't exactly appear to be heading into the postseason on a roll.

They'll get once more chance to pick up some momentum Friday night as they finish a five-game road trip against the Buffalo Sabres in both teams' regular-season finale.

New York has fared well recently in Buffalo, winning four of the last five meetings there, including a 4-0 victory Feb. 23.

The Islanders (24-17-6) played excellent hockey for most of the last month, going 11-1-2 from March 24-April 20 to punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. But some may wonder if they're getting complacent with the last two games ending in defeats against non-playoff teams.

New York followed a shootout loss at Carolina on Tuesday with a 2-1 defeat at Philadelphia on Thursday. John Tavares was perhaps the lone positive for the Islanders, scoring his fourth goal in four games and 28th of the season.

Thursday was the first time since March 30 the Islanders failed to record a point.

"We came out flat again," forward Colin McDonald said. "It's just not good enough. We need to be better. It really doesn't matter that we clinched the playoffs. It doesn't really mean anything. We want to be going into the playoffs playing good hockey, so we have one game left to kind of correct it and head into the playoffs with a good feeling."

Though the Sabres (20-21-6) are already guaranteed to miss the playoffs for a second straight season, they've won four of six and are coming off Tuesday's 4-2 victory at Pittsburgh. Buffalo has accounted for two of the defeats by the Eastern Conference's top seed during the Penguins' current 22-3-0 run.

"Obviously we wanted to be in the playoffs, but that's not going to happen. But guys want to make sure they finish strong," coach Ron Rolston said.

The Sabres' power play has clicked well recently, scoring six times on its last 14 chances - a 42.9 percent success rate compared to 14.4 on the season.

Should Ryan Miller start in goal, it would be his 500th career appearance, and speculation has swirled that it could be his last with Buffalo. Miller has one year remaining on his contract but is one of the most enviable assets on a team that may be in rebuilding mode moving forward.

"There's been a lot of could-be last games as a Sabre the last few years," said Miller, whose 2.87 goals-against average is his worst since becoming Buffalo's No. 1 netminder in 2005-06. "I'm just trying to enjoy the moment. I'll approach it the same way I've approached the other 499 - just put the pads on and try to do your best.

"I don't know which way it's going to go, so I'm not going to talk like I'm gone."

Miller stopped 41 shots as Buffalo won the season's first meeting, 3-2 on Feb. 9 on Long Island.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-26-13 07:49 PM
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Preview: Flames (0-0) at Blackhawks (0-0)

Date: April 26, 2013 8:30 PM EDT


Though the Chicago Blackhawks already secured their first Presidents' Trophy in 22 years, they expect to use the final two regular-season games as a chance to build more momentum heading into the playoffs.

The Blackhawks won't take it easy when they look to continue their home dominance over the Calgary Flames on Friday night.

Chicago (35-6-5) opened this shortened season by earning at least one point in an NHL-record 24 straight games, then remained consistent en route to earning the league's best record and Presidents' Trophy for the first time since 1990-91.

"To have the start to the season that we had and to keep playing consistently is an amazing thing for our team,' said captain Jonathan Toews, who had a goal in Wednesday's 4-1 win at Edmonton. "We've shown a lot of character, we've definitely learned from our mistakes the last few years, and we've grown. I think everyone has matured as players in this locker room.

"We have to use that experience and use that confidence from being the No. 1 team all year and carry it into the playoffs.'

Though the Blackhawks will have home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs, they understand there's plenty of work to be done. The 2008 Detroit Red Wings were the last Presidents' Trophy winner to raise the Stanley Cup. When Chicago recorded the most points in the NHL in 1991, it was upset in the first round by the Minnesota North Stars.

Coach Joel Quenneville and his players are aware of that history and expect to take the same businesslike approach they've had all season into Friday's contest and again Saturday at St. Louis, before shifting the focus to the playoffs.

"I congratulate the guys, they deserve what they got," said Quenneville, whose team is 17-3-3 at home and riding a seven-game point streak (5-0-2) at the United Center.

"Everybody had a hand in it, everybody contributed. It was a real, good team effort across the board. But I don't think we want to get too excited, we have some serious work to do still."

That work continues versus Calgary (19-24-4), which has been outscored 52-23 while dropping 12 straight regular season and playoff games at Chicago.

Toews has been held without a point in three straight games against the Flames, but teammate Patrick Kane has four goals and five assists in his last eight versus Calgary.

Chicago netminder Ray Emery earned victories in both 2013 meetings with the Flames, but is day to day after he apparently re-aggravated a lower-body injury Wednesday.

Corey Crawford, who stopped all 14 shots in relief, is 2-2-0 with a 3.26 goals-against average versus Calgary.

The Flames conclude their fourth straight season without a playoff appearance looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat. Finishing with a four-game trip, Calgary had won three in a row before losing 4-3 at Nashville on Tuesday and 4-1 to playoff-bound St. Louis on Thursday.

"There was a big difference in the two teams (Thursday)," defenseman Chris Butler told the Flames' official website. "You look at the way they played and the way we played and there's a reason why they are where they are in the standings and why we are where we are."

Sven Baertschi scored against the Blues to extend his point streak to seven games (three goals and six assists). The winger's three goals in 20 games this season match his total in five contests as a rookie in 2011-12.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

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Preview: Avalanche (0-0) at Coyotes (0-0)

Date: April 26, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


The Phoenix Coyotes are officially eliminated from playoff contention, but they still want to finish the season on a positive note.

Hosting the Western Conference-worst Colorado Avalanche could help the Coyotes do that.

Phoenix will try to win its fifth straight in this series and extend its home point streak over the Avs to 12 on Friday night in its final game at Jobing.com Arena this season.

With Minnesota defeating Los Angeles 2-1 on Tuesday, the Coyotes (20-18-8) were officially knocked out of playoff contention for the first time in four seasons. It was a disappointing result for a club that advanced to its first conference finals a year ago, but that didn't stop the Coyotes from giving their best on Wednesday when they defeated playoff-bound San Jose 2-1.

Captain Shane Doan picked up his first points in eight games by setting up first-period goals by Michael Stone and Keith Yandle.

"I know everybody's disappointed and that room is as disappointed as everybody else, but I know the leadership that Shane Doan has and he's not going to let this team back off," said coach Dave Tippett, whose team closes at Anaheim on Saturday.

"I wasn't worried about our commitment to playing hard tonight or whether we were going to go through the motions.'

Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith plans on giving it his all the final two games.

"... we don't like to be in the situation we're in, but there's two ways to look at it: go out there and feel sorry for yourself and just get through a game or you could show some pride and play like we did tonight," he said.

"It was a nice way to get a win.'

Having Smith in net could help the Coyotes extend their 9-0-2 run at home against the Avs (15-24-7). After making a season-high 41 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory in Denver on Feb. 11, Smith returned from a six-game injury absence on April 6 to make 24 saves in a 4-0 home win. He is 8-1-1 with a 1.41 goals-against average against the Avs, and the Coyotes have won four straight at home in this series.

That doesn't bode well for an Avalanche team that's a league-worst 3-16-4 on the road. Colorado, loser of 16 of 17 outside Denver following Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at St. Louis, will miss the playoffs for a third straight season, but it will likely avoid finishing with the league's worst record. Florida would have to win its final two games and the Avs lose their last two in regulation in order for Colorado to have the best odds of securing the first overall pick in Monday's draft lottery.

Avs left wing Cody McLeod probably wishes this season wasn't coming to an end. Five of his eight goals have come in the last five games, and he has a chance to find the back of the net in a career-best three straight.

"I got bumped up to (Ryan) O'Reilly's line,' McLeod said, explaining his recent surge. "I guess you're going to get more chances playing with them, and I've just been going to the net and kind of getting rewarded.'

Doan, who has team bests with three goals and five points in the season series, has 12 points in his last 10 home games versus Colorado.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-26-13 07:54 PM
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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, April 26

Hot teams
-- Sabres are 7-4 in their last eleven games.
-- Blackhawks won eight of their last ten games.

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost last two games, after winning 11 of previous 14.
-- Oilers lost nine of their last ten games. Minnesota lost eight of last 12.
-- Flames lost their last two games 4-3/4-1.
-- Colorado lost 17 of its last 22 games. Coyotes are 3-5 in their last eight.

Totals
-- Four of last five Islander games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Edmonton games.
-- Last three Calgary-Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-0-2 in last nine Phoenix games.

Series records
-- Islanders lost three of last four games with Buffalo.
-- Minnesota won 13 of its last 15 games with Edmonton.
-- Blackhawks won five of last seven games with Calgary.
-- Coyotes won ten of last twelve games with Colorado.

Back-to-backs
-- Islanders are 1-5 if they played the night before.
-- Flames are 0-4 on the road if they played the night before.




NHL

Friday, April 26

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. BUFFALO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games when playing Buffalo
NY Islanders are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Buffalo's last 12 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. MINNESOTA
Edmonton is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Edmonton is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Edmonton

8:30 PM
CALGARY vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing Chicago
Calgary is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
Chicago is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

10:00 PM
COLORADO vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games
Phoenix is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-26-13 07:56 PM
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NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, April 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY ISLANDERS (24-16-0-6, 54 pts.) at BUFFALO (20-21-0-6, 46 pts.) - 4/26/2013, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 6-4 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 6-4-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDMONTON (17-22-0-7, 41 pts.) at MINNESOTA (25-18-0-3, 53 pts.) - 4/26/2013, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 13-2 (+10.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 13-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALGARY (19-23-0-4, 42 pts.) at CHICAGO (35-6-0-5, 75 pts.) - 4/26/2013, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-4 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (15-24-0-7, 37 pts.) at PHOENIX (20-18-0-8, 48 pts.) - 4/26/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 15-31 ATS (+52.5 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 15-31 ATS (+52.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 2-11 ATS (+17.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHOENIX is 15-7 ATS (+5.8 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 68-70 ATS (-51.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 8-2 (+4.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-2-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.9 Units)




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-26-13 07:57 PM
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Friday, April 26

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Islanders - 7:00 PM ET Buffalo -104 500
Buffalo - Under 5.5 500

Edmonton - 8:00 PM ET Edmonton +210 500 POD # 3
Minnesota - Over 5 500

Calgary - 8:30 PM ET Calgary +225 500 POD # 2
Chicago - Under 5.5 500

Colorado - 10:00 PM ET Colorado +147 500 POD # 1
Phoenix - Under 5.5 500




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

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Preview: Devils (0-0) at Rangers (0-0)

Date: April 27, 2013 3:00 PM EDT


The New York Rangers eliminated the New Jersey Devils from playoff contention in their last meeting nearly a week ago. While the Devils can't exact that kind of revenge Saturday, they do have the chance to play a role in whether the Rangers get a more favorable first-round matchup.

A game after clinching a playoff spot with a late comeback, plenty will still be unsettled for the Rangers when they take on the Devils at Madison Square Garden in their season finale.

New York (25-18-4) guaranteed its up-and-down season would extend past this weekend with a 4-3 overtime victory over Carolina on Thursday. The Rangers blew a 2-0 lead and trailed before Brad Richards scored with 2:57 left in regulation on a shot that hit the boards behind the net and went in off goaltender Dan Ellis.

Captain Ryan Callahan then scored on New York's only shot of OT, settling off a celebration of his team's third straight playoff berth.

" ... now we're in the playoffs and that's all that matters," Callahan said. "It's a new season now. We take these last two weeks where we've been playing good hockey into the playoffs, and we'll be a dangerous team."

Due to the tightly bunched postseason picture, the Rangers might not have any idea of where they'll finish or who they'll play until the end of the weekend, as they could end up anywhere from sixth through eighth.

The only thing the Rangers can control is the result of their finale, and it might benefit them significantly to not let up. An eighth-place finish means a first-round matchup with high-powered Pittsburgh, which won the season series 4-1-0.

Though numerous scenarios abound, New York can guarantee avoiding the Penguins with a point against the Devils.

For that reason, Henrik Lundqvist could make his 14th straight start rather than getting a game off before the postseason.

"We have one more game and it can still change a lot of things here going into the playoffs, so let's focus on that game," said a smiling Lundqvist, 9-3-1 with a 1.89 goals-against average in the past 13. "I still think it's an important game for us and then we're gonna start thinking about what's ahead, but Saturday first."

Despite their poor season, the Devils may be motivated to defeat the Rangers after last Sunday, when a 4-1 loss to New York knocked the defending Eastern Conference champions from contention. New Jersey (19-18-10) has also been playing well, winning four of five.

The Devils beat Pittsburgh 3-2 on Thursday in their home finale, and they'll now try to avoid a third consecutive loss to the Rangers.

"It's too bad (Saturday's) game is not going to mean anything," said forward Ilya Kovalchuk, who has points in his last four overall and one goal and four assists in his past five versus New York. "It would have been more fun if the game meant something, but I think it's great for the league that (the Rangers) are in because they are a franchise with a lot of history.

"They have good players and deserve to be in. We're just going in there to try our best to win the last game."

One negative that came out of Thursday's game for New York was an apparent leg injury to forward Ryane Clowe, who had to be helped off the ice and did not return. His status is uncertain.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

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Preview: Panthers (0-0) at Lightning (0-0)

Date: April 27, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


The Tampa Bay Lightning have long been out of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos are still in a race of their own.

Either one could win the Art Ross Trophy in the season finale Saturday night when the Lightning try to extend their point streak over the league-worst Florida Panthers to nine.

The Lightning (18-25-4) will miss the playoffs for the second straight season despite a 6-1-0 start that was Tampa Bay's best since 2003-04. The club's fortunes went downhill quickly after that, eventually costing Guy Boucher his job late last month.

With everything that's gone wrong with the team of current coach Jon Cooper - Tampa Bay lost 2-0 to Boston on Thursday in its latest contest - the solid play of St. Louis and Stamkos has been a constant. With his seventh career hat trick in a 5-2 win over Toronto on Wednesday, St. Louis improved his league-best point total to 58.

Stamkos, who has 29 goals and trails Washington's Alex Ovechkin for the NHL lead with 32, could prevent St. Louis from winning his first scoring title since 2004 - the only time a Lightning player has won the Art Ross Trophy. Stamkos is tied with injured Pittsburgh star Sidney Crosby with 56 points, while Chicago's Patrick Kane and Ovechkin are also in the mix for the trophy.

Stamkos had an eight-game goal streak before being held off the scoresheet in a 3-2 shootout home loss to Florida (14-27-6) on April 2. St. Louis' seven-game point streak in this series also ended that night as the Panthers' season-best third straight victory ended an 0-4-3 slide against Tampa Bay.

Florida, though, has dropped a season-high five straight on the road since that matchup. The club clinched the worst record in the league with a 4-0 home loss to Toronto on Thursday.

"That stinks, when you're at the bottom of the pile,' coach Kevin Dineen said. "But that is the brutal reality of our situation and it's something we have to sit on for four months. ... I think it's going to be a long summer.'

The Panthers will have the best chance to secure the No. 1 overall pick when the draft lottery takes place Monday. Jonathan Huberdeau, the team's third overall pick in 2011, has been one of the few bright spots for Florida this season and has a chance to become the first Panther to win the Calder Trophy.

Huberdeau is tied for second on the club with 14 goals and is in a tight race for the rookie scoring title.

Lightning rookie center Alex Killorn has two goals and two assists in three games versus Florida.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

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Preview: Bruins (0-0) at Capitals (0-0)

Date: April 27, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


The Washington Capitals knocked the Boston Bruins out of last year's playoffs, and now they have a chance to put a dent in their chances for a Northeast Division title.

Washington looks to head into the postseason on a high note Saturday night when they host a Boston team seeking consistency down the stretch.

The Capitals (26-18-3) wrapped up their fifth Southeast Division championship in six years with Tuesday's 5-3 win over Winnipeg and will be the No. 3 seed when the Eastern Conference playoffs begin next week.

Coach Adam Oates didn't discount the fact his team may have played more relaxed in a 2-1 overtime loss to Ottawa on Thursday, though he's confident the players will be ready for the regular-season finale.

"You want to bring your 'A' game because the game is still very fast," Oates said. "You don't want anyone to get hurt because you're not checked into the game as much as you should be. You don't want to let your game slide."

Alex Ovechkin scored his NHL-leading 32nd goal and is in position to win his third Maurice Richard Trophy as the league's leading goal scorer. He won his previous two in 2007-08 and 2008-09, the same seasons he was awarded the Hart Trophy as the NHL MVP.

Though all that's left for the Capitals is who they will play in the postseason, Ovechkin is hoping for a strong finish.

"Right now I think everyone is trying to play safe to not get hurt," Ovechkin said. "But at the same time we have to play better."

Ovechkin had two goals and three assists in Washington's seven-game playoff victory over the Bruins in last year's playoffs, and a victory Saturday could hurt Boston's chances for its third straight Northeast title.

The Bruins (28-13-5) are tied with Montreal atop the division, though they have one game in hand and will finish their season Sunday at home against Ottawa in a game rescheduled from April 15 due to the Boston Marathon bombings.

They haven't played extremely well of late, having lost five of six prior to Thursday's 2-0 victory over Tampa Bay. Coach Claude Julien was pleased with the way his team responded following a 5-2 loss at Philadelphia on Tuesday.

"I'm not looking for perfection," Julien said. "I'm looking for reaction."

Tuukka Rask made 30 saves for his fifth shutout of the season and second in as many starts.

``At the end of the day, a goaltender plays a big role in your success," Julien said. ``You need a guy to stand tall and be good, and you need a guy that goes into the playoffs with confidence and hopefully that's what Tuukka's creating here.'

Division title or not, Boston still is in good position to have home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

"We have a game Saturday and Sunday, and we can't take a step back right now," Rask said. "We have to move forward and keep going."

Boston led 3-0 after the first period, but Washington scored four unanswered goals - including Eric Fehr's tally in overtime - as the Capitals picked up the win March 5. Braden Holtby made 30 saves in his only regular-season career start versus the Bruins after ousting them in the first round last spring.

Milan Lucic had three assists in Boston's 4-1 win over Washington on March 16, ending the Capitals' three-game regular-season winning streak in the series.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

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