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CNOTES
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NHL
Sunday, April 21
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Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL bets
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Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.
For the week of April 15-20
Hot team
Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0 SU)
The Penguins have skated to six consecutive victories and are clearly the team to beat in the East even without Sidney Crosby. Pittsburgh has a favorable schedule down the stretch and will play three likely non-playoff teams (Buffalo, New Jersey, Carolina) in its last four games.
Cold team
Florida Panthers (0-3 SU)
The Panthers are in the league basement thanks to a five-game losing streak. Florida has been outscored 28-8 during the drought and has a tough matchup with the Bruins in Boston on Sunday.
Best over play
New York Rangers (3-0 over/under)
The Rangers are fighting for their playoff lives in the East and their offense has responded with impressive back-to-back outbursts. New York has tallied a total of 14 goals in wins over Buffalo and Florida. The Rangers can eliminate the Devils from playoff contention with a win over their Atlantic rivals on Sunday.
Best under play
St. Louis Blues (0-3 over/under)
Brian Elliott has been standing on his head for the Blues and under bettors are cashing in. St. Louis is 0-8-1 O/U in its past nine contests and has allowed a miniscule 1.11 goals per game during the run. The Blues play the first game of a home-and-home series in Colorado on Sunday.
Surveying the schedule:
- The Dallas Stars are two points out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference heading into action Sunday. Wins won’t be easy to come by for the Stars down the stretch as all four of their remaining games are against potential playoff-bound teams (Kings, Sharks, Blue Jackets, and Red Wings).
-The Ottawa Senators fell 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night to slide to seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. Clinching a playoff berth won’t be easy for the Senators, who have games remaining against the Penguins, Capitals, Flyers and Bruins.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-21-13 05:40 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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Preview: Jets (0-0) at Sabres (0-0)
Date: April 22, 2013 7:00 PM EDT
The Winnipeg Jets' stellar homestand boosted their playoff chances, but they still have plenty of work to do over their final three games to secure a postseason berth.
For the second straight year, the Buffalo Sabres will be watching the playoffs from home.
Winnipeg looks to improve its postseason chances by earning a sixth straight victory over host Buffalo on Monday night.
The Jets followed a season-worst four-game losing streak by going 5-0-1 on their homestand, which concluded Saturday with a 5-4 shootout loss to the New York Islanders.
Winnipeg (23-19-3) trails the New York Rangers by one point for the Eastern Conference's last playoff spot and Washington by three for the Southeast Division lead.
The Jets, who play at Washington on Tuesday, have only qualified for the postseason once - in 2006-07, when the franchise was located in Atlanta.
``I think it's a point gained (rather than a point lost),' coach Claude Noel said. "We could've gotten none and we got one, so let's move forward and try and win the next game. We're not doing the math, we're just trying to win. Guys know what's at stake."
Captain Andrew Ladd, who has four goals and 10 assists during a seven-game point streak, believes Winnipeg is in the right frame of mind heading down the stretch.
"We're going to stay positive and focus on Buffalo now," Ladd said. "It's easy to sit there and dwell on what we could've done, but we don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves."
The Jets have outscored the Sabres 15-5 while holding Buffalo to one goal in each of the last five meetings, including a 2-1 win Feb. 19 and a 4-1 victory April 9.
Ladd has scored in each of the last four matchups, and the Sabres will look to slow him down after having their three-game winning streak snapped with an 8-4 loss to the Rangers on Friday.
Buffalo (19-20-6), which fired longtime coach Lindy Ruff one day after falling to the Jets in February, will not be in the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons.
"It hasn't been easy," leading scorer Thomas Vanek said. "We've stuck with it, but ultimately we weren't good enough."
Interim coach Ron Rolston became angry at his press conference following Friday's loss despite the team having played well in its previous three games.
"Of course it's disconcerting," Rolston said. "Do you think I'm not concerned about it? Of course it's disconcerting. We lost a game we should have won. We didn't have it, and there's no excuse."
Ryan Miller had another poor performance, allowing four goals on 14 shots before being pulled and was booed by the home crowd. He has a 4.24 goals-against average over his last four starts and a 3.06 GAA while losing his last four versus Winnipeg.
"He's done a lot for this franchise," Vanek said. "Fans are entitled to whatever they want. Personally, I give him a pat on the back. He's won us a lot of hockey games."
It's unclear if Miller or Jhonas Enroth will get the nod in this contest, though the Jets could start Ondrej Pavelec in net.
Pavelec is 5-0-1 with a 2.26 GAA over his last six and has a 1.00 GAA while winning his last five starts versus Buffalo.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-22-13 10:21 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
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Preview: Penguins (0-0) at Senators (0-0)
Date: April 22, 2013 7:30 PM EDT
After clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pittsburgh Penguins can turn their attention to getting healthier in time for the start of the playoffs.
The Ottawa Senators still have plenty to play for as they look to solidify their playoff standing with a statement victory over the surging Penguins on Monday night in Ontario.
While Pittsburgh (34-10-0) isn't likely to hurry back some of its key banged-up players, the team hopes to keep playing well after wrapping up home-ice advantage for the first three rounds with a 3-2 victory at Boston on Saturday.
Riding a six-game winning streak, the Penguins haven't appeared to skip a beat despite the continued absence of its top offensive weapons.
NHL scoring leader Sidney Crosby has missed eight games with a broken jaw and winger James Neal has missed five because of a concussion. Reigning league MVP Evgeni Malkin has also missed three contests with a shoulder injury.
"These types of races usually come down to the last game, last two games," coach Dan Bylsma said, "and to be able to clinch the division and now clinch the conference this early says a lot for our team and how we've played through this shortened season with different types of injuries."
Now the Penguins look to sweep the season series from the Senators for the first time since winning all six games in 1995-96.
After having its four-game winning streak stopped in a 4-1 home loss to Toronto on Saturday, Ottawa (23-15-6) has a great deal at stake as it looks to avoid a third loss to the Penguins.
With just four games remaining, the Senators are engaged in a tight battle with the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets for the final two playoff spots in the East. They're also one point behind the sixth-place New York Islanders.
Despite getting off a season-high 50 shots, Ottawa managed only a Jakob Silfverberg second-period goal on Saturday.
"When you have 50 shots and one goal you can go back and look at it and maybe there's too many shots from the perimeter and not getting to the good second chances and rebounds," center Zack Smith said.
Colin Greening, who scored the team's lone goal in a 2-1 home shootout loss to the Penguins on Jan. 27, may be able to help the team get back on track in this contest.
Greening has three goals and four assists in his last five in this series, but has scored just once in his last eight games overall.
While Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has a 1.44 goals-against average in the two wins over the Senators, backup Tomas Vokoun - who had 38 saves on Saturday - is 2-8 with a 3.60 GAA lifetime at Ottawa.
Brenden Morrow, acquired from Dallas on March 24, has helped pick up the scoring slack in Crosby's absence with five goals and eight points over his last five games.
Pascal Dupuis had a six-game point streak (3 goals, 7 assists) snapped against the Bruins. He scored a first-period goal in a 4-2 home win in this series on Feb. 13.
Pittsburgh has won 21 of 23 by a 78-50 margin and has scored 25 goals during its current six-game run.
Ottawa's Craig Anderson, who had a three-game winning streak snapped against the Maple Leafs, is 3-3-0 with 2.01 GAA in six starts since returning from an ankle injury.
Anderson, though, has lost four of five with a 3.54 GAA versus Pittsburgh.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-22-13 10:23 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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Preview: Coyotes (0-0) at Red Wings (0-0)
Date: April 22, 2013 7:30 PM EDT
The Phoenix Coyotes and Detroit Red Wings have met in the postseason twice in the last three years. Now they're both trying to reach this year's playoffs.
Seeking some much-needed points, the Coyotes will try to build on a win and earn their first victory at slumping Detroit in nearly 2 1/2 years Monday night.
Phoenix (19-17-8) and Detroit (20-16-8) met in a pair of first-round series in 2010 and 2011 with the Red Wings winning both, but the clubs are outside of playoff contention with time running short.
Detroit is attempting to extend a team-record, 21-year postseason run while the Coyotes are trying to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive time.
"We're just trying to stay alive right now. Guys are working and desperate," Phoenix coach Dave Tippett said. "We need to run the table. If we don't get points in every game, we don't have a chance to make the playoffs. The players are playing accordingly.
"We want to keep ourselves alive going into a huge game against Detroit."
Phoenix helped itself with a 3-2 shootout win at Western Conference-best Chicago on Saturday, ending an 0-1-2 skid. Mike Smith made 36 saves through overtime in his return after missing two games with a lower-body injury. He intends on playing in Phoenix's final four games.
"We're fighting for our lives. That extra point is huge and I think we deserve it," said defenseman David Schlemko, who had the shootout winner.
The Coyotes, 2-0-2 in their last four road games, will next try to come away with two points at Detroit for the first time since Oct. 28, 2010. They've dropped five straight there, including two in the 2011 playoffs.
The Red Wings, though, have gone 1-2-3 in their last six and 3-5-3 in 11, a stretch that includes a 4-2 loss in Phoenix on April 4. Detroit is 1-3-2 in its last six home games, and plays three of its final four at Joe Louis Arena.
"We don't care how our (home) record is now," captain Henrik Zetterberg told the team's website. "We know we got to win games to get into the postseason. Of course, we're happy to be at home than on the road, but we got to go in and focus on Monday."
The Red Wings are averaging 1.73 goals in their last 11 games after registering 2.67 per contest in their first 33. They got their only score in a 2-1 shootout loss in Vancouver on Saturday in the final seconds of the first period.
"We have to find a way to score more goals," coach Mike Babcock said. "We will just continue to work hard."
The teams have split their two games this season, both in Phoenix. Detroit won 3-2 on March 25 with Jonas Gustavsson stopping Lauri Korpikoski's late penalty shot.
Jimmy Howard will likely be in net and he might want to keep a close eye on Martin Hanzal, who has eight goals and an assist in his last eight regular-season games against the Red Wings. He had a goal and an assist in the win earlier this month.
Detroit star forward Pavel Datsyuk's 57 career points versus Phoenix are his most against any opponent outside the Central Division and fourth-most against any team. Datsyuk, though, has just one goal in his last nine regular-season matchups and two goals in his last 11 overall contests.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-22-13 10:24 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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Preview: Ducks (0-0) at Oilers (0-0)
Date: April 22, 2013 9:30 PM EDT
The Anaheim Ducks are on the verge of clinching their first division title in six years.
The Edmonton Oilers have insured they'll be missing out on the playoffs for a seventh straight season.
The Ducks look to sweep a two-game trip to Edmonton and clinch the Pacific Division on Monday night.
Anaheim (28-11-6) snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Oilers on Sunday. The Ducks, who have a five-point lead over Vancouver and Los Angeles for second place in the Western Conference, can capture the division with a win or a regulation loss by the Kings on Tuesday at Minnesota.
"It was a step closer to where we want to be," Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf said. "There are still mistakes that we need to eliminate going into the playoffs, but this was a much-needed win and one that I felt we deserved. It's all about playing the right way going into the playoffs."
The Ducks' only other division crown - which came in 2007 - proved to be a launching pad for bigger success as the franchise won its only Stanley Cup.
Meanwhile, with a seventh loss in eight games, the Oilers' playoff drought becomes the league's longest as Toronto has clinched a spot in the postseason to end its own nine-year dry spell.
Edmonton (17-20-7) hasn't appeared in the playoffs since losing Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup finals to Carolina.
"To have another season where we're out of the playoffs, another season where we're playing meaningless games at the end of the year, is very frustrating," Taylor Hall said. "It's something we're not proud of."
Hall gave the Oilers a good start Sunday, scoring his 15th goal only a minute in. But from there they allowed three unanswered goals.
"It's been extremely tough on me," captain Shawn Horcoff said of repeatedly missing out on the postseason. "We made some steps and at least this year we got some meaningful games in, gave ourselves a chance to get in, but it fell off as of late."
Cam Fowler, Kyle Palmieri and Corey Perry scored for Anaheim, with Perry's goal marking the third time this season he's scored in consecutive games.
It was also another strong performance for goalie Jonas Hiller, who stopped 27 shots. Hiller has a .925 save percentage over his last six starts while going 3-2-1, surrendering two or fewer goals five times.
"It's great to win again after what has been happening for the last little while," Hiller said. "We knew that we needed to play better, but sometimes it is not that easy. Tonight I think that everybody worked a little harder and that made the difference."
For the Oilers to avoid losing their 11th straight home game in the series, they'll likely have to be more disciplined. They've given up a power-play goal in six of eight games but the chances they've supplied opponents has been a bigger issue as they're averaging 9.3 penalty minutes per game over that span. Anaheim was 1 for 5 on the power play Sunday with Fowler scoring on the advantage.
Edmonton also received more discouraging injury news Sunday with the announcement that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss the rest of the season as he likely needs shoulder surgery. Forwards Ales Hemsky, Eric Belanger and Lennart Petrell are already likely to miss the remainder of the year.
Anaheim has won 13 of the teams' last 15 meetings.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-22-13 10:26 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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Preview: Blackhawks (0-0) at Canucks (0-0)
Date: April 22, 2013 10:00 PM EDT
Both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vancouver Canucks are in the playoffs, but each team knows it still has work to do heading into Monday night's game at Rogers Arena.
The Blackhawks (34-5-5), who have already clinched the Central Division and the West's top seed, can earn their first Presidents' Trophy since 1991 with a win Monday and a Pittsburgh regulation loss at Ottawa. Chicago carries an 11-game point streak (9-0-2) into this contest after a 3-2 shootout loss at home to Phoenix on Saturday night, but did find solace in having its power-play unit contribute two goals for a second straight game - both scored by defenseman Brent Seabrook.
"I like the power play, we had good motion, good movement, good options," coach Joel Quenneville said with his team 4 for 7 the last two games after failing to convert any of the 19 chances the previous nine games. "(Seabrook) one-time, (Seabrook) in the slot, a couple nice feeds as well.
"It's nice to see some finished product. That's definitely been a sore point for a stretch of games here, It was nice to have something positive to come out of it on the power play side."
The next step will be carrying that man-advantage success to the road, where Chicago is scoreless in six chances spanning its last four games. That spotty special-teams play hasn't hurt the Blackhawks, who have posted three consecutive road shutouts - a streak of 180 minutes and 33 seconds entering a game in which they expect to be challenged.
"There's a lot of intensity, a lot of emotion," Quenneville said. "We know it's going to be competitive, the pace is always frantic and it makes for a great game."
Chicago is trying to become the first team to post four consecutive shutouts away from home since the Phoenix Coyotes accomplished the feat Jan. 2-9, 2004. The three straight outside the Windy City match a Blackhawks record established Jan. 8-13, 1931.
Extending that streak will be difficult as Vancouver (25-13-7) bears down on the Northwest title. The Canucks secured a playoff spot Saturday night with a 2-1 shootout victory over Detroit that also extended their home winning streak to a season-high seven games.
"It's nice to finally get that check mark,' goaltender Cory Schneider said. "You're never in until you're in. This Western Conference is so competitive, and it seems like everyone wants to win it and everyone goes on a run at some point.
"So to get into the playoffs is our first goal and, hopefully, we can go a step further now and clinch our division. So we're just going to try to put our heads down and keep going.'
Vancouver is chasing Anaheim for the No. 2 spot in the West and would finish no worse than third if it wins the Northwest.
Schneider has been dominant in backstopping Vancouver's home win streak, posting a 0.84 goals-against average with three shutouts and a .970 save percentage in the seven victories.
"He has been playing great for us for a long time now, and that's what we come to expect from him," Alex Burrows said of Schneider. "That's the play he is able to bring every night and we'll need that down the stretch.'
The teams traded shootout victories in February, with the home team winning both. Chicago won the most recent meeting 4-3 on Feb. 19, with Andrew Shaw beating Schneider for the game-winner.
Corey Crawford, who lost 2-1 at Vancouver on Feb. 1, likely will make his third straight start in net for the Blackhawks with Ray Emery nursing a lower-body injury.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-22-13 10:27 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NHL
Dunkel
Phoenix at Detroit
The Coyotes look to take advantage of a Detroit team that is coming off a 2-1 loss to Vancouver and is 1-7 in their last 8 games after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Phoenix is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+130). Here are all of today's picks.
MONDAY, APRIL 22
Game 51-52: Winnipeg at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 11.135; Buffalo 11.571
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+100); Under
Game 53-54: Pittsburgh at Ottawa (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.942; Ottawa 11.647
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-120); Over
Game 55-56: Phoenix at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 12.102; Detroit 11.100
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+130); Under
Game 57-58: Anaheim at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.984; Edmonton 10.644
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-125); Under
Game 59-60: Chicago at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.690; Vancouver 12.749
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-120); Over
NHL
Long Sheet
Monday, April 22
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WINNIPEG (23-19-0-3, 49 pts.) at BUFFALO (19-20-0-6, 44 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 188-142 ATS (+17.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
BUFFALO is 191-173 ATS (+378.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 6-4 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 6-4-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)
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PITTSBURGH (34-10-0-0, 68 pts.) at OTTAWA (23-15-0-6, 52 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 34-10 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-10 ATS (+18.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-3 ATS (+12.0 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak this season.
PITTSBURGH is 12-2 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-7 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 37-43 ATS (-40.2 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 77-80 ATS (-74.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 6-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.4 Units)
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PHOENIX (19-17-0-8, 46 pts.) at DETROIT (20-16-0-8, 48 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 25-5 ATS (+16.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-6 ATS (+7.8 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-48 ATS (-14.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-19 ATS (-17.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 10-4 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 10-4-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.1 Units)
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ANAHEIM (27-11-0-6, 60 pts.) at EDMONTON (17-19-0-7, 41 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 80-56 ATS (+16.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 73-133 ATS (-103.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 21-44 ATS (+79.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 16-27 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 7-2 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 7-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.0 Units)
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CHICAGO (34-5-0-5, 73 pts.) at VANCOUVER (25-13-0-7, 57 pts.) - 4/22/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 60-29 ATS (+13.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 72-39 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 34-10 ATS (+18.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
CHICAGO is 34-10 ATS (+18.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 323-338 ATS (+714.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 205-188 ATS (-94.5 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 9-8-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)
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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Monday, April 22
Hot teams
-- Winnipeg won five of its last six games. Sabres won six of their last nine games, five of last six at home.
-- Penguins won their last six games, scoring 25 goals. Ottawa won four of its last five.
-- Vancouver won its last seven home games. Blackhawks won seven of last eight games.
Cold teams
-- Red Wings lost five of their last six games. Phoenix lost three of last four.
-- Oilers lost seven of their last eight games. Anaheim lost four of its last five.
Totals
-- Last five Winnipeg-Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 13-4-1 in last eighteen Pittsburgh games.
-- Under is 5-0-2 in last seven games for both Detroit/Phoenix.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Anaheim games.
-- Under is 12-4-2 in last eighteeen Vancouver games.
Series records
-- Jets won their last five games against Buffalo.
-- Penguins are 3-4 in their last seven visits to Ottawa.
-- Red Wings won eight of last ten games with Phoenix.
-- Ducks won 13 of their last 15 games against Edmonton.
-- Blackhawks lost three of last four visits to Vancouver.
Back-to-backs
-- Ducks are 6-3 if they played night before, 3-2 if they won. Edmonton is 2-4 if they played night before; this is first time they've been at home for a back/back.
NHL
Monday, April 22
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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. BUFFALO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Winnipeg is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
7:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
9:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Edmonton's last 9 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
10:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. VANCOUVER
Chicago is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Vancouver is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vancouver's last 8 games at home
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-22-13 10:29 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NHL
Tuesday, April 23
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NHL non-playoff teams that would love to play spoiler
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There’s just one week left on the NHL schedule and those teams on the outside looking in on the postseason picture have little to play for.
However, some teams relish the opportunity to spread their misery around the league and drag opposing teams down with them.
Here are three NHL teams that could play spoiler down the stretch:
Philadelphia Flyers (20-22-3 SU, 17-28 ATS)
It’s been a disappointing season for the Flyers, but no team has more potential to play spoiler down the stretch than Philly. The Flyers are building momentum with three wins in their last four contests, and have three games remaining against squads that will be desperate for wins down the stretch – Boston, New York (Islanders), and Ottawa.
Phoenix Coyotes (19-17-8 SU, 22-22 ATS)
The Coyotes aren’t technically out of playoff contention yet, but they’re certainly on life support as they trail the eighth-place Columbus Blue Jackets by five points in the West with four games to play heading into action Monday. The Desert Dogs are coming off a huge 3-2 win over Chicago and have earned points in three of their last four contests. Phoenix will have the chance to put a serious dent in Detroit’s playoff plans Monday night and squash San Jose’s chances of earning home advantage in the first round of the postseason on Wednesday.
Calgary Flames (19-22-4 SU, 22-23 ATS)
The Flames parted ways with long-time captain Jarome Iginla at the trade deadline, waving the white flag on their failed campaign. Calgary also did its best to ship goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff to Toronto, but he boldly refused to report to a new team if traded. The veteran netminder has since announced his retirement at season’s end and the Flames have been playing spirited hockey ever since. In fact, Calgary has already been playing spoiler over its last three games knocking off Minnesota, Anaheim and Detroit. The Flames will now try to throw a wrench in the Blues’ chances of earning home advantage in the first round of the playoffs on Thursday.
All stats prior to action Monday.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-23-13 08:45 PM |
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CNOTES
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Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Tuesday, April 23
Hot teams
-- Capitals won nine of last ten games. Winnipeg won six of its last seven.
-- Islanders won 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Flyers won three of their last four games.
-- Rangers won five of their last six games.
-- Calgary won five of its last six games.
-- Blues won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Kings won four of their last five games.
-- San Jose won three of its last four games.
-- Penguins won their last seven games, outscoring opponents 26-15.
Cold teams
-- New Jersey lost 12 of their last 14 games. Canadiens lost four of their last five.
-- Hurricanes lost 17 of their last 20 games.
-- Bruins lost four of their last five games.
-- Florida lost its last eight games, outscored 35-13.
-- Predators lost their last eight games, outscored 28-12.
-- Colorado lost 16 of its last 21 games.
-- Minnesota lost eight of its last eleven games.
-- Dallas Stars lost three of their last four games.
-- Sabres lost their last two games, 8-4/2-1.
Totals
-- Four of last five Winnipeg games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Montreal games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Islander-Carolina games went over total.
-- Under is 14-4-3 in Boston's last 21 games.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Rangers' last four games.
-- Under is 5-1-2 in last eight Calgary games.
-- Under is 8-1-1 in last ten St Louis games.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Minnesota games.
-- Over is 13-5-1 in last nineteen Dallas Star games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Buffalo games.
Series records
-- Jets are 0-3 vs Washington this week, outscored 13-1.
-- Canadiens are 2-0 vs New Jersey this year, winning 4-3/2-1.
-- Islanders are 0-2 vs Carolina this year, losing 6-4/4-2.
-- Flyers lost ten of last twelve games with Boston.
-- Rangers won four of last five games with Florida.
-- Flames lost three of last four games with Nashville.
-- Blues lost 11 of last 15 games with Colorado.
-- Kings won five of their last seven games with Minnesota.
-- Sharks are 0-3 vs Dallas this year, losing 3-1/5-4ot/2-1.
-- Penguins won nine of last twelve games with Buffalo.
Back-to-backs
-- Winnipeg is 3-4 if it played the night before.
-- Sabres are 2-6 if they played the night before. Pittsburgh is 4-2.
Reply With Quote
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-23-13 08:50 PM |
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CNOTES
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NHL
Short Sheet
Tuesday, April 23
Winnipeg at Washington, 7:05 ET
Winnipeg: 3-11 SU after winning 5 or 6 of their last 7 games
Washington: 14-3 SU vs. division opponents
Montreal at New Jersey, 7:05 ET RDS
Montreal: 6-1 SU away with a total of 5 runs or less
New Jersey: 3-13 SU off a road loss
NY Islanders at Carolina, 7:05 ET
NY Islanders: 9-3 SU away off a road game
Carolina: 10-30 SU off a division game
Boston at Philadelphia, 7:35 ET NBCSN
Boston: 13-3 SU after losing 3 of their last 4 games
Philadelphia: 5-12 SU after winning 2 of their last 3 games
NY Rangers at Florida, 7:35 ET
NY Rangers: 16-6 SU off a home game
Florida: 1-10 SU revenging a road loss by 2+ goals
Calgary at Nashville, 8:05 ET
Calgary: 7-1 SU off BB Unders
Nashville: 1-9 SU in April
Colorado at St. Louis, 8:05 ET
Colorado: 5-16 SU after losing 2 of their last 3 games
St. Louis: 6-18 SU off a combined score of 8+ goals
Los Angeles at Minnesota, 8:05 ET
Los Angeles: 4-14 SU off a home win by 1 goal
Minnesota: 0-5 SU at home in April
Dallas at San Jose, 10:05 ET NBCSN
Dallas: 6-0 SU away off a road division loss
San Jose: 2-8 SU off a loss by 1 goal
Write-In Game:
Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 7:35 ET NHL
Buffalo: 8-18 SU off a loss
Pittsburgh: 17-4 SU off a win by 2+ goals
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-23-13 09:15 PM |
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CNOTES
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NHL
Dunkel
Toronto at Tampa Bay
The Maple Leafs look to build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 games against the Lightning. Toronto is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Maple Leafs favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-105). Here are all of today's picks.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
Game 51-52: Toronto at Tampa Bay (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 12.341; Tampa Bay 10.381
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-105); Over
Game 53-54: Los Angeles at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.449; Detroit 12.146
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+105); Under
Game 55-56: Chicago at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.244; Edmonton 10.632
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-160); Under
Game 57-58: San Jose at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.265; Phoenix 11.925
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115); Over
NHL
Long Sheet
Wednesday, April 24
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TORONTO (25-15-0-5, 55 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (17-24-0-4, 38 pts.) - 4/24/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 17-5 ATS (+11.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 156-171 ATS (+411.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
TORONTO is 25-20 ATS (+45.9 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 25-20 ATS (+45.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 15-6 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-28 ATS (+17.0 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 2-9 ATS (-10.1 Units) in April games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-28 ATS (-11.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 7-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
TAMPA BAY is 4-12 ATS (+16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 5-5-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
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LOS ANGELES (26-14-0-5, 57 pts.) at DETROIT (21-16-0-8, 50 pts.) - 4/24/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 5-14 ATS (-10.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
DETROIT is 14-2 ATS (+11.2 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 46-48 ATS (-14.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 5-5 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-5-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)
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CHICAGO (34-6-0-5, 73 pts.) at EDMONTON (17-21-0-7, 41 pts.) - 4/24/2013, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 6-16 ATS (-15.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 116-132 ATS (-57.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 34-11 ATS (+17.3 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 34-11 ATS (+17.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 20-4 ATS (+13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
EDMONTON is 73-135 ATS (-156.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 21-44 ATS (+79.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 16-29 ATS (-17.5 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 24-56 ATS (+89.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 4-15 ATS (+19.5 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 6-4 (+6.0 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 6-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.3 Units)
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SAN JOSE (24-14-0-7, 55 pts.) at PHOENIX (19-18-0-8, 46 pts.) - 4/24/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 68-64 ATS (-23.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 13-24 ATS (-12.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 19-34 ATS (-17.9 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 29-31 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 7-16 ATS (-19.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 72-80 ATS (+156.4 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent since 1996.
PHOENIX is 31-20 ATS (+51.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 42-39 ATS (-0.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 22-15 ATS (+38.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 108-69 ATS (+22.1 Units) in April games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 1-8 ATS (+9.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 10-6 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 10-6-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)
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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Wednesday, April 24
Hot teams
-- San Jose won four of its last five games.
Cold teams
-- Lightning lost last six games, last three by one goal each. Toronto lost six of its last nine away games.
-- Red Wings lost five of their last seven games. Los Angeles lost its last five road games.
-- Oilers lost eight of their last nine games. Chicago lost its last two games, after winning its previous seven.
-- Coyotes lost four of their last five games.
Totals
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Toronto's last six road games.
-- Under is 6-0-2 in last eight Detroit games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Edmonton games.
-- Under is 6-0-2 in last eight Phoenix games.
Series records
-- Maple Leafs won five of last six games with Tampa Bay.
-- Kings lost their last three visits to the Motor City.
-- Oilers won four of last five games with Chicago.
-- Sharks won three of last four games with Phoenix.
Back-to-backs
-- Los Angeles is 5-3 if it played night before, 2-0 if it lost.
-- Sharks are 2-5 if they played night before, 0-4 on road.
NHL
Wednesday, April 24
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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
7:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. DETROIT
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Los Angeles's last 12 games on the road
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Detroit is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
9:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. EDMONTON
Chicago is 8-14-1 SU in its last 23 games ,when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Edmonton's last 7 games at home
Edmonton is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
10:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. PHOENIX
San Jose is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Phoenix
San Jose is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
Phoenix is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing San Jose
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-24-13 04:22 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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Preview: Maple Leafs (0-0) at Lightning (0-0)
Date: April 24, 2013 7:00 PM EDT
The Toronto Maple Leafs officially have secured their first playoff berth in nine years, but that doesn't mean they'll coast through the final three regular-season games.
Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper hopes his eliminated team won't do so, either.
Toronto looks to send host Tampa Bay to a seventh consecutive defeat while winning for the sixth time in the last seven meetings Wednesday night.
The Maple Leafs' enthusiastic fan base was guaranteed playoff hockey for the first time since 2004 after Saturday's 4-1 win over Ottawa as James Reimer made a career-high 49 saves.
"It's unbelievable," said Reimer, 5-1-1 with a 1.84 goals-against average over his last seven starts. "That's the hockey where you want to play always as a kid growing up. It's playoff hockey. Especially for our city, it's been a little while so I know they're anxious for (the playoffs). It's good to finally clinch."
James van Riemsdyk scored twice and Nazem Kadri ended an eight-game goal drought, tying them for the team lead with 18.
Toronto (25-15-5) visits Florida on Thursday before hosting Montreal on Saturday in a possible first-round playoff preview to end the regular season.
"This is the time of year you have to peak at the right time," van Riemsdyk said. "(Clinching a postseason spot) doesn't mean anything. You've got to be playing well going into the playoffs and we're going to try to get better with each game that we have here."
Van Riemsdyk scored in a 4-2 loss at Tampa on Feb. 19, then Kadri finished with three assists in a 4-2 home win March 20. The Leafs have outscored Tampa Bay 26-13 while winning five of the last six meetings as Phil Kessel has totaled six points.
While Kessel has six goals and seven assists in his last seven games, Joffrey Lupul has 10 goals in 10 games since returning from a broken forearm and scored for the second consecutive game Saturday. Lupul has a goal in three straight versus the Lightning and an eight-game point streak against them.
Tampa Bay (17-24-4) is seemingly looking forward to the end of a difficult season. The Lightning have lost six straight after falling 3-2 to lowly Carolina on Sunday, when they fell behind by three goals in the first period before Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis scored.
Tampa has given up the first goal in each of its last seven.
"We've got to figure it out for the upcoming three games," defenseman Victor Hedman said. "We always battle back hard from being down in games, but we would rather be up a few goals in the first instead of behind."
Cooper, 4-6-3 since taking over for the fired Guy Boucher on March 26, isn't sugarcoating the team's situation but made clear the Lightning still have plenty to play for.
"Is it human nature to look and see our last game is Saturday? Yeah," Cooper said. "It's probably a little deflating for some of these guys to know we're out of it, but for me it's pride. I want to see who's got that fire in the belly. Guys are playing for jobs next year. We want to see, regardless of where you are in the standings, who's going to bring it every night."
Anders Lindback made 25 saves Sunday in his return after missing a month with an ankle injury suffered in the last month's meeting with Toronto. It's unclear if he or Ben Bishop, 1-4-1 with a 3.61 GAA over his last seven starts, will get the nod Wednesday.
Reimer has stopped 60 of 63 shots while winning his last two starts versus the Lightning.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-24-13 04:24 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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Preview: Kings (0-0) at Red Wings (0-0)
Date: April 24, 2013 7:30 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Kings are already returning to the playoffs.
The Detroit Red Wings could use more consistent scoring in their quest to reach the postseason.
The Red Wings attempt to move into playoff position by building on their best offensive performance in a month Wednesday night when they go for a fourth straight home win over the Kings.
Los Angeles (26-15-5) is headed to the playoffs, with only seeding to play for in its final two games. The reigning Stanley Cup champions are tied with San Jose for fourth in the Western Conference, one point ahead of St. Louis. The Kings hold the tiebreaker on both teams.
Detroit (21-16-8) sits ninth in the conference, one point back of Columbus for the eighth and final playoff position and two in front of Dallas.
The Red Wings have a game in-hand on both teams, as they look to extend the franchise's postseason streak to 22 years - the first without Steve Yzerman or Nicklas Lidstrom as a captain.
"Of course, taking over the captaincy, it means a lot to me for this team to do well," Henrik Zetterberg said. "We've been doing good the past 21 seasons and we want to keep that going."
The Red Wings are trying to build some momentum after beating Phoenix 4-0 on Monday, severely denting the Coyotes' chances of reaching the playoffs. It was Detroit's highest scoring output since a 5-1 win at Anaheim on March 22.
The offensive struggles have increased the pressure on Jimmy Howard, who is doing his part with a 1.77 goals-against average during a 6-5-3 stretch that started with that win over the Ducks. He owns a 1.25 GAA over the last seven games, but the Wings are 2-2-3.
Coach Mike Babcock was asked if Howard was good enough to carry the offensively challenged team.
"He has to," he said.
Johan Franzen is giving Detroit some scoring punch, netting five goals in five games after scoring twice against the Coyotes.
The Red Wings haven't had a problem finding the net against the Kings at home, scoring 15 goals while winning the last three matchups at Joe Louis Arena. That includes a 3-2 victory thanks in large part to a season-best 45 saves from Howard on Feb. 10.
Howard stopped 27 shots, but gave up a pair of third-period goals in a 2-1 defeat at Los Angeles on Feb. 27.
The Kings are trying to avoid a sixth straight road loss for the first time since Feb. 25-March 14, 2009. They lost as the visitor Tuesday, never recovering from allowing two first-period goals to fall 2-1 at Minnesota.
"We didn't play three periods. We didn't deserve to win the game," said captain Dustin Brown, who didn't even get a shot on goal after scoring twice in Sunday's 4-3 overtime win against the Stars.
Jeff Carter has two goals and two assists over the past two games, netting Los Angeles' only goal against the Wild after scoring with 51 seconds left in OT on Sunday.
The right wing, fourth in the NHL with 26 goals, has three scores and three assists in four meetings with Detroit as a member of the Kings.
Anze Kopitar has found the net once in each of the last three games versus the Red Wings, but enters this meeting on a 14-game goal drought.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-24-13 04:26 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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Preview: Blackhawks (0-0) at Oilers (0-0)
Date: April 24, 2013 9:30 PM EDT
Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville called his team's most recent performance the "worst game of the year." That doesn't necessarily mean he's forgotten about what happened in the last matchup with the Edmonton Oilers.
Chicago looks to move closer to clinching its first Presidents' Trophy in 22 years when it faces an Edmonton team looking to end a five-game home losing streak Wednesday night.
The NHL-leading Blackhawks (34-6-5) have wrapped up the top seed in the Western Conference and have a chance to finish with the most points in the league for the first time since 1990-91.
There haven't been many low moments during a stellar season, though Chicago appeared outmatched while playing its third game in four nights Monday. The Blackhawks had their 11-game point streak snapped in a 3-1 loss at Vancouver on Monday.
The Blackhawks, who fell 3-2 in a shootout to Phoenix on Saturday, haven't dropped three straight all season. They'll host Calgary on Friday before visiting St. Louis on Saturday to end the regular season.
"We want to be playing our best hockey going into the playoffs," said Corey Crawford, 5-1-2 with a 2.05 goals-against average in his last eight starts. "We're just going to continue playing hard and get ready for the next game."
Though Quenneville wasn't pleased, he is taking Monday's loss in stride.
"It's the one game this year that we weren't at the level that's needed," Quenneville said. "I'm not concerned at all. Throw it in the garbage can and move on."
The Blackhawks, though, didn't come out with much of an edge in their last meeting with Edmonton. They trailed 4-0 within the first 12 1/2 minutes of the first period before their comeback attempt fell short in a 6-5 home defeat March 10.
That contest began an 8-2-2 stretch for the Oilers, who found themselves in eighth place in the West after an 8-2 victory over Calgary on April 3 extended their winning streak to five.
However, Edmonton (17-21-7) wasn't able to maintain the momentum, getting outscored 29-12 while dropping eight of nine since that 12-game surge. The Oilers lost 3-0 to Anaheim on Monday, the seventh time in nine games they scored one or no goals.
``The disappointment when you look at us right now is you don't recognize the team that was in eighth place at the (36-game) mark," coach Ralph Krueger said. "What has happened here is frustrating for everybody.'
The Oilers are on the verge of dropping six straight at home for the first time since a seven-game skid Jan. 18-Feb. 13, 2011. They conclude the season - their seventh straight without a playoff appearance - at Minnesota on Friday before hosting Vancouver the next night.
``Screaming and yelling and beating up on this team is not going to help them,' Krueger said. ``They need to look inside to see what is missing and what are we doing different than these other teams and try and work on that. It is all we have left right now.'
Former Blackhawk Nikolai Khabibulin was in net when Marian Hossa scored in overtime to give Chicago a 3-2 win Feb. 25, and Devan Dubnyk made 11 saves in the Oilers' victory March 10.
It's uncertain who will be in net Wednesday for either team. Ray Emery, among the league leaders with a 1.91 GAA, appears healthy and backed up Crawford on Monday after missing two games with a lower-body injury.
Dave Bolland left that contest with a groin injury and is questionable for Wednesday, while Patrick Sharp has missed five straight with an upper-body injury.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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04-24-13 04:28 PM |
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