NHLPredictions
Montreal Canadiens -118
The Montreal Canadiens enter tonight's game in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, but tied with Boston with 59 points as they fight for the Northeast Division title and 2nd place in the East. To win the division and be guaranteed home ice until the Conference finals would be huge for Montreal and we know they are motivated to give it a run, especially given their fall off lately. The Habs lost 5-1 at home vs Washington on Saturday and have lost 4 of their last 5 games. Goaltending has been a problem with the Canadiens allowing 5+ goals in all 4 of those losses. I expect Carey Price to get the start and return to his solid form tonight. The Devils are out of a playoff spot and have won just 7 of their last 28 games overall. They did recently beat two non-playoff teams in Philadelphia and Florida recently, but their latest game was a 4-1 loss in New York on Sunday vs the Rangers. They have scored 2 or fewer goals in 8 of their last 11 games and sit 28th in the NHL averaging just 2.31 goals per game (Montreal is at 3.02). Take a look at the Habs road record as they are a solid 13-6-2 on the road this year. The Devils are 11-9-2 at home. These two teams have met twice this season with the Habs winning both, 4-3 in Montreal and then 2-1 in New Jersey. The Canadiens are playing for a lot more right now and although the Devils will still come out to play they don't match up with the Habs. Take Montreal to win.
Harry Bondi
DENVER (-8) over Golden State
The Nuggets did not play well in Game 1 but still escaped with a two-point victory. In that game they went a dismal 3-for-16 from 3-point land and were badly outrebounded (64-51). Don't expect those numbers to be repeated in Game 2 tonight, especially since Golden State will be without its best rebounder, David Lee. Denver still has one of the best home court advantages in the NBA and tonight it rebounds with a much better effort, leading to a blowout win.
Sammy P
Los Angeles at Minnesota
Play: Los Angeles
Rarely do you get one of the hottest and best teams in the NHL playing at this short of a price, but that’s what we get tonight when the Kings travel to Minnesota to face a reeling Wild club. Minnesota has lost eight of its last 11 games and they have been unable to consistently find the back of the net during this time (1.7 goals per game). Scoring has always been a major problem for the Wild and facing a tough Kings defense tonight is not what the doctor ordered to break them out of their slump. This is a Kings team starting to get healthier at the right time with the addition of Matt Greene off of the IR. Don't let the "must win" talk for Minnesota tonight fool you as Los Angeles is just as focused to lock up home ice advantage for the playoffs. Los Angeles has been winning games of late (4-0-1) with timely scoring, stellar defense, and depth. They've scored at least one PP goal in eight straight games. Look for the Kings to continue this push into the playoffs and wear down the Wild tonight at the short price.
LEGIT PICKS
Tuesday 4/23/13 Plays...
3* A'S/RED SOX (UNDER 9 / -115) (3:35PM PST)
---LEGIT PICK'S WARNING: Practicing Money Management & Shopping Lines Can Lead to Long Term Success--
Hollywood Sports
Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres
Prediction: San Diego Padres
San Diego (5-14) has lost four games in a row after their 7-1 loss in Game One of this series. The Padres are dangerous in spots like this as they have won 11 of their last 15 home games as an underdog in the +110 to +150 price range. They send out Richard who is 0-1 with a 5.28 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP this season. The left-hander was much better at home in Petco Park last season where he sported a 3.02 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and .245 opponent's batting average as opposed to his 4.74 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and .284 opponent's batting average when on the road. San Diego has won 4 straight home games when Richard was pitching as an underdog in the +110 to +150 price range. He should fare well against this Brewers team that has lost 5 of their last 7 games against left-handed starting pitchers. Milwaukee (10-8) has won eight straight games after last night. They counter with Gallardo who is 1-1 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.57 WHIP so far this season. Gallardo was not quite as effective on the road last season where he owned a 1.38 WHIP and .258 opponent's batting average as opposed to his 1.24 WHIP and .231 opponent's batting average when at home. And while the Padres are 1-6 at home, the Brewers have lost 7 of their last 8 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40%. Take the Padres with the money line while listing both starting pitchers.