Monday's Playoff Picks
By Judd Hall
Saturday’s playoff action yielded much of the same results we’ve already been accustomed to seeing. The “chalk” came away with a 2-1 SU record, with the Stars being the lone deviant from everyone else. And they’re the only road ‘dog to come away with two victories in this season’s postseason thus far.
Will we get more of the same home team dominance on Monday or will we see some of these series take on some character?
Let’s take a look.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Ottawa Senators
Game 2 between these Eastern Conference powers was equal parts of an exhilarating comeback and heartbreaking disappointment. The Pens rushed out to a 3-0 lead, but Ottawa fought right back by visiting the red light district thrice in 30 minutes. Ultimately, Pittsburgh was able to convert three of six power playoff opportunities to take a two game lead in the best-of-seven series.
Evgeni Malkin has been amongst Pittsburgh’s top playoff performers, pulling in six points. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby finally came alive with four assists in Game 2 of the East Quarterfinals.
Now the series shifts to the Canadian Capital, but will it be a good thing?
The Sens have won two of their past three home tilts with the Penguins as the ‘over’ posted a similar record in that time.
The Penguins have registered a 5-8 SU mark when playing a road match following up a victory at home where the ‘over’ hit. Bettors have also watched the ‘over’ go 8-5 in that stretch.
It’s worth a risk to figure Ottawa will win this home tilt.
Bet: Ottawa (+125) and the ‘over’ 5½ (+120)
Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators
Perhaps the hockey gods aren’t too pleased with the Predators right now. That’s what they have to be thinking after all of the odd bounces that went for Detroit and against themselves in their 4-2 loss that put them closer to the precipice of elimination.
So can Nashville put a dent in the Wings seemingly impenetrable armor?
The Preds have split their last four home matches with Detroit this year…Even the totals have played the same even keel way for the gambling public, too.
Since the 2005-2006 season, the Predators have gone 9-4 SU in home fixtures that have came directly after a road defeat in which the ‘over’ came through. In this same situation, the ‘over’ posted a 8-3-2 record.
Bet: Nashville (+125) and the ‘over’ (EVEN)
Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche
The Wild and Avs are quietly putting together the best series of the Conference Quarterfinals. Two games, two overtime victories split amongst the pair.
We’ve been able to see Joe Sakic extend his NHL record of overtime playoff goals to eight, while Jose Theodore has returned to the form that won him Vezina Trophy in 2002.
So who will take Game 3 in Denver?
Well, Colorado is on a 9-1run in its past 10 home matches. The Wild, on the other hand, have lost five of their final six road games.
I’ve not taken a favorite for Monday and this will be the one that wins.
Bet: Colorado (-150)
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