Once again I was dead wrong on my baseball assessment yesterday as the A’s shit kicked the Rangers. Oh well things are not going great right now slipping below .500 to 21-22 -2.37 Units

I absolutely love the board today and am having a real tough time deciding which is my top play… the playoffs in both the NBA & NHL have intrigued me but yet I find myself seeing the best edge on the diamond. MLB: Cincinnati Reds -110 (Mike Leake) @ New York Mets (Jonathon Niese)

We are going the better overall team in every aspect laying a short road price on the road. Obviously offensively is the biggest discrepancy as they are ranked #2 in the NL with the Mets being ranked #9 this even coming after their usual hot start in the month of April. The Reds should have no problem continuing on their hot offensive ways facing Niese whose been atrocious this year with a 5.40 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. While he may have had a good start in St. Louis last week that would indicate regaining his half decent form from previous years I am not convinced quite yet. Twice this year Niese has had a quality start only to be followed up with games of giving up 5 and 7 runs; not getting out of the 5th inning.  The Reds offense have scored 4+ runs in 13 of their past 16 games, something that is very reasonable to expect once again tonight.

Cincy will send Mike Leake to the mound tonight whose shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has lacked consistency. Fortunately, for them he’s on his game right now after a bad start to the season giving up 9 ER in his first two starts, since then in 6 starts he’s only given up more then 3 ER once. The Mets offense has only scored 3 or more runs in 3 of their past 14 games, I don’t expect this to change this evening. Also, for Leake he’s traditionally pitched much better on the road, and even more so against this Mets club where he owns a career 1.65 ERA against them.

The Mets are nothing special at home as a matter of fact quite bad at 9-12 and eventhough the Reds are mediocore on the road at 11-12 it’s still the better record with the far superior team. Lay the price.

Additional Strong Leans

OVER 9.5 -115 Arizona Diamondbacks (Ian Kennedy)/Colorado Rockeis (Jhoulys Chacin)

Washington Nationals +103 (Stephen Strasburg) @ San Francisco Giants (Matt Cain)

NBA

Memphis Grizzlies +5.5 -109 @ San Antonio Spurs

NHL

OVER 5 +131 LA Kings/San Jose Sharks

Picks by BallinChad for bethubb.com

twitter: @chadmarg

What a putz decision to change my POD last minute yesterday. Goes to show why always following your original intuition is usually the best way to cap games. This drops the record back down to an even .500 at 21-21 -1.20 Units.

I do have a strong lean to Hawks on the ice tonight but it’s a bit to steep of a price so I will head back to the diamond. MLB: Texas Rangers -117 (Josh Lindholm) vs. Oakland Athletics (Bartolo Colon)

We are receiving an extremely cheap price on a far superior team all because of the unknown of their starting pitcher. Something that will not deter me from firing away because the talent level along with recent form far outweighs any possible pitching matchup between the A’s and Rangers. Texas once again no matter how many good players lost in the offseason continue to play terrific baseball and have the best record in the AL at 29-15 this all due to outstanding team chemistry with the right mix of talent.

Right now they are playing their best ball of the season going 10-2 over their past 12 games. During that span they have scored 6+ runs in 8 of the 12 games and it’s something extremely reasonable to expect going up against Colon who clearly is not the same pitcher as he was last year when using PED’s. They have even had recent success against Colon in a 6-3 victory back on May 14th in which he gave up 3 ER in 6 IP. Colon simply does not have the velocity or stuff to get through this line up effectively. In his last 4 starts he’s given up at least 3 ER only having pitched into the 7th inning once. For the entire year he’s given up at least 3 ER in 6 of 8 starts. Considering how the Rangers bats are swinging recently which does include roughing up 3 of the best starters in the AL over the weekend in Verlander, Sanchez and Fister I see know reason why they cannot do this once again.

As for the Athletics they have really come back down to earth now at 23-22 after their hot 10-2 start. As I have stated multiple times this was just a matter of time as it seemed nearly impossible with their lack of talent offensively that they could sustain such a torrid pace. While we may not know much about Lindblom from a starters perspective since he’s been a reliever for most of his career I think its reasonable to expect 5 half decent innings out of him before handing it over to the pen. While they have been taxed after getting a lot of work the past few games it doesn’t concern me due to the tremendous depth and multiple options that can work through the innings. Also for Lindblom he’s been a half decent career reliever posting numbers of 3.31 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. He’s spent his entire career in the NL so it will be the first time for this A’s line up seeing him, which almost always favors the pitcher. If he can maintain those kind of numbers against a lineup that has been struggling recently having scored 3 or fewer runs 11 of its past 16 games it should result in another Texas W.

At Arlington this year they are a solid 14-5 and no matter who the pitcher is should almost certainly be bigger favourites against a mediocre team with a mediocre pitcher on the bump.

Additional Strong Leans

UNDER 8.5 -117 Atlanta Braves (Teahran)/Minnesota Twins (Correia)

NHL

Chicago Blackhawks -130 @ Detroit Redwings

Once again the Pacers proved on their home court why they were the superior team in all fundamental aspects of the game. If it wasn’t for the Knicks heating up from downtown for a while this game would have been a wipeout and less of a sweat job late. Nonetheless, we can never complain when a winner is cashed getting back over .500 to 21-20 -0.05 Units

With all the great playoff action taking place tomorrow I am finding it hard to find a game that I really like which means we will shift focus to the diamond. MLB: UNDER 7 -115 Washington Nationals (Dan Haren)/San Diego Padres (Andrew Cashner)

What we have here is two struggling offenses going up against two pitchers in great form. The Nats offense has scored 3 runs or less in 11 of their 16 games in the month of May. They are now going up against a young upstart Andrew Cahsner whose been outstanding this year with a 2.24 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, sure he’s only had 5 starts but only once has he given up more then 2 ER. Look for that to continue.

As per usual the Padres offense continues to struggle with their weak hitting line up. This should be no different today at Petco where Haren is familiar with the stadium having pitched in the NL West for many years back when he was with the Snakes. After a poor start to the  year where he gave up 6 ER in his first start since then only once has he given up more then 3 ER in any start. In his last 4 has gone at least 6 IP and 3 of those 4 starts given up 2 ER or less. Look for him to contain the Friars bats who have scored 3 or less in 4 of their past 6.

This rubber match should produce a low scoring 3-2 or 2-1 type of ball game.

Additional Strong Leans

Philadelphia Phillies +116 (Joe Pettibone) vs. Cincinnati Reds (Homer Bailey)

St. Louis Cardinals -125 (Gast) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Kyle Lohse)

UNDER 7 +111 Washington Nationals (Dan Haren)/San Diego Padres (Andrew Cashner)

Cleveland Indians -108 (Justin Masterson) vs. Seattle Mariners (Felix Hernandez) & UNDER 7 +110

New York Yankees -128 (CC Sabathia) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (RA Dickey)

Picks by Ballinchad for bethubb.com

twitter: @chadmarg

I can’t update my playoff series prediction record yet until the Knicks and Pacers series comes to an end as I am typing this they are playing game 6. Regardless of the outcome in which I have the Pacers winning in 6 I am currently 3-0 successfully picking Miami, Memphis and San Antonio to advance.

Since the Grizz Spurs series starts early tomorrow thought it would be best to post my thoughts on that series incase I am enjoying my Sunday morning sleep with the early 1230 PST tip.

This series I am having a hell of a time predicting and have gone back & forth switching my pick about 100 times. Let me say with the least amount of confidence possible I will take the San Antonio Spurs in 7 games over the Memphis Grizzlies. From a betting perspective the line is 100% correct sending the Spurs off at slight favorites as they do have home court and these teams are pretty even. After all they did finish their season series 2-2 so it’s already been proven their isn’t much separation.

Same pretty much goes for the spread as the 4-5 points the Spurs are favored by should be similar for Memphis at home; those are strictly points for home court. If I had to wager on a side from a game to game perspective I would look at the zig zag theory as I can see both teams bouncing back after losses. If anything I would have to lean to Memphis who are now 10-1 ATS in the playoffs, a perfect 5-0 at home and 5-1 on the road; yet only 3-3 straight up with two of the losses coming in a losing straight up fashion by a single possession. We have also seen San Antonio not overly dominating on their home court last series only going 1-2 ATS despite 2-1 straight up which could have very easily been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the crazy 16 points comeback in the final 4 minutes of game one.

Even though I lean to Memphis on the road and at home a bit since the Spurs did not play good against playoff calibre teams in the regular season the matchups could be quite favorable for them in this series. Memphis was able to exploit OKC due to them not having Westbrook giving them a substantial edge at the PG position, plus having terrific perimeter defense to contain KD. The Spurs are a different beast because Parker can play with Conley and they have better overall outside shooters with plenty of options in Ginobili, Green, Leonard and Neal. OKC did not have that kind of depth and in the paint they could not match up as well defensively against Gasol & Zebo now going up against Duncan is another story.

Overall the Spurs have more depth throughout their line up and should be able to push the pace and have better ball movement then OKC to get better looks and score more easily on the Grizz outstanding D. Also, when you look back at the Grizzlies upset a few years ago in the first round the Spurs role players had not developed into what they are now making them a much better team. I also like Poppovich getting a rematch with some revenge as he’s proven on annual basis that he’s the best coach in the NBA right now and knows how to make terrific adjustments. Just look what he did after the first two games when the Warriors score 100+ points in both games the next 3 no more then 93 allowed. The fact the Grizz got here so easily may actually hinder them a bit due to believing they are on cloud nine not having faced as much adversity.

I really do like the home teams to be dominant in this series which is why I will take the Spurs in a tough 7 game series.

All of a sudden out from nowhere Parker has his best start of the year and the usual script continues for Shields pitching great yet losing. Nice he has an ERA under 3 but a losing 2-4 record. One of the more frustrating losing wagers recently. This drops the record down to an even .500 at 20-20 -1.05 Units.

Today we had back to the hardcourt where most of my success has been recently.Might as well go with a wager that has been kind to us thus far. NBA: Indiana Pacers -5 -102 vs. New York Knicks

Everything I stated in the write up before the series has come to fruition and every single reason as to why I bet on Indiana in both games 3 & 4 can be applied to game 6. They are simply perfect in home throughout the playoffs now having gone 5-0 straight up and ATS. Even dating back to the regular season they are now a combined 35-11 compared to the Knicks who are 25-21. The Pacers played atrocious in game 5 on the road which was the Knicks best effort in a desperate attempt to extend the season. They don’t want to head back to MSG for a game 7 so you better believe they will be the most focused we have seen them all year.

From a matchup and tactical stand point click on this link which explains why I wagered them on for games 3 and 4; its the exact same reason for this game.

Additional Strong Leans

NHL

San Jose Sharks -130 vs. LA Kings

MLB

UNDER 7.5 -113 Kansas City Royals (Ervin Santana)/Oakland Athletics (Tommy Milone)

Pittsburgh Pirates -1.5 -111 (AJ Burnett) vs. Houston Astros (Erik Bedard)

Picks by BallinChad for bethubb.com

twitter: @chadmarg

Wow talk about being dead wrong on the Warriors Spurs total… My read on that series the last few games was clearly wrong and it cost us. This drops the record down to 20-19 +0.08 Units

Today we only have one playoff game on the board which I will be passing on which leaves us only the MLB: Kansas City Royals -112 (James Shields) @ Oakland Athletics (Jarrod Parker)

We are getting the better overall team at 20-17 against a sub .500 20-22 Athletics club with a far superior starting pitcher & better bullpen laying a short price and I love it.

Let’s first start with the A’s who have finally come back down to earth after their scorching hot start to the year at 10-2 picking up from last season. It appears the talent level of this team has finally caught up to them having now gone 10-20 in their past 30 games. I wish I could say that I’m shocked but that cannot be the case with their putrid offensive line up featuing Jed Lowrie, John Jaso and Norris in the heart of the line up. If anything was going to keep this team on pace with last year it would be the youthful pitching staff with tremendous upside. That has not been the case and the worst of the bunch is on the hill tonight in Jarrod Parker with a 6.86 ERA and 1.84 WHIP. He’s given up at least 3ER in 6 of 8 starts and has never made into the 7th in any game yet. Furthermore, he’s been dreadful at home which is supposed to be a hitters ball park giving up 4,8,6 and 3 runs in each of his starts.

Meanwhile the Royals are sending Shields to the mound whose been in CY Young form this year with a 2.48 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. Somehow with those numbers he only has a 2-3 record which indicates he’s getting horrible run support but you have to believe eventually that should correct itself with long term averages. The A’s offense has slown down quite a bit having scored 3 or less runs in 9 of their past 13 games. Like I have said many times before this team does not have good batting talent and this is no shock and something I can continue seeing happen more often throughout the year especially against quality opposing starters.

The Athletics have virtually no home field advantage with a usually half empty stadium and their record reflects it at 10-11 which is even worse then the visiting road team at 11-9. KC should be a bigger favorite then this. Lay the small chalk.

Additional Strong Leans

Philadelphia Phillies -115 (Cliff Lee) @ Cincinnati Reds (Tony Cigniari)

Picks by BallinChad for bethubb.com

twitter: @chadmarg

Once again another no doubt cash with the Grizzlies as the oddsmakers have been way off when it comes to analyzing this team. This helps the record back up a couple games over .500 at 20-18 53% +1.19 Units.

I find the board very difficult today and have really only found one play I like which will remain in the playoffs for the NBA: OVER 195 San Antonio/Golden State

I do lean to the Spurs finishing off the Warriors tonight but am not 100% confident in it as the Warriors have shown a tremendous amount of fight back and resiliency. This should result in them being able to execute the best part of their team which is scoring all coming from terrific outside shooting. Yes they did struggle last game only putting up 91 points with only 40 in the second half but I expect a bounce back performance offensively. I also expect the Spurs to be able maintain their offensive rhythm that was refound in game 4 as they started to get better spacing on the floor allowing for more open looks.

If the game is close and I expect it will be in the 4th quarter within a single digit lead either way look for both teams to foul out a little bit more then usual playing with an extra level of aggression with a season on the line. As long as we can get this game into the mid 80′s each with 4-5 late I believe it will get there with a boat load of points late.

Also, there is value on this total at 195 considering the series opener was 203 coming down a full 8 points. Yes after game 1 it has slowed down quite a bit as both teams have played better defensively but this is to much of an over adjustment. Last game was dropped all the way to 195 and it went over despite Golden State going cold in the 4th quarter with only 91 points in the game. That is the luxury we have working with a total that isn’t in the 200 range where it would require more of a clean ride to get there.

Let’s not forget these are two highest scoring teams in the NBA playoffs averaging 104 and 103 points per game respectively. This should come as no shock as it was much of the same during the regular season as the Spurs were ranked 4th and Warriors 7th offensively. After last game’s 200 points I thought the number would have been jacked up a few points closer to 198-200 not remain the same as both teams demonstrated a bit more of an ability to score which is more like the long term season averages versus the short term lack of offense we had seen in this series from games 2-4.

Additional Strong Leans

San Antonio Spurs -1.5 @ Golden State Warriors

NHL

LA Kings -143 vs. San Jose Sharks

Picks by BallinChad for bethubb.com

twitter: @chadmarg

The Warriors kept it close until the veteran Spurs were able to pull away late something I didn’t see happening. Oh well, can’t get them all right. Still have an overall winning record with the POD at 19-18 +0.19 Units

My play today will once again come from the playoffs in the NBA: Memphis Grizzlies +4 -105 @ Oklahoma City Thunder

I have bet on Memphis every game this series except for the last in which they were lucky to cover in OT anyway and have mentioned multiple times how they are better then Oklahoma City for many reasons. Just click on the link from previous bets we have cashed on the Grizz which explains why they match up so well against them without Westbrook.

Furthermore, the Grizz have been outstanding all playoffs not just this series they are now 4-0 ATS this series and 5-1 ATS in the first round, with the only loss coming in game one against the Clippers. This makes them an outstanding 9-1 ATS throughout the playoffs and in 2 of their 3 losses they have come by one possession or less. So even when they lose it comes down to the wire as they are in every single game. Even prior to the Westbrook injury they beat OKC 2 of the 3 in the regular season which means they are now 5-2 against this team all year. No way they should be dogs by any margin on any court against this team. The Thunder are simply not the same team without Westbrook having now gone 3-5 straight up and 2-6 ATS.

The only reason for the spreading being this high is due to “desperation” with the season on the line. Sure that may be the case but it’s for a reason Memphis is better. Even if OKC plays great and wins I cannot imagine it being by more then this 4 point margin.

Additional Strong Lean

MLB

Boston Red Sox +111 (Jon Lester) @ Tampa Bay Rays (David Price)

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twitter: @chadmarg

Well that was an atrocious read on the Caps in game 7 as they got absolutely beaten down by the superior Rangers. The loss drops the POD record down to: 19-17 53% +1.24 Units

Today we stick with the theme of playoffs but shift our focus back to the hardcourt… NBA: Golden State Warriors +7 -105 @ San Antonio Spurs

The Warriors are an incredible 9-1 ATS this year in the post season including a perfect 5-0 on the road. The oddsmakers simply do not respect them enough or have to much respect of their opponents. Throw all the numbers out the window for this handicap its all about the eye test and through four games of this series I do not see what the Spurs have done to warrant being such a large favorite. They are lucky to have not dropped both games on their home court let alone be laying any kind of number like this.

The Spurs age may be catching up to them with their key players in Duncan, Ginobii and Parker, at times they simply cannot keep up with the run and gun ability the Warriors possess. I have heard rumours time and time again that Curry has a bummed ankle in the playoffs, he keeps playing through it and gets the job done even if not 100%. Just having his prescene on the field is enough to help create even more space for the other Warrior guards in Thompson and Jack who have been great.

The biggest reason G State matches up so well with the Spurs has everything to do with Bogut in the middle being a defensive presence. Not only does he limit TD down in the paint it stops the #1 engine that gets the Spurs offense going which is Parker and Ginobili driving into the paint for easy buckets and if the double teams kick outside to open shooters. The likes of Green, Neal, Leonard and Bonner have not been as effective due to them not being as open as usual on the perimeter.

Also, at this point I have to lean towards the Warriors role players being more effective, Barnes & Green have been great hustle players and contributing offensively. Jack has terrific control of the offensive pace and is capable of creating on his own and knocking down jumpers. It might sound crazy but he’s not all the far off from the play of his counterpart in Parker. If Curry isn’t on fire they have the option of Thompson a much better #2 shooting option then anyone on the Spurs. I believe they match up real well and will give the Spurs everything they can handle. This is a 50/50 game in my books therefore 7 points is extremely generous and cannot be passed on.

Additional Strong Leans

NBA

OVER 195 -105 Golden State/San Antonio

NHL

LA Kings -150 vs. San Jose Sharks

MLB

Toronto Blue Jays -122 (RA Dickey) vs. San Francisco Giants (Barry Zito)

Colorado Rockies +124 (Jeff Francis) @ Chicago Cubs (Carlos Villanueva)

Washington Nationals +175 (Dan Haren) @ LA Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw)

Kansas City Royals +111 (Jeremie Guthrie) @ LA Angels (Jason Vargas)

Picks by BallinChad for bethubb.com

twitter: @chadmarg

Pretty solid first round record going 6-2 only being wrong with Anaheim & Vancouver but yet calling 3 correct underdogs. The second round will be absolutely phenomenal with some outstanding series on deck. I will give my series prediction and in how many games along with the usual gambling rhetoric breaking it down. Like usual will go in order of the series starting so it allows me more time update this blog which needs to be done on a daily basis until they all begin.

#1 Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games over #7 Ottawa Senators

I believe this series will be an absolute dog fight and would not shock me at all if the Senators do pull the upset at +248 it could be worth a click. I will not end up making that wager because I still believe Pittsburgh finds a way to get it done. This has everything to do with Voukon being able to play half decent in net which is all the Penguins need in order to be a dominating team. If Fleury wasn’t such a civ in the first round the series could have been over in 4 or 5.

That being said Ottawa is a better more defensively sound team then the Isles which of course is all due to Craig Anderson; who could be the best goalie in the NHL right now. He does have the capability of stealing games on his own. But, I don’t think quite enough to steal an entire series as the Penguins offense is just to good and eventually will find a way to solve him. Furthermore, it’s not like Penguins D was putrid this year like it was last and if Voukon can be half decent it will be difficult for the Sens to muster up enough offense to keep up with them.

Plus, as good as the Sens were in round #1 it had just as much to do with the Canadiens mentally breaking down plus getting a couple of lucky bounces and calls to go there way. I certainly cannot trust the Pens laying -200 on their home ice and Ottawa has been terrific on their home ice all year at 17-9 so if they are catching a plus price they could be worth a look or two. The totals I’m perplexed on and would stay away from them all together.

#1 Chicago Blackhawks in 6 games vs. #7 Detroit Red Wings

I still believe the Hawks are the most complete and best overall team in the conference. Yes I can see Detroit giving them a bit of a test as they are a far superior team then first round opponent Minnesota Wild. But I believe the difference will be the overall team speed of the Hawks being able to create more odd man rushes and most importantly finish better then the Ducks did. Since losing Lidstrom to retirement the Wings defense has not been the same and is no longer elite. One of the deeper teams and highest scoring in the league should be able to expose that a bit.

The only reason I say the Wings have a shot here in this series is how hot they have been down the stretch getting into the playoffs then coming back from down 3-2 to the Ducks meanwhile the Hawks have been on cruise control since there winning streak at the beginning of the regular season. With the Wild using a 3rd string goalie they were not tested at all and at times didn’t even look all that impressive against one of the worst teams in the playoffs.

I certainly would not suggest laying the -304 series price, but since I don’t see the Wings actually winning I cannot endorse taking the plus price back. The only time I can see some value on a game to game basis would be taking a look at the Hawks as short road faves or possibly even dogs. They are a league best 19-7 on the road which is better then the 16-12 home record posting by Detroit this year. Chicago was a perfect 4-0 against Detroit in the regular season which did include a perfect 2-0 at Joe Louis Arena.

# 5 Los Angeles Kings in 6 Games vs. #6 San Jose Sharks

The Kings are still the better team in this series despite the Sharks coming off a first round sweep over Vancouver. That sweep is a bit misleading as two games were won in OT and every game was tied or within one goal with 10 minutes or less left in the 3rd. Meanwhile, LA dug themselves out of a 0-2 hole against a very tough physical Blues team which I believe is better then what the Sharks faced in the Canucks. Everything Vancouver could not do in terms of bringing up the physical intensity level LA is more then capable of doing. Quick is better then either Lu or Schneider and will make it more difficult for the Sharks to score goals. Plus, most of San Jose’s offensive production came via the power play as long as the Kings stay somewhat disciplined and the refs allow them to play they will have a huge physical advantage.

While Niemi has looked great all year for the Sharks I am still not convinced he’s an “elite” goalie like Quick. Sure if you shoot square up on him he will stop most pucks that is why Vancouver could not score. But, LA knows how to drive hard to the net and come up with plenty of possessions in the offensive zone due to working the forcheck outstandingly.

Laying -150 for the series price is a bit steep but a price I would recommend paying as I really thought the Kings would come out closer to the -17o to -180 range. I also lean quite a bit to taking LA in all home games if we only have to lay -150 or less because of how dominant they have been at Staples putting up a 22-5 record compared to the Sharks losing 10-16 record. I don’t think San Jose is an awful team and should win a couple games I would strongly consider taking them on their home ice as they have been the complete polar opposite all season long at 19-7 with the Kings well below .500 at 9-18. Anytime we can get the Sharks laying a fair price of -150 or less at home it would be worth it as well.

#4 Boston Bruins in 7 Games vs. New York Rangers

This is a real tough series to predict as these two teams are pretty even; and the oddsmakers happen to agree sending out the Killer B’s as slight series faves at -117. Despite the two teams being fairly even I do believe Boston is slightly better and warrants being a favorite. Having home ice advantage could end up being the difference for them as they are 18-10 at home and the Rangers well below .500 on the road at 11-17. Meanwhile Boston has shown a bit more of an ability on the road going 14-13.

I also believe that many people have written of the Bruins thinking they played awful against the Leafs and it will now catch up to them. I’m taking the opposite approach to handicapping their mindset believing this was a terrific wake up call and what we saw in the final 10 minutes of game 7 could be more of what we see on a regular basis in this series. Furthermore, I think this match up suits Boston better then Toronto because New York does not have the same team speed and overall offensive capability upfront. They play a similar grind it out, block shots and work the forecheck style of hockey. That worked well against Washington as it wore them down in games 6 & 7 but will not work the same against Boston who will beat them at their own stye.

I have a lot more confidence in the Bruins offense to score then New York. This also reminds me of their cup run 2 years ago when it also required a game 7 OT victory to advance in round one. They cruised in round 2 sweeping the Flyers. The only way the Rangers can win this series is having Lundqvist steal more games, I think he will have more trouble facing these style of forwards compared to the finesse the Capitals showed him in round one.

Go ahead and lay the series price as it doesn’t make sense to lay -135 at home for Boston and then take back a minimum price on the road getting probably only about +115. Should Boston lose game 1 I would strongly look at betting an adjusted series price as dogs as I don’t see them losing both games at home going down 0-2.

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twitter: @chadmarg