LOCKED UP AND LOCKED IN: Day 3
There's 3 days left in the regular season hockey fans. These are the games that make the difference. The games that will put your favorite team at home in front of 20,000 screaming fans, cheering them on in a Game 7; or hand your team the daunting task of playing a Game 7 on the road. For a preview of what the playoffs are looking like for each conference see my Status of the League article.
Chicago @ Washington (+1.5) (WINNER!)
Caps fans are thoroughly disappointed that their team will not be in the playoffs this year. Picking up Halak at the trade deadline was supposed to be the answer. Halak has done his job in net but the team hasn't helped him out much. I expect to see some big changes in the Washington locker room this offseason. For one, Halak is going to be a UFA in 3 days. I can't see any reason a rising star goaltender would want to stay with a team that can't get past the 2nd round and whose idea of defense is leaving the goalie hung out to dry and stop odd man rush after odd man rush. On top of that, the Capitals' management is close to giving up on the Ovi show. I wouldn't be surprised if Ovi is wearing a different sweater next season. I agree with the hockey critic consensus, Ovi cannot lead a team to a Stanley Cup. His goal scoring abilities speak for themselves. He is lethal from anywhere inside the blue line. Tonight they take on a well coached, disciplined, and highly skilled Chicago club. I think Chicago wins but Washington covers the spread.
Columbus @ Tampa (-130) (WINNER!)
I made the mistake of picking against the Bolts last night in the 3 game parlay and they made me pay dearly for it. I learned my lesson though and I'm back. Stamkos, Johnson, and Filppula will continue being offensive machines and lead the Lightning to a big win tonight. There are questions about the Tampa goaltending after Bishop was injured last week. It may become a big problem in the playoffs, but not tonight against the Blue Jackets.
NY Islanders (+160) @ New Jersey (WINNER!)
Here's a chance to make some real money. The Islanders are not a good hockey club but they posses some great scorers. The age and experience of the Devils star players leads me to believe they just want this season to be over. Stanley Cup champions like Jagr and Brodeur aren't about to get all pumped up for a game against the Islanders when they know they only have 2 games left in the season regardless. The Islanders however, are all too familiar with this time of the season and knowing summer break starts in 3 days.
Detroit (-200) @ Carolina (L)
Detroit does NOT want to face Boston in the first round. They picked up the point they needed to secure a playoff spot in their shoot out loss in Pittsburgh. Their remaining 2 games are just as important however. Detroit wants Pittsburgh in the first round. They are going to have to win out to make that happen and the team, coached by Mike Babcock, is up for the task.
Saint Louis @ Dallas (-115) (WINNER!)
The Blues have lost 4 straight. On top of that, all star forward TJ Oshie got fucking rocked by NHL bender, Mike Rupp. Oshie left the game and it's looking like Oshie may be out for the last 2 games at a minimum. Note: Rupp was assessed a Match Penalty for the hit and is suspended indefinitely pending a hearing with the NHL. Dallas is neck and neck with Phoenix for the last playoff spot in the west and you can bet yer britches their fans will be loud tonight.
Winnipeg @ Calgary (-140) (L)
The Flames are still red hot in Calgary. Their fans love their team no matter what and you can count on them to be loud and proud tonight for the last home game of the season. Both teams are out of playoffs and pride is really all they have to play for at this point.
The Flames are still red hot in Calgary. Their fans love their team no matter what and you can count on them to be loud and proud tonight for the last home game of the season. Both teams are out of playoffs and pride is really all they have to play for at this point.
Colorado (+150) @ San Jose (L)
The Avs are 8-1 in their last 9. San Jose could change from the 5th to the 4th seed in the West but that's all they can hope for. The Avs are in contention for the 1st seed in the West and you can guarantee they're going to do all they can to get it. Colorado is solid on defense, has a great coach, and is lethal on offense. Look for the Lanche to head in to the Shark Tank tonight and come away with 2 points.
The Avs are 8-1 in their last 9. San Jose could change from the 5th to the 4th seed in the West but that's all they can hope for. The Avs are in contention for the 1st seed in the West and you can guarantee they're going to do all they can to get it. Colorado is solid on defense, has a great coach, and is lethal on offense. Look for the Lanche to head in to the Shark Tank tonight and come away with 2 points.
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