Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS vs Carolina HURRICANES

This evening we have the start of a best of 3 game series. With the win on Saturday the CANES have not lost 2 in a row since January 13th. That folks is a model of efficiency. Once again in Game 4 buckets of goals were scored. This series has supplied plenty of excitement and both teams having been able to light the lamp. Goalie Brandon Bussi made his first playoff start on his way to beating Vegas. Tonight the series returns to Raleigh and the wild Lenovo Center. Whomever wins this evening will come within 1 game of winning the series, before they return to Vegas. Jordon Staal scored 2 goals in Game 4, including the game winner for the CANES. Before this series started Carolina was having their way with the league. In this series nobody has won 2 games in a row. Will the CANES do that tonight? Film at 11…..

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS +125 — LOST

Carolina HURRICANES vs Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Wow, what a game Saturday night. In the 2nd period the VGK jumped on Carolina goalie Fredrik Andersen and scored 4 straight goals in 6 and a half minutes leading to a goalie swap in the 3rd period. Brandon Bussi came in to settle down the VGK in what appeared to be a lost cause. In the 3rd period, motivated by the switch, the CANES found a way to to get the puck past Carter Hart scoring 4 straight unanswered goals. The game went into overtime only to see Shea Theodore score in the 2nd OT, in one of the weirdest plays ever, to win in sudden death. Obviously tonight is another night and the CANES need to forget about the loss. Coach Rob Brind-Amour will have his hands full this evening and it is anybody’s guess who is going to be between the pipes. Bussi looked like he belonged and it would not be a surprise to see him get the call. The crowd at T-Mobile will be buzzing and I believe the KNIGHTS will be ready for the onslaught.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS -105 — LOST

Carolina HURRICANES vs Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Tonight, the series head to “Sin City” - Las Vegas. The Sports Books are solidly behind the HURRICANES with odds starting at -110 for both teams. Apparently they believe past is prologue. With the exception of the first 2 series that the CANES swept, they lost game 1 versus Montreal and went on to win 4 straight. In the series against the VGK they lost game 1 and went on to defeat Vegas Thursday in overtime. The VGK accomplished what they wanted to do by winning game 1 and assuring themselves home ice for the rest of the series. Now they have to protect it. Carolina is a very scrappy team and they never quit under coach Rob Brind’Amour. Vegas is no snowflake and stranger to pressure games with their veteran lineup. Look for the VGK to be ready for tonight at the “Fortress” that is T-Mobile Arena.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS -110 — WIN

Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS vs Carolina HURRICANES

This season the HURRICANES have been unable to defeat the KNIGHTS. In Game #1 the KNIGHTS gave up 2 goals early to Nikolaj Ehlers, before they woke up in a big way. In the 3rd Round the CANES lost game one to the CANADIENS handily 6-2, before bouncing back to destroy Montreal’s chances with 4 straight wins. The VGK are a stacked team with tons of experience. They have been to the FINALS 3 times now since their inception 8 years ago. An example of how confident the VGK are is, they gave up the first goal in the first 25 seconds of the game and it didn't even phase them. In BIG games early adversity sometimes leads to bad results. Not with the VGK. Carolina will come out desperate tonight and need to return to their defensive game. Fredrik Andersen has been a decent goalie throughout these playoffs, but will have troubles IF the Carolina “D” doesn’t perform well in front of him. The CANES will be tested this evening at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

Today’s PICK — Carolina HURRICANES -165 — WIN

Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS vs Carolina HURRICANES

Well, we are finally there. The 4th round of the playoffs. Vegas versus Carolina. Both of these teams have rolled through the first 3 rounds and remained healthy. Both of these teams have been taking care of business. This series truly has the 2 best teams the league has to put forward. Vegas has won 6 straight games and the CANES have won 12 of their last 13 contests. For Vegas, the goal is to steal the home ice advantage in Game 1. The VGK need find their best game when it comes to defeating the Carolina. These 2 teams are clearly evenly matched and the team who claims first blood is likely to hold on to tonight’s game. I like the VGK to take it to the HURRICANES this evening.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS +125 — WIN

Montreal CANADIENS vs Carolina HURRICANES

At this point nobody gives the CANADIENS a snowball’s chance in hell of winning tonight’s elimination Game 5 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. After Game 1 it looked like it was possible for the HABS to surprise the CANES. It is apparent now that Carolina’s excuse was their long layoff between series’. Carolina’s speed and dedication to playing defense builds a nearly impenetrable wall between their defense and their goaltender Fredrik Andersen. Even when the games 2 and 3 went to overtime you never felt the CANADIENS would score that golden goal and win. The HABS can hold up in pressure situations as proven with 2 game 7 wins in the first two rounds; both on the road. Scoring will once again be difficult and should go UNDER 5.5.

Today’s PICK — Carolina HURRICANES -250 — WIN

Carolina HURRICANES vs Montreal CANADIENS

Tonight we have Game 4 of a series where the CANADIENS are down 2 games to 1. For the first time since the middle of March the HABS have lost 2 in a row. Before their last 2 losses the CANADIENS had beaten Carolina 3 straight times. In game 1 of the series the HURRICANES had uncharacteristically lost 6-2, but that was after a long layoff. It looks like the CANES are back on track living off of their stingy, suffocating defense. The question tonight is whether or not the CANADIENS can break through that defense. The way the HABS have played in these playoffs leads me to believe they can overcome any challenge poised against them. Make no mistake, anytime you can keep the score down, you have a shot. Scoring will be a challenge for both teams. I am leaning Montreal to win in an UNDER game.

Today’s PICK — Carolina / Montreal - UNDER 5.5 — WIN

Colorado AVALANCHE vs Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Tonight we pivot back to Vegas where the VGK have firm grip on their series versus the AVALANCHE. They have a nearly insurmountable 3-0 lead in their series. In the history of the NHL only 4 teams have come back in a series after going down 3-0. Those are the odds the AVALANCHE are facing this evening on the Strip. The last team to do that were the LA KINGS in 2014 versus San Jose. THAT is what the AVS are up against this evening. In Game 3 Cale Makar made his return to the series, but star Nathan MacKinnon came up lame after taking a shot to his knee blocking a shot. IF he plays this evening, will his play be diminished? RW Valeri Nichushkin is also a member of the walking wounded, and he will also be a gametime decision. For Vegas Captain Mark Stone is back on the ice. It is hard to imagine the VGK not taking advantage of what is being handed to them.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS -105 — WIN

Carolina HURRICANES vs Montreal CANADIENS

Tonight we have Game 3 of the CANADIEN / HURRICANE series as the series moves to Montreal. Last night after going down 3-0 in the first period the VGK were able to score 5 unanswered goals and win 5-3. Vegas has nearly total control of the series and need just one more win to move on. Tonight, in Montreal, the HABS and CANES are knotted at 1-1. After 5 straight losses to Montreal the HURRICANES finally were able to beat back these pesky CANADIENS. Once again, even on home ice, Montreal is the dog at +115. The HABS worked hard gaining the home ice advantage in Game 1 but need to win so they don’t relinquish that advantage. Carolina, after losing in uncharacteristic fashion 6-2, they returned to form in Game 2 winning a hard-fought decision 3-2 (OT). If the HURRICANES are able to play that suffocating style of defense once again tonight, they will probably win. But the CANADIENS have been able to display an amazing level of resilience in these playoffs.

Today’s PICK — Montreal CANADIENS +115 — LOSS

Colorado AVALANCHE vs Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS.

Tonight, the 3rd game of the series heads out to Las Vegas. The real Colorado AVALANCHE have yet to show up in the series. It is nearly unfathomable that the AVS have opened the series with 2 straight losses. Their STAR defensemen and former Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar has been out with an upper-body injury sustained against Minnesota. Unfortunately for the AVS, he is the guy who makes it all work. This morning it is unknown whether he is in or out. Vegas is taking full advantage of his absence. Even without the presence of Captain Mark Stone for the VGK, they have been able to win. Vegas is a veteran team, and tonight is not their first rodeo. They will be ready. Tonight is do or die for the AVS; it is a simple as that. Going down 3 games to none is NOT acceptable….

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS +125 — WIN

Montreal CANADIENS vs Carolina HURRICANES

Last night it was apparent that a long layoff is not always a good thing. After dispatching the WILD in 5 games the AVALANCHE had 7 days off. Vegas won a hard fought 7 game series versus Anaheim and now takes a 2-0 lead back to Vegas. As far as tonight’s game goes, the HURRICANES had a record 11-day layoff prior to game 1 of their series versus the CANADIENS. The HABS went into Raleigh and trashed the CANES 6-2. Montreal had only 2 days off before going into Thursday’s game 1 of the series. Before Thursday’s loss the CANES had won 8 straight playoff games. Montreal may be Carolina’s kryptonite as they have beaten the CANES 5 straight times. The HABS are a young and fast team and are equally well coached as the HURRICANES. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the CANADIENS stole a 2nd game in Raleigh.

Today’s PICK — Montreal CANADIENS +170 — LOSS

Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS vs Colorado AVALANCHE

After a big time, upset on Wednesday, the VGK are looking to pull out the broom for tonight’s Game 2 in Denver. Vegas has been rolling and has looked good doing it. It is now apparent that the move to install John Tortorella as coach was the right one. He is now 16-4-1 as head coach. Typically, the AVS are unbeatable on Ball Arena ice. Wednesday’s loss saw star AVS D-man Cale Makar out with an injury. Tonight, he will be a game-time decision. For the VGK, captain Mark Stone has been out since the 3rd game of the Anaheim series but holds the momentum by virtue of their win in game 1. With all of this in mind the AVS will show up with or without Makar.

Today’s PICK — Colorado AVALANCHE -210 — LOSS

Montreal CANADENS vs Carolina HURRICANES

Tonight, the Carolina HURRICANES are hosting the Montreal CANADIENS in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference FINAL. The CANADIENS are coming off of a Game 7 win over the Buffalo SABRES. The HURRICANES are coming off of sweeps of both Ottawa and Philadelphia. Yeah folks, that’s 8 straight wins of playoff hockey. The CANES have not played in 12 days. With the exception of game 4 versus Ottawa all of their games have gone UNDER. At first blush, the matchup for Montreal does not look good. Carolina has steam-rolled their way through all comers. But, not so fast, once you look at the head-to-head action between these 2 clubs you notice that the HABS have beaten Carolina 4 straight times. It is still to be determined whether that long layoff will be a positive or a negative. On the other hand, after a hard 7 game series, are the CANADIENS up to stealing game 1? I expect Montreal to give it their best shot this evening in Raleigh.

Today’s PICK — Montreal CANADIENS +165 — WIN

Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS vs Colorado AVALANCHE

Tonight we break the seal on Round 3 semi-finals of the playoffs. The Colorado AVALANCHE are welcoming in the Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS to Ball Arena in Denver for game 1. At this point of the playoffs several players on both teams are banged up. These 2 teams have not played each other in playoff hockey since 2021. Cale Makar is a gametime decision for the AVS while it is not known if Captain Mark Stone will play for the VGK. Vegas has to try to steal home ice this evening in Denver and with all of the variables, it is hard not to pull for the underdog here. Both of these teams have had at least 6 days to recoup from Round 2. Wear and tear is a BIG deal in playoff hockey. The VGK have played 3 more games than the AVS. The KNIGHTS will have their hands full tonight in Game 1.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS +165 — WIN

Montreal CANADIENS vs Buffalo SABRES

Tonight’s Game 7 is the only game on the docket. When you get to a Game 7 you find out who is the mentally stronger of the 2 teams. Both teams have gone through a wall to get here. The single reason Buffalo may be at a disadvantage is their history. Overcoming that history is all between the ears for Buffalo. It is time for the SABRES to crush those demons of the past. These 2 teams are really evenly matched, but neither team remembers how to play defense. The best "D" will win tonight. Montreal has won 3 out of the 4 games at KeyBank Center. The SABRES are due this evening, but they have to find their “D”.

Today’s PICK — Buffalo SABRES -118 — LOSS

Buffalo SABRES vs Montreal CANADIENS

We have only a single game today in the playoffs. These 2 teams are the last surviving members of the 2nd round of the playoffs. Tonight the SABRES could be eliminated as they must play their best game of the series. They are not only fighting their past, but also themselves. Ninety percent of this game is between the ears. Demons of the past have been resurrected by these SABRES. Tonight, it is win or go home. To do that they need to slow down the CANADIENS and STAY out of the penalty box. If they do that, they will win. Can they do that? We will see. GO SABRES!

Today’s PICK — Buffalo SABRES +140. — WIN

Montreal CANADIENS vs Buffalo SABRES

Tonight, we have 2 games slated as we head toward the end of the 2nd round of the playoffs. Of the 2 games being played the most exciting of the two is being played in Western New York. The Buffalo SABRES are welcoming in the young and fast Montreal CANADIENS. Tonight's game 5 will go a long way to deciding the series. Game 4 was the closest of the previous 3 games. Ultimately defense is going to win the series and with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen between the pipes Buffalo has the edge. The SABRES need to slow the game down. KeyBank Center will be rocking….

Today’s PICK — Buffalo SABRES -120 — LOSS

Minnesota WILD vs Colorado AVALANCHE

We have a single game on tap this evening as we wind down the 2nd round of the playoffs. The WILD / AVS series heads back to the “mile high city” of Denver. The WILD are on the precipice of elimination. Down 3-1 in the series, the WILD returns to Denver. Winning tonight is a tall order for Minnesota as the AVS rarely lose at Ball Arena. MacKensie Blackwood will likely be between the pipes for Colorado. But remember, that fourth win is always the most difficult.

Today’s PICK — Colorado AVALANCHE -210 — WIN

Buffalo SABRES vs Montreal CANADIENS

Tonight, the pressure cooker that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs continues with Buffalo visiting Montreal and Anaheim visiting Vegas. Our game has the CANADIENS hosting the SABRES at Bell Centre in Montreal. HAB fans will be going nuts this evening so it very important that the SABRES come in, score first and kill the mood. This season Buffalo has shown barely any fragility. After the last 2 games you have to wonder whether or not it this “fragility” is returning. They could easily answer those questions with a win tonight in Game 4, in Montreal. Pressure is nothing new to these SABRES.

Today’s PICK — Buffalo SABRES +115 — WIN

Colorado AVALANCHE vs Minnesota WILD

There is a single game this evening to focus on. The Minnesota WILD once again welcome in the Colorado AVALANCHE into Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. With the AVS already leading the series 2-1 they could put a lock on the series with a win tonight. The WILD will be up against it tonight as they try to slow down these high flying AVS. With Jesper Wallstedt between the pipes and the support of the fans, they have a good chance at beating Colorado. Minnesota’s “D” will have to slow them down.

Today’s PICK — Minnesota WILD +118 — LOSS