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Vancouver Canucks.

Game 4 Winner.

Game 7.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

Oh wow! How do you think the Canucks feel coming into Game 4 of this series a huge underdog? They have taken two of the three games so far in this Rd. 2 matchup. And going back a bit, six of the last seven meetings, just this season alone. While I give Edmonton a lot of credit. They certainly deserve to be here. Their kryptonite is this opponent. They just can't beat them with authority. The one game that they took in the series was taken in overtime. Granted, the Oilers might be a little more explosive and exciting. But the Canucks defense has done well this postseason. And let's face it, no matter how much you can score offensively, it comes down to defense and goaltending. This is way too much of a price to give a team that has dominated this rivalry. Take Vancouver. Thank you.

Colorado Avalanche.

Best Bet.

Game 56.

7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST.

My friends, with all respect to the Dallas Stars, which did win Game 2 of this series, I just don't see them succeeding here in Game 3. I think we can all agree the Colorado Avalanche have dominated this rivalry, taking seven of the last 10 meetings, which does include four of six this season. Funny thing about those last 10 games, the Stars have never prevailed in back-to-back contests. Let's talk about Game 2: Dallas was up 4-0 when Colorado scored three unanswered goals. It shows you how good this team is, how disciplined this team is, and how talented this team is. I see them carrying that over into this matchup here tonight.  Many people don't realize it, but the Avalanche possessed the best home record in the NHL during the regular season. They are also undefeated in Denver during this postseason. Both teams here have explosive offenses. However, when you possess the top-scoring team in the NHL, it's hard to keep pace on the scoreboard. Colorado. Thank you.

Vancouver Canucks.

Game 2 Winner.

Game 52.

7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST.

My friends, I've been doing this one way or another for 45 years. I started when I was 10 years old in the schoolyard with football sheets. And I can't for the life of me understand why Vancouver is an underdog here at home. They have taken all five meetings with Edmonton this campaign, between the regular and postseasons. This does include all three matchups played at the Rogers Arena. We all watched the series-opener as the Oilers were up, 4-1. Losing the opening game of a series is tough enough. But giving away a three-goal lead just to lose, 5-4 is demoralizing, and very few teams can bounce back from that. I just don't see Edmonton bouncing back. They have been dominated by Vancouver. They are also just 2-3 their last five games played on the road. I'm not looking to upset Oilers fans, because they are a good team. But I just see the Canucks feisty, ferocious, and frustrating defense once again containing the Oilers. Meanwhile, you can't argue the fact Vancouver, which averaged over 3.4 goals per game this season are explosive offensively. Not only that but they do have some great team leaders on the ice. Take the home team here. Take the Canucks. Thank you.

Colorado Avalanche.

Best Bet.

Game 47.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

I know a lot of sports bettors and sports handicappers out there take the angle of coming in with a home team favorite in a series after dropping Game 1 at home. And I understand this angle. With all respect to the Dallas Stars, they just don't match up well with the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado has taking seven of the last nine meetings in this rivalry going back to November of 2022. This season alone, they've taken four of five matchups, which does include the series opener. As good as the Stars are, and they are a good team, the Avalanche are just as good. Many may not realize this, but Colorado boasts a very impressive, 22-17 -6 record the road this season. They enter this contest winning five in a row, which does include all three of the away games played during that span. Dallas has dropped four of their last eight, and let's face it, going seven games with Vegas took its toll on this team. By the way, they dropped three of the last four played at the American Airlines Center as well. While they are very good team, I just don't see them keeping pace goal per goal with the visitor here tonight. Take Colorado. Thank you.

New York Rangers.

Game 3 Winner.

Game 45.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

As of posting this play very early in the morning here in Vegas, I see most of the money coming in on the Carolina Hurricanes. I get it. The New York Rangers took Games 1 and 2 at home in Madison Square Garden, and now have to play on the road at the PNC Arena. Don't get me wrong, Carolina is a very good team, particularly at home. But this is a very different series than their opening round matchup with the New York Islanders. The Rangers seem to have a big physical advantage here. Let's not forget they've also won eight straight games coming into Game 3. During those eight games, they've accounted for over 30 goals, while only yielding 15 goals. I see New York matching up very well with Carolina, I really do. I mean let's face, they've taken eight of the last 10 overall meetings in this rivalry going back to May of 2022. By the way, that also includes consecutive four victories as a visitor. Take the Ranger. Thank you.

Colorado Avalanche.

Best Bet.

Game 35.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

I'm going to keep this breakdown very brief and throw away the bones and just give you the meat my friends lol. I know they're playing in Dallas for this series opener. The Stars will come into this round extremely tired. It took them seven games to defeat Vegas in the first-round matchup. That means the visitor has had five days, that's right, five extra days off to rest, heal, and prepare for this matchup. Not only that, but Colorado dispatched of Winnipeg in just five games. They really did have their way with them, taking the last four in the series. It wasn't the most physical series at that. I feel Dallas is going to come in here a little tired and a little underprepared. Please understand that rest is a big part of being successful come the NHL postseason. Oh, by the way, the Avalanche have also taken four of the last five meetings in this rivalry at the American Airlines Center. Thank you.

New York Rangers.

Game 2 Winner.

Game 40.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

I'm gonna’ keep this breakdown just like me, very short and very sweet lol. My friends I am going to keep this analysis very simple. The Game 1 matchup in which the New York Rangers prevailed, 4-3, wasn't nearly as close as the score. I watched as the home team Rangers dominated the visiting Hurricanes through most of the game. After a comfortable lead, it got a little closer on the scoreboard. That victory gave New York their eighth over the last meetings with Carolina. The Hurricanes certainly earned a right to be in the postseason. But they did lose three of the last four on the road and now once again have to play in the very loud, rowdy, Madison Square Garden. The Rangers are striding, winning seven consecutive outings. During that span, their defense/goaltending have allowed opponents to score a mere, 1.7 goals per game. Meanwhile they've accounted for 3.71 goals per game. I just see them having their opponent’s number in this round. They also know that being up 2-0 is a big advantage when they have to travel for Game 3. Take New York. Thank you.

New York Rangers.

Best Bet.

Game 24.

1;00 PM PST/4:00 PM EST.

There is no question both of these teams have earned the right to be here. However, New York is playing at home, they've taken two of three meetings this season with Carolina, and they've had a few extra days to rest, heal, and prepare for this round. Oh, and by the way, they come in here red-hot, winning six in a row and 17 of the last 22. Too many factors point to the home team here. Take the Rangers. Thank you.

Toronto Maple Leafs.

Power Play.

Game 13.

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

Playing on your own ice usually gives the home team an advantage. There is no denying Toronto is just as good on the road as Boston is at home. As a matter fact, there are 26-12-6 away from home, while the Bruins are 25-12-7 at the TD Garden. The Maple Leafs have also taken the last two games played in Boston in this series. While the Boston defense/goaltending ranks in the top 10 in the NHL, offensively they have struggled a bit. I just don't see them dominating here. I certainly don't see them being this high of a favorite. Psychologically, they were up 3-1 in this series and now it is all even. The Maple Leafs have to come in here confident for sure, riding momentum. Take Toronto. Thank you.

Vancouver Canucks.

Power play.

Game 5.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

No doubt this is one of the more exciting series in the opening round of the NHL playoffs. But making the Canucks, which are up 3-2 in the series, an underdog, is a mistake. Vancouver is one of the best road teams in the NHL. And let's face, they have certainly dominated Nashville, taking seven of the last nine meetings, going back to March of 2023. They have won three of the last 4 overall road games, while the Predators have dropped three of their last four at the Bridgestone Arena. I look for the Canucks to close out the series tonight and get ready for their next opponent. Take Vancouver. Thank you.

Vegas Golden Knights.

Back of the Net.

Game 61.

4:30 PM PST/7:30 PM EST.

My friends, I might be the only Las Vegas resident who has not twisted their ankle jumping on the Golden Knights bandwagon. I grew up in New York City and although not a Rangers fan (most in NYC are) fan, I grew up loving the islanders. Having said that, we cannot dismiss the success of the Las Vegas hockey team. I understand their old coach is now the head coach of their opponent here. And the last few years his team was ousted from the postseason by this very same Golden Knights team. Being up 2-0 in a series and then allowing your adversary to even it out, has got to weigh down on Vegas. But this is a very good team, a very deep team, a very smart team, and a very experienced playoff team as well. Something I want you to know. I felt this series was evenly matched prior to it beginning. But a stat that just jumps out at me is the fact the Golden Knights have taken five consecutive meetings with the Stars played at the American Airlines Center. Obviously, that includes Games 1 and 2 of this Rd. 1 matchup. They happen to dominate and win in Dallas. Not only that, but it's desperation time for Vegas. And when a team has their back up against the wall, they become very dangerous. Especially when they're a dangerous team to begin with. Take Las Vegas. Thank you.

Boston Bruins.

SLAP SHOT.

Game 50.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Guys, as you know me, I rarely put up a favorite of this price. But a win is a win is a win! The Bruins certainly have the Maple Leafs number, taking nine of the last 10 meetings, which does include seven of eight this season. After watching last nights Stars/Golden Knights game, I doubt Boston is going to ease up at all here. I do put a lot of stock in trending teams in the postseason, and let's face it, Toronto is just 1-7 the last eight. I don't think they expect to be doing anything next week but playing golf. Take the Bruins. Thank you.

Vegas Golden Knights.

BEST BET.

Game 44.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

The Golden Knights are a darn good…no, they are a damn good hockey team. Obviously, we all know there are the defending Stanley Cup Champions. And we are all aware this season they struggled a bit more than most expected. However, just before the postseason began, they got healthy with the return of several key players. They opened up this Round 1 series taking both Games 1 and 2 in Dallas. Game 3 was to be played at The Fortress. And it was a very competitive game. But the Las Vegas home team fell short in overtime. Being up 2-0 is huge in the playoffs. We all know that. The Golden Knights must win this evening or the series becomes tied 2-2 and returns back to Dallas. The entire scenario changes and the odds of Vegas taking this series declines significantly. They know this. There's no way they' are going to drop back-to-back games on their home ice. There's no way they're going to allow the Stars back into this series. Take the Golden Knights. Thank you.

Boston Bruins.

SLAP SHOT.

Game 29.

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

Going back a while, Boston has dominated this series, for sure. The Bruins have taken eight of the last 10 meetings over the Maple Leafs. Normally, in a Game 4 situation on the road, I would be a little apprehensive. However, following a Game 2 defeat at home, Boston bounced back and took Game 3 on the road with authority. Toronto is a good team. But they just can't seem to beat this opponent. The Bruins have the confidence of knowing that they truly dominate this adversary, and will not allow them to even the series up. Take Boston. Thank you.

Florida Panthers.

BEST BET.

Game 27.

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

In today's NHL, sweeping a team in the postseason isn't the easiest thing to do. However, the Florida Panthers are a monster away team, and seem to have the Tampa Bay Lightning’s number. Obviously. we know they're up 3-0 in this series. Going back a bit, they have taken seven of the last eight meetings in this rivalry. If you're worried about being on the road at the Amalie Arena, don't be. The Panthers are one of the stronger road teams in hockey, and have taken four straight meetings on their opponent’s home ice. While Tampa Bay has now dropped seven of their last nine overall, Florida is riding a seven-game win streak. I just don't see them letting the Lightning have any glimmer of hope and letting them back in this series. Take the Panthers. Thank you.

Winnipeg Jets.

SLAP SHOT play.

Game 21.

7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST.

Guys, I've made a pretty successful career going against the grain. Today I'm once again going to buck the tide, and go against the general public as I'm taking the Winnipeg Jets. I am well aware the Colorado Avalanche finished the regular season the top-scoring team in the NHL. I am also aware they are a strong team when playing at the Ball Arena. However, the Winnipeg Jets are a darn good road team. They also score quite a bit of goals. But it is their defense that prompts me to side with them here. They finished the regular season the second ranked team in hockey, yielding just 2.4 goals per game, and that will be the difference here. Especially after the Game 2 defeat in which they allowed five goals. Please remember the Jets dominate this rivalry, taking eight of the last 10 meetings, which doesn't include three of the last four played as a visitor. Take Winnipeg. Thank you.

Florida Panthers.

Slap Shot play.

Game 9.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

As of posting this play, early money is coming in on the home team here. And I understand why. After all, the Tampa Bay Lightning are solid home team. But they did close the season winning just two of their final five at the Amalie Arena. To say the Florida Panthers have had their way with them, would be an understatement. Tampa Bay has lost six of the last seven meetings in this rivalry. This does include both games in this series thus far. While the Lightning are going to be a competitive team no matter what. I just feel the Panthers, which by the way are riding a six-game win streak, are truly their kryptonite. Making them an underdog only because they're playing on the road is a mistake. Take Tampa Bay. Thank you.

Las Vegas Golden Knights.

SLAPSHOT play.

Game 3.

6:30 PM PSTY/9:30 PM EST.

I know that Game 2 bounce-backs for a home team are a popular bettor’s point of view. But Las Vegas knows Dallas all too well. The Golden Knights have had the Stars number, taking five in a row, and eight of the last 10 meetings. This does include all four matchups this season. That's a strong trend my friends. To go one further, they've taken three consecutive contests at the American Airlines Center. During the Golden Knights five-game win streak over the Stars, they have outscored their opponent by combined, 21-7. Trust me when I tell you the coach and the team know what the fans know…and it won't agree with them. I'm talking about defending Stanley Cup Champions, which have dominated their opponent and underdog of this magnitude, won't sit well with a team. Take Las Vegas. Thank you.

Boston Bruins.

BACK OF THE NET play.

Game 1.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Even Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak had to end at 56 games. But after that streak ended, he then went on another respectable streak. My point being, the Bruins have dominated the Maple Leafs, winning eight consecutive meetings between January of 2023 and April of 2024. Monday's matchup, I think we can all agree, Boston let's slip away. This is a team that had a regular season away record of 23-9-9, which was one of the best in the NHL. I see this team bouncing back here, getting the win, and taking the series lead before they go back home. Take the Bruins. Thank you.

Vancouver Canucks.

PP.

Game 78.

7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST.

Not only does Vancouver enter Game 2 of this matchup the hotter team, but they are playing at home where they have been one of the toughest teams in the NHL this season once again playing host. To make matters worse for the visiting Nashville team, the Canucks have dominated the Predators, taking five consecutive meetings with them, which does include Game 1 of the series, two days ago. Vancouver, during that five-game span, has outscored Nashville by a combined, 17-8. I don't see any reason why tonight's outcome would be any different. Take the Canucks. Thank you.  

Winnipeg Jets.

BB.

Game 76.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

With all respect to the Colorado Avalanche, I just don't see why they're getting the majority of the early wagers. The Winnipeg Jets have had their number, taking seven of the last nine meetings, including all four this season. The Avalanche lose a little luster when they travel. And, it goes without question, the Jets are one of the better home teams in the League. I am aware Colorado finished the regular season as the top-scoring team in the NHL. However, they also give up a lot of goals. And that's the difference here. Winnipeg can keep pace with them offensively, for sure. But it is their stellar goaltenders, which finished the regular season ranking second in the NHL, allowing just 2.4 goals per game, that will be the difference-maker. Take the home team, Winnipeg Jets. Thank you.

Boston Bruins.

BEST BET.

Game 62.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

The Boston Bruins took Game 1 of this series on Saturday, by a score of 5-1. It just seems they have the Toronto Maple Leafs number for sure. Boston has taken eight consecutive meetings in this rivalry, going back to January of 2023. This does include all five meetings this season. Going back to those eight matchups, the Bruins have outscored the Maple Leafs by a combined, 31-14.  The Game 1 defeat was the fifth consecutive losing effort for Toronto, in which their goaltending has allowed a whopping, 27 goals, for an average of 5.4 goals per game. No matter how well you do offensively, if you're allowing that many goals per game, things aren't going to go well. Yes, Toronto did finish the regular season ranking second in goals scored, averaging over 3.6 goals per game. But they just don't match up well here. But not too many teams have, as the Bruins goaltending has been stellar all season, ranking sixth in the NHL, and allowing just 2.7 goals per game. Boston comes in here with a lot of confidence knowing all too well how they have dominated Toronto. They are playing at home, and they want nothing more than to take another game before heading off on the road in this series. Take the Bruins. Thank you.

Winnipeg Jets.

BEST BET.

Game 56.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

This matchup might not be the flashiest or the most watched series in the first round. However, there is money to be made in it. The Colorado Avalanche are a very good team. They did finish the regular season with 50 wins and 107 points. But to be quite honest, when they take it on the road, they're just not as strong as when they're playing at home. As a host this season, this team was 39-9-1, while as a visitor, they are 19-16-6. They also top the NHL in scoring, averaging over 3.7 goals per game. But, this season, they've allowed over 3.1 goals per game. And if you remember, even Superman had kryptonite. And Colorado's kryptonite seems to be Winnipeg. The Jets have taken all three meetings in this series this season, outscoring the Avalanche by a combined, 17-4. Going back a little bit further, they've taken six of the last eight meetings. I always believe that momentum means a lot, particularly in the NHL. And Winnipeg finished the regular season as one of the hottest teams in hockey, winning their final eight contests. This does include four consecutive victories at the Canada Life Centre. On their own ice this season, they are very respectful, 27-11-3, en route to an overall record of 52-24, accumulating 110 points. That was good enough to finish as the second seed in the Western Conference. They average over 3.2 goals per game, while only allowing 2.4 goals per game, which was good enough to rank them second in the League. FYI, Colorado finished the campaign winning just four of their final 10 outings, which doesn't include a 1-3 record on the road. Winnipeg has their number, comes in here red-hot, and is playing at home in front of their loyal fans. Take the Jets. Thank you.

Boston Bruins.

NHL BEST BET.

Game 44.

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

To say Boston has had their way in this rivalry, would be an understatement. The Bruins have taken seven consecutive meetings against the Maple Leaf’s, which does include all four matchups this season. Toronto is a formidable opponent. But they enter the playoffs running cold, dropping four consecutive games to end the regular season. During their current slide, they have allowed opponents to average 5.5 goals per game. The Bruins ended the regular season ranking sixth, yielding just 2.7 goals per game. They've got a stingy, ferocious, frustrating defense and a solid man in goal. They come in here with confidence knowing they have handled the visitor here very easily. Take the Bruins. Thank you.

New York Islanders.

Game 37.

4:05 PM PST/7:05 PM EST.

Yes, I am well aware the Devils have taken all three meetings with the Islanders this season. However, New Jersey is eliminated from any postseason opportunities, while New York is still fighting for a slot. Not only that, but the Islanders come in here running hot. They won six in a row before Saturday's, 3-2 shootout loss on the road at the Rangers. I just don't see the Devils looking to play spoiler here. I don't see them jeopardizing any of their talent. Take New York. Thank you.

Boston Bruins.

Best Bet.

Game 34.

12:35 PM PST/3:35 PM EST.

With just a handful of games left in the regular season, the Boston Bruins are perched atop the Atlantic Division with 105 points. As a matter fact, they are second overall in the Eastern Conference just behind the New York Rangers (108 points). They have taken three consecutive meetings over the Florida Panthers, all played this season. Speaking of the Panthers, they are struggling right now for the first time this season, going just 3-6-0-1 their last 10 games. The line is way too short here. So, let's make the oddsmakers pay. Take the Bruins. Thank you.

Vegas Golden Knights.

Best Bet.

Game 5.

12:35 PM PST/3:35 PM EST.

The Defending Stanley Cup Champions don’t quite seem   to be the same team that they were a season ago. As a resident of Las Vegas for 35 years, I can tell you I know this team very, very well. They have turned things around a little bit of late, getting a little bit hotter, winning four of their last five, which does include two of three on the road. They have had their way against Minnesota, taking six of the last eight meetings. This is a very smart, well-disciplined, well-coached team and they know what it means to go into the month of April winning. Take the Golden Knights. Thank you.

Carolina Hurricanes.

Game 3.

9:35 AM, PST/12:35 PM EST.

Carolina has had New Jersey's number, winning four in a row and six of the last seven meetings in this rivalry. Coming into this matchup, the Hurricanes are starting to heat up, winning seven of their last 10, while the Devils are slumping, dropping six of their last 10. Take Carolina. Thank you. Period.

New York Rangers.

Best Bet.

Game 35.

12:05 PM PST/3:05 PM EST.

New York has had their way with Philadelphia, taking eight of the last nine meetings in this rivalry, which includes the only meeting this season, back at the end of November, 3-1 at the Flyers. The Rangers enter today's contest the hottest team in the NHL, winning nine consecutive games. This does include victories in all four games played on the road during that span. I just don't see Philly keeping pace. Take New York. Thank you.

New York Rangers.

Best Bet play.

Game 11.

4:05 PM PST/7:05 PM EST.

Momentum is a big part of professional sports. And right now, there is no team in the NHL running hotter than the New York Rangers, which have won eight consecutive games. Meanwhile, New Jersey is struggling a bit. They have just four wins over there last 10 outings. And it's hard to ignore the fact New York possesses a 17- 9-3 away record. Take the Rangers. Thank you.

Vegas Golden Knights.

Power Play.

Game 66.

7:05 PM PST/10:05 PM EST.

Losing back-to-back games at “The Fortress’ is a very rare occurrence and very uncharacteristic for the Golden Knights. After winning four of five overall, Vegas dropped back-to-back games at home at the hands of Minnesota and Carolina. They then went on the road into San Jose and shut them out, 4-0. They will come back here with a vengeance and prove in front of their loyal fans they are still a team to be reckoned with. Let's not forget they are 19-7-2 at the T-Mobile Arena this season. They face a Nashville team struggling, riding a 3-6-1 run. The Predators have had more than their share of problems with the Golden Knights, dropping seven of the last nine meetings with them. Take Las Vegas. Thank you

Los Angeles Kings

Power Play.

Game 31.

3:05 PM PST/6:05 PM EST.

Making the Kings an underdog here is a huge mistake. Going back a few seasons, they have taken four of six meetings with the Penguins. They enter today's matchup winning four of their last five, while Pittsburgh is on a 1-3 game run. Oh, by the way, Los Angeles is also one of the best teams in hockey on the road, going 17-7-4 away from home. Take the Kings. Thank you.

New York Rangers.

Game 27.

12:05 PM PST/3:05 PM EST.

The Rangers certainly come in here the hotter team, winning six consecutive outings. Meanwhile the Islanders are struggling, dropping seven of their last 10 coming into today's meeting. While this game is being played at MetLife Stadium, you're going to see both Rangers and Islanders fans in the stands. But trust me when I tell you, you're going to see more fans wearing Rangers jerseys. Take the Rangers. Thank you.

St. Louis Blues on the ML.

Slapshot Play.

Game 14.

2:05 PM PST/5:05 PM EST.

I see a big revenge factor here as Nashville took the only other meeting with St. Louis this season, handing the Blues an embarrassing, 8-3 defeat in front of their home crowd. However, the Predators are struggling right now, dropping seven of their last nine, which includes three of their last four as a guest. The Blues, on the other hand are playing some great hockey, winning eight of their last 10, which includes three of their last four at home. One more item that I find is key: Nashville has allowed 29 goals over their last six outings. This doesn't bode well as St. Louis is a scoring machine. Take the Home team. Thank you.

Florida Panthers on the ML.

Slapshot.

Game 37.

4:05 PM PST/7:05 PM EST.

Florida is playing some great hockey and enter this matchup winning seven of their last eight, which includes all four road games during that span. They've dominated Buffalo, taking seven of the last eight matchups, going back to 2021. Speaking of the Sabres, they have dropped three straight home games. Take the Panthers. Thank you.