Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks Game 1 Preview
NHL Moneyline: Canucks -200 / Bruins +170 O/U 5.5 goals
By: Barrett Kazmerzack of Coopers Pick CALL NOW for a FREE PICK 1-888-730-COOP
The Canucks are looking for their very first Stanley Cup and while the Bruins have won 5 titles in their storied history they have not won the cup since 1971. Which Tim Thomas will show up in this series? The Boston goalie has already forced 2 Game 7’s in the playoffs and in the Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay he was terrible in one game and then a wall in the next. He will have to step up in this series against the high scoring Canucks and especially against the Sedin twins.
Vancouver is representing the Great White North and looks to bring the Stanley Cup to Canada for the first time since 1993.
The Bruins head into this Game 1 and the series as the underdog facing a Canucks’ squad that ranked 1st in the NHL in goals per game, goals against, power player percentage, and 3rd in power play killing.
In closing out their conference finals series’ in their last games the Canucks beat the Sharks 3-2 in OT in Game 5 on May 24th and the Bruins beat the Lightning in Game 7 1-0 on Friday May 27th.
In the one game these 2 teams played this season the Bruins beat the Canucks 3-1 in Vancouver.
This season the Bruins had an Over/Under record of 40-50 and the Canucks at 43-52.
Vancouver is an attacking team with the Sedin twins, Ryan Kesler, and Alex Burrows and the thing is there is no drop in offense when the top line is not in and the Boston defense really has their work cut out for them in this series. Zdeno Chara and Denis Seidenberg lead the Boston defense and the Bruins are solid at protecting the space around Thomas and they will have to do this in this series.
The Bruins do not have the offensive power than the Canucks do and they will need a good series from the first line duo of David Krejci and Nathan Horton. Krejci is the playoff goal leader with 10 and he has 7 assists and Horton has been clutch scoring 8 goals with 3 game-winning goals and all 8 of his goals have come in Boston wins.
The Bruins power play has been terrible in the post-season and that is not good facing the best power play killing team in the NHL. If the Bruins continue to struggle with the man advantage look for the Canucks to play a physical series.
Vancouver G Roberto Luongo played well in the Tampa Bay series and he has a history in chocking in the post-season and he will have to shake that in this series. The defense starts with Luongo and Kevin Bieksa and if these guys don’t make mistakes deep in their crease they should win this series with the offense Vancouver has.
Betting Trends
Boston is 5-12 in their last 17 games as a road underdog of +151 to +200, 12-4 in their last 16 games, and has an Over record of 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win.
Vancouver is 4-0 in their last 4 playoff games as a favorite, 5-0 in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite of -151 to -200, and has an Under record of 17-8-3 in their last 28 games.
The Bruins have won 4 of their last 5 games against the Canucks in Vancouver.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
NHL Betting Canucks Stanley Cup Picks
NHL Betting – Canucks Simply Too Strong For The Bruins In 2011 Finals
Not since the Montreal Canadiens held it up high in the 1993 finals has a Canadian
team brought the Stanley Cup north of the border. That will chance in 2011, with
the Vancouver Canucks ready to take hockey’s ultimate glory home when they face
off against the Boston Bruins. The Canucks have been the most online sports betting
dominant team that the league has seen in years, and can now close what would be the
most successful season in franchise history with a Stanley Cup victory.
Vancouver has the depth on all three levels to succeed, and have shown through the first
three rounds that they have what it takes to excel in the postseason. With Ryan Kesler as
the team’s heart and soul, the Canucks have thrived under the pressure of being the team
to beat, and have already exceeded the expectations of past Presidents trophy winners.
Kesler has helped open things up for the Sedin twins, who have combined to take the
past two scoring titles. When the team added sports betting bonus depth players such as
Max Lapierre and Chris Higgins at the trade deadline, there was some uncertainty in how
those moves would work out but head coach Alain Vigneault has done an excellent job
with both. Vigneault coached both Higgins and Lapierre before and is familiar with their
strengths, which he has used to their fullest during the Canucks’ cup run. With news that
second-line center and faceoff specialist Manny Malholtra has been given clearance to
play in the finals after nearly 10 weeks away from the game with a broken orbital bone,
Vancouver will be at full strength for this year’s finals. Kevin Bieksa has overachieved
for the team this postseason and led the defense core in points, and Roberto Luongo has
finally silenced his critics with some stellar play in these playoffs ahead of the 2011
Belmont Stakes betting race.
All eyes will be on Luongo in these finals, with his matchup against Vezina trophy
candidate Tim Thomas what many are considering the biggest pay per head factor.
Luongo struggled in games four through six in the opening round series against the
defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, but has come together since with
a couple of solid series’ against the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks. The fact
that Luongo has already been tested by two of the top teams in league in Chicago and
San Jose is testament to that he is ready, but it will now come down to the pressure of
being in the finals. Luongo will be the first to admit that he hasn’t proven anything yet,
and the Canucks’ fan base is hoping that he can bring the Stanley Cup home the way that
he was able to bring home a gold medal for Canada in February of 2010. That will be the
difference in the finals, and as long as they can rely on Luongo they will be good.
Stanley Cup Betting Pick: Vancouver In Six
Not since the Montreal Canadiens held it up high in the 1993 finals has a Canadian
team brought the Stanley Cup north of the border. That will chance in 2011, with
the Vancouver Canucks ready to take hockey’s ultimate glory home when they face
off against the Boston Bruins. The Canucks have been the most online sports betting
dominant team that the league has seen in years, and can now close what would be the
most successful season in franchise history with a Stanley Cup victory.
Vancouver has the depth on all three levels to succeed, and have shown through the first
three rounds that they have what it takes to excel in the postseason. With Ryan Kesler as
the team’s heart and soul, the Canucks have thrived under the pressure of being the team
to beat, and have already exceeded the expectations of past Presidents trophy winners.
Kesler has helped open things up for the Sedin twins, who have combined to take the
past two scoring titles. When the team added sports betting bonus depth players such as
Max Lapierre and Chris Higgins at the trade deadline, there was some uncertainty in how
those moves would work out but head coach Alain Vigneault has done an excellent job
with both. Vigneault coached both Higgins and Lapierre before and is familiar with their
strengths, which he has used to their fullest during the Canucks’ cup run. With news that
second-line center and faceoff specialist Manny Malholtra has been given clearance to
play in the finals after nearly 10 weeks away from the game with a broken orbital bone,
Vancouver will be at full strength for this year’s finals. Kevin Bieksa has overachieved
for the team this postseason and led the defense core in points, and Roberto Luongo has
finally silenced his critics with some stellar play in these playoffs ahead of the 2011
Belmont Stakes betting race.
All eyes will be on Luongo in these finals, with his matchup against Vezina trophy
candidate Tim Thomas what many are considering the biggest pay per head factor.
Luongo struggled in games four through six in the opening round series against the
defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, but has come together since with
a couple of solid series’ against the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks. The fact
that Luongo has already been tested by two of the top teams in league in Chicago and
San Jose is testament to that he is ready, but it will now come down to the pressure of
being in the finals. Luongo will be the first to admit that he hasn’t proven anything yet,
and the Canucks’ fan base is hoping that he can bring the Stanley Cup home the way that
he was able to bring home a gold medal for Canada in February of 2010. That will be the
difference in the finals, and as long as they can rely on Luongo they will be good.
Stanley Cup Betting Pick: Vancouver In Six
Monday, May 23, 2011
NHL Game 6 Betting PIcks Boston Bruins vs Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL Conference Finals Picks for Upcoming Games
Eastern Conference Finals – Game Six – Wednesday May 25
Boston Bruins @ Tampa Bay Lightning
The betting online experts are confused as to how the Bruins have not put this series
away yet. The online casino wagering crowd watched as the Bruins built up a three-goal
lead in game four, only to have the Lightning change goaltenders and win the game 5-
3. That is unusual for any kind of betting, even Preakness Stakes betting. But betting
on the horses only requires attention to one participant – the horse. When you bet on
MLB scores or NHL scores, there is an entire team to consider, and the Bruins have
just been flat this series. Most notable is the poor play of elite Boston goaltender Tim
Thomas. Thomas used to be a force that the Bruins could rely on to win games. But, in
the playoffs, Thomas has been unreliable and unpredictable.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the epitome of a desperate team scratching to win any
way they can. Dwayne Roloson was benched in game four, but he will be back in this
series. Roloson is the inspirational force that brought the Lightning back to life late in
the season. Mike Smith is a capable goaltender, but Roloson is the starter. There does
not appear to be a game plan for the Lightning. They just wait for the Bruins to make a
mistake, and then capitalize on it. The bigger and faster Bruins seem to be falling prey to
this style of play, and it could cost the Bruins their shot at the Stanley Cup for the 2010-
2011 season. Check out our live NHL Odds and NHL Picks to make some serious money on this game.
Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning
Western Conference Finals – Game Five – Tuesday May 24
San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks
Not many people were expecting the San Jose Sharks to be facing elimination in this
year’s Western Conference finals in game five. Most people thought it would be the
Canucks facing elimination by this point. But the Canucks have a secret weapon that they
have been waiting for in previous playoff tournaments, but just decided to show up in
these playoffs. That weapon is goaltender Roberto Luongo. The Canucks defense all but
abandoned Luongo in game three and allowed 17 shots on Luongo in the third period.
But Luongo stood tall, and he showed the playoff form that Canucks fans have been
waiting many years to see. Luongo’s confidence is high, and that could be a very bad
thing for the San Jose Sharks.
The San Jose Sharks cut ties with goaltender Evgeni Nabokov prior to the 2010-2011
season and brought in Stanley Cup winning goaltender Antti Niemi as a replacement.
Nabokov had taken the brunt of the frustration of San Jose fans who were tired of
having one of the best regular season teams, but worst playoff teams, in the league. After
allowing four goals on 13 shots in game four, it does not look like Niemi is the answer
to the Sharks’ problems either. The Sharks cannot figure out Roberto Luongo and they
cannot get any support from Antti Niemi. That combination will be what seals the San
Jose fate for yet another playoff season.
Pick: Vancouver Canucks
Eastern Conference Finals – Game Six – Wednesday May 25
Boston Bruins @ Tampa Bay Lightning
The betting online experts are confused as to how the Bruins have not put this series
away yet. The online casino wagering crowd watched as the Bruins built up a three-goal
lead in game four, only to have the Lightning change goaltenders and win the game 5-
3. That is unusual for any kind of betting, even Preakness Stakes betting. But betting
on the horses only requires attention to one participant – the horse. When you bet on
MLB scores or NHL scores, there is an entire team to consider, and the Bruins have
just been flat this series. Most notable is the poor play of elite Boston goaltender Tim
Thomas. Thomas used to be a force that the Bruins could rely on to win games. But, in
the playoffs, Thomas has been unreliable and unpredictable.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the epitome of a desperate team scratching to win any
way they can. Dwayne Roloson was benched in game four, but he will be back in this
series. Roloson is the inspirational force that brought the Lightning back to life late in
the season. Mike Smith is a capable goaltender, but Roloson is the starter. There does
not appear to be a game plan for the Lightning. They just wait for the Bruins to make a
mistake, and then capitalize on it. The bigger and faster Bruins seem to be falling prey to
this style of play, and it could cost the Bruins their shot at the Stanley Cup for the 2010-
2011 season. Check out our live NHL Odds and NHL Picks to make some serious money on this game.
Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning
Western Conference Finals – Game Five – Tuesday May 24
San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks
Not many people were expecting the San Jose Sharks to be facing elimination in this
year’s Western Conference finals in game five. Most people thought it would be the
Canucks facing elimination by this point. But the Canucks have a secret weapon that they
have been waiting for in previous playoff tournaments, but just decided to show up in
these playoffs. That weapon is goaltender Roberto Luongo. The Canucks defense all but
abandoned Luongo in game three and allowed 17 shots on Luongo in the third period.
But Luongo stood tall, and he showed the playoff form that Canucks fans have been
waiting many years to see. Luongo’s confidence is high, and that could be a very bad
thing for the San Jose Sharks.
The San Jose Sharks cut ties with goaltender Evgeni Nabokov prior to the 2010-2011
season and brought in Stanley Cup winning goaltender Antti Niemi as a replacement.
Nabokov had taken the brunt of the frustration of San Jose fans who were tired of
having one of the best regular season teams, but worst playoff teams, in the league. After
allowing four goals on 13 shots in game four, it does not look like Niemi is the answer
to the Sharks’ problems either. The Sharks cannot figure out Roberto Luongo and they
cannot get any support from Antti Niemi. That combination will be what seals the San
Jose fate for yet another playoff season.
Pick: Vancouver Canucks
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
NHL Betting Preview
We are already 22 games into the regular season so for and this hockey season is stunning as usual with the Caps biting the dust against the worse ATS team in the league. Losing 5-0 to the Devils left even Ovechkin and president Obama speechless.
The New Jersey team is currently 6-12-2 this year and seem to be celebrating as if they won the Stanley cup for beating the nations home team. Any way Coopers Pick gives credit where credit is due and so the Newark based team gets their dues.
The question now is does this lead the way to a strong season or was it a fluke and the losing ways will continue with or without a mashed potato and turkey meal this Thursday.
The city of brotherly love and the Philadelphia Flyers are still on fire this season beating out the Montreal Canadiens the other night. This victory marked their 2nd straight puts them above the Caps @ the top of the league standings (14-6-2) but tied for points at thirty a piece.
The red wings are: 13-3-2, Canadiens 13-7-1 and Kings 13-7-0, are nipping at the top and are irreproachable.
Columbus Blue Jackets is 13-6, Tampa Bay Lightning is 12 7 2 & Avalanche are 12-7-1 all boast standout 4 gamers when the Pittsburgh Penguins 12-8-2 have taken down their third straight GO PENS get that one more to catch up with the rest of the league.
The Coyotes are 6-0 in their last six games and run over the defending champs the blues, canuckers, flamers, and oilers. Not a bad run to say the least.
The Oil men need some serious help as they have been shellacked as of late and are playing 1-5 in their last six against the spread so look to find some good betting sites to bet against them.
When the outlook is as bleak as it is for the Oilers (5-10-4) any win is welcome. And no side was as desperate as they were to get a win what with a six-game losing streak ahead of that clash, four of which were humiliating blowouts 7-1 to Carolina, 6-2 to Detroit, 8-2 to Rangers and 5-0 to Chicago.
As always if you need access to live nhl betting odds Coopers Pick is glad to be the place for all your hockey handicapping needs.
The New Jersey team is currently 6-12-2 this year and seem to be celebrating as if they won the Stanley cup for beating the nations home team. Any way Coopers Pick gives credit where credit is due and so the Newark based team gets their dues.
The question now is does this lead the way to a strong season or was it a fluke and the losing ways will continue with or without a mashed potato and turkey meal this Thursday.
The city of brotherly love and the Philadelphia Flyers are still on fire this season beating out the Montreal Canadiens the other night. This victory marked their 2nd straight puts them above the Caps @ the top of the league standings (14-6-2) but tied for points at thirty a piece.
The red wings are: 13-3-2, Canadiens 13-7-1 and Kings 13-7-0, are nipping at the top and are irreproachable.
Columbus Blue Jackets is 13-6, Tampa Bay Lightning is 12 7 2 & Avalanche are 12-7-1 all boast standout 4 gamers when the Pittsburgh Penguins 12-8-2 have taken down their third straight GO PENS get that one more to catch up with the rest of the league.
The Coyotes are 6-0 in their last six games and run over the defending champs the blues, canuckers, flamers, and oilers. Not a bad run to say the least.
The Oil men need some serious help as they have been shellacked as of late and are playing 1-5 in their last six against the spread so look to find some good betting sites to bet against them.
When the outlook is as bleak as it is for the Oilers (5-10-4) any win is welcome. And no side was as desperate as they were to get a win what with a six-game losing streak ahead of that clash, four of which were humiliating blowouts 7-1 to Carolina, 6-2 to Detroit, 8-2 to Rangers and 5-0 to Chicago.
As always if you need access to live nhl betting odds Coopers Pick is glad to be the place for all your hockey handicapping needs.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October NHL Schedule
Here is the remaining schedule for the month of October.
Friday, October 15
Colorado at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Toronto at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Chicago at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Montreal at Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Atlanta at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
Vancouver at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM
Saturday, October 16
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 6:00 PM
Ottawa at Montreal, 7:00 PM
Boston at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Colorado at NY Islanders, 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Florida, 7:00 PM
Washington at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Columbus at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
St. Louis at Dallas, 8:30 PM
Buffalo at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Detroit at Phoenix, 9:00 PM
Edmonton at Calgary, 10:00 PM
Atlanta at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Sunday, October 17
Phoenix at Anaheim, 8:00 PM
Carolina at Vancouver, 9:00 PM
Monday, October 18
NY Islanders at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Colorado at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Dallas at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
St. Louis at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Tuesday, October 19
Boston at Washington, 7:30 PM
Calgary at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Vancouver at Minnesota, 9:00 PM
Carolina at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Wednesday, October 20
Buffalo at Atlanta, 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Chicago, 9:00 PM
Carolina at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM
Thursday, October 21
Washington at Boston, 7:00 PM
NY Rangers at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Calgary at Detroit, 7:30 PM
New Jersey at Montreal, 7:30 PM
NY Islanders at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Dallas at Florida, 7:30 PM
Pittsburgh at Nashville, 8:00 PM
San Jose at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Minnesota at Edmonton, 9:00 PM
Los Angeles at Phoenix, 10:00 PM
Friday, October 22
Calgary at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Chicago at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Minnesota at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
Saturday, October 23
NY Rangers at Boston, 7:00 PM
Montreal at Ottawa, 7:00 PM
Buffalo at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Atlanta at Washington, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Florida, 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Detroit, 7:00 PM
Toronto at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Nashville at Dallas, 8:00 PM
Columbus at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Los Angeles at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Carolina at Phoenix, 9:00 PM
San Jose at Edmonton, 10:00 PM
Sunday, October 24
Nashville at Tampa Bay, 6:00 PM
New Jersey at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
San Jose at Calgary, 8:00 PM
Monday, October 25
Philadelphia at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Phoenix at Montreal, 7:30 PM
Los Angeles at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Tuesday, October 26
Florida at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Phoenix at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
Edmonton at Calgary, 9:00 PM
Anaheim at Dallas, 9:00 PM
Colorado at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
Wednesday, October 27
Atlanta at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
Washington at Carolina, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Montreal, 7:30 PM
Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Los Angeles at Chicago, 8:30 PM
New Jersey at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Thursday, October 28
Toronto at Boston, 7:00 PM
Edmonton at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Phoenix at Detroit, 7:30 PM
Florida at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
St. Louis at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Washington at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Los Angeles at Dallas, 8:30 PM
Colorado at Calgary, 9:00 PM
Friday, October 29
Montreal at NY Islanders, 7:00 PM
Carolina at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Edmonton at Chicago, 8:30 PM
New Jersey at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
Saturday, October 30
NY Rangers at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Florida at Montreal, 7:00 PM
Boston at Ottawa, 7:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:00 PM
Nashville at Detroit, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Atlanta at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Chicago at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Buffalo at Dallas, 8:00 PM
Columbus at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Phoenix, 9:00 PM
Washington at Calgary, 10:00 PM
New Jersey at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM
Anaheim at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Friday, October 15
Colorado at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Toronto at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Chicago at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Montreal at Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Atlanta at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
Vancouver at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM
Saturday, October 16
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 6:00 PM
Ottawa at Montreal, 7:00 PM
Boston at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Colorado at NY Islanders, 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Florida, 7:00 PM
Washington at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Columbus at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
St. Louis at Dallas, 8:30 PM
Buffalo at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Detroit at Phoenix, 9:00 PM
Edmonton at Calgary, 10:00 PM
Atlanta at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Sunday, October 17
Phoenix at Anaheim, 8:00 PM
Carolina at Vancouver, 9:00 PM
Monday, October 18
NY Islanders at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Colorado at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Dallas at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
St. Louis at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Tuesday, October 19
Boston at Washington, 7:30 PM
Calgary at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Vancouver at Minnesota, 9:00 PM
Carolina at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Wednesday, October 20
Buffalo at Atlanta, 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Chicago, 9:00 PM
Carolina at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM
Thursday, October 21
Washington at Boston, 7:00 PM
NY Rangers at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Calgary at Detroit, 7:30 PM
New Jersey at Montreal, 7:30 PM
NY Islanders at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Dallas at Florida, 7:30 PM
Pittsburgh at Nashville, 8:00 PM
San Jose at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Minnesota at Edmonton, 9:00 PM
Los Angeles at Phoenix, 10:00 PM
Friday, October 22
Calgary at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Chicago at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Minnesota at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
Saturday, October 23
NY Rangers at Boston, 7:00 PM
Montreal at Ottawa, 7:00 PM
Buffalo at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Atlanta at Washington, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Florida, 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Detroit, 7:00 PM
Toronto at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Nashville at Dallas, 8:00 PM
Columbus at Chicago, 8:30 PM
Los Angeles at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Carolina at Phoenix, 9:00 PM
San Jose at Edmonton, 10:00 PM
Sunday, October 24
Nashville at Tampa Bay, 6:00 PM
New Jersey at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
San Jose at Calgary, 8:00 PM
Monday, October 25
Philadelphia at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Phoenix at Montreal, 7:30 PM
Los Angeles at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Tuesday, October 26
Florida at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Phoenix at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
Edmonton at Calgary, 9:00 PM
Anaheim at Dallas, 9:00 PM
Colorado at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
Wednesday, October 27
Atlanta at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
Washington at Carolina, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Montreal, 7:30 PM
Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Los Angeles at Chicago, 8:30 PM
New Jersey at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Thursday, October 28
Toronto at Boston, 7:00 PM
Edmonton at Columbus, 7:00 PM
Phoenix at Detroit, 7:30 PM
Florida at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
St. Louis at Nashville, 8:00 PM
Washington at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Los Angeles at Dallas, 8:30 PM
Colorado at Calgary, 9:00 PM
Friday, October 29
Montreal at NY Islanders, 7:00 PM
Carolina at NY Rangers, 7:00 PM
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Edmonton at Chicago, 8:30 PM
New Jersey at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
Saturday, October 30
NY Rangers at Toronto, 7:00 PM
Florida at Montreal, 7:00 PM
Boston at Ottawa, 7:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:00 PM
Nashville at Detroit, 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Atlanta at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
Chicago at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
Buffalo at Dallas, 8:00 PM
Columbus at Colorado, 9:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Phoenix, 9:00 PM
Washington at Calgary, 10:00 PM
New Jersey at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM
Anaheim at San Jose, 10:30 PM
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Chicago Blackhawks Preview
The Blackhawks restored the grandeur of an Original Six franchise to Chicago by winning a franchise-record 52 games, taking a Central Division title, and to cap it off, won their first Stanley Cup in 49 years by dispatching the Philadelphia Flyers in a six-game triumph.
That was then. This is now.
The ticker tape had barely been cleared from the clustered streets within the Loop before salary cap issues forced the gutting of roughly one-third of that winning roster. Gone was three-time champion John Madden as a free agent, along with forward Kris Versteeg who was dealt to the Maple Leafs. Both goaltenders were given their walking papers -- former number one Cristobal Huet was left to wither behind rookie sensation Antti Niemi -- until the 'Hawks played hardball with the young Finn and let him go in free agency to San Jose. Huet, meanwhile, was loaned to a Swiss club, so the Blackhawks will have to pay his hefty salary this year, but it won't count against the cap.
Perhaps the biggest blow to the guts of the team was the massive salary-dump deal with Atlanta that saw playoff hero Dustin Byfuglien and defenseman Brent Sopel along with Ben Eager and Akim Aliu head south for two draft picks, three prospects and Marty Reasoner, who was immediately recycled to Florida.
No club since the 1987-88 Edmonton Oilers has won the Stanley Cup one season, then returned the following year with a roster so affected with key personnel changes. It will be a challenge taken on by head coach Joel Quenneville, team captain and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Toews and high-scoring Patrick Kane, all of whom experienced their first Cup run in positions of authority and leadership.
Success this coming spring depends on how they apply the lessons learned in winning to days which may not be so promising.
ON THE ATTACK
It's hard to argue with the numbers Messrs. Toews (25 goals, 68 points/seven goals, 29 points) and Kane (30 goals, 88 points/10 goals, 28 points) produced a year ago, and even harder to imagine similar stats won't be forthcoming this season.
The job will be made tougher on the Terror Twins now that Byfuglien's bulky presence and scoring (34 pts.) won't be there, along with Versteeg (44 pts.) Andrew Ladd (separate deal with Atlanta; 38 pts.), Madden (10 goals, 23 points) and Colin Fraser (free agent to Edmonton) have left. Still, Patrick Sharp (25 goals, 66 points), Marian Hossa (24 goals, 51 points) and Troy Brouwer (22 goals, 40 points) remain as a strong supporting cast.
More will be expected of Dave Bolland (16 points in 39 games) and Tomas Kopecky (21 points in 74 games), who showed flashes of grit and scoring touch as the year wore on. Madden's departure was mitigated somewhat by the signing of defensive forward Fernando Pisani, but his best year came in 2006 and his effectiveness may be blunted by years in the Oilers system.
One benefit of salary-cap moves en masse is the influx of younger talent that gets a chance to crack the roster. Wisconsin product Jack Skille and new acquisition Victor Stalberg, along with Jeff Taffe (from Florida for Reasoner) and Jeremy Morin (from Atlanta) have a legitimate shot to earn a spot with the big club. Russian import Igor Makarov and AHL journeymen Hugh Jessiman and Ryan Potulny are also in the mix. Ben Smith, fresh from a national title at Boston College, also gets his chance to prove himself with a two-year deal.
ON DEFENSE
Chicago enjoyed one of the most physically-punishing, yet mobile and puck savvy defensive corps in the NHL a season ago. Luckily, only Sopel and Cam Barker (Minnesota) have departed from this deadly bunch.
Leading the smooth edge of the backline, Duncan Keith earned a Gold medal in the Vancouver Games and won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman with 69 points and a plus-21 in 82 contests. Niklas Hjalmarsson developed into a secondary quarterback on the power play (17 points in 77 games), but it'll be up to Jordan Hendry, Jonathan Carlsson or whoever else Quenneville grooms to pick up some offensive slack.
In the rough-edge department, Brent Seabrook (30 points, 208 hits) and Brian Campbell (38 points, 79 blocked shots) put up roadblocks all over the ice while Sopel (50 hits, 120 blocks) provided steadying guidance. Jassen Cullimore, at age 37, gets the nod to take his place after a year in the minors, while Nick Boynton should also have an entire season to get back on his feet after years of wandering between jobs.
Chicago's up-tempo game-plan did cause trouble with the defense at times last season as did speed from opposition forwards (Nashville and Philadelphia in particular), so it's unclear whether this subtle new batch of blueliners will aid or hinder efforts to close any gaps.
IN THE CREASE
No title-winning club in recent memory, through either trades or salary-cap issues, has gotten rid of both their netminders before the start of the following season.
Chicago will be hard-pressed to justify parting ways with the combined efforts of Huet (26-14-4, 4 SO, 2.50 GAA) and Niemi (26-7-4, 7 SO, 2.25), especially after Niemi's playoff run (16-6, 2 SO, 2.63), but free-agent veteran Marty Turco will be given the opportunity to redeem himself.
The 35-year-old, who spurned Cup finalist Philadelphia in favor of a spot with the defending champs, comes from the Dallas Stars with a reputation of solid but unspectacular play. He was 22-20-11 with a 2.72 GAA and four shutouts for a moribund Stars club last year, and though he's shown flashes of brilliance in the past, he?s never demonstrated the ability to be a difference-maker.
Obviously, the Blackhawks saw something in his 262 career wins and 40 shutouts, but his 21-26 playoff record is suspiciously subpar for someone who's coming into a winning environment.
Former second-round pick Corey Crawford, sparsely used in recent years, now gets his chance to show what he can do at the NHL level. He's spent five seasons in the AHL with Norfolk and Rockford honing his skills, and this year it's time to deliver. If he doesn't come on strong enough from camp, competition exists in the form of Hannu Toivonen -- last seen with the Blues (6-10-0, 3.44 GAA) in 2007-08.
WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE
The Blackhawks may be the epitome of the one-shot deal, a shocking example of the vagaries of the salary-cap era and a lesson to other top-tier clubs that going for it all only pays off if you win, but the chances are better that you will win if you're able to make the leap once.
The guts of the club may have been ripped out due to trades and free agency, but the heart (Kane) and soul (Toews) still remain along with a solid defensive foundation. The Central Division has officially passed out of the hands of the Red Wings, who appear to be on the downside of the rivalry, but given the roster upheaval, a chance at the top seed in the Western Conference will most likely be out of reach.
Still, those are good problems to have coming off a championship season. Now if the United Center could find another song in the entire canon of Western pop music that isn't nearly as grating as "Chelsea Dagger," they'll be in better shape.
That was then. This is now.
The ticker tape had barely been cleared from the clustered streets within the Loop before salary cap issues forced the gutting of roughly one-third of that winning roster. Gone was three-time champion John Madden as a free agent, along with forward Kris Versteeg who was dealt to the Maple Leafs. Both goaltenders were given their walking papers -- former number one Cristobal Huet was left to wither behind rookie sensation Antti Niemi -- until the 'Hawks played hardball with the young Finn and let him go in free agency to San Jose. Huet, meanwhile, was loaned to a Swiss club, so the Blackhawks will have to pay his hefty salary this year, but it won't count against the cap.
Perhaps the biggest blow to the guts of the team was the massive salary-dump deal with Atlanta that saw playoff hero Dustin Byfuglien and defenseman Brent Sopel along with Ben Eager and Akim Aliu head south for two draft picks, three prospects and Marty Reasoner, who was immediately recycled to Florida.
No club since the 1987-88 Edmonton Oilers has won the Stanley Cup one season, then returned the following year with a roster so affected with key personnel changes. It will be a challenge taken on by head coach Joel Quenneville, team captain and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Toews and high-scoring Patrick Kane, all of whom experienced their first Cup run in positions of authority and leadership.
Success this coming spring depends on how they apply the lessons learned in winning to days which may not be so promising.
ON THE ATTACK
It's hard to argue with the numbers Messrs. Toews (25 goals, 68 points/seven goals, 29 points) and Kane (30 goals, 88 points/10 goals, 28 points) produced a year ago, and even harder to imagine similar stats won't be forthcoming this season.
The job will be made tougher on the Terror Twins now that Byfuglien's bulky presence and scoring (34 pts.) won't be there, along with Versteeg (44 pts.) Andrew Ladd (separate deal with Atlanta; 38 pts.), Madden (10 goals, 23 points) and Colin Fraser (free agent to Edmonton) have left. Still, Patrick Sharp (25 goals, 66 points), Marian Hossa (24 goals, 51 points) and Troy Brouwer (22 goals, 40 points) remain as a strong supporting cast.
More will be expected of Dave Bolland (16 points in 39 games) and Tomas Kopecky (21 points in 74 games), who showed flashes of grit and scoring touch as the year wore on. Madden's departure was mitigated somewhat by the signing of defensive forward Fernando Pisani, but his best year came in 2006 and his effectiveness may be blunted by years in the Oilers system.
One benefit of salary-cap moves en masse is the influx of younger talent that gets a chance to crack the roster. Wisconsin product Jack Skille and new acquisition Victor Stalberg, along with Jeff Taffe (from Florida for Reasoner) and Jeremy Morin (from Atlanta) have a legitimate shot to earn a spot with the big club. Russian import Igor Makarov and AHL journeymen Hugh Jessiman and Ryan Potulny are also in the mix. Ben Smith, fresh from a national title at Boston College, also gets his chance to prove himself with a two-year deal.
ON DEFENSE
Chicago enjoyed one of the most physically-punishing, yet mobile and puck savvy defensive corps in the NHL a season ago. Luckily, only Sopel and Cam Barker (Minnesota) have departed from this deadly bunch.
Leading the smooth edge of the backline, Duncan Keith earned a Gold medal in the Vancouver Games and won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman with 69 points and a plus-21 in 82 contests. Niklas Hjalmarsson developed into a secondary quarterback on the power play (17 points in 77 games), but it'll be up to Jordan Hendry, Jonathan Carlsson or whoever else Quenneville grooms to pick up some offensive slack.
In the rough-edge department, Brent Seabrook (30 points, 208 hits) and Brian Campbell (38 points, 79 blocked shots) put up roadblocks all over the ice while Sopel (50 hits, 120 blocks) provided steadying guidance. Jassen Cullimore, at age 37, gets the nod to take his place after a year in the minors, while Nick Boynton should also have an entire season to get back on his feet after years of wandering between jobs.
Chicago's up-tempo game-plan did cause trouble with the defense at times last season as did speed from opposition forwards (Nashville and Philadelphia in particular), so it's unclear whether this subtle new batch of blueliners will aid or hinder efforts to close any gaps.
IN THE CREASE
No title-winning club in recent memory, through either trades or salary-cap issues, has gotten rid of both their netminders before the start of the following season.
Chicago will be hard-pressed to justify parting ways with the combined efforts of Huet (26-14-4, 4 SO, 2.50 GAA) and Niemi (26-7-4, 7 SO, 2.25), especially after Niemi's playoff run (16-6, 2 SO, 2.63), but free-agent veteran Marty Turco will be given the opportunity to redeem himself.
The 35-year-old, who spurned Cup finalist Philadelphia in favor of a spot with the defending champs, comes from the Dallas Stars with a reputation of solid but unspectacular play. He was 22-20-11 with a 2.72 GAA and four shutouts for a moribund Stars club last year, and though he's shown flashes of brilliance in the past, he?s never demonstrated the ability to be a difference-maker.
Obviously, the Blackhawks saw something in his 262 career wins and 40 shutouts, but his 21-26 playoff record is suspiciously subpar for someone who's coming into a winning environment.
Former second-round pick Corey Crawford, sparsely used in recent years, now gets his chance to show what he can do at the NHL level. He's spent five seasons in the AHL with Norfolk and Rockford honing his skills, and this year it's time to deliver. If he doesn't come on strong enough from camp, competition exists in the form of Hannu Toivonen -- last seen with the Blues (6-10-0, 3.44 GAA) in 2007-08.
WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE
The Blackhawks may be the epitome of the one-shot deal, a shocking example of the vagaries of the salary-cap era and a lesson to other top-tier clubs that going for it all only pays off if you win, but the chances are better that you will win if you're able to make the leap once.
The guts of the club may have been ripped out due to trades and free agency, but the heart (Kane) and soul (Toews) still remain along with a solid defensive foundation. The Central Division has officially passed out of the hands of the Red Wings, who appear to be on the downside of the rivalry, but given the roster upheaval, a chance at the top seed in the Western Conference will most likely be out of reach.
Still, those are good problems to have coming off a championship season. Now if the United Center could find another song in the entire canon of Western pop music that isn't nearly as grating as "Chelsea Dagger," they'll be in better shape.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tiger Woods Sex Tape
I just don’t know what to think about this alleged sex tape.
Tiger’s supposed 15th mistress, Devon James, has apparently sold a 67-minute video of her and Woods doing the dirty.
“We made a deal with a DVD production company,” Devon’s husband, Nick James, told RadarOnline.com. “We’re going to sell the video online and we get half the profits of all sales.”
“Ultimately we found a different company and they gave us $350,000 down with projected sales of $5 million total once it’s out.”
Apparently, the tape will be released next month. Problem is, Devon’s own mother is questioning her daughter’s credibility.
“My daughter is nothing but a pathological liar… there was no relationship with Tiger Woods,” she told Radar.
Uh-huh.
At this point, nothing would surprise me about Tiger’s antics, but you would think that he would have had the sense to nix any type of video footage. Then again, he wasn’t bright enough to clear the naughty texts from his phone, which got this whole mess going in the first place.
So what do you think? Is this tape the real deal, and if so, are you going to check it out?
To find out the odds on this one check out the up and coming proposition wagers available from your favorite online sportsbooks.
Tiger’s supposed 15th mistress, Devon James, has apparently sold a 67-minute video of her and Woods doing the dirty.
“We made a deal with a DVD production company,” Devon’s husband, Nick James, told RadarOnline.com. “We’re going to sell the video online and we get half the profits of all sales.”
“Ultimately we found a different company and they gave us $350,000 down with projected sales of $5 million total once it’s out.”
Apparently, the tape will be released next month. Problem is, Devon’s own mother is questioning her daughter’s credibility.
“My daughter is nothing but a pathological liar… there was no relationship with Tiger Woods,” she told Radar.
Uh-huh.
At this point, nothing would surprise me about Tiger’s antics, but you would think that he would have had the sense to nix any type of video footage. Then again, he wasn’t bright enough to clear the naughty texts from his phone, which got this whole mess going in the first place.
So what do you think? Is this tape the real deal, and if so, are you going to check it out?
To find out the odds on this one check out the up and coming proposition wagers available from your favorite online sportsbooks.
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