Betting news, trends, odds and predictions for Monday, April 16, 2018 from various handicappers and websites
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018
15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the toronto maple leafs are making back-to-back appearances in the postseason for the first time in 14 years but they appear headed for a second straight first-round exit barring a stunning turnaround. toronto has been manhandled in its eastern conference first-round series against the boston bruins and hopes a return home to air canada centre will get it back on track in monday night's game 3.
the maple leafs set franchise records for wins (49) and points (105) in a season but they have been completely overmatched by original six rival boston, which breezed to a 5-1 win in the series opener before scoring four times in the opening period in a 7-3 demolition in game 2. "obviously, they're dominating us," toronto coach mike babcock said. "it obviously hasn't gone the way we want it, we've given up 12 goals in two games, so we've got to go get some home cooking tomorrow, and come back and pull like we can, because we're a way better team than what we showed." boston's no. 1 line was expected to be a difficult test for the maple leafs and the least heralded member of the unit has turned it into a complete mismatch. david pastrnak eclipsed a record held by wayne gretzky by becoming the youngest player to register a six-point game in the postseason after a three-goal, three-assist masterpiece in game 2.
tv: 7 p.m. et, nbc sports network, nesn (boston), cbc, tvas (toronto)
about the bruins: center patrice bergeron and brad marchand form the other two-thirds of boston's top line and each collected four assists in saturday's romp, but pastrnak has been the driving force in helping the unit amass a staggering 20 points in the first two games. "a lot of people in boston already know how good he is," bergeron said of pastrnak, who scored 35 goals in the regular season. "i think people on the outside are getting to know." defenseman torey krug collected all three of his assists in the first-period outburst saturday to give him five for the series.
about the maple leafs: toronto has concerns from one end of the ice to the other, but the biggest are the lack of productivity of its own no. 1 line and the suddenly shaky play of netminder frederik andersen, who was yanked in game 2 after surrendering three goals on five shots. "you've got to give your goalie a chance to be good and we haven't done that," babcock said sunday. "freddy's our guy and he'll be back tomorrow." with nazem kadri serving a three-game suspension, the pressure is even greater on auston matthews and the top line, which has yet to score a point.
overtime
1. pastrnak tied former bruin phil esposito (1969) for the most points in the first two games of a postseason with nine.
2. maple leafs f leo komarov (lower body) was hurt in game 2 and his status is unclear for monday.
3. boston has converted on 5 of 10 power-play chances in the first two games.
prediction: bruins 4, maple leafs 3
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018
15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the tampa bay lightning look to continue their offensive production and take a stranglehold of the eastern conference first-round series when they visit the new jersey devils for game 3 on monday night. the lightning scored 10 times while winning the first two games of the series, going 3-for-4 on the power-play and getting multiple goals from three players.
"we've got to play a desperate game," tampa bay defenseman victor hedman said of the next challenge after saturday's 5-3 victory. "we know they are going to come out flying in front of their fans. we've just got to stay calm and stay within our structure and play our game. that's the bottom line." the devils made a big push in the second period of game 1 and finished with a 44-25 advantage in shots after posting 19 in the final 20 minutes of game 2, but gave up three goals in a span of 2:47 in the middle session of that contest. "that's the playoffs, right?" new jersey captain andy greene told reporters. "that's what good teams do. they take opportunities and take advantage of them. that's what we got to realize, that every little play, every big thing, every detail matters." hart trophy candidate taylor hall had a goal and an assist in the first game of the series for the devils, but was shut out saturday despite six shots on net while logging 20:43 of ice time.
tv: 7:30 p.m. et, cnbc, sportsnet, tva2, fs florida (tampa bay), msg plus (new jersey)
about the lightning: alex killorn has often saved his best hockey for the postseason and he is off to another strong start with three goals in the first two games of the series after scoring twice saturday. "you play all season for this," killorn, who has 18 goals and 36 points in 49 career playoff games, told reporters. "playoff hockey is great. there are a few more cameras around, a couple more people watching, but i think we like that pressure." forwards nikita kucherov and tyler johnson have also scored twice in the first two games while defenseman ryan mcdonagh and left wing ondrej palat each boast three assists.
about the devils: cory schneider, who has not won a game since dec. 27 while struggling with injuries and an .863 save percentage since, stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief of keith kinkaid on saturday and could get the start monday. "it was good to give him an opportunity to get in there," coach john hynes told reporters, "and i thought he came in and made huge saves, looked solid, so that's a positive for us moving forward." hynes went with 11 forwards and seven defensemen saturday while inserting blue liner damon severson (three shots, 16:41 of ice time) into the lineup and hinted there could be more changes for game 3.
overtime
1. new jersey c nico hischier became the youngest player to score a playoff goal in franchise history saturday at 19 years, 100 days.
2. tampa bay rw ryan callahan (upper-body) and d dan girardi (undisclosed) left saturday's game and will be evaluated monday.
3. devils rw kyle palmieri and lw patrick maroon have totaled seven shots apiece in the first two games, but have yet to be included on the scoresheet.
prediction: lightning 4, devils 3
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018
15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the colorado avalanche are banking that the rocky mountain air will breathe new life into their western conference first-round series with the nashville predators. the avalanche, who matched franchise records for consecutive home wins (10) and total victories on the season (28), have dropped 12 straight to the predators -- including the first two heading into monday's game 3.
"we have been good there all season, we used our energy to our advantage," hart trophy candidate nathan mackinnon said. "we have won some big games at home. everyone feels good coming to the pepsi center, and hopefully we can get some offense there." the 22-year-old mackinnon recorded his fourth multi-point performance of his postseason career with a goal and an assist in a 5-4 win in saturday's game 2, giving him six points (three goals, three assists) in six contests versus nashville since the start of the 2017-18 season. the presidents' trophy-winning predators may lead the series but they have plenty of areas in which to improve, including sluggish starts that have seen the team outscored 2-0 in the first period. "we're going to be desperate too," nashville captain roman josi said. "it's a huge game for both teams. game 3 is always a big game. i think (coach peter laviolette) is right; desperation trumps momentum, and we have to make sure we match their desperation."
tv: 10 p.m. et, nbcsn, sportsnet, tvas, fs tennessee (nashville), altitude (colorado)
about the predators: nashville has spread its offense around in the first two games of the series, with eight players responsible for the team's 10 goals. filip forsberg and austin watson have each scored twice, with the former netting five goals in his last three contests while latter has tallied in three straight. ryan johansen scored in game 2 to extend his point streak to four contests while defenseman p.k. subban set up two goals on saturday to boost his point total to seven (one goal, six assists) in his last eight outings.
about the avalanche: while mackinnon has eight points (two goals, six assists) in his last seven games, captain gabriel landeskog has seven (two goals, five assists) in that stretch after scoring and setting up a goal in game 2. while the statistics are piling up, the wins are not -- but landeskog told reporters that a victory in game 3 would eliminate any lingering doubts on his club and generate some for the opponent. "i think it's win game 3 and all of a sudden you are feeling good and they start second-guessing themselves," the 25-year-old swede said. "we just got to make sure we take care of these two at home, that's the bottom line. especially game 3, we can't look too much further ahead than that, but make sure we win game 3 and then after that get rolling."
overtime
1. nashville posted an nhl-best 25-9-7 mark on the road during the regular season.
2. colorado d tyson barrie, who had two assists in game 2, has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past seven contests.
3. the predators are 6-for-14 on the power play in their last four games.
prediction: avalanche 3, predators 2
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks Preview and Predictions 04-16-2018
15th April 2018 by Gracenote
the anaheim ducks are in a familiar -- albeit uncomfortable -- position, having lost the opening two games at home for the third time in their last five postseason appearances. the ducks will have to find a way to claw back into their western conference first-round series on the road against a pacific division rival when they head north to face the san jose sharks on monday night.
anaheim closed the season with five consecutive wins to overtake the sharks by one point for second place in the division, but san jose quickly stole home-ice advantage with a 3-0 win in the series opener before putting the ducks on the ropes with a 3-2 victory in saturday's game 2. "we've been down (0-2) before. they have to win four. the series isn't over," anaheim defenseman brandon montour said. "it's tough to lose two at home, but we'll come back and play hard in the next game." the sharks are 5-0-1 against the ducks this season and have limited them to two regulation goals or fewer in eight consecutive meetings, but they are not taking anything for granted. "we've all been around this league a long time and know that team over there has been in this position before and they have been able to claw their way back into a series," san jose forward logan couture said. "we know how important the next game is."
tv: 10:30 p.m. et, cnbc, sportsnet1, tvas2, prime ticket (anaheim), nbcs california (san jose)
about the ducks: anaheim, which entered the postseason with the fewest goals of any of the 16 teams, now must attempt to duplicate last season's series against edmonton, when it dropped the first two at home before rally to prevail in seven games. "sure, we can draw on that," said ducks defenseman hampus lindholm, who scored one goal and set up another saturday. "people have not been believing in us all year but we know what we're capable of." rickard rakell, the team's leading goal (34) and overall scorer, has been limited to two shots on goal through the first two games.
about the sharks: goaltender martin jones won only once in his final five starts of the regulation season but he has turned away 53 of 55 shots in the series and has surrendered only seven goals in five matchups against the ducks this season. captain joe pavelski, who has collected three assists in the first two games, said a key factor for san jose was to not get rattled by the relentless physical play of anaheim. "nothing we haven't taken before," pavelski said. "maybe they are coming a little bit harder. be poised. make some plays. stick to what we are trying to do."
overtime
1. ducks g john gibson has lost six consecutive starts to the sharks.
2. couture had a goal and an assist in game 2 after collecting four points in four games in the regular-season series.
3. injured ducks d cam fowler will not accompany the team to san jose, coach randy carlyle said.
prediction: sharks 3, ducks 2
NHL
Monday, April 16
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Trend Report
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Boston Bruins
Boston is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 9 games on the road
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Toronto's last 22 games
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Toronto is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games at home
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 8-16 ATS in its last 24 games
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 14 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Tampa Bay is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Tampa Bay is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
New Jersey is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
New Jersey is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
New Jersey is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
New Jersey is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Nashville Predators
Nashville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Nashville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
Nashville is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Nashville is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games on the road
Nashville is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Colorado
Nashville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Nashville's last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado is 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games
Colorado is 18-5 ATS in its last 23 games at home
Colorado is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games at home
Colorado is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Nashville
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Colorado is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Nashville
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing at home against Nashville
Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Anaheim is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Anaheim is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games on the road
Anaheim is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
Anaheim is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 7 games when playing San Jose
Anaheim is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Anaheim is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Anaheim is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Anaheim's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose Sharks
San Jose is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
San Jose is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Jose's last 16 games
San Jose is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Jose's last 7 games at home
San Jose is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Anaheim
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 7 games when playing Anaheim
San Jose is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
San Jose is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Anaheim
San Jose is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 7 games when playing at home against Anaheim
NHL
Long Sheet
Monday, April 16
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BOSTON (52-20-0-12, 116 pts.) at TORONTO (49-28-0-7, 105 pts.) - 4/16/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 139-113 ATS (+20.5 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-7 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-7-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)
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TAMPA BAY (56-23-0-5, 117 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (44-31-0-9, 97 pts.) - 4/16/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 45-40 ATS (-16.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 8-1 ATS (+9.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.
NEW JERSEY is 25-23 ATS (+66.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
TAMPA BAY is 57-28 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 226-232 ATS (+490.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 5-17 ATS (+24.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-4 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 7-4-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)
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NASHVILLE (55-18-0-11, 121 pts.) at COLORADO (43-32-0-9, 95 pts.) - 4/16/2018, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 44-41 ATS (-17.9 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 25-22 ATS (+63.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 26-25 ATS (+88.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLORADO is 12-4 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
COLORADO is 19-15 ATS (+35.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLORADO is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 55-30 ATS (+11.5 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 71-44 ATS (+12.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 20-8 ATS (+8.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NASHVILLE is 27-12 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NASHVILLE is 11-1 ATS (+9.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games this season.
NASHVILLE is 33-14 ATS (+14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 19-7 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 13-3 (+7.5 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 13-3-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
13 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+10.7 Units)
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ANAHEIM (44-27-0-13, 101 pts.) at SAN JOSE (47-27-0-10, 104 pts.) - 4/16/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 13-17 ATS (-10.2 Units) after a division game this season.
SAN JOSE is 23-8 ATS (+12.9 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ANAHEIM is 557-443 ATS (+38.8 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 14-8 ATS (+24.6 Units) in road games when trailing in a playoff series since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 27-15 ATS (+9.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ANAHEIM is 441-442 ATS (+907.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 48-31 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 178-150 ATS (-80.4 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 16-27 ATS (-15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 8-7-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
9 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+8.2 Units)
Monday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
The opening round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs continues Monday night with the puck dropping on four games. Home ice has dominated these series except out West where the Sharks won both games in Anaheim and look to put a stranglehold on the series in Game 3.
Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs (-110, 5.5)
Bruins lead series 2-0.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are making back-to-back appearances in the postseason for the first time in 14 years but they appear headed for a second straight first-round exit barring a stunning turnaround. Toronto has been manhandled in its Eastern Conference first-round series against the Boston Bruins and hopes a return home to Air Canada Centre will get it back on track in Monday night's Game 3.
ABOUT THE BRUINS: Center Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand form the other two-thirds of Boston's top line and each collected four assists in Saturday's romp, but Pastrnak has been the driving force in helping the unit amass a staggering 20 points in the first two games. "A lot of people in Boston already know how good he is," Bergeron said of Pastrnak, who scored 35 goals in the regular season. "I think people on the outside are getting to know." Defenseman Torey Krug collected all three of his assists in the first-period outburst Saturday to give him five for the series.
ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS: Toronto has concerns from one end of the ice to the other, but the biggest are the lack of productivity of its own No. 1 line and the suddenly shaky play of netminder Frederik Andersen, who was yanked in Game 2 after surrendering three goals on five shots. "You've got to give your goalie a chance to be good and we haven't done that," Babcock said Sunday. "Freddy's our guy and he'll be back tomorrow." With Nazem Kadri serving a three-game suspension, the pressure is even greater on Auston Matthews and the top line, which has yet to score a point.
SERIES PRICE (PER Sports Interaction):
LINE HISTORY: The Maple Leafs have been get pumped by Boston and still opened as -118 home chalk. However, money coming in on Boston has driven that line down to -110 or lower at some shops. The total hit the betting board at 5.5 and has held firm.
INJURY REPORT:
Bruins - C Riley Nash (Questionable, Ear), RW Tommy Wingels (Questionable, Upper Body), D Brandon Carlo (Out For Season, Ankle), LW Anders Bjork (Out For Season, Shoulder).
Maple Leafs - C Leo Komarov (Questionable, Lower Body), C Nazem Kadri (Eligible to return April 21, Suspension), LW Joffrey Lupul (I-R, Conditioning).
MATCHUP CHART:
TRENDS:
* Bruins are 0-4 in their last 4 road games.
* Maple Leafs are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Over is 2-0-2 in Bruins last 4 overall.
* Over is 6-0-1 in Maple Leafs last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Home team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Monday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils (+120, 6)
Lightning lead series 2-0.
The Tampa Bay Lightning look to continue their offensive production and take a stranglehold of the Eastern Conference first-round series when they visit the New Jersey Devils for Game 3 on Monday night. The Lightning scored 10 times while winning the first two games of the series, going 3-for-4 on the power-play and getting multiple goals from three players.
ABOUT THE LIGHTNING: Alex Killorn has often saved his best hockey for the postseason and he is off to another strong start with three goals in the first two games of the series after scoring twice Saturday. “You play all season for this,” Killorn, who has 18 goals and 36 points in 49 career playoff games, told reporters. “Playoff hockey is great. There are a few more cameras around, a couple more people watching, but I think we like that pressure.” Forwards Nikita Kucherov and Tyler Johnson have also scored twice in the first two games while defenseman Ryan McDonagh and left wing Ondrej Palat each boast three assists.
ABOUT THE DEVILS: Cory Schneider, who has not won a game since Dec. 27 while struggling with injuries and an .863 save percentage since, stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief of Keith Kinkaid on Saturday and could get the start Monday. “It was good to give him an opportunity to get in there,” coach John Hynes told reporters, “and I thought he came in and made huge saves, looked solid, so that’s a positive for us moving forward.” Hynes went with 11 forwards and seven defensemen Saturday while inserting blue liner Damon Severson (three shots, 16:41 of ice time) into the lineup and hinted there could be more changes for Game 3.
SERIES PRICE (PER Sports Interaction):
LINE HISTORY: The Lightning opened as +120 road favorites at most books and money coming in on the home team has seen that number bet down to +115. The total hit the board 5.5 and has been bet up slightly to an even 6.
INJURY REPORT:
Lightning - D Dan Girardi (Questionable, Undisclosed), RW Ryan Callahan (Questionable, Upper Body), LW Adam Erne (Out Indefinitely, Lower Body).
Devils - LW Marcus Johansson (Questionable, Concussion).
MATCHUP CHART:
TRENDS:
* Lightning are 4-0 in their last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 5-0 in Devils last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
* Over is 6-1 in Devils last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Monday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
Nashville Predators at Colorado Avalanche (+140, 5.5)
Predators lead series 2-0.
The Colorado Avalanche are banking that the Rocky Mountain air will breathe new life into their Western Conference first-round series with the Nashville Predators. The Avalanche, who matched franchise records for consecutive home wins (10) and total victories on the season (28), have dropped 12 straight to the Predators -- including the first two heading into Monday's Game 3.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS: Nashville has spread its offense around in the first two games of the series, with eight players responsible for the team's 10 goals. Filip Forsberg and Austin Watson have each scored twice, with the former netting five goals in his last three contests while latter has tallied in three straight. Ryan Johansen scored in Game 2 to extend his point streak to four contests while defenseman P.K. Subban set up two goals on Saturday to boost his point total to seven (one goal, six assists) in his last eight outings.
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE: While MacKinnon has eight points (two goals, six assists) in his last seven games, captain Gabriel Landeskog has seven (two goals, five assists) in that stretch after scoring and setting up a goal in Game 2. While the statistics are piling up, the wins are not -- but Landeskog told reporters that a victory in Game 3 would eliminate any lingering doubts on his club and generate some for the opponent. "I think it's win Game 3 and all of a sudden you are feeling good and they start second-guessing themselves," the 25-year-old Swede said. "We just got to make sure we take care of these two at home, that's the bottom line. Especially Game 3, we can't look too much further ahead than that, but make sure we win Game 3 and then after that get rolling."
SERIES PRICE (PER Sports Interaction):
LINE HISTORY: The Predators opened as +120 road chalk and that number wasn't high enough as money rolled in on Nashville pushing the line as high as +140. The total opened at 6 and has been bet down slightly to 5.5.
INJURY REPORT:
Predators - C Calle Jarnkrok (Questionable, Upper Body), D Yannick Weber (Questionable, Upper Body).
Avalanche - D Samuel Girard (Questionable, Upper Body), G Semyon Varlamov (Out Indefinitely, Knee), D Erik Johnson (Late May, Knee).
MATCHUP CHART:
TRENDS:
* Predators are 8-0 in their last 8 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Avalanche are 1-5 in their last 6 overall.
* Over is 6-1 in Predators last 7 games following a win.
* Over is 5-0 in Avalanche last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Predators are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Colorado.
* Over is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings in Colorado.
Monday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks (-140, 5)
Sharks lead series 2-0.
The Anaheim Ducks are in a familiar -- albeit uncomfortable -- position, having lost the opening two games at home for the third time in their last five postseason appearances. The Ducks will have to find a way to claw back into their Western Conference first-round series on the road against a Pacific Division rival when they head north to face the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.
ABOUT THE DUCKS: Anaheim, which entered the postseason with the fewest goals of any of the 16 teams, now must attempt to duplicate last season's series against Edmonton, when it dropped the first two at home before rally to prevail in seven games. “Sure, we can draw on that,” said Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm, who scored one goal and set up another Saturday. “People have not been believing in us all year but we know what we’re capable of.” Rickard Rakell, the team's leading goal (34) and overall scorer, has been limited to two shots on goal through the first two games.
ABOUT THE SHARKS: Goaltender Martin Jones won only once in his final five starts of the regulation season but he has turned away 53 of 55 shots in the series and has surrendered only seven goals in five matchups against the Ducks this season. Captain Joe Pavelski, who has collected three assists in the first two games, said a key factor for San Jose was to not get rattled by the relentless physical play of Anaheim. "Nothing we haven't taken before," Pavelski said. "Maybe they are coming a little bit harder. Be poised. Make some plays. Stick to what we are trying to do."
SERIES PRICE (PER Sports Interaction):
LINE HISTORY: The Sharks opened as high as -161 home chalk and that number was too high and money coming in on Anaheim has dropped that moneyline down as low as -135 at some books. The total hit the betting board at 5 and has yet to move off the opening number.
INJURY REPORT:
Ducks - D Cam Fowler (Mid May, Shoulder), RW Patrick Eaves (Out For Season, Illness).
Sharks - C Joe Thornton (Questionable, Knee), RW Barclay Goodrow (Questionable, Upper Body).
MATCHUP CHART:
TRENDS:
* Sharks are 8-2 in their last 10 games following a win.
* Under is 7-1 in Ducks last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
* Under is 6-0-1 in the last 7 meetings in San Jose.
* Ducks are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.