Capitals

[BASON]

Easy first period winner.

Caps got caught up in Vegas's style of play and lost control of Game 1.

I am a big fan of letting the players play and not calling every little penalty, BUT, there were some calls that should have been made last night. To me, not calling Reaves cross check on Carlson was inexcusable because it was a call that changed the course of the game. It was an obvious penalty that led to a goal. So instead of being up 4-3 and on the pp, they are tied 4-4. It changed the game and was pathetic officiating. They should be held accountable for that one.

If the Caps have any chance in this series they need to get more physical and start controlling the puck. The ice is going to suck even more for game 2 (something no one is really talking about, but it was not good) so they need to be more physical or it will be similar to game 1.

I think we see the opposite type game tomorrow night. I lean to the under, but will wait to see if I can get 6 as there is a good chance it gets bet up after the first game. Will update tomorrow.

 

[BASON]

Money going the opposite way, guess everyone is thinking like me. I will stick with the Under 5.5 here. Like I said before, the Caps can not play the same game and expect to win.

 

[BASON]

Wasn't easy, but another winner with the Under last night.

Caps played a much better defensive game. They still made a couple bad mistakes that led directly to the 2 Vegas goals, but they looked like the better team last night. Now they come home where they have struggled. This is probably the most anticipated sports event in DC since the Redskins were in the Super Bowl. The town will be nuts on Saturday. I am making the trip to join in on the festivities!

I think the rest of the series will much more resemble game 2 than game 1. The refs definitely got read the riot act and called the game much more tightly. The Caps have the better special team units, so if more penalties are called in general, it favors their power play.

Kuznetzov's status is very important for the rest of the series. He is their leading scorer so it is obviously a big loss if he is out. However, this team seems to rally around these player losses and I think it played a part in the game last night. They certainly excelled without Backstrom previously, but they are a much more dangerous offensive team with Kuznetzov in the lineup.

 

[BASON]

Going to go with the draw at +285 tonight. I thought we would see a couple OTs in this Series so I will take a shot here after starting 2-0. Plus I wouldn't mind watching these two play until Sunday morning.

 

[BASON]

What an atmosphere last night. Never seen DC so crazy for a hockey game!

This is how I thought the series games would look. Tremendous checking by the Caps and great play overall. If they bring the same effort Vegas will have a tough time winning Monday. Like I said at the beginning of the series, the Caps first two lines are simply much better than Vegas', so when you get lines 3 and 4 playing well, they are very tough to beat. Still a long way to go, but Monday is a must win for Vegas.

Took a shot with the draw and lost. I also have the Caps parlayed with GS tonight so we will see how that goes. Will likely bet a period total tomorrow versus the game, but I would not bet against the Caps. Vegas will be tempting, but I love how this Washington team is playing right now. If they win Monday, I may have to go to Vegas on Thursday (I think I may be too old for an early flight out and red eye back!!)

 

[BASON]

I am taking the Caps TT Ov 2.5 tonight.

I am sure Vegas will step up their game tonight but I expect the same effort from the Caps. Historically this would be a big let down spot for them, but I do not think that is going to happen. This team is playing their best hockey right now and I expect it to continue.

 

[bleedingpurple]

I am taking the Caps TT Ov 2.5 tonight.

I am sure Vegas will step up their game tonight but I expect the same effort from the Caps. Historically this would be a big let down spot for them, but I do not think that is going to happen. This team is playing their best hockey right now and I expect it to continue.

Do you know if their TT was 2.5 the last game I didn?t check? Is 2.5 common for home teams just curious

 

[BASON]

Almost always 2.5 for both teams, but can carry some high juice for the home team if they are a bigger favorite. I bet it at -125 and it is at -140 most places now.

 

[bleedingpurple]

thanks nice winner early. Pulling for your caps all the way, I think it would suck to have a first year team win it all, especially when the Caps and other teams fans have had so much heart break.

 

[Wineguy]

I agree with early winner, wow. I am on game and amazed at how low juice is for Stanley Cup home teams. I will take it so far. Just finish. If Vegas comes back that would be cool too, however. Love the story.

 

[BASON]

Thanks guys, always sweet to have the bet won in the first period.

Caps are simply rolling right now. Everyone is playing great and doing their jobs. Vegas had plenty of chances but could not finish. They actually looked a lot like Caps teams of the past last night.

The Caps are simply proving that they are the better team. Never seen them play with this much determination. I think they will stay focused and Vegas will have to play a perfect game to stave off elimination on Thursday. I think they are a beat team, but we will see what they have left in the tank.

No way I bet against the Caps, but I will have a total play up early in the day Thursday.

The real question is do I fly out Thursday morning, take in the game and take the red eye back since I have to be back home on Friday. If I were a little younger this would be a no brainer, but not sure I can handle it now.

In any event, I am truly enjoying this Stanley Cup Final and then it rolls right into the World Cup!!

 

[Pound4Pound#1]

Thanks guys, always sweet to have the bet won in the first period.

Caps are simply rolling right now. Everyone is playing great and doing their jobs. Vegas had plenty of chances but could not finish. They actually looked a lot like Caps teams of the past last night.

The Caps are simply proving that they are the better team. Never seen them play with this much determination. I think they will stay focused and Vegas will have to play a perfect game to stave off elimination on Thursday. I think they are a beat team, but we will see what they have left in the tank.

No way I bet against the Caps, but I will have a total play up early in the day Thursday.

The real question is do I fly out Thursday morning, take in the game and take the red eye back since I have to be back home on Friday. If I were a little younger this would be a no brainer, but not sure I can handle it now.

In any event, I am truly enjoying this Stanley Cup Final and then it rolls right into the World Cup!!

You?ve been on point. Good luck to your Caps :toast:

 

[BASON]

Thanks Pound, it's been fun.

This one is tough for me to play. You have to think that Vegas will not go out without a fight and they have been tough at home. On the other hand, the Caps are having one of the best road playoff seasons ever and playing simply fantastic hockey. Vegas may be the obvious play here but I see no value at all in playing them -145 given how this series has played out. I think this will resemble game 2. Vegas will come out on fire and the Caps will be happy to try to keep them off the scoreboard and frustrate them. I think the whole key to this game will be who gets the first goal. I think Vegas has to get the first one if they are going to win as the Caps have uncharacteristically played great with the lead. They also have to stay out of the penalty box. The Caps have not forgotten the end of the last game and they, especially Wilson, will be baiting them all night.

Bottom line is I have seen nothing that makes me think Vegas can change the way this series has been played and I doubt they can win a 2-1 type game. I also do not think the Caps will let down at all. They will want to finish this off tonight.

I am going back to the Caps TT Ov 2.5 for this one. They have scored at least 3 in every game, so no reason to not expect it again.

I am not on a plane to Vegas so I will watch this one in the comfort of my home. I am going to Dover today to check out the new sports betting in the great state of Delaware. I knew they would be up and running fast and even won a little wager with a friend. They were ready for this a couple years ago so they moved quickly. Hell, I would rather the state gets some of my losses versus off-shore owners. Hoping they have expanded plays for the World Cup or at least I will try to talk them into it.

Enjoy the game!!

 

[BASON]

Another easy winner and a Caps Stanley Cup!!

Truly enjoyed watching that last night. Been a long time coming for Washington but it was truly deserved. They were clearly the better team. They got dragged into Vegas' game in the second period but came back strong in the third. Was a pleasure to watch. Was great to see Ovechkin and Backstrom carry the Cup.

I went to my first hockey/Caps game in 1985. I knew nothing about the game as I grew up playing football, lacrosse and baseball. Like soccer, it was a sport I came to appreciate later in life. Once I moved to DC and the team moved downtown, I went to tons of games and had the pleasure of meeting and even becoming friends with some past players, which made me appreciate the game even more. I know all of them have to be feeling good about this one.

Going to enjoy this for a couple of days and then get to work on the World Cup. Those plays will be posted in the soccer forum. There is already some plays posted in there.

Until next year!!