Playoffs

[BASON]

Only made a few plays in the preliminary rounds since I really wanted to see how teams played. Had a feeling the seeding round would just be glorified scrimmages and not worth betting. Did take the Caps yesterday only because I knew they wanted to play the Islanders vs Carolina and Boston has not been very good at all. I see a couple of value plays in the Series prices

Carolina +135 - I was not a believer in this team last year and it cost me some money, but I am a believer now. They dominated the Rangers and are a very frustrating team to play. Boston was terrible in the seeding round and I am not sure the first line can simply turn it on against a Carolina team that has plenty of confidence. Not only do I think they can win, I think they can win in 6.

Columbus +190 - This is obviously more of a gamble, but they just beat a team similar to Tampa in Toronto, and they obviously have the confidence after sweeping Tampa last year in a huge first round upset. While I do not think they will sweep them again, I think they can give Tampa all they can handle and you are getting paid to take the chance they win this series again. Tampa can not be happy to see them again. I simply think this line is way too generous.

I really like the Caps match up against the Islanders. The Islanders have too much trouble scoring. The Caps really took it easy in the seeding round. The veterans were not pushing themselves and Carlson sat out every game. Ovi did not have one point! I think you see a different offensive team in this series. Not crazy about laying the -160 so I will wait to see if this comes down at all, but I think the Caps win in 6.

 

[kickserv]

Carolina and Columbus are "live dogs" for sure.

 

[BASON]

Thanks Kick!

I think there is one more live dog:

Vancouver +180 - Now I am not buying into the poor play from St. Loius is the seeding round. I think too many are reading into those teams play. I firmly believe many of the teams were just going through the motions. I could be wrong, but I just saw too much bad play from strong teams to believe otherwise. Having said all that, I do think St. Louis is overpriced and Vancouver has a chance to win this series. You are getting a great price with a young, motivated and confident team. Their speed is going to give the Blues problems and if they get great goaltending like they did in the first series I think they have a good shot to win this series and we are getting paid for it.

The Islander love is flooding in as they are a popular pick in this series. Line is down to -145 and I will continue to wait. This goes along with my thoughts above. Caps were terrible in the first 3 games and they were a little better in the last one because they wanted to win. You really expect 0 points from Ovi in this series? I think the first and second lines will be significantly better in this series. Many say it is hard to turn it on and off, but they are a veteran team and I think they can do it. Carlson has to play though so I am waiting also to confirm he will play. I think the Caps are playing coy so I think he is ready but I would like to be as certain as possible.

 

[BASON]

One play for tonight:

Vegas Ov 6.5 -105 - There is a reason this total is so much higher than the others. Knights are the only team that was scoring in the round robin and Chicago stuck it to Edmonton. I see no reason this game should be high scoring. Chicago does not have the defense to shut Vegas down so they need to out score them. I expect them to be aggressive since they really should not be here anyway. Play is based on Chicago being able to score 2 or 3, because I am not worried about Vegas scoring.

 

[BASON]

Bad call last night. Chicago was terrible. I do not see them winning a game.

I have decided to just bet the Caps games versus making a series bet. Ended up smart laying off the -160 as the series line is now holding at -140 but we get a game 1 line of -130. I will simply take the -130 tonight and go from there. If they lose, I may then jump in with a series bet.

Was really hoping for Columbus to win that marathon yesterday. They look to be at a real disadvantage now in the series after playing the 5 OTs since they already played a lot before that game. Gotta love playoff hockey.

Let's go Caps!!

 

[BASON]

Completely disgusting 3rd period display by the Caps last night. Very happy I laid off the series because if Holtby plays like that this team has no chance at all. Can not understand how they can come out and play great and then totally collapse.

Not getting a great feel for most of these game right now, but I do think Vegas continues to steamroll Chicago so I will take them -1.5 +135 tonight.

 

[BASON]

Well, so far I totally suck in hockey (doing very well in soccer and holding my own on the diamond) so I may throw in the towel if I lose tonight:

Caps Ov 5.5 +115
Ovi SOG Ov 4 -125
Carlson SOG Ov 2.5 -110

I think the Caps have to come out on fire after that pathetic 3rd period in the last game. My hope is their jump creates some power plays which creates shots for Ovi and Carlson, which is why I am playing those overs. I have no faith in Holtby right now which is why I am on the Over. As you can tell, I am really down on the Caps based on the last game, so we will have to see what they have tonight. I have to think they come back strong, but losing Backstrom is a very big deal.

 

[BASON]

Finally a winner or two. Put in a parlay for today:

Col Ov 5/Tamp Ov 5/Vegas ML

Just wanted some action and we are seeing some more goals as teams are finally getting into form.

 

[BASON]

Not a great payout with one push, but I will take the winner. Little bit of the same today:

Caps Ov 5/Flyers Ov 5/Vegas ML

 

[BASON]

I think the Russians all want to go home:

Islanders -110