4.22 - NHL Playoff Selections w/ Write-Ups

[JC2008]

Here is the short and simple reasoning for my hockey selections:

Game One: Philadelphia Flyers vs. New Jersey Devils

The Devils are down 3-1 in this series. There's no way they're going to go down without a fight tonight, especially at home. With the recent news of injuries for Philadelphia (Carter, Gagne), they will be slightly less potent offensively. I can't see Brodeur allowing more than 2 goals in this game. A complete shutout would not surprise me either. I believe the hometown crowd will have the Devils amped and we should expect a brilliant effort from Zach Parise, amongst others.


Game Two: Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Although the Senators will be amped and LIVE in this one, I just can't foresee them being able to contain the likes of Crosby, Stall and Malkin. I see Fleury posting a great effort here as well. The Penguins smell blood and they absolutely want to finish this series tonight. Too much firepower for Ottawa, and I believe they will get discouraged should the defending Stanley Cup Champions take an early lead. Pittsburgh is just the better team overall and they are finally starting to click once again at the right time. If this game was being contested in Ottawa, I would have no issues leaning towards the Senators in this game, however, the rowdy Pittsburgh fans at Mellon Arena will give no shortage of support to the Penguins. The Penguins team total over and puckline may be worth a shot.


Game Three: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators

Although I expect a strong effort from Nashville tonight, I expect an even stronger effort from the Blackhawks, who are down 2-1 in this series. The Blackhawks know that if they can steal this game, they will have no problem finishing this series against the Predators back at home. Chicago's penalty-killing has been absolutely flawless, going 12/12 in shutting down the Predators. I believe Blackhawks coach Joel Quenville will demand his team to absolutely pepper Nashville with shots. They know they need this one and I believe Chicago breaks out of the slump tonight! I do believe this will be a close-game as well. I do not consider Brian Campbell's potential return to have any effect on the outcome of this game whatsoever.


Game Four: Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks

Now that we are back in the Shark Tank, I believe the crowd will be absolutely insane tonight in support of their team. One of the hardest arenas to play in the league, and the inconsistent Craig Anderson; who was getting burned out before the Playoffs began, will both increase the Shark's chances of taking this one. San Jose knows how brutal their Playoff history is and will give absolute maximal effort this evening. San Jose has not had issues getting shots on net and I believe Anderson lets in a few soft ones tonight. I would even consider the Sharks puckline. This game SHOULD go under but it is not a bet that I am touching, as I truly believe San Jose gets their share of goals tonight!

[inflames]

nice writeups totally agree with you on the hawks! BOL

[JC2008]

Thanks inflames. I accept point donations too hahaha. Just kidding, good luck tonight! Let's Ca$h!!

[runt23]

I agree with everything except the philly game. You do make some good points, but I could really see this game going back and forth in scoring. Brodeur knows he has to have a good game, and even though he's still a solid goalie, he's been off lately. I can picture many players on both teams trying to be the hero and this will only cause mistakes and goals the other way. I am thinking a fairly high scoring game but also maybe overtime. I am guessing 4-3. Like you said, the crowd is going to be tough in jersey and even though I'm not a philly fan, I don't see them being affected by the fans; if anything, I could see it motivating their physical play. This WILL be a good game. No doubt! Anything can happen.

I believe everything else you said, but I am thinking a SJ game will still be low scoring. 3-2ish.

[JC2008]

I agree with everything except the philly game. You do make some good points, but I could really see this game going back and forth in scoring. Brodeur knows he has to have a good game, and even though he's still a solid goalie, he's been off lately. I can picture many players on both teams trying to be the hero and this will only cause mistakes and goals the other way. I am thinking a fairly high scoring game but also maybe overtime. I am guessing 4-3. Like you said, the crowd is going to be tough in jersey and even though I'm not a philly fan, I don't see them being affected by the fans; if anything, I could see it motivating their physical play. This WILL be a good game. No doubt! Anything can happen.

I believe everything else you said, but I am thinking a SJ game will still be low scoring. 3-2ish.

Brodeur has definitely been inconsistent as of late. I can see Philly winning this game but I think the Devils will take this game tonight and Philly will win the next one.

I can see the Sharks game ending in that type of score for sure. I'm definitely not touching the total but it very well could be a tight, low-scoring affair. Good luck!