DG's Playoff Picks

[Cicima6709]

Another one i like is Datsyuk vs Marleau...Datsyuk at -130.

Datsyuk is the better player, and IMO today DET should play alot better. Add in home ice advantage, and you know that DET is gonna get a lot of favorable matchups with Datsyuk.

[Joweman]

I don't quite understand why detroit is so juiced at home today :S. I don't see home ice being that big of an advantage for either team in this series

[mike-dub]

or for any team in this round of the playoffs so far

I don't quite understand why detroit is so juiced at home today :S. I don't see home ice being that big of an advantage for either team in this series

[DennisGreen]

Nice first period over in Detroit WTF is with Philly? I picked Boston to win the series but looking like a sweep

[gambler CK]

detroit/sj over was my biggest play tonight, played both Boston and tampa O2.5 for smaller amounts, i knew i should have it those bigger

o well, the over 5.5 is looking alright after 1

[lilb999]

Nice first period over in Detroit WTF is with Philly? I picked Boston to win the series but looking like a sweep

Didnt it look that way last year too?

[DennisGreen]

Didnt it look that way last year too?

Yup Philly won't be coming back from 3-0 this year though

[gambler CK]

Yup Philly won't be coming back from 3-0 this year though

not only will they not come back to win the series, ill be putting 500+ dollars on the bruins to win game 4 in regulation, unless the TT is at 2.5 again, then it will go on that

either way it will be my biggest bet of the playoffs so far

[Cicima6709]

Nice night so far DG...

I pushed the Briere bet...the Datsyuk vs Marleau is lookin decent so far, but obv Marleau is more then capable to tie it up in the 3rd.

[DennisGreen]

3-1 +$320 on the night

Unreal Caps swept, Flyers down 3-0 and Wings might be down 3-0 here

[Cicima6709]

WASH + PHI being + DET being 0-9 has certainly ****** my bankroll these playoffs....

[Boxing Champ]

WASH + PHI being + DET being 0-9 has certainly ****** my bankroll these playoffs....

I think It's the perfect time to reevaluate your capping skills...

[megacoolid]

crazy games

[odog11]

3-1 +$320 on the night Unreal Caps swept, Flyers down 3-0 and Wings might be down 3-0 here

Flyers and Wings two overated "wait until the playoffs" teams that just didn't look that good down the stretch, their demise was sort of predictable. Washington, have to admit did not see that coming, though once the series started and it was clear how good Roloson is playing you could see their problem.

[Cicima6709]

I think It's the perfect time to reevaluate your capping skills...

Lol...yeah im sure i am the only one who is shocked my PHI/WASH/DET being unable to win ONE game in the second round.

I am still well in the plus due to props and the first round, but thanks for the advice.

Anyways, im looking forward to tomorrow game. I thought VAN would handle NASH really easily, but the preds have actually been playing great. Another close, 1 goal game tomorrow DG?

[Cicima6709]

Flyers and Wings two overated "wait until the playoffs" teams that just didn't look that good down the stretch, their demise was sort of predictable. Washington, have to admit did not see that coming, though once the series started and it was clear how good Roloson is playing you could see their problem.

Honestly, Roloson isnt playing THAT amazing. Yes, he is playing great, no doubt. But people make it seem like he is stealing games, and he really isnt. TB has been playing a great system that the Penguins and the Caps werent able to figure out. Roloson has been limiting the rebounds, yes, but he has also allowed some bad goals, and their system has forced a lot of teams to shoot long range shots into Roloson's chest. Add in the fact that TBs 3rd and 4th lines are playing great and they are getting scoring from people not named St. Louis and Stamkos.

Id say he's by far the worst goalie thatl be in the playoffs of the 3rd round. Once someone exposes that bullshit 1-3-1 system, Roloson's numbers will come down to earth.

[feedmecappers]

Great night DG, keep up the good work

[odog11]

Honestly, Roloson isnt playing THAT amazing. Yes, he is playing great, no doubt. But people make it seem like he is stealing games, and he really isnt. TB has been playing a great system that the Penguins and the Caps werent able to figure out. Roloson has been limiting the rebounds, yes, but he has also allowed some bad goals, and their system has forced a lot of teams to shoot long range shots into Roloson's chest. Add in the fact that TBs 3rd and 4th lines are playing great and they are getting scoring from people not named St. Louis and Stamkos.

Id say he's by far the worst goalie thatl be in the playoffs of the 3rd round. Once someone exposes that bullshit 1-3-1 system, Roloson's numbers will come down to earth.

I agree he has not stolen a game, but he has played more than well enough. How would you rate the goalies left right now? Thomas, Rinne, Niemi, Luongo, Roloson, Howard and then whatever travesty of a shame of a goalie Philly has out on the ice at any given time is my order.

[the_situation]

For those that are bashing Roloson...you really have no clue what your talking about. Guy is a monster in the playoffs, always raises his game to another level. Even carried an inferior Edmonton team to the finals.

As for having not stolen a game...LOL

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030212

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030211

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030147

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030146

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030145

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030213

He has outplayed the opposing goaltender in all those games.....and yes, he IS playing better than other goalie in the playoffs right now...he has been the most consistent goalie in both rounds. Not sure why I'm arguing with someone who doesn't know anything about hockey but I felt like owning someone.

Thomas - wasn't great in Round 1, but def playing great hockey right now
Rinne - was very shaky in Round 2, great right now though
Niemi - playing average but it's his superior team that's winning, not him
Luongo - was horrible in Round 1, playing good right now

[odog11]

Not sure why I'm arguing with someone who doesn't know anything about hockey but I felt like owning someone.

It's probably because you are a DB, kinda of like your namesake there. If you would take him over Thomas or Rinne for a series, never mind a big game, you would be a fool. The other two probably a toss up.

[Cicima6709]

For those that are bashing Roloson...you really have no clue what your talking about. Guy is a monster in the playoffs, always raises his game to another level. Even carried an inferior Edmonton team to the finals.

As for having not stolen a game...LOL

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030212

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030211

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030147

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030146

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030145

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010030213

He has outplayed the opposing goaltender in all those games.....and yes, he IS playing better than other goalie in the playoffs right now...he has been the most consistent goalie in both rounds. Not sure why I'm arguing with someone who doesn't know anything about hockey but I felt like owning someone.

Thomas - wasn't great in Round 1, but def playing great hockey right now
Rinne - was very shaky in Round 2, great right now though
Niemi - playing average but it's his superior team that's winning, not him
Luongo - was horrible in Round 1, playing good right now

Lol, ok, i dont know anything about hockey. I'm not going to go into a diss war on the forums, because i'm just not cool enough.

I didnt say that Roloson wasnt playing well, no shit he is. He is playing very well. Just not the dominant type that people are making it out to seem. I dont need to look at those stats, i know how many saves he made against the Pens. I watched every second of every pens game. I also know that most of those saves were 3rd liners dumping the puck into his chest from the faceoff circle or the point. He had to make VERY few big saves. On the other end, Fleury didnt face as many shots (obviously, because Pens dominated the possesion), but the saves he did make were much tougher. He robbed a lot of empty nets from the Lightning, and kept the Pens in the game. TB had the talent to make Fleury make the tough saves, the Pens did not have the talent to force Roloson to steal some goals away. Yes, i know the Pens had a ton of shots. But if you watch the games, you'll notice that most goalies make those saves. The Pens biggest snipers were Staal and Neal, and all their shots went into Roloson's chest.

But if you want to keep thinkin you know everything, then good for you. I dont care about numbers and what not. This year, Roloson has had it easier then a lot of goalies due to the system. He's obviously made huge saves, but much less then other goalies in the playoffs. He's been consistant, yes. But consistent and stealing games are two different things. Just because you are capable of looking at a stat sheet doesnt mean you know hockey better then other people.

[Cicima6709]

Hey DG...another pretty juiced play, but i really like Daniel Sedin at -150 vs Kosyn. The Sedin's havent been playing well, but you are comparing a top of the line NHL player vs. a pretty average scorer. -150 isnt the type of value that i'd like to normally bet, but id still say it has value. Sedin should be ATLEAST -200 vs someone like Kosyn. And this is assuming that Sedin keeps playing far below his ability. If he steps it up to his regular season play, this bet is easily over.

[Cicima6709]

I agree he has not stolen a game, but he has played more than well enough. How would you rate the goalies left right now? Thomas, Rinne, Niemi, Luongo, Roloson, Howard and then whatever travesty of a shame of a goalie Philly has out on the ice at any given time is my order.

No doubt he has played more than well enough. TB is really shocking people with their 1-3-1, and all they need is a goalie who can make the saves that should be made. He has done that perfectly.

Also keep in mind that both the Pens and Caps figured out that the way to beat the 1-3-1 is fire the puck on Roloson from center ice, because he is horrible at playing the puck. The pens have scored 2 or 3 goals that way due to his turnovers from handling the shots. But the point is, those center ice shots add a lot of "saves" to his stat sheet.

Id say Thomas, Rinne, Luongo, Niemi, Roloson/Howard in a toss up for the top rated goalies left. I wont even mention Philly. Thats a joke. Howard has really impressed me, I always thought that he was doing decently because of the system, but watching the Redwings games, he has really made a lot of tough saves. I actually think i might take him over Roloson at this point, but it would be a toss up really. I think Howard would do better than Roloson if he was on the Bolts and had to go up against the way the Pens/Caps were playing.

[CoZalon]

When we are talking goalies, can I nominate Leighton for MVP?

[the_situation]

The fact that you would even consider Howard over Roloson tells me all I need to know about your hockey knowledge...and I did watch all of Tampa Bay's games....and no not every shot was fired at his chest. He's had to make numerous big saves, just as many as any other goalie.

Yes I would take Roloson over Thomas over Rinne in the PLAYOFFS because he is more CONSISTENT then both and does what it takes to win. The small things like shaking off his helmet when under pressure and taking hits from players by coming out of his paint to draw penalties are stuff no other goalie has the balls to do. I will agree with you that Thomas and Rinne are 2 and 3 though.

I don't know about you guys, but I will take a goalie that knows how to win, is consistent night in and night out and has the ability to steal a game when needed. I guess well see who's right next round when Tampa plays Boston...

The 1-3-1 is just a forechecking system...it doesn't mean that Roloson faces lesser quality shots than other goalies. That is bizarre.

[Cicima6709]

The 1-3-1 is just a forechecking system...it doesn't mean that Roloson faces lesser quality shots than other goalies. That is bizarre.

Kinda does. First off, how many of those shots were just shots from center ice in order to break the 1-3-1?

Secondly, the Pens and Caps just havent been able to figure out how to get into the zone and get past the 1-3-1. They have been dumping and chasing, and then taking shots from the point. They have had very few odd man breaks, and very few REALLY good chances. Roloson has done exactly what he needed to do, but i have seen other goalies "steal" a game much more then he has in these playoffs. His big mistakes against the Pens almost did and likely should have cost them the series. Other then that and a few timely saves, he has been good. Not amazing, just good. The Pens and Caps didnt exactly play lights out anyways.

Whatever, we can just agree to disagree. BOS/TB should be interesting...we'll see how Roloson does vs Thomas.

Personally, id take Rinne or Thomas over Roloson without even thinking. Im guessing you've seen the Bruins games...did you see how Thomas straight up STOLE some of those games? The flyers have ridiculous talent up front, and he was straight up stealing empty nets from them. Shutting down odd man rushes and completely frustrating PHI. Roloson never did that to the Pens or the Caps IMO.

[DennisGreen]

Good discussion boys Keep it going, very entertaining

[DennisGreen]

Overall Playoff Record

37-29-1 +$2776

One win away from cashing SJ and BOS futures as well 2 more for the Nucks. Come on boys!

[odog11]

Good discussion boys Keep it going, very entertaining

We make you laugh, were here to f'n amuse you?

On a more serious note, how strong are you feeling Vancouver tonight? Some people seem to be thinking the over is the play in this one, just don't see that unless you are expecting Vancouver to explode or maybe Luongo to lay an egg?

[DennisGreen]

Thursday Plays

VAN (-120)

Ryan Kesler Over 0.5 Points (+100)

VAN/NAS Over 1.5 (1st) (+154)
-Be very cautious with this one, it really doesn't make much sense but my gut is telling me to do it for some reason. The teams have 1 goal total in their 7 meetings in the 1st this year so this is likely flushing $100 down the toilet

[Cicima6709]

Nice Kesler bet. I ended up taking Kesler vs Legwand for a small bet instead of Kesler getting points. Hopefully both hit. I'm on VAN too.

[the_situation]

I have a feeling the Canucks come out strong tonight DG..with the Sharks looking to sweep I think the Canucks will want to finish this series off fast and not get into a 7 game war with the Preds.

Back to the Roloson discussion...Roloson has still had to make a lot of big saves...the 1-3-1 has frustrated the Caps for sure, I believe the Pens just didn't have enough firepower to finish off the series, they did win 3 games and were able to exploit Tampa's slow defense.
I will agree in the Caps series Roloson maybe had it a tad easy. He still played great and how can you bash the guy when he went 4-0? He made the saves he needed to make which is what every elite goalie does. But the Pens had tons of great scoring chances and he came up big and played amazing the last 3 games to help Tampa come back and win the series.

Thomas is a great goalie for sure, probably top 3 in the league. However if it came down to a Game 7 I would choose Roloson because he is more consistent than Thomas(look at last year, Thomas played way below par and Rask was the majority starter/Habs series - Thomas was very weak the first few games before getting back on track), has more experience and just plain knows how to win. He raises his game in the playoffs to a whole new level.

I'm sure you remember Roloson carrying the Oilers on his BACK in 2006 to the cup finals. They lost in part because he got injured in Game 1 of the Cup Finals and the Hurricanes won the cup. He stole multiple games that playoff year against elite teams. (Oilers were 8th seeded). So don't tell me he can't steal games.

Either way, you can't go wrong with either and we'll see which of them gets it done next round...should be a great series.

[Camfriend87]

I don't get the First period Over but when ur gut sings u have to listen

[DJM5226]

DG... was sent here from the baseball forums. How do you feel about Vancouver +135 in regulation? Or bet a unit on each maybe?

[DennisGreen]

DG... was sent here from the baseball forums. How do you feel about Vancouver +135 in regulation? Or bet a unit on each maybe?

I feel a lot more comfortable with VAN ML with how tight the series has been. It's not too chalky either which is nice. It's definitely possible they win in regulation though.