Sharks and Avs battle for series edge in San Jose

Hockey Betting Lines

04/22/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The top-seeded San Jose Sharks will try to take their first lead of the Western Conference quarterfinals tonight, when they host the Colorado Avalanche for Game 5 at HP Pavilion.

The Sharks and Avs have alternated wins so far in this best-of-seven series, with Colorado taking Games 1 and 3 and San Jose posting OT victories in the even-numbered contests. All four games have been decided by just one goal and the last three tilts have ended in overtime.

Joe Pavelski was the hero in Game 4, scoring the game-winning goal 10:24 into overtime to help San Jose earn the 2-1 win and tie the series at two games apiece.

On the winning goal, San Jose left winger Ryane Clowe started a rush out of the defensive zone. He fed the puck ahead to defenseman Douglas Murray, who tried to flip the puck deep into the Avalanche end of the ice. The puck was knocked down and got tangled in skates. A trailing Pavelski spotted the loose puck and his wrister from the slot sailed over the glove of Anderson, whose vision was obstructed.

"I was kind of using (Colorado defenseman Adam Foote) for a screen, hoping that Anderson doesn't see it," Pavelski said. "I was able to get it by him. Anderson was great all night again."

Pavelski's notched his second goal of these playoffs. His first tied Game 2 with 31.3 seconds left in regulation and preceded teammate Devin Setoguchi's overtime marker.

With the win, San Jose rebounded nicely from a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in Sunday's Game 3 matchup in Denver. The Sharks couldn't find a way to beat Colorado goaltender Craig Anderson on Sunday, but found a way to beat Evgeni Nabokov on Dan Boyle's blunder. The veteran defenseman tried to send the puck behind his net, but the puck deflected off the stick of Colorado's Ryan O'Reilly and past Nabokov 51 seconds into the extra session, giving the youthful Avalanche a stunning 1-0 victory.

Redemption for Boyle came in the form of an early power-play goal on Tuesday for the Sharks, who also got 33 saves from Nabokov.

Anderson made 43 saves in Game 4 after stopping all 51 shots on Sunday. He has turned aside 165-of-174 shots thrown his way in this series.

Paul Stastny scored the lone goal for Colorado in the Game 4 loss.

"I thought there were a lot of positives out of that game. We had quite a few chances in overtime to put them away. It only takes one shot and they got it," said Colorado forward T.J. Galiardi.

Winger Dany Heatley returned from a one-game absence for the Sharks and had four shots on goal. Heatley, who was second on San Jose with 39 goals during the regular season and third on the club with 82 points. He missed Game 3 with an undisclosed injury.

Defenseman Niclas Wallin (lower body) and winger Jed Ortmeyer (undisclosed) are questionable for tonight's game for the Sharks.

On the Colorado side, forwards Milan Hejduk, Kevin Porter and Ryan Stoa are all questionable for tonight. Hejduk and Porter are dealing with upper-body injuries, while Stoa has a lower-body ailment..

The Sharks are trying to avoid losing to an eighth-seed in the opening round for the second straight year. Last year, the San Jose entered the playoffs fresh off a 117-point season that netted them the Presidents' Trophy and high expectations, but the Sharks dropped the first two games against the Anaheim Ducks and wound up losing the series in six.

Despite winning the last three Pacific Division titles the Sharks have been a disappointing playoff team in recent years, having not made it past the second round of the postseason since losing to Calgary in the 2004 Western Conference finals.

Colorado is back in the playoffs just one season after finishing last in the Western Conference with 69 points. The Avalanche are trying to become the third eight seed in five seasons to knock off a top-seeded club.

These two clubs are meeting in the postseason for the fourth time, with the last matchup coming in 2004. The Sharks won that series, 4-2, in the semifinals before losing in six games to the Flames in the conference finals.

San Jose had an excellent 27-6-8 record as the host this year, while the Avs were 19-16-6 away from Colorado.

Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday in Colorado.

Wwwplayrio Hockey Betting News


<< Blackhawks try to bounce back in Game 4 against Preds
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The second-seeded Chicago Blackhawks will try to even their Western Conference quarterfinal series tonight, when they visit the Nashville Predators for Game 4 at Bridgestone Arena. The Blackhawks entered the postseason as

<< Yankees, A's conclude series at the Coliseum
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With their ace pitcher set to take the mound, the red-hot New York Yankees shoot for their seventh straight victory and a series sweep of the Oakland Athletics when the two teams square off again this afternoon at the Oak

<< Dodgers, Reds set to conclude three-game set
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Dodgers aim for their third straight series triumph Thursday evening, when they close out a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Los Angeles has won five of its last eight

<< Surging Rays close out set with White Sox
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Tampa Bay Rays aim to finish off what's been a terrific road trip with another win when the team concludes a three-game series with the struggling Chicago White Sox tonight at U.S. Cellular Field. Tampa Bay matche

<< Wounded Flyers try to end series in New Jersey
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The seventh-seeded Philadelphia Flyers will try to complete a first-round upset tonight, when they visit the New Jersey Devils for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at Prudential Center. The Flyers hold a thre

Cubs hope to break out again against Mets >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A nine-run explosion in last night's win over the New York Mets was exactly what the Chicago Cubs needed to snap out of their funk. The Cubs hope to break even with the Mets in Thursday's finale of a four-game series from Cit

Red Sox vie to pin seventh straight loss on Rangers >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Boston Red Sox can show tonight how a five-game losing streak becomes a three-game win streak when they finish up a midweek series with the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Perennial powerhouses in the American League, th

Leafs' Burke building a fraternity of youngsters >>
Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It's NHL playoff time, but for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it is a time of reflection. For the front office, a time to lick deep financial wounds as the Air Canada Centre, once home to high revenue playoff cont

NCAA Tournament to remain on CBS; expansion to 68 recommended >>
Indianapolis, IN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The NCAA Tournament is set to expand to 68 teams in 2011, which will also be the first year of a new 14-year television agreement with CBS and Turner Broadcasting System. The NCAA announced its new telev

Duchene, Howard, Myers named Calder finalists >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Colorado forward Matt Duchene, Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard and Buffalo defenseman Tyler Myers have been named the finalists for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. Duchene was the third ov

Eastern Conference Playoff Betting Trends

We all know by now that the “public” loves to put their money on the FAVORITES and the OVERS.  Just by taking a quick glance at Sportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends” it appears as is this tendency will continue as far as the Eastern Conference games are concerned.  For the inaugural games of the first round, 69% of the early money is on Toronto -4.5; 59% of bettors prefer Chicago -4.5; 84% are backing Detroit -9; and 56% think Cleveland -11.5 is the way to go.  As far as TOTALS are concerned, the only UNDER the “public” is backing is the Cleveland/ Washington game in which 83% are pounding the UNDER (190).  Remember, there is no better way to predict a possible line change than by monitoring MySportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends”.   By determining who the “public” is backing, you can get the most ideal line for your bet.  For example, if you are siding with the public you better place your bet before the line moves in the wrong direction.  On the other side of the coin, if you prefer the team that the “public” is betting against; you might be able to get and extra ½ or even more by placing your bet a bit later.  Under the “Betting Trends” section, Sportsbook.com also provides plenty of statistical data and trends in order for the bettor to make the most informed pick.  Below are some extremely important trends for the first round opponents of the Eastern Conference match-ups, more can be found at MySportsbook.com

New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors

Toronto was the most reliable covering team this season with a 48-33-1 ATS record but covered the OVER only 41.5% of the time.
The last 20 times these teams have played, the TOTAL has gone UNDER 16 times.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Toronto is 33-19 ATS including 17-9 at home.
 New Jersey has covered four games in a row while Toronto has failed to cover their last four games.
When playing a team with a winning record during the second half of the season, New Jersey was just 5-13 ATS this season.
After scoring 105 points or more, Toronto has covered the OVER only 28% of the time this season. 
 
Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls

Miami has failed to cover their last 7 games whereas Chicago has covered 6 out of their last 8 games.
Miami has covered the UNDER in four of their last five games whereas Chicago has covered the UNDER in five out of their last six.
When playing on Saturdays, Miami covered 80% of their games this season.
Away from home, Chicago is just 16-25 ATS this season.
At home, Miami covered the UNDER about 66% of the time whereas Chicago covered the UNDER about 61% of the time.
The last 13 times these teams have played each other, Chicago has covered 9 times.
In Miami’s last 11 road games, the UNDER covered 9 times. 
 
Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons

Detroit has covered 5 out of their last 6 games.
Away from home, Detroit is 28-13 ATS but just 14-26-1 ATS at home.
At home, Orlando covered the UNDER 64% of the time while Detroit covered the UNDER in 63% of their away games.
The last five times these teams have played in Detroit, the OVER covered each time.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Detroit is 8-17-1 ATS at home but 17-9 ATS away.
Detroit covered the spread 5 out of the last 6 times they played Orlando.
After a Division game, Orlando covered the UNDER 87% of the time this season. 
 
Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers

In a home game where the TOTAL is between 190 and 194.5 points, Cleveland is 9-1 ATS this season.
Washington has covered the UNDER in their last 6 games and in 8 of their last 9 games.
The last 6 times these teams have played each other, the UNDER covered each time.
When playing on 3 or more days of rest, Washington is just 18-37 ATS since 1996.
Since 1996, Washington is 28-16 ATS versus Cleveland including 11-5 over the last 3 seasons.
In their last 7 road games, Washington is 6-1 ATS.
Versus Eastern Conference teams at home, Washington is just 6-18-2 ATS. 
 
For even more betting trends for not just the NBA but for all of the major sports, log on to Sportsbook.com and click on “Trends”.  With only two months left in the NBA betting season it is important to be as well informed as possible in order to maximize your profit.  Also for all of you poker players, check out MySportsbook.com’s “WSOP Low Bid Auction”. You could be on your way to Vegas to play against the world’s best poker players for under a buck.

About MySportsbook.com MySportsbook.com  is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, MySportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, MySportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and it's products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your basketball sportsbook needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

Sportsbook betting odds favor Europe in Ryder Cup

September 19, – Despite holding a decided edge in the all-time series, with 24 wins, 2 ties and 10 losses, Team USA is the underdog again heading into the Ryder Cup in Kidare, Ireland this weekend, according to MySportsbook.com.  The Europeans have captured four of the past five editions, including their largest victory ever, an 18 ½ to 9 ½ thumping in Michigan in 2004. Current Ryder Cup betting odds favor the Europeans to continue their winning ways; they are a 4-5 bet to take the title, compared to 6-5 for the Americans. 

Despite being knocked out in the first round of World Match play by Shaun Micheel, Tiger Woods is predicted to lead the US charge and be their highest point scorer for the week, with odds listed at 9-4 that he outpoints all other American players, including Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco to  name a  few.  Team USA has four relatively unknown players on the roster but all four are 2007 tournament winners and have posted some of season’s best performances, each earning over $1.5 million on the PGA TOUR.  They include Zach Johnson, Vaughan Taylor, JJ Henry and Brett Wetterich.

The experienced European squad includes the likes of Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Jose Maria Olazabal and Darren Clarke, who’s emotions will be tested after the passing of his wife to a battle with cancer.  Donald and Garcia are in particularly good form and each is a 5-1 bet to lead the European squad in the points race. Donald has proven he can go head to head with Woods at a major event after a run for the $1.2 million purse at the PGA Championship. Garcia’s Ryder Cup credentials prove he’s ready for battle too.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your golf sportsbook needs.

Ryder Cup Odds

Europe
Tie
USA
4-5
10-1
6-5


Ryder Cup Top US point scorer
Tiger Woods
Jim Furyk
Phil Mickelson
Chris DiMarco
David Toms
Stewart Cink
Chad Campbell
Scott Verplank
Zach Johnson
Vaughan Taylor
JJ Henry
Brett Wetterich
9-4
4-1
5-1
7-1
8-1
12-1
15-1
15-1
25-1
30-1
30-1
50-1


Ryder Cup Top European scorer
Sergio Garcia
Luke Donald
Padraig Harrington
Colin Montgomerie
Darren Clarke
David Howell
Lee Westwood
Paul Casey
Henrik Stenson
Jose Maria Olazabal
Paul McGinley
Robert Karlsson
5-1
5-1
6-1
13-2
8-1
9-1
9-1
11-1
12-1
12-1
20-1
25-1

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com