Remainder of the NHL 2nd round

[JetsMetsRangers]

Where's RickRude? I miss your write-ups! How do you guys see the rest of the Western series shaping up? I don't think PHO "deserves" the 3-1 lead. Seems more like a 2-2 series to me.

Regarding NJ/PHI, NJ has been dominating. I don't think I can bet PHI to win the series or even win a game at this point. They need to show something... ANYTHING... to give me reason to bet them.

NYR/WASH has been pretty even. I'd say the Rangers have outplayed the Caps slightly. I think Rangers pull it out in 7 but not sure if I'm going to bet anyone in this series the rest of the way.

[ChiefZilla]

I was sorta getting into the NHL playoffs ... until the NBA playoffs.

Now I feel like all my free time is devoted to hoops.

Sorry, this is really a pointless, unhelpful post.

[RickRude]

Sorry about the lack of writeups, just got busy this past weekend and didn't have time to break it down.

quick thoughts on the 3 remaining series.

Phx/Nashville

Nashville looks like they have gotten their defensive mojo back, but at what cost? I thought keeping Radulov and Kostisyn out in game 4 was a mistake since it took two goal scoring weapons away for another game. Trotz should have realized how tight PHX plays it on the road and even with the Russians playing little to no defense it wasn't going to hurt him in game 4. No they're back and Nashville needs them to score. So at what cost? I think Nashville is dead in the water. Smith won game 4 and Phoenix has been able to score at home in the playoffs. Tippett will be able to get the Whitney line away from Weber/Suter to give Phoenix some more punch. Really disappointed in Nashville's team defense in the entirety of the series. Even game 4 where they carried play they still let Phoenix have massive opportunities in front.

NJ/Philly

It's been remarkable to see how slow Philly's defense has been. Their D is losing every race to the puck in the corners. Pittsburgh's defensive ineptitude in the first series really covered up how bad the Flyer back 6 played. A lot was on Bryzgalov, but slightly unfairily. The Flyers haven't controlled play yet except for the last 40 minutes of game 1. Since the second period of game 2 the Devils have really forced their will on the Flyers. Also surprised at how tough it is for Philly to get the puck against the Devils D. the Devils blue line isn't that big so I thought the Flyers would wear them down, but the Devil D (especiall Andy Greene) has made great decisions for 4 games. Now the flyers have to win game 5 without Giroux. The only reason I think Philly has a punchers chance is that they haven't played well and NJ has been excellent. I expect some regression to the mean in game 5. Just two years ago the Flyers came back from 3-0. Last year they were down 3-2 to Buffalo and won so if they can find a way to get game 5 there won't be a lack of belief on their part. That's half the battle.

NYR/Washington

Flip a coin. This is the epitome of a toss up. I would not be shocked in the least if the team that lost tonight won the series by winning two in a row. There has been almost no advantage anywhere in this series. The Rangers won one game in 3 OT and another gift wrapped by Holtby. The Caps won their two games with questionable penalty calls very late in regulation and scoring on the PP. If there is a slight advantage it's that the Caps PP is starting to get it together since Dale Hunter realized having one of the best offensive defensemen in the league is probably a good thing for a PP. The Rangers PP is still a mess. So far the best players for both teams have been really good, the goalies have been as advertised and barely any shots are getting through. The Caps should not be +135 tonight. I feel like that is a mistake. It should be closer to even. There's zero reason to play the over in any of these games

[mattrud]

Flyers are -145/-150, according to ScoresAndOdds. Why? Have they watched the series? Home ice, home schmice.

[RickRude]

(05-07-2012 06:13 PM)mattrud Wrote:  Flyers are -145/-150, according to ScoresAndOdds. Why? Have they watched the series? Home ice, home schmice.

Agreed. Every game from here on out is a coin flip. The Devils at +125 and Caps at +135 is just not paying attention. They still may lose those games, but it'll be much tighter than that price.

[ChicosBailBonds]

(05-07-2012 06:13 PM)mattrud Wrote:  Flyers are -145/-150, according to ScoresAndOdds. Why? Have they watched the series? Home ice, home schmice.

Very public team, Gireaux out Tuesday will really hurt. I'm a big believer in betting unders from game four on in all series. Games are too important for teams to take dumb penalties.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Philly also has allowed 3+ goals in every playoff game but one. They will have to change their style of play, but can they, and is it too late?

[RickRude]

(05-07-2012 09:50 PM)ChicosBailBonds Wrote:  

(05-07-2012 06:13 PM)mattrud Wrote:  Flyers are -145/-150, according to ScoresAndOdds. Why? Have they watched the series? Home ice, home schmice.

Very public team, Gireaux out Tuesday will really hurt. I'm a big believer in betting unders from game four on in all series. Games are too important for teams to take dumb penalties.

Except for Mike Rupp, Chris Kreider, and Joel Ward. 3 of the dumbest 3rd period penalties I've seen in a long time. On the whole I agree with you though. After game 3 or 4 the PPs lessen since teams don't want to give up cheapies.