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NHL 2013 Playoff Preview: New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins Betting Odds and Prediction

Brooksbets — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:47:21 GMT

Both the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins won their first round matchups in seven games. The big difference was how they did it. The entire hockey world were wondering what gold course the Bruins would be showing up on in the third period, but they battled back and won one of the most dramatic games in recent memory. Meanwhile, the Rangers silenced the Washington faithful on the road and smothered them for a 5-0 clincher. Let's take a closer look at how these two matchup in round 2.

Underachievers

NHL 2013 Playoff Preview: Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings Betting Odds and Prediction

Brooksbets — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:58:00 GMT

In the first round, I didn't predict either of these teams correctly, but for very different reasons. I thought the Wild could have won at least two games and perhaps a third, but after they lost their starting goalie in the warmup all bets were off. They put up the best fight they could given the circumstances and who knows if a healthy Backstrom would have made a difference or not.

NHL 2013 Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Kings vs San Jose Sharks Betting Odds and Prediction

Brooksbets — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:06:55 GMT

When I look back on my round one predictions for these two teams, I correctly predicted both series, and got them both wrong at the same time. I picked the Sharks to beat the Canucks, but did anybody think it would be a sweep? I also thought the Blues would put up a much better fight this time around and come out on top. They did put up a great fight and were very close to leaving L.A.

NHL 2013 Playoff Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators Betting Odds and Prediction

Brooksbets — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:07:59 GMT

There were a lot of surprises in the first round of the NHL playoffs this year, but not when it came to these two teams. The Penguins goaltending was clearly a front and center topic heading into round one and it became an even bigger story when Vokoun supplanted Fleury for the number one spot. I suspected the Islanders could snatch a couple victories from them and they almost did more than that. Meanwhile, the Senators used their 2012 playoff experience wisely and quickly took care of a Montreal team that wasn't quite ready for prime-time. So what happens when these two square off toni

NHL 2013 Playoff Preview: New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals Betting Odds and Prediction

Brooksbets — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:45:34 GMT

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals are meeting in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years. Should we expect much of the same or have the changes on the rosters set the stage for something new?

Seeing is Believing?

NHL 2013 Playoff Preview: Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators Betting Odds and Prediction

Brooksbets — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:22:57 GMT

The entire hockey world was hoping for a Habs vs Leafs first round matchup, but instead we'll get to see Montreal vs Ottawa. It may not have the history or bad blood that a Toronto series would've brought, but this is as compelling of a matchup that we'll find in round one. Let's take a closer look at the key factors.

Goaltending

Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks Betting Odds and Preview

Brooksbets — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:49:18 GMT

If there's one series I don't feel good about picking, it's this one. There isn't a lot separating these teams and it could come down to random luck.

Goaltending

Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders Betting Odds and Preview

Brooksbets — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:08:56 GMT

Much like the Wild in the West, no one is giving the Islanders much a chance in this series. Sportsbooks have made them a full two game underdog for the series, so the prevailing perception is that Pittsburgh will take care of business in four or five games. Is this a true representation of the matchup? Well it is and it isn't. Let's take a closer look at the key factors.

Goaltending

Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Odds and Preview

Brooksbets — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:32:17 GMT

When the Ottawa Senators beat the Boston Bruins on the final day of the regular season, I was disappointed we weren't going to see a Leafs/Habs first round matchup. That said, getting to see the Toronto try to match-up against Boston might be the next best thing. This is perhaps one of the easiest first round series to breakdown and there's no question in my mind which side has the decided edge.

Advanced Stats

NHL Playoffs 2013: Conne Smythe Trophy Betting Odds and Preview

Brooksbets — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:01:08 GMT

When it comes to predicting the Conne Smythe winners, the obvious names are going to show up on most lists you see - Crosby, Kane, Toews, Fleury, Crawford, and Malkin. Parting ways with your hard earned cash on one of these players is not worth the investment. It's much more likely that one, if not both, of these teams fall short of the Stanley Cup Final. Therefore we have to search for the best bang for our buck choice. Here are my top five value picks for the playoff M.V.P. this year.

Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks Betting Odds and Preview

Brooksbets — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:50:53 GMT

The Detroit Red Wings are sure to be one of the most popular upset picks of the first round. Sportsbooks have rightly made the Anaheim Ducks the favorites in this one, but this isn't a series that I see going the distance. Let's take a closer look at where the advantages lie.

Perception

Los Angeles Kings vs St Louis Blues Betting Odds and Preview

Brooksbets — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:08:45 GMT

When these two teams met last season, most people were expected long, hard-fought series. Instead, the Kings steamrolled the Blues in shocking fashion and swept them in four games. The rest as we know, is history, but why are the Kings being favored this year? A different team has won the Stanley Cup in each of the last nine seasons and I don't know if LA have it in them to go the distance again this time around. I expect a much better showing from St Louis this year and I expect them to win the series.

Goaltending

Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild Betting Odds and Preview

Brooksbets — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:33:34 GMT

Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks are goint to steamroll the 8th seeded Minnesota Wild? If so, you probably don't want to continue reading this article. Once we take a look at the betting odds, we find out that Chicago is favored by a full two games over Minnesota. This means that the Blackhawks must win this series in four or five games to make it worth a bet. Based on what I see, there is value to be had on the underdog Wild. Let's take a closer look at three factors to consider.

Goaltending

Los Angeles Lakers News: The Los Angeles Lakers Start An Early Playoff Run For Their Lives: Five, Four, Three Two One Or Your Done!

andre.mccarter — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:14:13 GMT

On Sunday, April 7th, The Los Angeles Lakers lost their regular season, round four “Thriller In Manila” bout to the much improved, “Lob City” Los Angeles Clippers 109-95. The Clippers swept the Lakers all four regular season games.

Carmelo Anthony & Kevin Durant Duel For Scoring Title

pables21 — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:21:54 GMT

Kevin Durant just cannot catch a break. The league's most prolific scorer is about to complete a historic 50-40-90 shooting season, one of the most amazing in NBA history. Yet LeBron James from the Miami Heat is considered to be the unanimous choice for MVP.

At least Durant was locked in to win the league's scoring title for a fourth consecutive season. It would serve as a nice consolation prize for the league's most dangerous scorer, who had led the NBA in that category for most of the regular season.

AND1's Resurgence Continues To Influence Hoops Culture

gina.antoniello — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:07:37 GMT

At its inception in 1993, AND1 set out to change the landscape of basketball by bringing those in the shadow, into the spotlight. They brought notoriety to those who innovated on the court, stayed true to their style, and exuded passion for the game that was contagious. AND1 created a brand of basketball that became instantly iconic in the 90’s. The Mix Tapes became an immediate craze, showcasing streetballers and ballhandling, and eventually, some of the best dunkers in America.

Impossible Is Nothing: Do The Knicks Have What It Takes To Beat The Heat?

DeanJones — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:36:02 GMT

With three regular season wins against the Miami Heat, could the New York Knicks be the ones to stop the current NBA Champions from repeating?

Stranger things have happened.

With The Streak Now At 21, Can Anyone Beat The Heat?

DeanJones — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 10:13:46 GMT

21 wins in a row, the Miami Heat are on a roll.

The bad thing for the rest of the NBA, is that they are showing no signs of letting up.

Friday's 107-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks leaves the Heat 12 wins away from tying the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers' all time record of 33 wins straight. Few would bet against them at this point to at least get within striking distance of making history. Only three of their remaining games in March are against current playoff teams, so the schedule has been kind if they are to achieve greatness.

Miami Looks to Extend Streak Tonight vs. 76ers

Ryan Pastrana — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:31:04 GMT

LeBron James and the rest of the Heat took one of their days off last week to record a Harlem Shake video, which immediately went viral. One would think that with so much goofing around on their off days can't always translate to on-court success, but the Heat just keep on rolling. After getting past the Orlando Magic on Wednesday evening they now have extended their win streak to sixteen games. They are by far the best team in the NBA right now with everyone contributing behind MVP-candidate James.

Smart Move by OKC Thunder to bring Derek Fisher back

wayne.thomas — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:39:07 GMT

Veteran point guard Derek Fisher was signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. Fisher fills a void left at the position after the Thunder traded guard Eric Maynor to Portland. Fisher played for the Thunder for 40 total games last season. 20 in the regular season and 20 in the playoff run to the NBA Finals.

Same Old: Tony Parker And The Spurs Still Setting The Standard, But For How Long?

DeanJones — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:09:02 GMT

This was a big win for the San Antonio Spurs.

In more ways than one.

Last nights 116-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers cemented the Spurs as the hottest team in the NBA. With the best record in the Western Conference and add to that a healthy margin to boot. It will take a supreme effort from the teams below them to surpass them and gain Home Field advantage in the Playoffs.

Same Old: Tony Parker And The Spurs Still Setting The Standard, But For How Long?

DeanJones — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:46:06 GMT

This was a big win for the San Antonio Spurs.

In more ways than one.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Dead at age 80, Is The Greatest Owner In NBA History

wayne.thomas — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:27:36 GMT

Jerry Buss, the outstanding owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, died at the age of 80 on Monday. Buss died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the cause of death was Kidney failure. Buss had been hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai for the past 18 months while undergoing cancer treatment.

NBA News: Lakers Verses Clippers: Round Three Of The ‘Thriller In Manila; Who Will Flip The Switch?

andre.mccarter — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:06:48 GMT

The Lakers and the Clippers tip off tonight. The Lakers and the Clippers are coming off wins in their last game. Both teams would like to go into All-Star Game with round three of this epic hometown saga. Everyone knows the Lakers possess championships while the Clippers are seeking their first, but this season, the story has taken wings of change in Clipper land.

NBA News: Lakers Verses Clippers: Round Three Of The ‘Thriller In Manila; Who Will Flip The Switch?

andre.mccarter — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:06:39 GMT