NHL Playoffs: Round Two Predictions, Caps Penguins, Blues Stars
Well, that was the worst first round we have ever had at Z-Code. We went 4-4 in the first round, but 10-0 on our progression wagers. We finished up 3.84 units overall after deciding not to hedge out of our +320 Ducks bet when they were up 3 games to 2. I guess we got greedy. I had the Ducks winning it all this year. Swing and a miss.
Now, we regroup. We’re playing with house money a little bit here. Still, I had my eyes set on a $1,000 first round before the Blackhawks and Ducks both came up short. We’re going to go a little more conservative here. I’m going to have to make some serious adjustments to my bracket. We’re on an ABC progression on the Lightning and assuming Ben Bishop wakes up. All in all, this should be fun.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals (-120)
– Originally, I was all over the Caps. They were the best team in the East, they had balance, and they had all the momentum after coasting down the stretch. Then a backup goalie happened and the Flyers stretched them out a bit. Now, I think the Penguins have the most momentum and might be the best team left. Goaltending is super important and I’d be surprised if Braden Holtby doesn’t win the Vezina. Still, I’m going to bet against goaltending, bet against my heart, and take the Penguins at even money for half a unit.
Series pick: Penguins .5 units
New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning (+150)
– I would have paid a premium but we had to wait for the Western bracket to finish up. So, we lost our first game in an ABC and Ben Bishop blew it for us, but they’ll bounce back. I don’t trust Greiss, I like the depth of the Lightning, and I think we’re okay here. I’m buying back in. Keeping my ABC and going with a value pick in the loser line.
Series pick: Lightning .5 pays .75
St. Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars
I’ve got no pick here. The Stars are great and I like rooting for them and the Blues might be exhausted, but to me these are two evenly matched teams that are in for a battle. Gun to my head, I’ll go with Dallas.
Series Pick: Stars.
Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks
I think this is a pretty even matchup. Preds should be a little bit exhausted, but Sharks have some serious holes and Pekka Rinne is playing lights out hockey. As such, there is undeniable value here at +160. Don’t feel confident at all, but I like a small play here.
Series Pick: Predators .5 pays .8
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