Articles by Cappers Picks related to online NHL hockey betting, and handicapping live NHL matchups.
Bruins Look For Stranglehold in Cup Final
Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night was by far the least competitive game of the series so far – it was the only game that hasn’t needed extra time to determine a winner. The Chicago Blackhawks will be looking for a strong bounce back effort on Wednesday night when they try to even the Cup Final on the heels of a sound beating in Game 3 in every aspect of the game.
Stanley Cup Final Moves to Boston for Game 3
The Stanley Cup Final makes its first appearance in Boston in two years Monday night when the Bruins, who evened the series Saturday night, look to take control over the hard-luck Chicago Blackhawks who had their chances but were unable to solve Tuukka Rask in Game 2.
The second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs typically offers the least intrigue, but things are about to pick up on the ice as the final four playoff teams battle for a spot in the Stanley Cup Final. The four remaining teams represent the last four Stanley Cup champions, so we know each side possesses a winning pedigree.
Two teams coming off exhausting seven game semi-final series meet in the Western Conference Final that starts Saturday in Chicago. It isn’t much of a surprise that both the Kings and Hawks are in this position – each has won a Cup in the last four years and each has the quintessential formula for success in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Los Angeles Kings are right where they want to be – at home hosting Game 7 against the San Jose Sharks in a building that they have won all three games in their semi-finals series and have won 13 straight games overall dating back to the regular season. The Kings were also 7-0 last year in the playoffs during their Stanley Cup run.
The Chicago Blackhawks already passed a huge test in their second round series with the Detroit Red Wings – they survived their first elimination game Saturday night. Another huge test looms Monday night – another elimination game – this time in what is sure to be an amped up Joe Louis Arena.
With the playoffs in full swing it’s a good time to take a look at the candidates for the upcoming NHL awards before the regular season becomes but a blip in our rear-view mirror. The finalists for each award have been announced, and lines are trickling in at various sportsbooks.
Well, it certainly looked as if the Ottawa Senators incredible season was in its twilight Wednesday night when they lost Game 4 at home 7-3. Did it not seem like it was only a matter of time? The Penguins had peppered Senators goaltender Craig Anderson with 50 shots in a 2-1 double overtime loss in Game 3 on Sunday, but the offensive juggernaut would not be denied a second game in a row.
It is hard to believe that it was just over a week ago that the New York Rangers were celebrating a convincing Game 7 win against Washington and the optimism was palpable in the Big Apple.
A couple of weeks ago it seemed unimaginable that the Chicago Blackhawks could be outworked, outhustled and yes, even outclassed by any team in the NHL. But that’s precisely what is happening as the Detroit Red Wings prepare to take a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series with the Chicago Blackhawks.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semi-final was “the one they let slip away” but for the Ottawa Senators it was a reward for all of the good work that they did in the first two games against the heavily favored Penguins.
With action underway in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, teams are beginning to approach the finish line of this NHL season.
The San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings get back at it Tuesday night after a thrilling Game 3 at the Shark Tank saw the home team win yet again in the series. The home teams have won all three games so far this series and both teams are undefeated at home in the postseason this year.
For the second straight postseason series, the New York Rangers return home in a, 0-2 hole needing to win just to keep their heads above water. Their second round opponent the Boston Bruins have been clicking on all cylinders ahead of Game 3 – the Rangers are in tough against a team that boasts depth up front, a ton of talent on defense and wealth of playoff experience on the roster.
Wings Hope to Ride Wave Of Confidence to Game 3 Victory
To a man the Detroit Red Wings said they would be better in Game 2 of the Western Conference semi final after losing Game 1, 4-1 and they backed up their claim in a big way for Detroit’s first win against Chicago in nine tries – the Red Wings’ first in regulation since April 2011.
There is no greater sports rivalry than the only between New York and Boston but in hockey, playoff matchups between the two cities have been few and far between. In fact, the last time the Rangers and the Bruins met in the playoffs was way back in 1973 – the Rangers won that series.
