All of the first round match-ups proceeded as expected. The Wild bumbled their way into a Game 7 and really couldn’t put together the consistency to push things over. I was surprised that Fiala and Kaprizov were basically non-factors in the overall series. VGK’s PK did a great job, with a strong 90% showing in Round 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s my take on the second round:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking at GAA\/PP%\/PK% it’s easy to spin this in the B’s direction. I feel, however, that the Islanders depth is starting to show and I’m looking to see how JG Pageau and Palmieri can make a difference. K Miller is still not skating yet for the Bruins and their D depth will be tested. The regular season match-up results were a little weird with the two teams trading mini win streaks as the Bruins lost 5 in a row and then won the final 3. While writing this article the Islanders Series line went from +226 to +210. And +1.5 games moved to -115 from +113. The latter was a good pick-up at the time. Special teams are always important in playoffs, so in the end I pick Boston to win the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TAM is -130 favoured to win this series. The Predators had the Canes on the ropes a few times during the season, but OT came through for the Canes. The Bolts are a different beast. PK performance could be the difference, but I’m going to give the big edge to the defending champs and their hot PP. I think there’s good value in the series game handicap. Season series went 4-4 with teams winning home games 3 out of 4 each. The under was 1-6-1, a lot of mutual respect?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playoffs, special teams. This matchup will be quite interesting. Further, the play of Grubauer will also determine how quickly the Avs can finish the Golden Knights off. Yes, that’s how I see it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Won’t read too much into Toronto’s stellar PK stats after five games vs. the Habs. But I like the Hellebuyck situation here for the Jets and their line up vs. the Leafs. Might revisit this after the series is officially over, but I like the Jets vs. either TOR\/MTL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WPG vs COL and TAM vs BOS seem like great conference final series!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NHL Playoffs Picks – Round2<\/strong> Playoffs Picks Record<\/strong>: 3-1 +2.92 units Picks Log<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n
1u – BOS + COL series win parlay -100
0.5u Tampa -1.5 games series win +141<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stanley Cup Pick:<\/strong> Tampa Bay Lightning +750<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Round 1: 1.5u CAR -1.5 games to win series -130 – Win +1.15u<\/span><\/strong>
Round 1: 1u NYI +130 – Win +1.3u<\/span><\/strong>
Round 1: 1u BOS+COL -103 – Win +0.97u<\/span><\/strong>
Round 1: 0.5u MIN +215 – Loss -0.5u<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n