Stanley Cup Playoffs!!

Just a quick post on my bets for the first night and first round of the greatest professional tournament in our country--the chase for Lord Stanley's Cup.

Series Bets

--Pittsburgh over Phily, -160

--Chicago over Calgary, -160

Game One Bets

--New Jersey over Carolina, -145

--Chicago over Calgary, -145

I laid off Penguins Game One. It was listed at -185, just too expensive juice. I am fine with my large wager on them for the series. The Flyers are the most penalized team in this tournament. The Penguins sagging power play will have too many chances over the next two weeks and break out of its slump, eventually winning a tight series.

The Blackhawks series bet may be dangerous. There's a chance its being made with my a lot of input from my heart, always a gambling tsk tsk. I take faith that I'm not a Blackhawk fan; hardly I am a die hard Wing Dinger. But, I love seeing the Hawks becoming relevant and built for the long term again. It's great for the NHL to have an amazing hockey town like Chicago buzzing again. And, its great for Detroit, as a regulard season attraction, to see a more-than-competitive Blackhawk team in the mix. Their games used to stop the world for fans, but have been irrelevant for at least a decade. Getting back to this series, there is a lot to like in the Flames, as they bring the best player to the table in Ignilia and a great goalie in Kiprusuff who we know can win playoff series. But I like the Hawks roster top-to-bottom better. And, unlike their brief playoff dalliance in 2001, this Hawks team has the town jacked up. Their crowds will be among the best out there, giving them a tremendous home ice edge. I think home ice carries them through this first round. Dont sleep on Khabibulin, though. The Flames might not have the best goalie and Khabibulin is due a playoff run. They'll take the series in and get a head start with a win in Game One.

As for the Devils, I wanted a little action on at least one game on opening night. The Devils are always tough at home and I love Martin Brodeur. The Devils will give the Cames a dose of defense tonight and get a home ice win.