posted April 21, 2008 at 16:34 in NHL Betting Trends

Washington Capitals (43-31-8) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (42-29-11)

Monday, April 21st --- Wachovia Center, Philadelphia --- 7:00pm EST

Series: Phi 3-2

NHL Betting Line: Philadelphia -145

Today in online hockey betting we focus on the young guns, namely Alexander Semin, who came out blazing in the 3-2 victory from Saturday. And now the Flyers need a win to prevent sending this to a definitive Game 7 in Washington. The Caps are 13-4 SU in their last 17 games, which means that giving these stallions any room to breathe can only suffocate Philadelphia’s chances.

The problem for the Capitals betting faithful is that Philadelphia is undefeated in their last five home games. But it’s hard to bet against the Capitals, especially with momentum in their favor and their young guns gaining confidence with every playoff victory. The scariest element of this game is that now Washington has Philadelphia gasping on their heels, because nobody expected the Caps to come out firing like that.

And now, with Philadelphia 2-4 SU in their last 6 games against Washington, the betting backers for the Caps are coming out in full force. Versatile defenseman, Mike Green, has seven points in the playoffs and has been a real problem for Philadelphia. Hell, he nearly castrated one of the Flyers who tried to block one of his slap-shots. But his production has made everyone in front of him that much more improved, and now the Washington point-man is going to make life a living hell for Philadelphia tonight.

Washington desperately needs Alexander Ovechkin to step up, but if he doesn’t it isn’t the end of the world. Why do you think Semin and Backstrom have been able to score in this series? Because when Ovechkin is on the ice, the Flyers throw every body they have at him in an effort to stop him. With the Flyers shoddy defense, which allows 2.84 goals against, they can’t allow Ovechkin to unleash the hounds on their crease.

That’s where the other chances are coming from – the attention Alexander The Great calls for from Philadelphia is opening the doors wide open for the other young bucks on Washington. And that is why you should side with the Caps tonight despite the disadvantage on the road.

NHL Betting Line: Washington +125 (UNDER)

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