Posted on
6/1/2007 6:02:43 PM
NHL Betting - Anaheim Ducks at Ottawa Senators Game 3
By Vegas Dave
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Like Dirk Nowitzki versus the Golden State Warriors or Chauncey Billups against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Ottawa Senators (-170) top line has gone missing in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Anaheim Ducks (+150).
The combination of Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson has combined for two point in the opening two games. The bigger issue has been their effort – or lack thereof – and their lackadaisical play defensively. In both games, the Sens scoring line has been on the ice during the winning goal in the third period. Spezza, Heatley and Alfredsson are a combined -6 on the series.
The two teams have traveled across the continent and across borders, from the West Coast in Anaheim to the East Coast in Ottawa for Game 3.
For the Senators, there are no more ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ – they lose Game 3 and their opponent will be drinking out of Stanley’s Cup.
But the good news for the Senators is the fact that the Ducks, in their last nine Stanley Cup Finals’ games, are 5-0 and home, but 0-4 on the road.
The Senators have been out-hit, outplayed and outshot in the first two games. Ray Emery has faced 63 shots while J.S. Giguere has only had to deal with 36.
Interestingly enough, while the Ducks have struggled on the road in the Finals, they are 13-3 this season after a game where they scored one goal or less. Over the last three seasons, the Ducks have played in Ottawa only once but came up victorious.
Ottawa loves to play at home on Saturdays and is 16-5 in their last 21 Saturday games. Expect the crowd to energize their team and give them a kick in the butt. Ottawa is 18-8 in the last three seasons after a game where they scored one goal or less.
The Senators have yet to face any adversity in the playoffs and this is their first taste. If it is a bitter one, then the Ducks will earn the split and eventually earn the Cup. If the Sens are troopers, like they have claimed all season long, then they will head back to Anaheim with two wins in the first four games.
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