Posted on
4/9/2008 4:04:47 PM
NHL Furious Free Picks 2008 – Eastern Conference Playoff Picks
By Tim Furious
New York Rangers (42-27-13) vs. New Jersey Devils (46-29-7)
Wednesday, April 9th --- Prudential Center, New Jersey --- 7:00pm EST
NHL Betting Line: New Jersey -125
New York stumbled in to the playoffs in resounding fashion, leaving many sports betting investors wondering if they have the mustard to devour opponents in the playoffs like they’re supposed to. The boys in blue finished the season 2-3 SU in the final five of the season, including a season finale capped by a loss to New Jersey. Not a good sign for those of you that like the Rangers in our sportsbook futures as much as I do.
New Jersey is an uninspiring team, but you can’t argue with numbers. They won 4-of-5 to close out the season and more than kept up on the scoreboard. But the win over the Rangers in the season finale, and their steadfast home record speak for themselves. Still, it can’t be overlooked that the win over the Rangers last weekend was their first in seven tries this season.
Everyone will pile on the Rangers for not pulling their act together and being the offensive powerhouse that they’re supposed to be. Martin Brodeur is scary in net, especially in the post season, and has steadied the Devils to 2.40 goals against. But Henrik Lundqvist is no pushover, and has held the Rangers stiff defense up with 2.43 goals against per game.
I’ll stand by the Rangers to take a definitive step forward tonight and take control of the series. Bet all you want on Martin Brodeur, but if you think the fierce Jaromir Jagr has forgotten the bitter taste of last year’s playoff exit, than you’re dead wrong.
NHL Furious Free Pick: NYR +105 (UNDER)
Ottawa Senators (43-31-8) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (47-27-8)
Wednesday, April 9th --- Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh --- 7:00pm EST
NHL Betting Line: Pittsburgh -200
Let’s see here. No Daniel Alfredsson. No Mike Fisher. No goal tending and a porous defense. Playing a young up and coming team that you embarrassed in the playoffs last season. Finished the season off 1-4 SU and got the living hell beaten out of you by a grumpy Maple Leafs team. And you’re on the road. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Ottawa Senators!
Don’t be stupid. Bet on Pittsburgh. I know I’ve said that a -200 bet is silly, but it pads your payroll regardless and can be parlayed with any other pick as a mortal lock. Without two of their best two-way players, Ottawa is in deep trouble. It doesn’t help that the Sens will be facing a team that is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games. Can you feel playoff energy? Oh wait, that’s just your wallet getting fatter.
NHL Furious Free Pick: Pittsburgh -200 (OVER)
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