Posted on 4/10/2008 6:14:52 PM

NHL Ice Hockey Betting - Playoff Picks

By Dave Golokhov

Boston Bruins @ Montreal Canadiens

NHL sports betting has never been more exciting. The Boston Bruins will be getting some healthy bodies back in time for the playoffs but that still might not be enough to upend the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the Montreal Canadiens.

Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron will be back in the lineup for the Bruins. Savard missed the team’s last seven games while Bergeron has been out since October.

The Canadiens dominate this series. They have won the last 11 meetings and are 23-7 in series against their rival. They have been outscored 47-19 in those 11 games.

If the Bruins are to pull the upset, they need to capitalize on the fact that the Habs have a young team, particularly in net. Carey Price, who took over the starting duties for the first time in his career this season, will be playing in the playoffs for the first time.

The Canadiens have a very experienced coaching staff, which will likely keep them from panicking and guide them to another series win over Boston.

Free Pick: Montreal -400

Philadelphia Flyers @ Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are the team that everyone wanted to see in the playoffs. On Friday night, we’ll get what we wanted.

The Capitals are one of the hottest teams in the league and needed a late-season surge to squeak into the playoffs. Management made several moves at the trade deadline to bolster their team and the moves – quite clearly – paid off.

Everyone is itching to see how Alexander Ovechkin and his league-best 64 goals respond in his first postseason. They will face an experience Flyers team, who are happy to be facing a young Capitals squad.

The Flyers are weak on the blue line but they may only have to contain Ovechkin. Many people believe that the Capitals are a one-trick pony. On paper, the Caps should have the advantage in net with Cristobal Huet but Martin Biron currently has a 121-minute shutout streak going and is playing some of his best hockey right now.

Keep in mind that although they are underdogs on the series price, they did finish with more points than the Capitals this season. The Capitals have home-ice advantage because they won their division.

Free Pick: Philadelphia +130

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