Bombing Bruins and Can-Do Canucks Talked About Teams of the NHL Playoffs

Frank Doyle looks at what NHL bettors have learned from the playoffs so far.

You Don’t Have to be a Shark to Choke

In noting how reliable the Sharks are to letting themselves down in the playoffs one throaty team was omitted from the role of honour. Step forward the big, bad Boston Bruins, the Massachusetts maulers, who were going to slap the Habs around and send them back across the border.

Those self-same Bruins are now deep in a 0-2 hole as they prepare for Game 3 tonight against Montreal in what’s going to be a raucous atmosphere at the Bell Centre. Tim Thomas has proved far from imperious and the loss of Zdeno Chara to a mystery virus was devastating for Boston in Game 2. If Chara skates tonight Boston can strike back and perhaps save the series. If not they’re not only facing elimination, but a brush as well. It’s a volatile game, hockey.

The Canucks Look Good

Vancouver started the playoffs as the Team Most Likely and nothing we’ve seen up until now has changed that perception. It would be nice if the defending Champions could offer a little more resistance. The Blackhawks don’t want for heart and effort but sometimes you’re just over-matched. Vancouver for the sweep tomorrow night is the most likely outcome.

If It’s the Playoffs, It Must Be the Red Wings

Business as usual for the Red Wings, who are 2-0 up and cruising in their series against the Coyotes. Game 3 is tonight at Phoenix and although the Coyotes are slight favorites the Red Wings are a great bet to win tonight because that’s the sort of thing that they do. The Coyotes insist to all and sundry that all they’re thinking about is the game against Detroit but if you were a Coyote would you wonder if Winnipeg really was your future? The loss of Coyote focus and the sheer professionalism of Detroit makes the Red Wings a good bet tonight.

The Long Struggle Continues for the Penguins

Pittsburgh dared to believe after a straight-forward, business as usual win over the Lightning in Game 1. That all got knocked on the head – literally – when Tampa Bay stormed back to win Game 2 and now Game 3 is tonight in Florida. Tampa Bay is the NHL betting favorite on home ice and the Penguins need to be very careful if they’re not to suddenly find their hold on the playoffs slipping slowly away.