Odds and Bets: Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov’s Critical Contributions

Hurricanes vs Panthers Game 3: Aleksander Barkov’s Great Series

Through two impressive road wins, it’s easy to get swept up by Matthew Tkachuk putting the Hurricanes to the sword in overtime. There isn’t anything quite like it in sports when a Stanley Cup playoff match is in sudden death overtime and a player puts their stamp on a game, and possibly a series, with the winning goal.

For our purposes, we want to shed light on Aleksander Barkov’s contributions so far against Carolina. While he didn’t score the winning goals, he is one of the main reasons why the Panthers forced the issue to extra time in the first place. In both Games 1 and 2, he scored in the second period to tie the contest at 1-1. Guaranteeing that he’ll score again is pretty bold, so we’ll limit ourselves and say that he’ll continue to contribute with points. Some players have a knack for having terrific series, and Barkov appears to be in such a rhythm.

Best Bet: Take the over 0.5 points on Aleksander Barkov getting a point in Game 3

Nuggets vs Lakers Game 4: Bruce Brown the Super Sub

The last time any sort of NBA playoff round this late into the postseason witnessed both series concluding with sweeps was 1957. It’s also the first time in the playoff format most fans know today that this will have occurred in the conference finals – should it happen.

Regarding the West, it might transpire on Monday night in Game 4. Try as they might, the Los Angeles Lakers have not matched what the Denver Nuggets have thrown at them. One of those weapons has been Bruce Brown off the bench. 16 points, 12 points, and 15 points. Those are Brown’s tallies in the first three games. He is an excellent offensive player when charging toward the basket and more than once has lent a hand in tip-ins and rebounding. He’s playing with full confidence right now.

Best Bet: Take the over 12.5 points Bruce Brown.

Blue Jays vs Rays: Strong Start with Chris Bassitt

It feels like yesterday when there was so much hoopla surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays’ success over NL powerhouse the Atlanta Braves. After all, it was literally just a week ago when the Jays came off a home sweep. A critical set of divisional meetings awaited them but things have gone south. They fell in three of the four home games to the Yankees and were swept at home by the Orioles.

Now they travel to Florida to play the Tampa Bay Rays. Don’t look now but Tampa Bay is only 5-5 in its last 10. Not enough of a drop for them to fall into second place, but their lead in the division has been sliced to 2.5 games. Toronto is sending Chris Bassitt to the mound, whereas Tampa will put its faith in Trevor Kelley. The latter hasn’t played much this season, having partaken in only one game so far. He will most likely be followed by Josh Fleming. Bassitt is one of Toronto’s aces this season. Tampa Bay is an excellent offensive team, but if Bassitt can pitch well and Toronto takes advantage of Kelley, they should squeeze out a win.

Best Bet: Take the Blue Jays with the runline