Tommy Gold NHL 2009/2010 Playoffs Picks

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (10-7-2, +4.02u) 2010.04.21 ADDED pick:

Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens: Washington Capitals 3Way (1X2) -120 (1.83) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.20 results recap:

Phoenix Coyotes @ Detroit Red Wings: Under 5 +120 (2.20) JazzSports (3-0: WIN)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker (4-7: WIN)
New Jersey Devils @ Philadelphia Flyers: Over 5 -105 (1.95) 5Dimes (4-1: PUSH/VOID)
Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators: Chicago Blackhawks -0.5 +122 (2.22) 5Dimes (4-1: LOSS)

NHL 2010.04.20 finished 2-1-1 and +1.5 units won/3 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 176-224-6, -1.47 units won (400 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 144-162-6, +17.13 units won (306 units risked)



NHL PLAYOFFS (10-7-2, +4.02u) 2010.04.20 final 4 picks:


Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins

Game after game, the Sabres are losing their belief. They started with a win, thinking that they could pass against a big team like the Red Wings. But after that first win, the team weren't able to hold Bruins offense. Their defense at this point isn't their worst fact, their offense is starting to struggle.

With Vanek probably out again, the team are showing some difficulties. They are shooting almost the same than the Bruins, but can be effective like them. Everyone still thinking that the Sabres still got their chances, and can win tonight to recover their home advantage.

But a team that have the best goalie theoretically, scored first in all the 3 games, will be able to "steal" a game on the road? Like I said in game 3, the Sabres are not the kind of team that we can expect a good performance on the road.

Their goalie, that has been incredible this season, done a incredible performance in game 1, allowing a win by one goal. But since that game, Bruins have improved a lot, and learned from that game. Ryan Miller can be a key, but not alone. He needs his team in order to help the team, but the team are starting to lose "gas", and the mechanism are being broken.

The Bruins are only the 6th seed while the Sabres are the 3th. Even so, they are favorites to pass this series. Everyone knows that the talent in the Bruins side haven't been shown yet. Meanwhile, the Sabres have fully accomplish their best shape yet, and it's hard to believe that they will improve.

In my opinion, when both teams arrived to the playoffs, the Sabres started to went down while finally the Bruins realize that now it's serious and so far are improving. Their defense has been outstanding lately. Rask is transcending himself lately, and at this point they are probably one of the best defending teams in NHL.

Another think to see the improvement, is that the Bruins were the worst offense between teams that are in the playoffs. Their game is based in defense, and they are able to win when their defense is effective.

But their offense is improving also lately, a lot, and while the Bruins are getting moral and confidence, the discouragement that the Sabres are showing, will be the key for a comfortable win for the Bruins.

Pick: Boston Bruins PL -1.5 +250 (3.50) Bookmaker



Vancouver Canucks @ Los Angeles Kings

Today, the Kings will host the Canucks, appointed by some people like one of the strongest contenders to hold the Stanley Cup. But the truth is that the Kings already stole the home advantage to Canucks, and could today hold that advantage. If they win today, they will only need one more game to advance, and even if they lose in Vancouver, they can pass at home.

The Canucks made their ride to the NHL playoffs mostly before the Olympic break. Until that break, the team were able to make fantastic streaks and were playing a really strong game. However, since the break, they are showing some problems, mostly in defense. The team are not playing as good as they were, and, sadly for Vancouver people, the team seems unable to reach their goals.

Vancouver hosted this year the Olympic Winter Games, where the Ice Hockey had a big impact. The people of the city were living a truly sports year, and the impact and underrated in the local team is higher than never. This might had some damage effect in the team. Nevertheless, and due to this facts, the team still favorite to win this game and the series.

The Kings won many game as dogs this season. But they still be underrated, as we can see today. At their own home, they are again dogs, in a game that can make the difference in the Kings team. The team as been cohesive all year, and even being a surprise their participation in the playoffs, the truth is that is deserved. The team can be really good, as they are not just good in defense or offense.

They can be good at both sides of the ice, and that's why they are hard to beat. At home, the team plays always better, allowing few goals and scoring a lot. In the past 3 games, we saw two games went to OT. Both games were in Vancouver, and one of that games were won by the Kings. This shows how the Kings approached this series, trying to steal at least one game at Vancouver to get advantage.

When they played the third game, already in Los Angeles, this series had the first game without OT. The Kings were able to solve the game in regular time, with a 5-3 result. Besides this moral differences, there are others thinks to keep in mind. The Kings were able to hold their defense in all three games, while the Canucks are showing big problems, specially in PP situation.

In the overall, the Kings scored 7 PP goals while the Canucks only 2. In this game, the home advantage is a big factor, as the Canucks ended the regular season with a negative record on the road.

Pick: Los Angeles Kings ML +104 (2.04) BetPhoenix, +100 (2.00) Bookmaker


*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.19 results recap:

Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins: Boston Bruins PL -1.5 +245 (3.45) Bookmaker (2-1: LOSS)
Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens: Over 6 -108 (1.93) BetPhoenix (1-5: PUSH/VOID)
Vancouver Canucks @ Los Angeles Kings: Los Angeles Kings ML +100 (2.00) Bookmaker (5-3: WIN)

NHL 2010.04.19 finished 1-1-1 and ZERO units won/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 174-223-5, -2.97 units won (397 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 142-161-4, +15.63 units won (303 units risked)



NHL PLAYOFFS (8-6-1, +2,52u) 2010.04.20 final 4 picks:

Phoenix Coyotes @ Detroit Red Wings: Under 5 +120 (2.20) JazzSports, +115 (2.15) Bookmaker

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker

New Jersey Devils @ Philadelphia Flyers: Over 5 -105 (1.95) 5Dimes

Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators: Chicago Blackhawks -0.5 +122 (2.22) 5Dimes, Chicago 3Way (1X2) +110 (2.10) Bookmaker, Goalwin

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS (7-5, +2,52u) 2010.04.19 final 3 picks:

Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins: Boston Bruins PL -1.5 +245 (3.45) Bookmaker

Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens: Over 6 -108 (1.93) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) 5Dimes

Vancouver Canucks @ Los Angeles Kings: Los Angeles Kings ML +100 (2.00) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.14 results recap:

Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Over 5.5 -105 (1.95) The Greek (4-5: WIN)
Philadelphia Flyers @ New Jersey Devils: New Jersey Devils PL -1.5 +190 (2.90) BetPhoenix (1-2: LOSS)

NHL 2010.04.14 finished 1-1 and -0.05 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 167-218-4, -5.54 units won (385 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 135-156-4, +13.06 units won (291 units risked)



NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.15 results recap:

Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +115 (2.15) Bookmaker (2-3 OT: LOSS)
Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres: Boston Bruins ML +145 (2.45) Bookmaker (2-1: LOSS)

NHL 2010.04.15 finished 0-2 and -2 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 167-220-4, -7.54 units won (387 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 135-158-4, +11.06 units won (293 units risked)



NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.16 results recap:

Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Under 5.5 +100 (2.00) Bookmaker (2-1: WIN)

NHL 2010.04.16 finished 1-0 and +1 unit won/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 168-220-4, -6.54 units won (388 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 136-158-4, +12.06 units won (294 units risked)



NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.17 results recap:

Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres: Boston Bruins ML +140 (2.40) BetPhoenix (3-5: WIN)

NHL 2010.04.17 finished 1-0 and +1.4 units won/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 169-220-4, -5.14 units won (389 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 137-158-4, +13.46 units won (295 units risked)



NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.18 results recap:

Phoenix Coyotes @ Detroit Red Wings: Detroit Red Wings PL -1.5 +165 (2.65) Bookmaker (2-4: LOSS)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Ottawa Senators ML +115 (2.15) BetPhoenix (2-4: LOSS)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Over 5.5 +106 (2.06) BetPhoenix (2-4: WIN)

New Jersey Devils @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers ML -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix (3-2 OT: WIN)
Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks: Under 5 +125 (2.25) 2BetDSI (Diamond DSI) (2-0: WIN)
San Jose Sharks @ Colorado Avalanche: Under 5.5 -110 (1.91) BetPhoenix (1-0 OT: WIN)

NHL 2010.04.18 finished 4-2 and +2.17 units won/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 173-222-4, -2.97 units won (395 units risked)

NHL since 2009.11.23: 141-160-4, +15.63 units won (301 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.18 last 5 picks:

New Jersey Devils @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers ML -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Ottawa Senators ML +115 (2.15) BetPhoenix, +110 (2.10) Bookmaker

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Over 5.5 +106 (2.06) BetPhoenix, +100 (2.00) The Greek, 5Dimes

Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks: Under 5 +125 (2.25) 2BetDSI (Diamond DSI), JazzSports, +120 (2.20) Bookmaker

San Jose Sharks @ Colorado Avalanche: Under 5.5 -110 (1.91) BetPhoenix, -115 (1.87) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.18 first pick:

Phoenix Coyotes @ Detroit Red Wings: Detroit Red Wings PL -1.5 +165 (2.65) Bookmaker, Bet Jamaica

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.17 first pick:

Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres: Boston Bruins ML +140 (2.40) BetPhoenix, +135 (2.35) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.16 only pick:

Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins

After a surprise, with the current NHL champions being defeated at home in the first playoff game this season, it's time to think in another approach, or the train could pass and they lost their chance to revalidate the title in an early stage.

If we analyze the first game, despite the fact that we won our over, the game had few shots, much less than both teams usually do. It's true that the fact that the Senators built a early advantage could compromise the pace, but in 9 goals, 4 were in PP situation. The Penguins had the pressing to chase the result, but only had 21 shots. The Senators were able to score 5 goals with 26 shots, and we can see that the first game had a big accuracy from both teams.

Today, the game as the be more prudent from the Penguins. They can't take the risk to lose another game at home, in order to keep true aspirations to pass this series. They can and have to defend better, control the game all the way, and be prudent. We can also expect a the Senators to be expectance, they are aware to probably will not get another good entrance in the game, but will try to old the Penguins as much as they can, to try their chances when the Penguins gets in desperation and start giving more spaces in their defense. So, a very prudent and tactical game is expected, with less accuracy than they had last game.

Pick: Under 5.5 +100 (2.00) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.15 final 2 picks:

Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals

Few months ago, it was easiest to think that the Capitals could get the Stanley Cup than the Canadiens get a spot in the playoffs. However, the playoff spot is already granted for the Canadiens, and the Capitals still have a long road to win the Cup. This will be their first game in that final path, and despite some losses lately, they can bring up their potential.

The Capitals were the best team in the regular season, and will enter the playoffs will all they got. The team have several Russians, including the all star Ovechkin, that want's to win the Stanley Cup in order to forget the loss in the Olympic Games. Players like Ovechkin need titles, and after the Stanley Cup ran away from them last year. Their offensive and powerplays are just amazing, and they can kill any team.

Montreal arrives to the playoffs as the biggest dog. They passed some bad moments this season, struggled a lot. They allow more goals than score, and that's always a problem. This team can have a big improvement in their moral, as they achieved the playoffs, however, the regular season was a long season for them, with lot's of questions and bad games.

Despite the Canadiens can bring all up today, it will never be enough to hold the Capitals. The Capitals will enter the series without making any mistakes, playing at their best, and will try to dispatch the Canadiens as soon as possible, in 4 games if possible.

Pick: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +115 (2.15) Bookmaker


Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres: Boston Bruins ML +145 (2.45) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NHL PLAYOFFS 2010.04.14 final 2 picks:

Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins

This game will mark the kickoff for the Playoffs 2010. The final stage to win the Stanley Cup will begin. The current champions, the Penguins, will host Ottawa Senators. This is the matchup between the 4š and 5š seed, so, theoretically, itīs the most balanced game. It sounds odd, putting the Senators in the same plate of the Penguins, but after the end of this last regular season, isnīt hard to believe in it. They have only 3 wins, in 82 games, between them. But there is no doubt that the Penguins seems made to the postseason, and itīs hard to believe that the current champions could trail so soon.

How can the Senators turn things good for their side? Only with a big entrance in the series. They havenīt the home advantage, they will face the current champions with lotīs of players that loves to play playoffs games and can solve the game alone. Itīs true that the Penguins showed some problems during the season, the biggest in the defense. So, Senators will have to take advantage of that weak point, and try to score as soon as they can, throwing the penguins to the offensive even more and try to score always more than the Penguins. We have to face it, itīs very likely that the Penguins will score some goals. Both teams ended the regular season with almost 3 goals allowed per game.

Both teams are already anxious to start playing. Penguins wants to recover from a bad regular season. Ottawa wants to show that had built a good team this year and have the experience to pass a though test. Both teams are better on the offense, and there is no doubt that this is a good game to open the playoffs, as we will probably see a good show, with a high pace and lots of goals.

Pick: Over 5.5 -105 (1.95) The Greek



Philadelphia Flyers @ New Jersey Devils

For this matchup, we have a different situation from the regular season. In the regular season, Flyers won 5 games and lost only one to the Devils. Both teams passed different phases during the season. Flyers started hot, but trailed during a while, jeopardy the playoffs. Devils where constant during the season, showing that this year were a true contenders to the Stanley Cup. They acquired Kovalchuk, to increase their hopes, thinking that the team potential could increase instantly, but since Kovalchuk arrived, the team passed their worst moment in the season. They passed many games trying to get the needed chemistry between their best players. But now, everything is different.

Philadelphia swapped the playoff place to the Rangers after some difficulties during the new year eve. They have Ray Emery out for the season and Leighton indefinitely. So, their only goaltenders with a positive record are out. Their defense is their weakest point, as they can be good on the offense. This team can score easily, as they base their game in the offense. But despite they have Pronger, Richards along others, this team are not so well prepared to play this match. I think that they can easily give a surprise, after all, this is a derby where everything can happen. But even so, I think that is much probable that the Devils will win a game in Philadelphia.

The Devils will enter the playoffs, and have to show that the final stage of the regular season was only the team oiling. They are seeking Stanley Cup for several years, and the truth is that their believes are high. They got one of the best rosters in the NHL and already showed this season that they can be really strong. They can have a good defense, and will have Brodeur in the nets, a goaltender that can make the difference specially in this games. Their offense is really good, and can be even better than they already showed. Their confidence is big, and they know that they need to start well the series. And as we know, game one can make the difference for the development of the series. So, the Devils have to control it, and Flyers will have to go after the prejudice. In case the Devils are leading only by one goal, the good offense they have will be able to score when the Flyers will make their last effort with empty nets.

Pick: New Jersey Devils PL -1.5 +180 (2.90) BetPhoenix, +180 (2.90) Bookmaker

*One unit each always.