The Flyers face off against the Hurricanes in Game 2, while the Golden Knights open up against the Ducks, with NBA Round 2 starting up
It’s hockey carnage across most Canadian cities this morning, as second round of the NHL playoffs get going.
In Toronto, they’re rolling out John Chayka as the new general manager, while bringing Mats Sundin back as senior executive advisor.
In Vancouver they’re looking to score the No. 1 overall pick in tomorrow’s draft lottery. In Ottawa they’re speculating on the future of Brady Tkachuk, and it’s the same vibe in Winnipeg with goalie Connor Hellebuyck. There’s a lot of chatter about U.S. stars wanting to go back home to play, à la Matthew Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes.
Calgary finished fourth from the bottom of the league so they’re also staring at a high draft pick.
Only in Montreal is there sunshine and warmth, as the Habs took out the Lightning in Tampa Bay last night, 2-1, and look forward to a second round series against the Buffalo Sabres, which opens up Wednesday in Buffalo.
This is the spring of young upstart teams – the Habs and the Sabres, the Ducks out west, the Flyers in their second round series against Carolina.
BEST BETS
NHL
Philadelphia Flyers at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. EST, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Hurricanes led series 1-0
Carolina Hurricanes To Win
Looking at NHL betting odds on Betway this morning, Hurricanes are -236 Moneyline favourites, with the Flyers at +200. Against the spread: Carolina -1.5 (+105), Philadelphia +1.5 (-135). Over/Under is 5.5 (Over +105, Under -125).
Carolina dominated in Game 1 of the series, a 3-0 win on Saturday night. It’s been five years since Frederik Andersen left Toronto, but there he is as No. 1 goalie on the Hurricanes – 19 saves for the shut out in Game 1.
The Hurricanes are cruising now – 9-0-1 in their last ten games, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.3 assists, 5.2 penalties and 12.6 penalty minutes while giving up 1.6 goals per game.
The Hurricanes remain undefeated this off-season and are a Stanley Cup betting favourite (+200).
Alexander Nikishin is day to day (concussion) for the Hurricanes, while Owen Tippett (undisclosed) is day to day for the Flyers, with Rodrigo Abols (ankle) and Nikita Grebenkin (upper body) both out.
NHL
Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights, 9:30 p.m. EST, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Game 1
Under 6.5 (-110)
Golden Knights are -165 Moneyline favourites, with the Ducks at +135. Against the spread: Golden Knights -1.5 (+140), Ducks +1.5 (-180). Over/Under is 6.5 (Over -110, Under -110).
The Golden Knights host the Ducks to open up their Western Conference second round series. In their last 10 games, the Golden Knights are 7-2-1, averaging 3.9 goals, 6.6 assists, 3.5 penalties and 7.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.
The Ducks are 6-3-1, averaging 4.2 goals, 7.2 assists, 2.9 penalties and 6.7 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game, in their last 10.
The Ducks owned the Golden Knights over the season, at 3-0, but Vegas has more momentum, rallying back from 2-1 in their opening round series against the Utah Mammoth, winning three games in a row to take the series.
Plus, while the Ducks power play clicked in their series against Edmonton, Vegas has better penalty killers.
That’s why I am leaning the Under 6.5 tonight – a diminished role for special teams, two solid defensive teams, backed up with the Ducks’ Lukas Dostal (4-2, 3.87 GAA, .874 SV%) and the Golden Knights’ Carter Hart (4-2, 2.72 GAA, .898 SV%).
NBA
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 8 p.m. EST, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Game 1
Philadelphia 76ers ATS +6.5 (-105)
Knicks are -260 Moneyline favourites, with the 76ers at +225. Against the spread: Knicks -6.5 (-115), 76ers +6.5 (-105). Over/Under is 212.5 (Over -110, Under -110).
No real injuries to report – C Joel Embiid (appendectomy) is probable, and Tyrese Maxey is available for Philly. Jeremy Sochan is probable for the Knicks.
I’ll pass on the Moneyline but take the 76ers to cover. Philadelphia has covered the spread in four of their last five games in their series against Boston with Embiid in there. My eyes are on PF Paul George, with the Knicks focusing in on Maxey, back from an injury, and Embiid.
NBA
Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 p.m. EST, Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Game 1
San Antonio Spurs ATS -12.5 (-110)
Spurs are -600 Moneyline favourites, with the Timberwolves at +450. Against the spread: Spurs -12.5 (-110), Timberwolves +12.5 (-110). Over/Under is 217.5 (Over -105, Under -115).
The health of Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards is the big question market going into this series, listed as questionable this morning with a knee injury. Ayo Dosunmu is questionable with right calf soreness, and Donte DiVincenzo is out. Carter Bryant (foot sprain) is questionable for the Spurs.
But -600 is too expensive. The Spurs are the clear favourite at home – elite defence. Not enough firepower for the Wolves against a super talented, young team.
