Free Hockey Picks - May 01, 2010

We return to the NHL playoffs today on a 34-21 run over the last week and a half. During that time, we have hit 62%, grabbing +30 units in the process.

Don't forget: The Kentucky Derby is today, and we've got you covered! Get our Kentucky Derby premium pick sheet here.

WUNDERDOG 2010 RECENT RESULTS ($100/bet)
SPORT	WINS-LOSSES	%	NET
NFL	46-29 last 75 picks	61%	+$4060
CFB	25-10 last 35 picks	71%	+$6040
MLB	265-219 last 484 picks	55%	+$8370
NBA	72-51 last 123 picks	59%	+$4410
NHL	350-258 last 608 picks	58%	+$17350
WNBA	121-90 last 211 picks	57%	+$5490
TOTAL			+$45720

Today's NHL Hockey Picks:

Game: Philadelphia at Boston (12:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 4 units on Boston -150 (moneyline) (risk 4 to win 2.7)

The Bruins did not look as strong early in the season, but since Tuukka Rask has taken over on a regular basis behind the net, they certainly have turned it up a notch. Rask has been large on home ice, allowing just 13 goals in his last eight, or a paltry 1.6 per contest. His last two vs. the Flyers saw him stop 55 of 57 shots, allowing 1 goal in each game, both Bruins wins. The Flyers have had problems lately on the road at just 4-10 in their last 14, while the Bruins have cashed five straight on hom ice. Boston takes the opener in this series.

The Flyers have been outscored on the road this year and now face a very good Bruins defense. Philadelphia is 4-11 when facing a goalie that saves 93%+ of shots on goal the past two seasons. That includes 1-10 in late-season play. Boston is a perfect 12-0 the past two seasons at home when coming off a home win vs. a division rival. I think they have a decent shot (better than 33%) of winning this game by 2+ goals.

The Blackhawks disposed of the Predators in six games, after getting a wakeup call in a game one loss. Antti Niemi had a pair of shutouts during the series, allowing just 2 goals per game after the game one debacle. The shutouts now have him with five in the last 18 games behind the net, he has been a force. The Canucks also got out of their series vs. Los Angeles in six games, but Jonathon Quick finished the season allowing 3 or more goals in 10 if his last 12 starts, and it won't be so easy here. The Canucks are just 2-8 on the road vs. a  team with a home winning percentage of over .500, and 0-4 in their last four as a road dog. The Blackhawks are now 38-14 in their last 52 in the role of a home favorite. Nietti is hot, and the last 11 have only seen 3 top the total when these clubs meet in Chicago. I'll go Chicago, and the UNDER here.

Nietti has five shutouts for the Blackhawks in his last 18 behind the net, so you know it won't be easy for the Canucks here. The Blackhawks, in their last 15 wins, have amazingly won 11 of them by 2 goals or more, including 3 vs. the Predators in round one. Their 38-14 mark as a home favorite is hard to ignore, and lately they have won convincingly. I'll go with Chicago on the puckline.

Results: 1-4

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Check out the last five NHL Hockey Picks Newsletters:

NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-29-2010
The Red Wings have made it to the last two Stanley Cup Championship rounds, but this team isn't quite as talented as what we have seen in the last two years. Detroit was extended to seven games vs...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-27-2010
The Phoenix Coyotes knotted the series at three games apiece with a huge 5-2 win in Detroit. This has certainly been a visitor’s series with the travelling team taking four of the six games, and...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-26-2010
The Boston Bruins own a 3-2 series edge and will try and close out the Sabres on home ice in game six tonight. I like their chnces here. The Bruins came on late in the season and a lot of that has to ...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-25-2010
The Detroit Redwings are at home and in position to close out the Coyotes as they are up in the series three games to two. Losing two of the first three games seemed to serve as a wakeup call for the ...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-24-2010
No writeup for this game. ...