Hockey Game Predictions - May 11, 2009

We are 4-1 in the NHL Playoffs over the last five days and today we return to the ice in a big way with picks in both games.

WUNDERDOG 2009 RECENT RESULTS ($100/bet)
SPORT	WINS-LOSSES	%	NET
MLB	67-62 Season-to-Date	52%	+$820
NBA	282-220 last 502 picks	56%	+$12510
NFL	72-44 last 116 picks	62%	+$7320
TOTAL			+$20650

 

Today's NHL Hockey Picks:

Game: Washington at Pittsburgh (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Pittsburgh -160 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 1.9)

The Pittsburgh Penguins dug themselves a big hole to open this series against the Capitals as they dropped the first two in Washington and were saddled with a 2-0 deficit. They have rebounded nicely by sweeping a pair at home, and taking control of this series with a big game five win in Washington. They now have a closeout game at home. The Penguins had some mid-season struggles, but over their last 18 at home, including the playoffs, they have been 15-3. The Caps have run hot and cold in the playoffs as they have surrounded a five-game playoff winning streak with a 1-6 mark. They have not been able to stop the Penguin attack, allowing three or more goals over the last four games. This will be the fourth game in six nights for these teams and Washington has been 4-11 in this situation over their last 15 games. The Penguins are now 70-30 in their last 100 games as a favorite, and I look for them to get the clincher tonight.

I have put a lot of logic and reasoning into my moneyline choice in this one, but I also like the Penguins here on the puckline. The Capitals have been reeling and after taking control of this series at home. The wheels have fallen off, and they have the unenviable task of playing a closeout game in Pittsburgh, where they are just 6-21 over their last 27 games here. I expect Pittsburgh to come out aggressive and take their heart out, and cruise to a big game six series clincher.

The Blackhawks broke their see-saw battle with the Canucks with a game five win on the road. These teams alternated wins for the first four games, but Chicago has now broken through. They come home, where they are 4-1 in the playoffs, with a 3-2 series lead and you know they don't want to go back to Vancouver. The Canucks have survived by holding teams to two goals or less in six of the nine playoff games so far, but unfortunately the Blackhawks have all three of those 3+ goal games. The Blackhawks are a perfect 6-0 in their last six games as a favorite of -150 to -200 and the Canucks, who just can't seem to get past this round, are now 3-10 in the conference semi-finals. I'm going with Chicago here to closeout the Canucks at home.

This is a closeout game for the Blackhawks and I expect them to be putting pressure on Vancouver all night long. They have been scoring well in the playoffs and late in the season, so I expect them to be primed for this one - not wanting to go back to Vancouver for a game seven. I expect Chicago to come away with a big convincing win here, and will also back them on the puckline.

Results: 2-2

NHL Hockey Picks Resources:

• Take a look at our NHL hockey Game Analysis here.
• Don't forget to visit our NHL hockey handicapping philosophy.
• Check out free NHL hockey picks here.
• Hop over to our NHL hockey ATS recprds here.
• View hockey sports book reviews here.
• Don't forget to read our NHL picks blog here.
• Updated today: 2008 NHL hockey prior picks season results.
• Hop over to our hockey lines and odds here.

Check out the last five NHL Hockey Picks Newsletters:

NHL-Hockey-Picks-May-10-2009
The Ducks continue to impress. First they knock off the #1 seed San Jose. Now they have things all tied up with the defensing Stanley Cup champions. They are scoring 3 goals per game. Detroit meanwhil...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-May-09-2009
The Blackhawks and the Canucks find themselves even in four games through this series, so it has really now come down to a best two out of three. This series seems to have placed the momentum on the l...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-May-08-2009
The Carolina Hurricanes have won two straight after suffering a loss in the opener to the Bruins. They have out-scored the Bruins in the series through three games. This team is on fire when playing o...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-May-07-2009
The Canucks finally held the Blackhawks offense down, which has been their key throughout the playoffs so far. They have held the opponent to two goals or less in five of their first seven playoff gam...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-May-05-2009
The Blackhawks did what they needed to, as they opened the series on the road in Vancouver and stole a game to give them the home-ice advantage. Theoretically, this is now a five- game series with thr...