The Blues-Blackhawks Round 1 NHL playoffs series was expected to be tight, and Game 1 immediately went to triple-overtime. What will the two teams have left with less than 48 hours’ rest? And in the NBA, the Blazers and Rockets tip off what’s also expected to be a high-scoring, shootout of a series.
Read on for everything you need to know about these two huge 4 vs. 5 match ups in the NBA and NHL, respectively, and join today to get a 50% deposit bonus that will help you bet your way through the postseason.
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Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues Game 2 (Saturday, April 19, 3:00 PM ET)
[sc:NHL240 ]Leading 3-2 in the third period, the Chicago Blackhawks allowed yet another late goal with less than two minutes left which forced overtime as the Blues eventually took Game 1, 4-3 in triple overtime. St. Louis also scored late third period goals to win two of the Blues’ three regular season games over the Blackhawks.
Patrick Kane (one goal) and Jonathan Toews (two assists) each got on the board for the Blackhawks, who despite a strong game now fall to just 1-8 in their last nine road games.
The Blackhawks will need more from their captain Toews if they want to turn things around against the Blues. Particularly towards the end of Game 1 Toews was turning the puck over in vulnerable situations, resulting in several key scoring opportunities for the Blues, including a near tap in in overtime.
Betting on the St. Louis Blues
The six-game losing streak to end the season didn’t seem to affect the Blues, who outshot (52-42) and outhit (42-27) the Blackhawks en route to a triple-overtime Game 1 win. St. Louis’ excellent penalty killing unit (85.7 percent, 2nd in the NHL) once again came up big with two huge overtime penalty kills.
Despite surrendering three or more goals for the fourth straight home game, Ryan Miller (.929 save percentage) emerged with the win. Miller looked shakey in the first period, allowing three goals, but tightened up from that point on, consistently challenging ‘Hawks shooters and controlling rebounds. The Blues have now won four straight home games vs. the Blackhawks.
Writer’s Prediction
Chicago just let one slip, but expect the Blackhawks to bounce back with a win in another close contest in Game 2.
Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets Game 1 (Sunday, April 20, 9:30 PM ET)
Line: Portland Trailblazers (+5.5) at Houston Rockets (-5.5); total 215.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Portland Trailblazers
Since the return of LaMarcus Aldridge (23 PPG, 11.5 RPG in April), the Portland Trailblazers have gone 9-1 SU in their final 10 games of the season. Damian Lillard (20.7 PPG) and Wes Matthews (16 PPG) are also big parts of the NBA’s 2nd best offense via Offensive Rating.
Aside from making threes well (4th in three-pointers made), the Blazers also take those shots away from their opponents (2nd in three-pointers allowed). The Blazers are 4-0 SU/ATS in their last 4 road games.
Betting on the Houston Rockets
The Rockets won the season series vs. Portland, 3-1, mainly because of their all-world stars, James Harden and Dwight Howard. The duo combined to average almost 55 PPG and 20 RPG in four games against the Blazers this season.
Howard and Beverley will also be back from late-season injuries to help shore up the Rockets defense. Beverley’s overly physical defense should cause Blazers point guard Damian Lillard problems.
Houston is an impressive 17-3 in its last 20 home games vs. the Blazers.
Writer’s Prediction
With homecourt and a healthy Howard, expect the Rockets to roll in Game 1 at home. Take Houston -5.5 to cover.
