New Jersey Devils at Florida Panthers (109,5)
Don't be fooled by Florida's home-ice advantage. The Panthers have it because they are a division champion, but they compiled a 38-26-18 record during the regular season compared to New Jersey's 48-28-6.
The Devils fell behind 2-1 in this series, but they seemed to restore order to the proceedings with a 4-0 shutout at home on Thursday. Four players have notched two goals so far in the series, including Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise.
But the story right now is veteran netminder Martin Brodeur. The 39-year-old, who turns 40 next month, set the career playoff shutout record with his performance on Thursday. He made 26 saves to post his 24th career playoff blanking.
"That’s vintage Marty Brodeur," coach Pete DeBoer said. "We’ve come to expect that around here."
Expect more of the same in Game 5.
Pick: Devils ---
San Jose Sharks at St. Louis Blues (-186, 5)
The Blues have regained control in this Western Conference quarterfinals series after dropping Game 1 at home in overtime. They rolled 3-0 at home in Game 2 then scored a pair of one-goal victories at San Jose. St. Louis can finish the job on Saturday.
Interestingly enough, the Blues are getting it done with a backup goalie. Starter Jaroslav Halak left Game 2 with a lower body injury but Brian Elliott has picked up the slack in front of the net. Elliott made 17 saves without a blemish to end Game 2 and he made 25 saves in a 2-1 win in Game 4.
"I just think his focus is his strength," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "He's a very competitive guy at practice, too. We're constantly having to stop him and kick him off the ice. He has to get in the mind-set that the games are everything, so less is more.... He's one of those guys who wants to hang out there until the last shot.''
St. Louis went a ridiculous 30-6-5 at home during the regular season. The chances of the team losing twice with home-ice advantage in the same series is slim, especially based on its last three performances.
Pick: Blues +++
By: David Lawrence:
Ottawa Senators- New York Rangers NHL Picks: UNDER 5 +++
Chicago Blackhawks at Phoenix Coyotes NHL Picks: Blackhawks +++
SAN JOSE- ST. LOUIS UNDER 5 +++
NEW JERSEY- FLORIDA : Devils ---
Don't be fooled by Florida's home-ice advantage. The Panthers have it because they are a division champion, but they compiled a 38-26-18 record during the regular season compared to New Jersey's 48-28-6.
The Devils fell behind 2-1 in this series, but they seemed to restore order to the proceedings with a 4-0 shutout at home on Thursday. Four players have notched two goals so far in the series, including Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise.
But the story right now is veteran netminder Martin Brodeur. The 39-year-old, who turns 40 next month, set the career playoff shutout record with his performance on Thursday. He made 26 saves to post his 24th career playoff blanking.
"That’s vintage Marty Brodeur," coach Pete DeBoer said. "We’ve come to expect that around here."
Expect more of the same in Game 5.
Pick: Devils ---
San Jose Sharks at St. Louis Blues (-186, 5)
The Blues have regained control in this Western Conference quarterfinals series after dropping Game 1 at home in overtime. They rolled 3-0 at home in Game 2 then scored a pair of one-goal victories at San Jose. St. Louis can finish the job on Saturday.
Interestingly enough, the Blues are getting it done with a backup goalie. Starter Jaroslav Halak left Game 2 with a lower body injury but Brian Elliott has picked up the slack in front of the net. Elliott made 17 saves without a blemish to end Game 2 and he made 25 saves in a 2-1 win in Game 4.
"I just think his focus is his strength," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "He's a very competitive guy at practice, too. We're constantly having to stop him and kick him off the ice. He has to get in the mind-set that the games are everything, so less is more.... He's one of those guys who wants to hang out there until the last shot.''
St. Louis went a ridiculous 30-6-5 at home during the regular season. The chances of the team losing twice with home-ice advantage in the same series is slim, especially based on its last three performances.
Pick: Blues +++
By: David Lawrence:
Ottawa Senators- New York Rangers NHL Picks: UNDER 5 +++
Chicago Blackhawks at Phoenix Coyotes NHL Picks: Blackhawks +++
SAN JOSE- ST. LOUIS UNDER 5 +++
NEW JERSEY- FLORIDA : Devils ---
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