This is just a guide but could be plausible picks based on the line here on Pick The Winner.
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1 Unit Series Winner Pick – Chicago Blackhawks vs Phoenix Coyotes – COYOTES TO WIN SERIES (+110)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.10 units)
The Coyotes finished with 4 fewer points than the Blackhawks, but took 1st in the Pacific division to secure them 3rd spot in the Western Conference and home ice advantage. The Coyotes have won 5 straight games heading into the playoffs, while the Blackhawks finished the season with three straight games going to shootout and a 1-2 record in those games (both losses came to Minnesota). Take note that these two teams have met 4 times this season, with Phoenix winning 3 of the 4. The Coyotes took both games in Chicago 4-3 and 4-1, and they split games in Phoenix with Chicago winning the first meeting in October 5-2 and the Coyotes winning the latest 3-0 with Mike Smith stopping 38 of 38 shots against. Speaking about Mike Smith, he has been unbelievable to close out the season. Smith has won 5 straight games in which he allowed just 2 goals against. Three straight shutouts all included 38 or more shots against per game. Phoenix has home ice advantage, a hotter goaltender, and advantage in the season series. I like the price we’re getting on the Coyotes.
1 Unit Series Winner Pick – Ottawa Senators vs New York Rangers – SENATORS TO WIN SERIES (+195)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.95 units)
Despite being a #1 vs #8 match up this one should be closer than the oddsmakers have it. The Senators had a good 21-14-6 road record and should be able to give the Rangers some troubles in New York. These two teams met 4 times this season with Ottawa taking 3 of the 4 meetings. In October the Sens beat New York 5-4 in shootout, before losing 3-2 in Ottawa in November. The Senators then went back into New York to win 3-0 in January and more recently meat the Rangers at home 4-1 in March. The Senators scored 2.96 goals per game this season compared to 2.71 for the Rangers. New York has a big edge in net, allowing just 2.2 goals against per game compared to 2.88 for the Sens, but I believe that Craig Anderson could step up for Ottawa. Anderson is 33-22-6 on the season with a 2.83 GAA and .914 SV%. Note that for whatever reason the Senators play well in New York historically, going 21-6 in their last 27 meetings in New York. If the Senators tighten up defensively I think they will match up well with New York and we are getting a great price here. Take the Sens to win this series.
