Svatos, Avalanche douse Flames

Hockey Betting Lines

02/03/2009 - Denver, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Marek Svatos had two goals and an assist as the Colorado Avalanche downed the Calgary Flames, 4-3, at the Pepsi Center.

Milan Hejduk and Ruslan Salei each lit the lamp for the Avalanche, who snapped a four-game slide. Peter Budaj made 36 saves in the win.

"We don't think we can relax," said Svatos. "This is just one win and we have a lot of catching up to do. Right now, it's like the playoffs for us. Lately our luck was we were always one goal down, then we start pushing the panic button. But tonight we got a win against one of the best teams in the league."

Rene Bourque, Adrian Aucoin and Jarome Iginla each had a goal for the Flames, who had won three straight coming into the contest. Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 38 shots in the loss.

"We have no reason to feel that this was a 'gimmie'", said Iginla. "We knew they were desperate. Our games with them have always been close. We did not make the plays we needed to tonight."

The Flames drew first blood in the game as Bourque slammed home a rebound in the slot at the 7:43 mark of the first period, but Svatos tied the game five minutes later when he banged in a loose puck.

Colorado took a 2-1 lead on the power play just 34 seconds into the second period, but Aucoin answered two minutes later to again tie the game.

The Avs made it a 3-2 game as Salei's one-timer from the left point made its way through a screen and past Kiprusoff at the 3:26 mark of the second.

The Flames again tied the game with 8:59 to play in the second as Iginla snapped home a quick wrister from the top of the right circle for his 20th goal of the season.

However, Colorado took a 4-3 lead into the third period thanks to Svatos' second goal of the game. On a 2-on-2 rush, Cody McLeod got around his defender and from the left side threw the puck out front where Svatos redirected it past Kiprusoff with 4:38 left in the frame.

Calgary manage 13 shots in the third period, but only had one power play chance, as the Avs played tight defense to hold on for the win.

Game Notes

Colorado hosts Dallas on Thursday...Calgary plays in Dallas on Tuesday...Iginla has hit the 20-goal mark in 11 of his 12 seasons in the NHL...Calgary won the first four games of the season series, but Colorado has won the last two...The Avs are 17-0-0 this season when leading after two periods.

Casiononnet Hockey Betting News

<< Svaots, Avalanche douse Flames
Denver, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Marek Svatos had two goals and an assist as the Colorado Avalanche downed the Calgary Flames, 4-3, at the Pepsi Center. Milan Hejduk and Ruslan Salei each lit the lamp for the Avalanche, who snapped a four-game

<< Dodgers offer Manny one-year, $25 million deal
Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly offered left fielder Manny Ramirez a one-year, $25 million contract. Several media outlets reported the offer, which is the Dodgers' latest attempt to keep the su

<< Stoudemire stars in Phoenix's historic rout of Kings
Phoenix, AZ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Amare Stoudemire led a balanced attack with 25 points and eight rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns set a US Airways Center record for largest winning margin with a 129-81 blowout of the Sacramento Kings. Jason Ri

<< Injury-depleted Jazz crush Bobcats
Salt Lake City, UT (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Mehmet Okur poured in a game-best 22 points and Ronnie Brewer added 21, as Utah didn't miss a beat without Deron Williams in a 105-86 rout of Charlotte at EnergySolutions Arena. Paul Millsap dona

<< Collins and Kansas cruise past Baylor
Waco, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sherron Collins tallied game-bests of 17 points and six assists to lead No. 21 Kansas past Baylor, 75-65, at Farrell Center. Marcus Morris ended with 13 points for the Jayhawks (18-4, 7-0 Big 12), who have w

Northeastern and Boston University win Beanpot semis >>
Boston, MA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Northeastern and Boston University will face each other in the final as each team won its semifinal game of the 57th annual Beanpot on Monday night. Chris Donovan had a goal and three assists and Brad Thiess

Ducks edge Sabres >>
Anaheim, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Jonas Hiller needed to make just 21 saves to help the Anaheim Ducks take a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres at Honda Center. Chris Pronger, Chris Kunitz and Corey Perry each lit the lamp for the Ducks, who

Capitals' Clark to have wrist surgery >>
Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Washington Capitals forward Chris Clark will undergo surgery on his right wrist later this week and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season. Clark, the team's captain, has one goal and fiv

Duncan dominant as Spurs top Warriors in OT >>
Oakland, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tim Duncan scored 32 points and pulled down 15 rebounds, and Manu Ginobili got the game into overtime with two free throws late in regulation, as the Spurs downed the Warriors, 110-105. Duncan fouled out w

Manny turns down Dodgers' one-year, $25 million offer >>
Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Slugger Manny Ramirez has turned down a one-year, $25 million contract offer by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier Monday night several media outlets reported the offer, which was the Dodgers' latest a

MySportsbook.com : Fortune Favors Favorites in March Madness betting?

Just like Day 1 of the “Sweet 16”, Friday’s games are chock full of some of the nation’s elite.  Unlike Thursday’s games, there is a little bit more of a “Cinderella” feel as #7 seed UNLV and #6 seed Vanderbilt will attempt to move on to the Elite Eight.  With powerhouses Florida, UNC and Georgetown looking to continue their momentum against lesser known teams, it isn’t surprising that once again the “betting public” is backing most of the favorites.  As the early coin rolls in, 56% of Sportsbook.com bettors prefer Georgetown (-7.5) as they take on Vanderbilt; 84% of the early money is backing Oregon (-3) as they square off against UNLV; and a slight majority (52%) of the early cash is on Florida (-10.5) against Butler as the Gators continue their quest for another National Title. The only favorite the public don’t seem confident in is UNC, as 59% of the cash is backing the underdog Trojans (+8).

Midwest

#1 Florida vs. #5 Butler

The defending National Champs have been on a mission since last April.  Joakim Noah and Al Horford turned down millions of dollars for one reason, to REPEAT.  After a late season hiccup which saw them lose three out of four, the Gators have won six straight by an average of 20.3 points. More importantly, they covered in five of those six games.  Behind their stymie defense that yields only 56.9 PPG, Butler has been a very pleasant surprise this season.  As their 20-11 ATS record will indicate, “surprise teams” like Butler are often good bets for gamblers.  Playing in an average conference, Butler wasn’t and underdog too often but when they were, they covered (6-0 ATS).  Butler’s defense will have its hands full against a Gators offense which averages 80.1 PPG on an amazing 52.9% shooting from the field.  With Florida’s tournament experience over the last few years, it isn’t surprising that they are 5-1 ATS this season, 20-4 ATS over the last three seasons and 38-20 since 1997 in tournament action.

#3 Oregon vs. #7 UNLV

As a #7 seed, UNLV is the closest thing to a “Cinderella” we have this year.  If you bet on UNLV this season with any regularity, you most likely cashed in. Behind their guard oriented attack, the Rebels are an impressive 20-11 ATS this season.  As an underdog they covered in 8 out of their ten games which isn’t surprising since they are 52-30 ATS as a ‘dog since 1997. The Rebels have been a consistent cover during the month of March as well.  This March they are 6-0 ATS, 11-3 ATS over the last three seasons and 24-11 since 1997. Their impressive ATS trends don’t end there; versus teams with a winning record they are 15-6 ATS this season and 41-21 over the last three seasons.  Although Oregon hasn’t been as generous to gamblers as UNLV this season, they have been covering consistently as of late.  There is no question that they are playing their best ball of the season having won their last 8 straight up (SU) by an average of 14.5 points. Not surprising they covered in 7 of those games.  It is interesting to note how similar these teams are in regards to scoring and scoring defense. UNLV averages 75 PPG while giving up 66.5 PPG and Oregon scores 75.8 PPG while yielding 65.5 PPG.

East

#6 Vanderbilt vs. #2 Georgetown

“Hoya Paranoia” is officially back! After a decent start, Georgetown has rolled through the second half of the season.  Over their last 18 games, they are 17-1 SU.  They have definitely improved ATS as the season has progressed as well. After opening the season 1-4-1 ATS, the Hoyas have covered 78.3% of their games.  With their great interior play of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, the Hoyas as a team shoot 50.5% from the field.  Like the Georgetown teams from years ago, they also excel on defense.  Hoya opponents averaged only 56.8 PPG on 38.2% shooting from the field and an extremely low 30.4% from beyond the arc.  The last stat could be of some concern to Vanderbilt considering they shoot 37.7% from long-range.  Ranking second to last in the SEC in rebounding margin, Vanderbilt will have its work cut out for them against the Hoya trees. As far as covering is concerned, Vanderbilt has been almost a “sure thing” (7-1 ATS) versus good defensive teams that allow less than 64 PPG.

#1 UNC vs. # 5 USC

The Tar Heels are as talented and as deep as any team in the country.  Going ten deep and chock full of HS All-Americans, UNC averages 86.1 PPG and scored 100+ seven times.  Led by All-American forward, Tyler Hansbrough (18.6 PPG 7.9 RPG) UNC has a very balanced attack which can kill you on the inside as well as on the perimeter.  UNC only real concern is their youth as eight of their rotation players are either sophomores or freshmen.  UNC was a reliable cover this season going 20-13 ATS.  An intriguing covering trend for the Tar Heels in recent years has been how they fared after non-conference games.  This season they are 11-3 ATS after non-conference games and over the last three seasons they are 31-13 ATS.  USC is also a pretty deep team which is loaded with swingman types.  An match-up to keep an eye on will be freshman forward Taj Gibson (12.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG) as he squares off against the AA Hansbrough.  USC has been a covering machine this season achieving a 21-10 record ATS.  They have thrived in the underdog role, having covered 10 out of 12.  When playing a team with a winning record, the Trojans are an incredible 20-6 ATS. Keep in mind, USC dedicated their season to former star to Ryan Francis who passed away before the season so as they get closer to the ultimate goal, emotion could definitely be on their side.

With Friday -105 juice on Basketball betting, MySportsbook.com is the place to bet on all of the “March Madness” action.  Don’t forget to monitor who the public is backing at this sportsbook “Betting Trends”.  By doing so, you have the best chance of predicting a possible line change, thus getting the best value for your wager.

To bet on March Madness games this online sportsbook accepts credit cards

About MySportsbook.com MySportsbook.com  is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, MySportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, MySportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and it's products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.


Big East Conference odds

Work left to do: Villanova, Syracuse, DePaul, West Virginia, Providence

Notre Dame and Louisville appear to have done enough to make the move, so we'll make them locks. The Cardinals, despite a modest RPI, are trending way up and have clinched at least a tie for third in the Big East, which should be more than enough with their pair of big road wins. Villanova got back to .500 and gets back to more solid footing. Syracuse got a very important road win and crippled a fellow contender in the process. West Virginia's fate could be in its hands Tuesday at Pitt.

Work left to do:

Villanova [18-9 (7-7), RPI: 21, SOS: 5] Pounded Rutgers to get back to .500. If Cats can get their last two (at UConn, vs. Syracuse), that should be enough with strong computer numbers and a host of wins away from The Pavilion. The Cats have beaten Texas and swept the Big 5 (never easy in Philly), but have a couple of losses to bubble teams (Xavier, Drexel), too. I still think they'll be OK, possibly even at 8-8.

Syracuse [20-8 (9-5), RPI: 53, SOS: 62] History says 10 wins will be plenty, but it might be hard for the Orange to get that last one with a final two vs. G'town, which is trying to win the league title, and at Villanova, which will be desperate for a W. The relative lack of nonconference heft and the weak computer numbers are still concerns, but the Orange have won four in a row and got a very, very big win at Providence on Saturday.

DePaul [16-12 (8-7), RPI: 54, SOS: 18] Beat Cincy and should get past South Florida to get to 9-7, but then what? They have beaten Kansas and Cal (right after the DeVon Hardin injury) earlier this season, but also have lost to Bradley and Purdue, among others. They'll likely need a couple of BE tourney wins, too, but we'll see ...

West Virginia [19-7 (8-6), RPI: 58, SOS: 125] The game at Pitt on Tuesday night could decide the Mountaineers' fate (barring a deep tournament run). They can still get to 9-7 in the Big East without it by beating Cincinnati, but the nine wins would be against UConn, Villanova, St. John's, South Florida, DePaul, Rutgers, Seton Hall twice and the Bearcats. Beating bubble foes is fine, but where's the beef? Outside of beating PG-less UCLA in nonconference play (still a top quality win), there's not a lot to fall back on (besides maybe NC State). WVU vs. Syracuse would be an interesting debate, as the teams don't play in the Big East regular season. WVU has the best win, but Cuse has played the much better schedule.

Providence [17-10 (7-7), RPI: 70, SOS: 33] The Friars likely saw their at-large hopes die at home in the four-point loss to Syracuse, barring an unexpected run to the Big East semis or more. The RPI, bad already, won't be helped by playing St. John's and South Florida in the final two league games.

For more March Madness odds go to MySportsbook.com

For more College Basketball betting lines go to BettingExpress.com

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.