If you are a fan of the Flyers, Capitals, the NHL or sports in general, you can see what's going on in hockey's post season. We Flyers fans knew going in that we would be getting the shaft from the refs, as league officials moistened their trousers at the idea of a Crosby-Ovechkin series. The interesting thing is just how ugly it's getting. While chatting with friends about whether a goal by Brooks Laich would stand (despite visual evidence that there was a high-stick and possibly some interference with Marty Biron's glove) we disputed the refs loyalty to the Caps. The goal, which was counted. was just one of many calls against the Flyers in the series thus far. On another play very late in the game, R.J. Umberger's stick grazed Ovechkin's skate the result of which being Ovechkin flying headfirst as if he was shot out of a cannon. Of course Umberger took the tripping penalty on the league's pride and joy. These 2 plays have been representative of the entire series for the Fly guys, and it's not just the opinion of one Philly fan. Anyone with eyes and a brain can see it happening. It has just been absolutely appalling to watch.The NHL isn't the only league that babies its superstars for ratings-sake, but at least in a league like the NBA, you have to be a seasoned veteran to be getting the borderline calls. The other argument I've heard is that the NHL has hated the Flyers since the days of the Broad Street Bullies, but I think that is completely bogus because having the Flyers succeed is good for the league (since they're in a big American city that seems to give a crap about hockey). Luckily, the calls ultimately did not affect the outcome of Game 3, and the home team came out victorious. Still, couldn't the calls be just a little less bias?
On to some Wednesday night picks. After a 3-1 Tuesday got me over the .500 hump in 2008, I'm gunning for two great days in a row.
I'll start with baseball, where I love the Mets/Nationals game. Matt Chico takes the hill for the Nationals against John Maine and the Mets. Maine is looking for his first win, and will get it tonight against an inferior Nats offense that showed early flashes in the season, then promptly fell to the divison's basement. Mets should tag the Nats for at least 5 runs for game 2 of the series at Shea.
METS (-1.5) over Nationals
Similar thinking with Brad Penny and the L.A. Dodgers, as he is due for a really strong outing after his past 2 sub par performances on the hill. Penny hurls the rock against a Pittsburgh Pirates offense that has come out of the gate strong. Paul Maholm should give up enough runs to L.A. to make this a 3-4 run win for the home team.
DODGERS (-1.5) over Pirates
In a meaningless game, the Boston Celtics play The New Jersey Nets. The Celts have already wrapped up the 1 seed in the East, while the Nets play their final game of an incredibly disappointing season. Still, expect Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson to have good enough games to keep it close.
Nets (+9.5) over CELTICS
The Phoenix Suns with a chance to get home-court advantage take on the young Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers, after a great year, still have a little progress they need to make in order to be a threat in a very strong conference. Phoenix is going to play hard, and should come up with a big win at home. I'll take the Suns in this one laying the points at home.
SUNS (-11) over Trail Blazers
Finally, I'll go along with my original playoff prediction and take the Pens tonight to complete the playoff sweep against the Senators. This team has looked sharp in all of the first 3 games, and has not won by at least 2 goals in each. Tonight will be no different.
Penguins (-1.5) over SENATORS
Picking Record: 5-4
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