Monday 6/15/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Indians (29-33) at Cubs (34-27)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: June 15, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Starlin Castro's late-inning heroics and another extended hitting streak from Kris Bryant have the young Chicago Cubs on a roll.

The Cleveland Indians are prepared to see what their own top prospect has to offer.

After Castro's back-to-back walk-off hits, Bryant looks to hit safely in a 12th straight game when the Cubs host the Indians in Francisco Lindor's first major league start Monday night.

The Cubs (34-27) have won four of five to move seven games over .500 for the first time since they were 82-74 on Sept. 29, 2009. They took three of four from Cincinnati over the weekend, capped by game-ending RBI singles from Castro in Saturday's 4-3 victory and Sunday's 3-2 win in 11 innings.

Castro, who became the first Cubs player with back-to-back walk-off hits since Ron Santo in 1966, was 3 for 5 for his first three-hit game since April 28 against Pittsburgh.

"He's starting to really get his mojo back, which is good for us," manager Joe Maddon said.

Bryant is hitting .372 during his 11-game hitting streak after doubling in the first. The prized rookie had a 12-game run May 11-23 and has hit safely in 24 of his last 27, recording six homers, two triples and seven doubles in that stretch.

His .885 OPS is second among rookies to Joc Pederson's .929 mark.

While Chicago has hinged its success on young talents like Bryant and the 25-year-old Castro, the Indians (29-33) now hope Lindor can provide them a boost.

Lindor, who is considered one of baseball's best prospects, was called up from Triple-A this weekend and entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh of Sunday's 8-1 loss to Detroit. He struck out in his first at-bat, then drove a shot to right field in the ninth.

The 21-year-old likely would've had a double had he not tripped rounding first base, providing a light moment in an otherwise dismal performance from the Indians, who have lost five of seven.

"It's a tough day for us, but you try to always (find) something (positive)," said manager Terry Francona, who will start Lindor at shortstop Monday. "In this case, getting (Lindor) in there and getting him a couple at_bats should help his nerves moving forward."

Taking the mound for the Cubs will be Jake Arrieta (6-4, 3.16 ERA), who has won back-to-back starts. He gave up one run in six innings of a 2-1 win over Washington on June 4 before allowing three runs in six innings of Wednesday's 12-3 victory over Detroit.

The right-hander, who struck out eight in both outings, opposes Trevor Bauer in his first start against the Indians since 2012 while with Baltimore.

Bauer (5-3, 3.53) went 3-1 with a 1.75 ERA over his previous five starts before giving up a career high-tying six earned runs while walking five in 3 2-3 innings of Wednesday's 9-3 loss to Seattle. The right-hander has walked 12 over his last three outings.

"If you look at my stats, every time I pitch, I tend to have one bad inning with walks," Bauer said. "(Wednesday), they cost me, and it sucked. If I knew what happened, I'd fix it."

Bauer has never faced the Cubs, who swept a three-game series at Wrigley Field from June 19-21, 2009, in the last meetings between the clubs.

Indians designated hitter Nick Swisher won't be available for this series after he was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with left knee inflammation.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's Royals-Cardinals game postponed
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

ST. LOUIS -- While the Kansas City Royals know they will play the next two nights in Milwaukee, courtesy of Miller Park's retractable roof, the St. Louis Cardinals might be in a holding pattern.

Sunday's game between Kansas City and St. Louis at Busch Stadium was rained out after a 2 1/2-hour rain delay. No makeup date was set, although the teams have July 23 and August 3 as mutual off-days.

The Cardinals are scheduled to host Minnesota Monday night and Tuesday as part of a four-game, home-and-home interleague series. But there is an 80 percent chance of rain Monday night and a 60 percent chance on Tuesday.

"This is the April stuff we're talking about," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "We were able to dodge a lot of it this year. Now we're getting it in June."

Matheny confirmed that John Lackey, who was scheduled to pitch Sunday, would take his turn on Monday night. Michael Wacha moves back to Tuesday's game and Carlos Martinez will start Wednesday night in Minnesota.

The Cardinals delayed the game's scheduled 1:15 p.m. start because rain was headed for downtown. They announced a 3:25 p.m. start time when the rain stopped, and Lackey, along with Royals starter Chris Young, headed toward the bullpen to warm up.

But neither pitcher ever got past the long-toss stage as rain again started to fall. The grounds crew pulled the tarp just before the rescheduled start time and the game was called shortly thereafter.

"I only played catch one time," Lackey said. "I would have had to start the game for it to become a problem. I should be fine for tomorrow night."

Kansas City manager Ned Yost will push Young back to Tuesday night's game in Milwaukee, preferring to keep right-hander Edinson Volquez in turn for his scheduled start on Monday night.

"Frustrating to get prepared and moved back, but, hey, it's life," Young said. "It's part of the job and what we do. It's not the first time it's happened and I hope it's not the last."

NOTES: Kansas City manager Ned Yost entered Sunday's game just three wins shy of tying Whitey Herzog for the franchise record. Herzog notched 410 wins from 1975-79. ... Royals LHP Danny Duffy (left biceps tendinitis) was scheduled to make his second rehab start for Triple-A Omaha on Sunday against New Orleans. ... St. Louis continues a seven-game stretch of interleague play Monday night when it opens a two-game home series with Minnesota.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Indians place DH Swisher on DL
The Sports Xchange

The Cleveland Indians placed designated hitter/outfielder Nick Swisher on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with knee inflammation.

Swisher underwent bilateral knee surgery last August and began his season on May 3. In 30 games in 2015, he has batted .198 with four doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs in 30 games.

The club also called up infielder Francisco Lindor from Triple-A Columbus.

Lindor, 21, has spent the entire season with the Clippers where he has hit .281 with 11 doubles, five triples, two home runs and 22 RBIs in 58 games. He was selected by Cleveland in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2011 draft.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blue Jays remain red-hot, win 11th in a row
Stephen Campbell

The Toronto Blue Jays are absolutely on fire right now, and Bluebirds bettors are reaping the rewards.

The Jays thumped the Boston Red Sox 13-5 Sunday en route to their 11th-straight win. Toronto put a serious beat down on the Sox over the weekend by scoring 31 runs in three games.

John Gibbons' squad has put an amazing 88 runs on the scoreboard over the course of the streak while surrendering just 40.

Toronto travels to New York for a four-game series with the Mets beginning on Monday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes

Toronto at NY Mets June 15, 7:10 EST

Red-Hot Jays head into New York with a boat load of confidence. Blue Jays finding their offensive rhythm this month platting 7.33 runs/game have reeled off 11 consecutive wins and 11 of 12 during the month of June.

Mark Buehrle gets the call for John Gibbons' crew in this interleague opener vs New York Mets. The left-hander carries a 7-4 record, 4.25 ERA into the contest after going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP his last three on the hill. On the other side, Mets counter with Noah Syndergaard entering 2-4 with a 4.15 ERA. The right-hander hitting a rough spot has lost his last two surrendering 11 runs over 10 innings of work.

This being a series opener and a night game does not bode well for Syndergaard and New York. The Mets are 0-2 opening a series with the right-hander, 0-4 in his four starts under the light's. The fact that Buehrle is a portsider is also bad news for New York, since Mets have a 3-7 skid against left-handed interleague hurlers. With Jays 6-3 vs the Senior league this season, 3-0 opening a series w/Buehrle and 4-2 with the left-hander vs a team with a winning record the lean is Toronto.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

Six toughest schedules in 2015, according to Phil Steele's great magazine.........

6) Auburn-- Since 2010, are 27-16 vs spread in game following a win.

5) Washington-- Coach Petersen returns home to Boise in season opener.

4) California-- Have 17 starters back; gunning for first bowl in four years.

3) Arkansas-- +7 in turnovers LY; were -28 the previous two years.

2) USC-- Only 4-13 vs spread in their last 17 road games.

1) Alabama-- Allowed 87 points in losing their last two bowls.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Monday

ROYALS (Volquez) @ BREWERS (Lohse)

Take: ROYALS -118

Kyle Lohse is now 13 starts into his 2015 season and I guess it’s safe to say that it’s been a struggle for the veteran righty. Lohse has really only had two high quality starts, and a couple others that rated as decent. Aside from that, Lohse has been mostly mediocre. His home run rate is the second worst of any starting pitcher. His ERA is the worst among all qualifying pitchers and while there are more revealing stats than ERA, 6.27 is terrible any way you want to break it down.

It’s not as though there are red flags on the charts. Lohse still doesn’t walk many batters, his velocity is pretty much the same, and his K rate is actually up a tick. His hard hit rate hasn’t spiked at all. In fact, if you look at all the numbers, it’s hard to distinguish the 2015 version of Lohse from the one we’ve seen in several prior campaigns. But the results have been pretty horrific and metrics aside, I can guarantee you that opposing hitters are striding to the plate with great confidence against Lohse. Sometimes the mental aspect of the game doesn’t get illustrated by the data.

Edinson Volquez will throw for Kansas City. Volquez has been steady for the Royals. Control is always a concern with this righty, but he’s been good enough for the most part and really impressive at times. Volquez, like all the Kansas City starters, owns a built in advantage heading into each start. He knows he just needs to get six okay innings in and he can then hand things off to that sensational Royals bullpen. Again, a mental part of the equation that doesn’t show up in the stats, but absolutely exists.

The Royals have been a bit unsteady recently. They’re only 6-11 over the last 17 games and they will be short one bat, most likely Kendrys Morales, with no DH available tonight in a National League park. The Brewers have played more respectably since Craig Counsell stepped into the managerial seat and they’re in okay form lately, winning eight of their last 14 outings.

But Lohse is more liability than asset at this juncture and he would not seem to match up especially well with the aggressive Royals. They’re going to arrive at the plate swinging like they usually do and with how hittable Lohse has been, this could be a good night for the Kansas City batters.

The number is reasonable enough here, and in fact it’s very safe to say the Royals will be an attractive public side tonight, perhaps the squarest option on the board when it’s all said and done. But I also think they’re justifiably priced and the matchup being what I think it is here, I’ll side with the Royals to notch the win this evening.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Bonus Play for Monday, June 15, 2015 7:10 PM ET

(907) WASHINGTON NATIONALS VS (908) TAMPA BAY RAYS

Take: UNDER

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, June 15 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Washington Nationals and Tampa Bay Rays. Washington has won two straight games after their shutout win over the Brewers on Sunday, 2-0. Gio Gonzalez will start for the Nats with a 4-3 record and 4.42 ERA. Gonzalez is coming off two very good starts, where he has allowed just four runs over 12 1/3 innings. Tampa Bay also won on Sunday, extending their win streak to three games and eight of their last 11. The Rays will send Erasmo Ramirez to the hill today. Rarimez is 5-2 with a 4.43 ERA. However, Ramirez has been very good of late, allowing just three earned runs over his last 17 1/3 innings. The Rays are 8-3-1 Under in their last 12 IL games. I like this game to be a close, low scoring affair. Your Bonus Play is on the UNDER.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play MON Tigers -165 w/ Sanchez

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Braves now lead the list of Top 5 ‘Over’ plays
Andrew Caley

The Atlanta Braves are a red-hot over play, going 12-2-1 over/under in their last 15 games, making them the top over play in the bigs at 40-20-3 O/U.

Here are the Top 5 ‘Over’ heading into another week of MLB action:

1. Atlanta Braves: 40-20-3 O/U

2. San Diego Padres: 39-24-2 O/U

3. Oakland A’s: 37-24-4 O/U

4. Washington Nationals: 36-25-2 O/U

5. New York Mets: 34-25-5 O/U

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cardinals’ pitching pacing Top 5 ‘Under’ plays
Andrew Caley

The St. Louis Cardinals lead the majors in team ERA by a fair margin at 2.43, which makes it no surprise the are pacing the bigs in unders at 38-22-2 this season.

Here are the Top 5 ‘Under’ plays to this point in 2015:

1. St. Louis Cardinals: 22-38-2 O/U

2. Tampa Bay Rays: 26-36-2 O/U

3. Chicago White Sox: 25-35-1 O/U

4. Seattle Mariners: 27-35-1 O/U

5. Baltimore Orioles: 26-33-3 O/U

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Twins call up Buxton in hopes of ending slump

Jun 15, 2015

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this week’s major-league schedule:

Buxton to the rescue?

The Minnesota Twins had lost five games in a row before beating the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Sunday. That coincided with the major-league debut of center fielder Byron Buxton, who went 0-for-4 but score the eventual winning run in the ninth inning. Buxton, the second overall pick in 2012, replaced Aaron Hicks on the roster. Hicks is on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury.

The ‘pen is not mightier

To say the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen is bad would be an overly generous statement. The truth is it is downright terrible. Atlanta is tied for first in the majors with 13 blown saves and its bullpen ERA is 4.64, highest in the National League and second highest overall (better than only the Oakland Athletics). The Braves are 4-8 in their last 12 overall and the over is 12-2-1 in their last 15.

Do the cha-cha for Chi Chi

Since being called up the majors, Chi Chi Gonzalez has astounded for the Texas Rangers. The 23-year-old right-hander is 2-1 with a 0.42 ERA with one complete game (June 5 at the Kansas City Royals). Gonzalez will hope to continue his run on Tuesday when Texas hosts the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Pitching Notes

* What in the name of Carlos Martinez is going on out here?!?! Since giving up seven runs in consecutive starts at the beginning of May, the St. Louis Cardinals’ righty has suddenly caught fire. His ERA has shrunk from 4.89 to 2.93 in the span of six outings. He has allowed a mere three runs in his last 33.2 innings. Martinez will take the mound again on Tuesday against visiting Minnesota. The Cardinals are 5-0 in his last five starts and the under is 4-0 in his last four.

* The Detroit Tigers’ pitching staff appears to be in good hands at the moment. Justin Verlander returned with a solid start this past Saturday and David Price has regained his form after a relative rough stretch from late April through mid May. Price (6-2, 2.44 ERA) has tossed two straight complete games and has given up only three earned runs in his last 32.2 innings. The southpaw will be back in action at the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Hitting Notes

* Miami Marlins’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton extended his hitting streak to seven games on Sunday. Stanton (.261, 23 HR, 59 RBI) homered five times and drove in 12 runs this past week. He has hit safely in 12 of 13 games this month and his June batting average stands at .391.

* The Royals watched four of their regulars hit .136 or worse last week. Second baseman Omar Infante and right fielder Alex Rios both went 1-for-19, designated hitter Kendrys Morales batted .125, and shortstop Alcides Escobar compiled a .136 average. Kansas City is on a two-game skid and the under is 10-1-1 in the team’s last 12 outings.

Totals Streak

New York Mets (34-25-5 O/U): A stellar over play throughout the season so far, the Mets have really picked it up of late. They are 5-0 O/U in their last five overall after coming back to win a 10-8 slugfest against Atlanta on Sunday. New York has crossed the plate 28 times in its last five games and has allowed 33 runs in its last six.

Injury Notes

* The Boston Red Sox are dealing with a whole host of physical problems (actually, they are struggling with a myriad of problems). Center fielder Mookie Betts was sidelined by a back injury on Saturday and Sunday. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval is dealing with quad tightness but played on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Hanley Ramirez is less than 100 percent because of knee and hamstring issues. At 10 games under .500, Boston—which has lost six in a row—is the only AL East team with a losing record.

* San Francisco Giants’ right fielder Hunter Pence has been placed on the 15-day disabled list—retroactive to June 3—because of wrist tendinitis. Pence (.282, 2 HR, 13 RBI) has not played since June 2, when he sustained an initial injury diving for a fly ball. The Giants have lost four in row and the under is 3-0 in their last three games.

Weather Notes

* Forecasts are calling for a 51 percent chance of rain in Boston when the Red Sox host the Atlanta Braves Monday evening.

* Conditions could be windy at Wrigley Field Tuesday evening when the Cubs host the Indians. Wind is expected to blow in from left-center field at around 11 miles per hour during

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's Tip Sheet

June 15, 2015


Atlanta Braves at Boston Red Sox | 7:10 p.m. ET (ESPN)

If ever there was a must-win series in the middle of June, this might be that rare scenario, at least as it pertains to the slumping Red Sox, who desperately need to stop their current bleeding. Entering this Interleague series with the Braves, Boston is on a six-game losing streak, after getting swept in consecutive series by the division-rival Orioles and Blue Jays. Being in the AL East cellar eight games back of first place, it's not too late, however, to make a run similar to the 2013 Dodgers, who were in last place in their division at the end of June.

The Red Sox will turn to Rick Porcello (4-6, 5.26 ERA) in the first game, trying to help flip the year-long trend that has been disastrous starting pitching. Porcello has been one of the main culprits, but has also shown flashes of the excellent pitcher he was last season, providing hope that he can help contribute steady pitching in the long run. Braves rookie right-hander Williams Perez (2-0, 2.70 ERA) toes the Fenway Park rubber for the Braves, looking pretty impressive in his first season. The Man With Two Last Names has surrendered one run or less in four of his five starts, albeit while averaging an unhealthy 4.59 BB/9. Despite their aforementioned losing streak, the Red Sox are -150 favorites in tonight's matchup.

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Mets | 7:10 p.m. ET

The hottest team in baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays, enters the third week of June with not only the longest active winning streak in baseball at 11 games, but a newfound sense of confidence, suddenly being only one game out of first place in the AL East. Their notable surge is mostly due to the fact that they lead baseball in runs scored. At one point this season, the Mets were just as red hot, also owning an 11-game winning streak in 2015, and while they’re currently still in first place in their division, they’ve been inconsistent since that strong run, being only four games over.500. Tonight, the two clubs begin a rare Interleague series at Citi Field.

The ageless Mark Buehrle (7-4, 4.25 ERA) will try to keep it going for Toronto, currently contributing his best pitching of the season. In fact, he’s brought his ERA down by two-and-a-half full runs since his outing on May 1, and has recorded six straight starts going six innings or more, while yielding three runs or less in four of them. He’ll be opposed by Mets rookie Noah Syndergaard (2-4, 4.15 ERA), who has struggled a bit in his past couple of starts in allowing 11 runs, after surrendering a combined five runs in his first four assignments. In any case, Syndergaard has been good for under bets to begin his very promising career, posting a 4-1-1 record in that department, although the Mets are 2-4 in games he’s started. The over/under is currently 7.5, with both teams having -110 moneyline odds.

Colorado Rockies at Houston Astros | 8:10 p.m. ET

Who has been more consistent than Astros ace Dallas Keuchel (7-2, 1.90 ERA) this season? You’d be hard-pressed to find someone that successfully answers that question, considering the fourth-year southpaw has gone at least six innings in all 13 of his starts this season. In the process, he’s remarkably allowed two earned runs or less in ten of them, and has not yet had an outing where he submitted more than four. Simply put, Keuchel has been enjoying an All Star-caliber campaign and will certainly find himself on the American League squad when that juncture comes. In the meantime, the 27-year-old will try to keep up his impressive 6-1 unders record at home, and he’s cashed five straight unders overall entering this one.

Meanwhile, Chad Bettis (2-1, 3.05 ERA) hasn't been as successful towards such bets, going 4-2 for overs, but that hasn't been his fault, considering the superb pitching he's contributed since being inserted into the rotation on May 14. Of his six starts, the 26-year-old right-hander has registered a quality outing in four of them, including a near no-hitter a few weeks ago in Philadelphia. Bettis also has a solid 33/11 K/BB ratio in his 38 innings of work, and is getting relatively good value as a +175 road 'dog. It also helps that the Rockies are second in baseball in team batting average against southpaws, which should aid their cause versus Keuchel.

Minnesota Twins at St. Louis Cardinals | 8:15 p.m. ET

At 41-21, the Cardinals are the best team in the big leagues and have a fine opportunity to add to that sparkling record during their upcoming Interleague hookup with the Twins, who are suddenly reeling. After their own stretch being baseball's hottest team, Minnesota has cooled off considerably and enters this series having lost seven of their past nine to fall out of first place in the AL Central.

St. Louis will go with ol' reliable John Lackey (4-4, 3.74 ERA) in the opener. The veteran right-hander has been mostly consistent this year, as he seemingly always is, surrendering three runs or less in nine of his 12 starts. He's coming off his worst outing of the year, though, after getting pounded by the Rockies at Coors Field, but usually is a fine bet to bounce back. He takes on Twins youngster Trevor May (4-4, 4.16 ERA) in this series-opening clash, and the 25-year-old right-hander has been performing his best work of his still-young Major League career, bringing his ERA down more than a full run over the past month. In fact, he’s gone at least six innings or more in five straight starts, a career-high, while allowing three runs or less in four of them. May is 7-4 towards over bets this year but has helped cash the under in three of his past four assignments. The line for tonight’s affair is currently 7.

Oakland Athletics at San Diego Padres | 10:10 p.m. ET

It won't get much hype, considering neither of these teams is currently over .500, but this is the return of Jesse Hahn (3-5, 3.84 ERA) to San Diego, after spending his rookie campaign with the Padres a season ago. Hahn was very solid as a freshman, going 7-4 with a 3.07 ERA, including owning a 2.95 ERA in seven games (six starts) at Petco Park. The 25-year-old endured his shortest outing of the season his last time out but had logged five consecutive quality starts prior to his most recent assignment.

Opposing the former Friar will be former teammate Tyson Ross (3-6, 3.81 ERA), who is arguably the most underrated pitcher in the entire National League. Ross has once again exhibited his usual trademark extreme consistency in 2015, having yielded exactly two or three runs in all but one of his 13 starts, while going five innings or more in every single one. Ross has also continued to be one of the better strikeout artists this season, racking up 83 punch-outs in his 75.2 innings of work. Predictably, the linesmakers have given this pitching matchup an over/under line of 7 in San Diego, but it may not stay that high leading up to first pitch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Smallest margins put Blackhawks on brink of Cup in Game 6

June 14, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop and his Chicago counterpart, Corey Crawford, both made atrocious mistakes less than a minute apart in Game 5 of this impossibly close Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night.

Bishop's blunder ended up in his net when he collided with defenseman Victor Hedman and sent the puck to Patrick Sharp, who scored the Blackhawks' first goal in a 2-1 victory.

Crawford gave the puck away to Nikita Kucherov moments earlier, but his blunder didn't cost him - and Kucherov even got injured on the play.

The differences between the Blackhawks and the Lightning are so minuscule in this historically close Final that one mistake, one false stride, one flicker of fate has decided things. Chicago took advantage of one fewer mistake and took a 3-2 series lead on a 90-degree night in Tampa.

The Blackhawks won more than a game: If they get one more stroke of fate on their side, they'll get to raise the Stanley Cup on their home ice Monday night.

''I think everyone is pretty excited about it,'' Crawford said. ''But we can't get ahead of ourselves. There's a lot of work to do here, and it's going to be an even harder battle.''

Here are some things to contemplate while the series shifts to the United Center:

HAWKS AT HOME:

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and the incumbent core of the Blackhawks' last two championship teams raised the Stanley Cup on road ice in 2010 and again in 2013. They've got the chance to do it at home this time in front of the famously boisterous Chicago fans. A home clincher is particularly wonderful when that silvery trophy is involved, but only the Los Angeles Kings have experienced it since 2007.

ONE-GOAL GAMES:

The first five games in the Final have been decided by one goal, the first time that's happened in the NHL's final series since 1951, when Montreal and Toronto did it. Neither team has led by more than one goal at any point in the series' 300 minutes. The tension of those stakes has translated into heavy playing time for the Blackhawks' top defensemen. Tampa Bay has spread out its minutes more equitably, but Victor Hedman still played 23:38 in Game 5. Keith has been tireless for most of the past two rounds, but he appears to be slowing ever so slightly.

CONFIDENT LIGHTNING:

Much has been made of Tampa Bay's inexperience on hockey's biggest platform, but coach Jon Cooper and his players are confident they can force a seventh game, which would be their third of these playoffs. In addition to being 8-4 on the road, compared to 6-7 at home, the Lightning wiped out a 3-2 deficit to eliminate Detroit in the first round and also won Game 7 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference finals.

''I've probably overused this line during the playoffs, but I guess we've gone from an inexperienced playoff team to an experienced playoff team, and we've been in this position before just a month and a half ago,'' Cooper said.

Four of the past seven times the Stanley Cup has been tied 2-2, the team losing Game 5 has rebounded to win the championship, including the 2004 Lightning.

STARS STILL STRUGGLING:

Kane still doesn't have a goal in the Stanley Cup Final. Toews still has just one goal. Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos has no goals in seven games. Playoff scoring leader Tyler Johnson has one goal in nine games. There's still time for the best offensive players on either team to seize a game for themselves, but that time is running short.

KUCHEROV'S STATUS:

If Kucherov, part of the high-scoring ''Triplets'' line that also features Johnson and Ondrej Palat, can't play in Game 6, someone will need to step up to fill the void. Rookie Jonathan Drouin filled in for long stretches Saturday night, and Cooper even tried pairing Stamkos with Johnson and Palat for a while.

Kucherov has 10 goals and 22 points in 25 playoff games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Star players hope to provide edge in Stanley Cup Final

June 13, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The tightest Stanley Cup Final in 47 years is coming down to the wire.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning both feel confident about their ability to win two of a possible three games remaining in the best-of-7 matchup that resumes Saturday night.

The series is tied 2-2 following four consecutive one-goal games, and there's no reason to believe one team or the other is poised to run away from the other.

''It's one of the hardest things to do in pro sports, finish off a series and beat another team to win a Stanley Cup, especially a team that's been there a couple times and knows what it takes,'' Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos said. ''We have our work cut out for us, but this group has belief in each other.''

The Blackhawks have won two of the past five NHL championships, and they have stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to lean on in situations like this.

Tampa Bay is on the league's biggest stage for the first since 2004, when the Lightning won its only Stanley Cup title.

Experience would seem to favor the Blackhawks, however Tampa Bay's youthful roster has been extremely resilient, too, in getting to this point.

Looking for a difference-maker?

The Blackhawks usually can count on Toews or Kane, who's both struggled to score in this series, to lead the way.

The Lightning expect direction from Stamkos, who also had difficulty hitting the back of the net, although Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn also have been crucial to the team's strong playoff run.

''I think for either team to win, it comes down to your best players being at their best and making the difference.

So myself as an individual, I expect that out of myself,'' Toews said.

''I'm not the only one in that room that thinks that way, or thinks as an individual or a player, you need to raise your game to make a difference,'' the Chicago captain added. ''We all think that way. I think that's a huge reason why we've made it this far.''

The Lightning appeared loose in practice Friday, which coach Jon Cooper said reflects the personality on his team.

''You have to embrace where we are. It's the middle of June and we're still playing hockey. The Stanley Cup is up for grabs in the best two-out-of-three. I don't think we should be afraid of that. I don't think we should walk around being tense and looking at the magnitude of where we are, being afraid of the moment,'' Cooper said.

''It's two teams left playing in June. If we're not having fun doing this, then why are we doing this? It's been such a phenomenal experience to go through this,'' Cooper added. ''I remember on the plane ride home (Thursday) thinking, in six days, it's going to be over. How much fun, how we've grown together, you just don't want the experience to end.''

Some things watch for in Game 5:

TRUTH IS:

Cooper said Friday he didn't know if goalie Ben Bishop will return Saturday night after missing Game 4 with an undisclosed injury. He said Bishop is improving each day, and that the decision to not play him Wednesday night in Chicago was made, in part, to give the injured goaltender three days off before determining his availability for Game 5.

When Cooper was told that Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that he didn't tell truth about a lineup change he intended to make against the Cleveland Cavaliers before his team evened the NBA Finals 2-2, Cooper replied: ''Are you asking if I've lied? Is my nose growing?'' before cracking a smile.

''Okay, I'll be truthful in this scenario. This is regarding Ben Bishop or all injuries. I don't know sitting here today if Ben Bishop is playing on Saturday. I hope he plays. I don't know if he's going to,'' the coach said.

''I'm a pretty truthful guy. I kind of call it how it is,'' Cooper added. ''I don't feel like I've lied to anybody. I've maybe not, I don't know, said a lot of things, or I've kept them inside. ... But what's the point of lying? Truth is going to come out anyway, so you might as well tell it when you can.''

If Bishop doesn't play, rookie Andrei Vasilevskiy will make his second career playoff start.

KEEPIN' IT CLOSE:

The Cup Final is tied 2-2 for the fifth time in seven years. The first four games have been decided by one goal for the first time since 1968, when the Montreal Canadiens swept the St. Louis Blues.

POWER SHORTAGE:

Neither team's power-play has been productive in the series, with the Blackhawks 2 for 11 in man-advantage situations and the Lightning just 1 for 11. Of course, the flip side of that is both penalty-killing units are getting the job done.

TOEWS FACTOR:

The Chicago captain, who scored his first goal of the series in Game 4, has a reputation for putting the Blackhawks on his back and willing the team to victory in close series.

Coach Joel Quenneville knows Toews' history, but isn't predicting anything.

''Well, I don't forecast advantages. I know we're fortunate to have him. He's a special player. He's a great leader. He's got tremendous character,'' Quenneville said. ''We always talk about the bigger the setting, the bigger the stage, he rises to that challenge. Our team rises to big games and big settings as well.''

 

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Holy $hit betting stat of the day: Six is the magic number for Quenneville's Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks own a 9-0 record in Game 6 with a chance to clinch a postseason series under head coach Joel Quenneville.

Quenneville has been at the helm in Chicago since the 2008-09 season and will look for the club's third Stanley Cup in the previous six seasons. Each time the Hawks have won the Cup under Quenneville, the Cup-clinching victory came with a 3-2 series lead in Game 6 (2010 at Flyers, 2013 at Bruins).

In their current quest for the Cup, the Blackhawks have already dispatched of the Nashville Predators in a Game 6 situation with a 3-2 series lead. They swept the Minnesota Wild in the following round and were down 3-2 to the Anaheim Ducks before battling back to win the Western Conference Finals in seven.

The Blackhawks will attempt to improve that record to 10-0 in Game 6 at the United Center Monday evening.

Here is a look at the teams the Blackhawks have eliminated in each postseason under Quenneville:

2014-15: Nashville Predators

2013-14: St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild

2012-13: Boston Bruins

2011-12: N/A

2010-11: N/A

2009-10: Predators, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers

2008-09: Calgary Flames, Canucks

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic

Tampa Bay at Chicago

Blackhawks defeating Lightning 2-1 in Tampa Saturday night can capture hockey's 'Holy Grail' Monday at the Madhouse on Madison. In a series that has yet to see any team win by more than one goal, not too hard to imagine another classic playoff one goal affair. In the end, it's Blackhawks' time. Experienced and battled hardened Blackhawks have been here before. In the Kane/Toews era, Hawks are 2-0 when up 3-2 going into a game-six. Blackhawks 11-3 in one goal games during this second season prevail capturing 'Stanley's Jug' for the third time in six years and for the first time on home ice in 77 years. Blackhawks 32-14-5 at home behind the raucous crowd at the United Center, including 8-2 these playoffs are -$1.65 to -$1.80 favorites depending on locale.

 

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JOE WIZ

Monday... Over 8 runs Phillies and Orioles

 

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BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Sunday, June 14 is:

Kansas City Royals (Young) over St. Louis Cardinals (Lackey).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sleepyj

BALTIMORE -1.5 (-120)

Analysis: The Phillies will now make a short trip to Baltimore for today's game...Phillies will put Aaron Harang on the mound and his 3.04ERA and WHIP of 1.10...Harang started out the year on fire and has since found himself struggling..Harang has now lost 4 straight games and his games are getting worse...His last game he got bopped for 7 runs and lasted 6 innings..He has also given up 6HR's in 4 games and his strikeouts are down..He also has walked 7 batters in two games as well..It's clear that Harang is going downhill....He has now lost 4 games in a row and his WHIP and ERA overall shows he is decent, but i think giving up 16 runs and allowing 24 hits in just 23 innings of work says different...O's will send Wei-Yin Chen to the mound today..Now Chen is up and down for the most part..He won his last game but was on a 3 game losing streak..His last 3 starts though have been quality IMO..He pitched a total of 18 innings and only gave up 7 ER...He walked 4 batters and struckout 18...So Chen has shown some decent numbers and i think he can show up against this Phillies lineup...Phils haven't been all that scary as they hold up the basement for the league right now..Baltimore is sitting at 31-31 and they can get things rolling here with the Phils in town...Baltimore also won 8 of the last 10 games and they are coming off a loss to the Yanks..This team has been scoring runs at a rapid rate..They scored in total the last 5 games 34 runs..That's not to bad...The Phils on the other hand have gone cold and they have scored just 8 runs in 5 games..I think we have a bunch of things in our favor here today..The O's will look to keep the Phils on ice as they have now dropped 6 straight and have been swept for two series in a row now by the Pirates and the Reds..O's should be able to take the first game of this series today without a problem.