Panthers shoot for win against Ovechkin-less Caps

Hockey Betting Lines

03/16/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - While the Washington Capitals have already secured a playoff spot, the Florida Panthers have been making a late push for the postseason with their play as of late.

The resurgent Panthers aim for their first victory this season over the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals, who'll be without superstar Alex Ovechkin, when the Southeast Division members collide tonight at the BankAtlantic Center.

Florida's playoff chances took a serious hit after the team lost its final six games prior to the Olympic break, with five of those defeats coming in regulation. The Panthers also dropped their first outing upon returning from the NHL's shutdown for the Vancouver Games, but have won four of five tests since to climb back into the race.

The Panthers still have an uphill climb, however, as the club currently trails Boston by six points for the eighth and final postseason seed in the East as it begins a critical four-game homestand.

Florida returns home after a 2-1-0 road trip capped by Saturday's impressive come-from-behind win over the San Jose Sharks, who stand atop the Western Conference at the moment. After rallying from an early two-goal deficit to force overtime, the Panthers claimed a 3-2 decision when Bryan Allen scored 2:46 into the extra session.

Shawn Matthias scored off a rebound of an Allen shot five minutes into the third period to tie the contest at 2-2, then won a faceoff in overtime and sent the puck back to Allen for a wrister that snuck past a screened Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to complete the comeback.

"We've got a young team, so hopefully this is a huge confidence builder for us," said Florida head coach Peter DeBoer. "After the first period I thought this was going to be a long night, but we found a way to come back and I'm proud of the guys."

Tomas Vokoun did his part as well in the thrilling win, with the veteran netminder stopping 37-of-39 shots on the afternoon.

Florida hopes Saturday's triumph can serve as a springboard as it attempts to end its lack of recent success against the powerful Capitals. Washington has racked up 26 goals in winning all five previous meetings between the divisional foes this season, and they've gone 5-1-0 in their past six visits to the BankAtlantic Center.

The high-scoring Caps have gone 5-1-1 since the break and clinched their third straight Southeast Division title last week. The team also put forth a furious rally its last time out, erasing a three-goal deficit in a 4-3 overtime verdict over Central Division-leader Chicago Sunday at the United Center.

Nicklas Backstrom, Brooks Laich and Eric Fehr all scored within a 2:16 span in the third period to force extra time, and Backstrom beat Blackhawks netminder Antti Niemi on an odd-man rush 3:10 into overtime to lift Washington to the improbable win.

Jose Theodore finished with 20 saves for the Capitals, whose 101 points are five better than San Jose for tops in the NHL.

"We were aware of [Chicago's] starts. They just do a really good job at the beginning of the game," Laich said. "Once it got to 3-0, Jose shut the door to give us a chance."

Washington prevailed despite not having Ovechkin available for the majority of the contest after the reigning league MVP was given a game misconduct for shoving Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell into the end boards from behind at the 12:16 mark of the first period. The hard hit was deemed excessive by the NHL office, resulting in a two-game suspension for the league's leading scorer.

The Capitals began a four-game road trip with Sunday's win and own a 20-10-5 record as the visitor for the season.

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American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6  

The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.

Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com.  "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.

It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis.  It's like Week 1 of the NFL.  Pre-season means nada!

We do know the 24 finalists however.

Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24.  He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway.  He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien. 

Brandon Rogers - Who?

Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition.  He should go a good distance.

Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was.  And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition.  He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice!  People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way. 

"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks.  He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes.  But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.

A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”

Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes. 

"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate.  "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past.  He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far.  Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."

Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts) 

And the others:

Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter

The girls

"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis.  "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has.  The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive.  I think she will go far."

Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.

"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams.  Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth.  "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.

Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.

Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.

Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan

MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with). 

Last two contestants will be?

1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)

2 Males +170 (a $10 bet pays $17 plus your initial $17)

2 Females +130 (a $10 bet pays $13 plus your initial $10)

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