The Philadelphia Flyers evened their first-round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs series at one a piece after shutting out the Washington Capitals 2-0 on Sunday. BetOnline.com has the Washington Capitals –155 odds favorites in game three against the Philadelphia Flyers +135 with the over/under set at 5.5 (-105 juice) goals.
Thus far, the key to the series has been the phenomenal job Philly has done on Caps sniper Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin led the NHL in goals and points this season but he's largely been held in-check by defenseman Kimmo Timonen and a few other Flyers.
“Alexander the Great” was held pointless in Sunday's loss and he hasn't made as great an impact as many expected. Still, Ovechkin can explode with a brilliant play at any moment – his game-winning goal in Game 1 is proof enough of that – so Philadelphia needs to stick to its game plan and keep a close eye on the young Russian.
For what it's worth, goalie Martin Biron deserves some credit too. Biron was inconsistent during the regular season, but “Good Marty” showed up on Sunday, stopping 24 shots on route to a shut out. Biron helped weather the storm in the first period, when the Flyers were whistled for four penalties. Philadelphia would appreciate that kind of play every night, but it's not likely to get it.
Be aware that Ovechkin looked frustrated and tired in Game 2. He's got young legs, but he averaged 1:20 minutes per shift, far too much for even the fittest players. The Capitals need him at the top of his game, and the best way to do that might be getting some of his teammates going. It's obvious Ovechkin is trying to carry Washington right now; he'll be able to reserve some energy is someone else steps up and draws some defensive attention elsewhere.
The Washington Capitals were 2-0 in Philadelphia this season, so heading for the City of Brotherly Love won't intimidate them and the betting line reflects that. The Philadelphia Flyers have generally looked liked the better team so far, but in Game 3 the Caps will be fired up to avenge the shut out on Sunday. Go with Washington. Get your Free NHL Playoffs Pick in Now!
Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers, Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m. ET
Free NHL Playoffs Pick: Washington Capitals
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