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Dallas Stars vs Detroit Red Wings Game 1 NHL Playoffs Pick |
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Written by Neil Jordan
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Thursday, 08 May 2008
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 The Dallas Stars are coming off a tough test in the NHL playoffs, while the Detroit Red Wings are well rested after a sweep. The two will meet on Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. BetOnline.com has the Detroit Red Wings –210 odds favorites against the Dallas Stars +175 with the over/under set at 5 goals +100 reduced juice.
The Stars eliminated the San Jose Sharks in a grueling six-game series in which five games were decided by only one goal, including the series clincher which went to four overtimes. Dallas' big players came to play in the San Jose series, as Mike Ribeiro and Brad Richards led the way offensively with six points each, while captain Brenden Morrow was next with five points, including the series-winning goal in Game 6. Marty Turco continued his brilliance in goal with a GAA of 1.51 and a save percentage of .941 against the Sharks.
The Red Wings rolled over Colorado with a four-game sweep, and an 8-2 romp in the series clincher was the exclamation point. Johan Franzen threw his name into the Conn Smythe running with nine goals in the series, with six coming on special teams. The dangerous duo of Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk combined for 17 points, as they constantly pressure the Colorado defense. Chris Osgood ran his postseason winning streak to six games with a GAA of 2.26 and a save percentage of .914.
The Red Wings are huge favorites at -240 to take the series, and they are also rated at -200 to win the first game. Detroit won three of four meetings with the Stars during the regular season, and the meetings were relatively low-scoring with the Red Wings outscoring Dallas 12-5. Goaltending will play a massive part in deciding this series, and Turco is going to have his best series yet in order for Dallas to reach the Stanley Cup final. But Detroit has yet to lose at home in the playoffs, so take the Red Wings to grab the series by the scruff of the neck with a victory on Thursday. Get your Free NHL Playoffs Pick in now!
Dallas Stars at Detroit Red Wings – 7:30 PM ET
Free NHL Playoffs Pick: Detroit Red Wings
For more props and odds on the NHL Playoffs as we follow the chase for the Stanley Cup, as well as a look at our brand-new and revamped Casino, visit BetOnline.com for the most exciting experience in the sports betting industry.
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