NHL Playoff Odds: Can the Sens Sweep?

The Ottawa Senators hold a 3-0 strangle hold over the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference finals and are one win away from their first trip to the Stanley Cup finals in the history of this young Canadian franchise. And Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson is confident his team is up to the challenge, despite having endured plenty of frustration along the way.

"You always go though life's ups and downs, and the belief you have is that every year is a new chance," Alfredsson said. "Even though you go through tough times, I'm not going to complain too much."

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks: 9 PM EST

But enough about the Sens. Tonight's got the Detroit Red Wings taking on the Anaheim Ducks, a nail-biting series that has both teams tied at one game apiece. Will tonight's lineup change for the Red Wings be enough to fend off a determined Ducks squad that may be bigger and faster (but not necessarily better)?

Maybe. Maybe not.

"I don't think anybody thought this was going to be easy," said Red Wings coach Mike Babcock. "I think everybody thought this was going to be a real battle. Thus far, it's been that way. I don't want to take anything away from the other team, because I think that's real important, but we don't think we've played as good as we can - not even close. We have to play better."

For more on the Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres series, and the Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks series, check out offshore sportbook Betting guide ("Second-Round Highlights"). And for all your NHL betting, go to the nhl playoff odds

Sharks, Devils and Some Horses In Between

May 5th may be the perfect day for hockey fans with a penchant for horse racing. At 2:00 PM ET the Sharks take on the Red Wings in Detroit; at 8:00 PM ET the Devils play host to the Senators. And between this all the 133rd Kentucky Derby (2 minutes as opposed to 3 hours, for those with short attention spans), with post time slotted for 6:04 PM ET.

How do these matchups stack up in the sports books? The Sharks are given 7/2 to win this year's Stanley Cup, compared to a distant 8/1 for the Red Wings. The Devils are 10/1 to take the Cup in the futures, where the Senators -- like the Sharks -- are given 7/2.

And in the ever-exciting world of Kentucky Derby odds, the favorite horse is Curlin, currently given 3/1 to win the Road to the Roses.

So bundle up in the jersey of your favorite NHL hockey team, watch the Sharks gobble up the Red Wings, have a late lunch -- and then recline with a cooling Mint Julep as the ponies work their way to the gate. After you've recovered from the excitement at Churchill Downs, you can get on your skates and return (at least virtually) to the ice.

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