JHBuff25's Blog
Posted Friday, October 01, 2010 10:22 PM
Who else thinks it's hilarious that UT St is beating BYU like a rented
mule / red-headed stepchild / $2 whore?
Posted Friday, June 18, 2010 09:03 AM
Throwing out cards like he's dealing a hand of 7 card stud. I guess this is what happens when someone pisses in the ref's Kool-Aid.
When I saw this match on the schedule I would have guessed EVERYONE would have bet GER-1. I didn't think the ref would have his money on it but...seems like something ODD is going on.
Do they have a rules committee that reprimands random crap like this or what?
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2010 04:04 PM
Both series underdogs:
Wings take out the parenial playoff loser-Shrex.
Nucks take out the youthfully unfocused Hawks.
Posted Sunday, April 25, 2010 06:35 PM
Vancouver: They've got the goods. Determined. Skilled. Experienced...especially in the net (i.e. WHERE IT COUNTS).
Pittsburgh: While there's really no talent differential to speak of between Pitt and Washington, I see the league favoring the Pens with a few generous calls. Plus, they've been here and know what to expect.
Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010 04:19 PM
Blues home record: 12-18-3-2 does NOT inspire confidence. LAK is 21-15 SU on the road.
No rest record: Los Angeles
6-2-0-1
St. Louis
5-9-0-2
Both are playing on no rest...what kind of chump is taking the Blues tonight?
Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010 04:11 PM
Both were on major runs until the 3rd game in 4 night scenario reared its ugly head. The difference is obvious: Yotes (aside from just being the more talented team) have a much better attitude that gives them an edge here. Further, if you look at their respective opponents, CHI (best in the west) and DAL (nearly the worst in the west) it's not difficult to see which team has a real problem and likely doesn't know it. Hint: they normally play in Tennessee.
Posted Thursday, March 25, 2010 12:41 PM
Let me count the ways...
- they play tomorrow @DET.
- Backstrom pissed down his leg in his first game off an injury.
- road game.
Guess that's about it.
Oh, PHI has no goalie...wait, that's why they should be the fave. WTF?
Riding the Wild to the bank tonight.
Posted Sunday, March 21, 2010 09:44 AM
Today's Picks:
NHL: CAL @ MIN: A drunken monkey could tell you that MIN is totally
boned. Harding has had NO success v Calgary and the rest of the team is
far from healthy. Stack that against CAL within one pt of the 8th
playoff spot and MN playing their 3rd game in 4 nights and this is easy
money. Play Flames -110.
p.s. Never mind the fact that MIN has had CAL's
number for most of the season. They do this every year: win early and
often (v. Calgary) and then tuck tail when the chips are down in the
season's home stretch...almost always splitting their meetings.
ATL @ PHI: The Phlyers are another team with a goalie problem. Their
main problem is that Brian Boucher is NO GOOD, has never been any good.
ATL has seriously improved their talent level (added some WINNERS) and
is sitting just outside the playoff picture. Don't think for a second
that PHI is going to make the playoffs this year. THEY'RE OUT!!! ATL is
on a roll at the right time and they have to be riding a pretty serious
wave of confidence going into this one. Play on ATL +170.
Posted Wednesday, October 14, 2009 06:54 PM
Pens have the upper hand in this matchup firmly clenched around the Canes' throats. Add that to the Canes' poor the play after 3 days rest and I can't resist playing the Pens.
Posted Friday, September 25, 2009 05:27 PM
Marshall @ Memphis: One trick pony v No trick pony. I'll take the road dog that can run the ball.
UCF @ ECU: every reason to think ECU wins. Not much reason to think they cover -10.
Vandy @ Rice: The delusional crap that falls from the Rice coach's mouth is laughable...in fact I dare you to read it during an important meeting or conversation with in-laws. Vandy needs this punching bag win to restore their confidence. Considering all they need to do is run the jackasses over and take some shots downfield when they're available the -7 should be a sleep-walk cover.
Posted Friday, September 25, 2009 03:33 PM
MO @ Nevada: First, while Missouri is clearly the better team this is a PRIME spot for the look-ahead to Nebraska. They pounded the Wolfpack last year and this year Nevada has yet to show up for a game. Anyone else think their home opener might be a different story? All talent aside, this should only be a one score spread. For as much of the public as is on Mizzou on a game in Nevada you would expect the line to move more...steady line probably means the books take huge on this one.
SoMiss @ Kansass: All anyone knows about SoMiss is contain Fletcher and you win. Any chance the Golden Eagles can contain QB-Reesing? I don't believe so. KS top RB, Sharp, game time decision spells throw away game. Hawks know they are the big dog in the 12-north and rightfully expect to beat this team...with or without a substantial running game. That said, a 2TD spread cover seems like a coin flip.
UTEP @ Texas: Is there any chance the Horns lose? NO. Is there any reason for them to cover -36? NO.
Army @ IASt: Who cares? Neither team has a future.
La-Lafayette @ Braska: 28pts seems like a lot for a team that beat Kansas St this season. Could be easy for either team to be looking ahead to conf play next week.
UAB @ Texas A&M: Anyone else think this is going to get U-G-L-Y? Aggies took the week off and still beat UT St. Blazers have taken the season off after thrashing a BAD Rice team. No reason to think there isn't rampant finger pointing and blame ...
[More]
Posted Friday, September 25, 2009 02:24 PM
Heels @ Jackets: How is GT favored? Simple. Flu. UNC seemed to handle their offensive line injuries even against the decent defensive front of ECU. GT's D line is not so healthy, powerful or useful...and their option attack has clearly been gamed for so successfully by MIA that any team with half a brain knows they only have to keep pulling the same rabbit from the proverbial hat. Even with the flu, I just don't buy GT winning here.
Wake @ BC: Clearly a throw away for the Deacons. They've got a slew of injuries and no real depth so the scrubs get to start against this sub-par Eagle team. The question to be answered is whether the Eagles have legitimately improved. I couldn't say as yet but if they have they should win this one.
TCU @ Clemson: The only interesting game in the whole conference. TCU is trying to run the table and make a case for a Mt West BCS bid. Very real chance this is their "signature win". Clemson, legit contender for the ACC-Atlantic div, needs this game a lot less than the Horned frogs. They should be looking past this to their upcoming conf games as they recover from their flu bug (translates: didn't practice much this last week). Pick TCU SU.
MIA @ VA Tech: The Meaningful Game in the ACC...or whatever passes for one by conf stds. MIA has a serious QB for a change and the team is playing well together. VA Tech is clearly on the down slope of their success with a bad QB and their 3rd best RB starting the game...never m...
[More]
Posted Friday, September 25, 2009 11:18 AM
Indy @ Mich: Seriously? Beware of the big dog on the big stage...especially with Mich missing some O-liners and almost certainly looking ahead to MSU next week. You really think the Wolverines bring their A-game to this one?
Minnesota @ NW: Now THIS is a grudge match. No closing seconds INT to rip the game away from the Gophers in this one. NW can't run the ball and they can't stop the run. Gophers are decent at both. Pretty much no chance Wildcats win here.
MSU @ Wisc: Should be a fun game to watch but this kind of brawl is entirely too tempramental to figure in advance. If you feel like playing both sides back and forth on the WSE interactive you'll probably have a good ole time...and maybe wind up broke.
ILL @ OSU: Buckeyes _should_ pound the Illini into next week...bt Tressel is an Illini alumnus and clearly has a soft spot for the hapless jackasses. Don't be at all surprised to see ILL cover here and don't try to read much into the outcome.
IA @ PSU: The BIG GAME of the week in the Big Ten. Yeah, it's giong to be a rollercoaster ride where IA probably covers and PSU probably wins...but neither one of these is a certainty. Welcome to the GAMBLE OF THE NIGHT.
ND @ Purdon't: Fortunately for Purdue they get ND @ home...for all it's worth. didn't seem to help them as they clearly looked past NoIll last week. No reason to think the Makers have much of a shot at this one...might cover, probably won't win....
[More]
Posted Friday, September 25, 2009 04:49 AM
SoFla is a 14pt dog @ FSU: * * * Why? Lost their "QB" and a WR. Yeah, that's not going to help by most objective assessments but the FNG isn't useless. Further, FSU beat BYU like a redheaded stepchild...but what team wouldn't embarass themselves after five turnovers? They also have a "young offensive line" which means sophomore slump and the occassional bout with overconfidence. This week is a prime spot for such and the books can see it as well as I. Sure, the Bulls probably won't win but they will compete. ***Spoiler alert*** Nationally televised games (ESPNU) are always great spots for dogs...good for ratings.
Fresno State @ Cinci: Despite some hiccups the Bearcats performed as expected vs OSU. The same could be said of Fresno State v Boise St. I expect each of them to ocntinue to perform to the best of their abilities and this week that means Cinci PUMMELS the Bulldogs.
Rutgers @ MD: As far as I know, Schiano doesn't believe in lowering expectations with half-baked injury reports. Without QB whatshisname the Knights are knits. MD is a dog with different fleas. As I thought they might, losing in regulation is not an auspiscious achievement by any stretch. Which turd will float this weekend? I'm curious if anyone knows or cares.
Pitt @ NCSt: Exactly what is it that makes NCSt the "favorite" here? You let me know if you think that's anything but crazy. Another ESPNU game...can't believe Pitt won't pull off the "upset"
L...
[More]
Posted Friday, May 08, 2009 11:44 AM
Caps @ Pens: Pens needed refs to hand-hold them all the way to the narrowest of victories in g3. Is there really any reason to think the refs will be holding their cocks while they piss tonight? I think NO. Pick the Caps ml+150 for a great value dog.
Bruins @ Canes: While I was a huge Bruin tout for the last few games I neglected a couple of key details. Hunwick and Ference. Without those guys Montador actually has to PLAY. This does not bode well for the Bruins. Their pathetic defensive passing in g3 led to turnovers and easy goals and prevented any sustained pressure. Can't hold the lead if you can't keep puck possession when you've got a weak link in your defensive zone. Canes are reading the obvious confusion and pouncing on the Bruins early and often. I wouldn't be surprised to see a repeat of g3. Maybe the Bruins get it together by g5 but I'm not holding my breath.
Saturday:
Pit @ Was: See above.
CHI @ VAN: Nucks shouldn't have lost last night but that's what lazy, sit on a lead play will get you. If they had put any offensive effort into the 3per last night they would be playing for the series win on Sat. Regardless, the Hawks have played their best and the fact is they simply don't have the will or the attitude to take this series off the Nucks. Pick Van.
Posted Wednesday, May 06, 2009 12:52 PM
WAS @ PIT: After taking a 2-0 lead on the road with them the Caps have to be pretty content. I expect a firm face plant @ PIT tonight. PIT ML -170 looks like a winner. However, unless the Pens put forth some serious change in their strategy they aren't going to like games 4,5 outcomes.
BOS @ CAR: As I said before, I'm a HUGE fan of the -1.5 in this matchup. None of the meetings have been close and why pay juice when you can play a righteous big dog @ +250? Seems like a gimme pick and HUGE VALUE.
Thursday:
VAN @ CHI: The Nucks look for another bite out of the Hawks. If they play like they did in g1, g3 they'll probably take it down. That said, given the injury costs of g2 they could easily lay down against a goonish (at least in the post season) Hawk team. Since the refs are bound to lean on the Nucks a bit there's no reason to believe they'll take this one.
DET @ ANA: Wings have walked into a door, fell down some stairs or something. I don't think they'll take another win in this series. Overdependence on shooting and poor goaltending has been their stock and trade vs. ANA. Not likely to turn around tomorrow night.
Posted Thursday, April 30, 2009 04:16 PM
Vancouver: The Hawks held their shaky, immature game together long enough to take out the weakest team in the west (outside of Ohio, anyway). BFD! The Nucks have the experience to beat down the occasionally inconsistent Hawks and I expect they start with a win at home tonight. Hawks probably take g3, g4 but no more.
Boston: I expect a royal beat down over the "lucky-to-be-here" Canes. If NJ wasn't a basket case of a team this season CAR would have left the building already. BOS is playing the best hockey in the post season, bar none. Ride BOS -1.5 all the way to the bank. BOS is bringing their brooms.
Quax probably take g3 and g5 off the Wings but not more.
Pit is the NHL refs fave and thus, they should be the odds on pick to win their series with the Caps.
Posted Wednesday, April 22, 2009 11:15 AM
Really not that hard to pick out of the line up.
BOS is on a mission and they're going to smack the Habs right out of their own arena. Sure, MON get's all the calls at home but the talent isn't there to contend with this Bruin team bent on vengeance over past post season losses. Do the Bruins cover -1.5 is the only real question. I think so but I'm going to play it safe on the ML.
Covers "Ice Picks" has squarely missed the boat in the WAS @ NYR matchup. The Rags should be playing with more determination and creativity than their lame effort of Monday night and the Caps should have gotten that monkey off their backs. With a little less pressure the prolific WAS offense should show up tonight. Say what you will about Lundqvuist, this is going to be a night of trading goals. Caps and O5 look good from here.
CHI @ CAL seems like a mediocre value but a solid pick tonight. The official version has CHI with the "flu" whatever that means. I'm guessing it translates "can't play for shit on the road." This is not exactly a shock for the Hawks. I really don't like this much chalk on a team without defensive depth but none of the Flame injuries are recent and they should win another just because CHI is immature and they think they had the series won before they left the windy city.
Picking BOS -200, NYR/WAS O5.
Posted Tuesday, April 21, 2009 06:48 PM
Probably not Pit. I certainly agree with the obvious that they are the better team. However, PHI is not done fighting yet. They played like spectators in the first two games and were handed their asses in a plain brown wrapper. Probably not going to happen at home. PHI showed up huge and didn't let the pressure off pulling out the eventual win and I expect more of the same tonight. The reason PHI has a fighting chance is quite simple: THEY HAVE A CHANCE FIGHTING. They want their pound of flesh from the cross state rival and even if they lose the series they'll take another game or two...probably this one tonight.
How can I go against the "Ice Picks" twice in one night? I'm not sure I can....that said, the battle of CA does look another classic "can't win at home series for the Shreks. They did this same dance of stupidity against Calgary in how many consecutive playoff seasons? Unfortunately, the Shrex are the home "Fave" in this series and there is just crappy value in this tired, lazy-ass team.
Tonight's knock-down, bloody mess of a pick is the other west coast team. The Blues are going to get abused (on the scoreboard) by the Nucks. Couver is full of vets that play like a team. St. Louis is just happy to have made it in on a great late season surge frought with mediocre opponents. Nucks end this misery tonight.
Pick Vancouver ML.
Posted Friday, April 03, 2009 03:34 PM
FLORIDA!!! Not only are they playing their best in years they get the opportunity to face the bottom feeding Trashers. Goaliepost has someone other than Hedberg likely to start. Anyone else think the Trashers are looking to land a high draft pick? Easy pick for the FLA.
Hate to say it but I'm seriously thinking the Wild _should_ win (dangerous word, I know) at home versus the Flames. After a truly flat game v VAN they've got to be catching crap left right and center. Only a scant 4pts from the playoffs could actually motivate them if only they weren't so fixated on the fact. Maybe pissing down their legs the other day has drawn their focus elsewhere. CAL looked kinda sad @ DAL last night. 2-9SU on no rest spells Wild win tonight. I guess the season sweep would probably cost some of these guys their jobs especially in a pivotal game like this.
CHI can jump up and grab home ice if they show up tonight. Me thinks the Hawks have been losing games they could have won because their lack of focus. With 2 of their next 3 against the Preds they doubtless realize that they can nail 4 points by mastering one opponent. Pretty easy math. While -200 may keep me off this one it _should_ be a CHI win.
Posted Thursday, April 02, 2009 03:17 PM
Gotta fault Covers on their picks once again. They see the right stats in the MTL/NYI game but choose the terrible value over the almost sure pick of O6. MTL has really been loose of late and in a virtually meaningless road game I can see them dumping a bunch on the Isles. I can also see frequent NYI PP opportunities. 12-3 O/U on no rest for the Isles says more than anything. Pick O6.
In theory the Flames pick over the Starz is probably good but fortunes have been really bad for the Flames of late. Piling up injured defensemen couldn't possibly help them. Seems a bit dicey for a struggling team. Starz have improved their play in each of their last few games where CAL has been spotty.
OTT @ BOS: In this matchup between the former and the present Zdeno Chara teams the present has had the upper hand and this season they've been brutal good. OTT has NOT. Any reason that the Sens might pull this one out of their asses? Only if the Bruins no-show. Chara has always played up against his former team and I believe he motivates those around him to do so also. Despite the -250 tag I think this is a good value. Pick BOS.
ANA @ VAN: 'Couver has only a one point NW Div lead over the Calgary Homose%uals and if they continue to play the way they have been they'll build that lead tonight. Quax played average to adequate hockey in their recent meeting with EDM and I don't expect much different tonight. They're clearly a bit cagey and trying to pick and choose wh...
[More]
Posted Wednesday, April 01, 2009 06:17 PM
While Pitt _shoud/could_ win at the lately unimpressive (and possibly lazey) DeVilles I don't want to step onto that utterly speculative limb. Sure, teams that have no pressure on them are likely to score a bunch and give up a bunch: GIVE THE FANS WHAT THEY WANT!!
Now those of you who have touted the 'Hawks all season should no better at this time of year. Sure, they've got a great team but they're not playing like it. This is VERY common for a young team that has pretty much locked down a playoff spot. They don't believe they have anything to gain by busting ass. If Calgary continues to sloth about (which I expect they will) the young Hawks are right. St. Louis on the other hand is on a death march for the playoffs. They have played better hockey in the last 2wks than in the previous 2-3 years. Take the free money on the dog. Pick STL.
I also like a simple 2pick north of the border. PHI has a home and home bout starting tonight with the Loafs which looks utterly predictable. Unfortunately for the Loafs the CuJo of years past is LONG GONE. This sorry imitation is bound to give up a couple of easy floaters to the recently frustrated but playing quite well Phlyers. Parlay PHI/O6.
Posted Tuesday, March 31, 2009 11:12 AM
VAN @ MIN: Caught both of these teams' Sunday games. Unimpressive performance from the Wild to say the least. First game back from a road trip surely spells bad things for the Wild. Couver is looking SCARY GOOD and they've got the Wild's number. Pick 'Nucks.
OTT @ FLA: Does anyone really think the Pantsers won't show up for this one? This is also a classic south Florida forgotten weekend for the Sens. Screw practice!!! Partying at south beach is the only way to go when you've just won a game and you've long since been eliminated from playoff contention. Besides, FLA is looking tough. Pick FLA.
ANA @ EDM: Losing Smid can't help the Oil can and they weren't all that special before. The pressure of potential post season play is clearly weighing upon their minds already. The road team has dominated this matchup. Expect that to continue tonight. Pick Quax.
Posted Monday, March 30, 2009 01:56 PM
So Covers has Calgary and NJ winning tonight...I don't doubt either is possible. What I strongly doubt is whether either is a the easy pick or the best value of the day. However, DAL @ PHO presents a fairly easy decision. Starz are missing so many players it's a joke and the management has clearly cashed their season out in favor of getting the younger players some ice time and/or draft position. PHO improved this year (at least at home) and Dallas is dead meat, in a major slump with no signs of improvement even total indifference. Pick PHO.
Posted Saturday, March 28, 2009 04:35 PM
I see the Wild @ Calgary tonight and realize that part of me thinks MN will win if only because NOBODY thinks they will pull this one out. How often does a team complete a sweep in their conference (if you don't count the Trashers and Isles)? I think the Wild will be excited to have Koivu back after briefly seeing their postseason hopes flash before their eyes and the Flames are in quite the slump of late. 3-7 in their last 10 isn't impressing me. Playing their 3rd in 4 nights is going to be rough against a wound up Wild team. Pick MIN.
PHI @ NYI: Somehow the Isles topple the Wings (no-show, anyone?) and the Phlyers drop one to the hot Pants and now we've got a reasonable line. Gotta like the Phlyers here. Plus I think PHI plays well on the front of b2b games. I am a little hesitant at the cost of this one.
FLA @ DAL: What's the matter with the Starz? Plenty. From the laundry list of injuries to the general poor morale they're looking up the wrong end and should be a dog here. Take the "free" money. Hot Panthers get this one done...back onto their recent roll. Pick FLA.