Will Rogers

This "barn burner' style series returns to Edmonton with the series tied up, not something the Flames wished for.  The Oilers are very good at home, and the home team has been very successful when these two teams meet.  The Flames appeared to have no real answer for the Oiler's blazing fast play, and Markstrom has not been his usual dominant self.  The Oiler's goal-tending, although better in game two, is still an issue.  I expect Sutter, the Flames' no nonsense coach, to have his club motivated tonight, but McDavid is really carrying the Oilers, and showing that he really is the very best.  I wouldn't want to pick a winner tonight, but another high total seems likely.  Take tonight's total to go over again.

Florida is a very good road team, and will need to be tonight, facing the Lightning down 2-0 and in Tampa Bay. That formidable and explosive offfense has not been evident yet, and the inept PP in a big issue. Vasilevskiy is an even bigger issue.  He has been terrific in net for the Lightning, and appears to be peaking at just the right moment.  As good as the  Panthers are on the road, they face a very good home team tonight.  The Lightning have won all three meetings between the two clubs this year, and are experienced play off performers, not something to be said about Florida.  I like Tampa Bay's chances for 3-0, but I especially like the total today. Bet on Bobrovski and Vasilevskiy, and take the total to go under.

For the second series in a row, the Mavs return home for Game 3 down two games to none. We all recall what happened against Phoenix in the last round. Now I’m not saying the Mavs pull that off again, but I do like them here in Game 3. 

Certainly, Dallas feels that this Western Conference Final should be all squared away at one game apiece. They led Game 2 for most of the first three quarters and were up 14 at half. Luka Doncic had 42 points. But it was not to be as Golden State raced past them in the fourth.

The Mavs have won five straight at home in these playoffs since losing Game 1 of the Utah series (without Doncic). Something I have mentioned before is that they are #1 in the league in fewest points allowed at home (101.0 per game). I can assure you that the Warriors will not be shooting 56% again as they did in each of the first two games.

Though Coach Jason Kidd quipped that his team “died by the three” in Game 2, I expect the Mavs will continue to fire from behind the arc in this game. They’ve attempted 93 threes in the series. They made 21 in Game 2. Golden State shot a higher percentage, but will not repeat going 50% from deep as they did in Game 2. 

Golden State has failed to cover each of its last four road games. Dallas is 6-0 ATS after allowing 125 or more points in their last game. Lay the points

The Dodgers faced the Phillies in LA, and were uncharacteristically thumped in the first 3 of 4 games, giving up 29 (!) runs in those 3 games. Since then, they have won 7 straight, including 3 against those same Phillies. Gonsolin ( 1.63 ERA) starts for the Dodgers on Sunday. He has arguably been their best pitcher this year, showing great consistency, giving up less no more than 2 runs a start, with 3 shutout appearances mixed in.

The Phillies are 1 -6 since that rude outburst against the Dodgers, and after scoring all of those runs in three games, have managed only 12 in the 7 games since. Eflin (3.90 ERA) starts for the Phillies and the verdict on him is “pretty good”, with 3 real quality starts in 6 appearances, including his last one. The Dodgers do have previous experience with, and considerable success against Eflin.

The Dodgers offense has been on a tear the whole season, but are particularly potent just now with a vicious .879 OPS. The Phillies have plummeted all the way to the bottom of the barrel in their last 7 games, hitting just .194 with a miserable .501 OPS. Playing against Gonsolin and the Dodgers’ bullpen is not a good place to expect to turn things around. The Dodgers are tough on righties and formidable on the road. I am on the Dodgers to extend their winning streak on Sunday.