Saturday NHL playoff betting - will Sharks complete the choke job

It’s safe to say Saturday’s NHL betting action will be the most exciting of the season to date, as two teams face elimination from Stanley Cup odds while the most heated matchup of the first round continues.

Flyers odds improved dramatically Thursday night when they made a statement in Pittsburgh, while the Sharks odds decreased dramatically when they flopped in Anaheim. Meanwhile, Calgary’s bully tactics are starting to work on the young, impressionable Blackhawks.

NHL playoff picks: Last chance for Sharks’ offense to wake up

• San Jose can’t solve Jonas Hiller
• Great crowd could help Philly force Game 7
• Olli Jokinen fresh off coming-out party for Calgary

Penguins vs Flyers odds: Game 6, Saturday, 3:00 p.m. at the Wachovia Center
NHL lines: Penguins +120, Flyers -140

Just when you think you have an NHL series pegged, the underdog slaps you in the face. That’s what the Flyers did in Game 5 when they stuck it to many a sportsbook bettor by shutting out the Penguins on the road to stave off elimination. Surprisingly disciplined play, timely scoring, and a shutout from Martin Biron were the difference. There’s no question Philadelphia is the sportsbook favorite at home for Game 6, but it’s time for Pittsburgh to pull the rug out from under the Flyers odds. A do-or-die road game forced Philly to simplify its play and be less reckless, whereas the fire of the home crowd, while it will fuel them to work hard, may energize them too much, causing them to take bad penalties. This will be a very close game – perhaps going to overtime – but the Penguins will prevail and close out the series.

Flames vs Blackhawks odds: Game 5, Saturday, 9:00 p.m. at the United Center
NHL lines: Flames +135, Blackhawks -155

Even after the Hawks jumped to a 2-0 in this series, most NHL betting fans knew it was going at least six games. Riding the wild crowd known as the “Sea of Red” at home, the Flames won two straight to even the series. The key to their success was using their gritty style to fluster the young, inexperienced Hawks and another important factor was Olli Jokinen’s long-awaited breakout in Game 4. If he can return to the form he showed when the Flames first acquired him in March, he’ll terrorize Nikolai Khabibulin with his size and shot power. The Hawks odds are understandably tempting given the great momentum that comes with playing in the United Center, but the Flames are the more confident team right now. Bet on Calgary to steal Game 5.

Ducks vs Sharks odds: Game 5, Saturday, 10:00 p.m. at the HP Pavilion
NHL lines: Ducks +175, Sharks -210

OK, San Jose, this isn’t funny anymore. Where are you? With Joe Thornton still AWOL, Evgeni Nabokov lacking consistency, the blueline freewheeling too much, Bobby Ryan busting out and Jonas Hiller standing on his head, there are just too many things going wrong at once for the Sharks. If they’ll ever be motivated to win a game, though, Game 5 should be it. The threat of being embarrassed in five games as a No. 1 seed plus the roar of the home crowd should be a wind at the Sharks back as they play their best game of the series and take Game 5. Bet on the Sharks to win and don’t be surprised if Jonathan Cheechoo plays a big role, as he’s flashed more grit than some of the other top San Jose forwards so far.

For more sports betting lines and NHL playoff picks, visit the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.

Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.