Caps pounce on Panthers, earn ninth straight win

Hockey Betting Lines

01/29/2010 - Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Mike Knuble scored twice and added an assist, as the Washington Capitals took their ninth straight win, a 4-1 decision over the Florida Panthers at Verizon Center.

The current streak, which began with a shootout win over the Panthers on January 13, is one shy of matching the franchise record set from January 27- February 18, 1984.

Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and two helpers for the Capitals, while Michal Neuvirth made 35 saves. Washington defenseman Mike Green had an assist, but left the game in the second period with an apparent knee injury and did not return.

Tomas Vokoun gave up all four goals on 40 shots for the Panthers, who had won their last two. Vokoun had been hot lately, allowing one or no goals in his last five starts and only seven total in his last seven starts. The last time Vokoun gave up more than three goals was the last time he faced Washington, on January 13.

Stephen Weiss had Florida's lone tally.

Knuble's night got started early in the first period, as he attempted to stuff a backhander past Vokoun with the Caps on the power play. Vokoun denied the shot but couldn't control the rebound, which Backstrom chipped in at 7:26.

Weiss evened the game 4:22 into the second, as his one-timer from the inside edge of the right circle, off a cross-ice pass from Cory Stillman, beat Neuvirth.

But the Capitals responded almost immediately. Vokoun dropped the puck after saving a shot by Backstrom, and Alex Ovechkin flew in to deposit the rebound. The puck caromed off Knuble's skate before going in at 4:47 to make it a 2-1 game.

Later in the period Green left the game after colliding with Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. The hit wasn't completely square, and Green's right knee hit Kulikov's leg before going down, grabbing at the knee. He lay on the ice in pain for a few minutes before being helped off, and didn't put any pressure on the leg.

Despite the loss of Green, Washington pulled away in the third. Jeff Schultz's point blast got past a screened Vokoun at 4:46, and just under three minutes later, Knuble's wrister from the right circle got through Vokoun's pads to make it a three-goal contest.

Game Notes

Florida went 0-for-5 on the power play, while Washington was 1-for-3...The Capitals are 5-0-0 against the Panthers this season...Knuble has 11 goals and three assists over his last 12 games, while Backstrom has seven goals and eight assists over his last 12.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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