NHL: Postseason action continues as Capitals look to rock Hurricanes, Avalanche to smother Flames - Dietel picks

Best Bet
CAPITALS (-145) Over Hurricanes (+125)

Best Over
Avalanche vs FLAMES (6, -110)

The Skinny
With only three games on tap tonight we’re going to take it a little easy and steer clear of the first Leafs vs Bruins tilt which is going to be too close to call. We will pay attention to what unfolds tonight and hopefully have a more clear idea of the direction of that series moving forward . . . The Capitals begin their campaign to win back-to-back cups tonight. They are probably jumping up and down at the fact they didn’t have to play Columbus in round one and got the Hurricanes, but make no mistake, Carolina is no slouch. Their backend is easily one of the best in the league, comparable to a poor man’s Nashville lineup. They control play and contribute offensively. What more could you ask for? We still believe that the Capitals will take game one at home. F Alex Ovechkin lives for this, he’s absolutely taking game one with ease . . . The Avalanche head to Calgary to take on the Flames tonight in what should be a high scoring bout. Both of these offenses are littered with offensive talent (more so Calgary, as the Avs are very top heavy). Regardless, filling the net should be no problem tonight. Also if G Mike Smith starts for the Flames, we don’t think he will be good enough to get the job done. He’s likely got a very short leash and he knows it so nerves may get to him with G David Rittich waiting in the wings.