Islanders, Devils ready for important divisional clash

Hockey Betting Lines

02/17/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Islanders will try to end their recent lack of success against the New Jersey Devils when the Atlantic Division inhabitants square off this evening at Nassau Coliseum.

New York has lost four straight times to the Devils, including twice as the host, since earning a 5-2 victory at the Meadowlands in November, the first meeting between the clubs this season.

The Islanders fared much better against New Jersey during the 2005-06 campaign, winning six of the eight overall matchups.

The Isles do come in having recorded a point in 11 of their last 12 contests, however, and currently stand tied with Montreal and Toronto for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The club is 6-1-4 since the All-Star break, with that lone regulation loss coming at the hands of the Devils on February 8.

New York got a seven-game homestand off to a good start on Thursday, as Randy Robitaille netted a pair of goals to lead the way in a 4-1 victory over Boston.

Mike Sillinger added a goal and an assist in the Islanders' second consecutive triumph, while Jason Blake picked up a pair of helpers on the evening. Rick DiPietro made 24 saves for his 24th win of the season.

With the victory, New York improved to 14-9-4 at home for the year.

New Jersey's advantage in the Atlantic was whittled to five points by second- place Pittsburgh on Friday, as the red-hot Penguins scored three times in the first period and held on for a 5-4 decision at Continental Airlines Arena.

Brian Rafalski and Patrik Elias each had a goal and an assist for the Devils, who received an uncharacteristically shaky outing in goal from Martin Brodeur. The All-Star netminder yielded five goals on just 24 shots.

Jamie Langenbrunner registered an assist on Zach Parise's third-period tally to extend his point-scoring streak to eight games, the longest active run in the NHL. The veteran wing has compiled 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) during the tear.

New Jersey played without top goal scorer Brian Gionta, who sat out with a groin pull that could keep him out of tonight's contest as well. Gionta has 24 goals on the season, one more than Parise for the team lead.

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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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