lost with cincy and philly yesterday


COLUMBUS –½ +1.36 over Dallas
We all knew the Jackets were too talented to keep losing at the pace that they had been. Well, they finally got off the mattress with two wins in succession with the last one coming at the always tough Saddledome in Calgary. They return home from a brief three-game trip and they have to be feeling a lot better about things. The Jackets are also starting to score some goals and have scored three or more in its last three games and that’s significant when you consider that they played both Calgary and Vancouver. Now they’ll catch the free-falling Dallas Stars, a team that has lost three of four with only win over that stretch coming against the Islanders and a very shaky Rick DiPietro. Incidentally, it was DiPietro’s first NHL action in over a year. Not only is Dallas missing two key guys in Mike Robeiro and Nicklas Grossman but they’re goaltending has been extremely shaky. Marty Turco has been fighting the puck all year and he’s been so unstable that he may not even go today in favor of Alex Auld. The Stars have dropped seven in a row and nine of its last 10 on the road and with shaky goaltending, injuries and facing a rejuvenated Jackets squad, that road inefficiency is not likely to end here. Play: Columbus -½ +1.36 (Risking 2 units).

Ravens @ Patriots
Line: New England by 3
This price would lead us to believe that the bloom has come off of New England’s rose. While we acknowledge that Bill Belichick’s squad is not as dominant as previous editions, what have the Ravens done to warrant this type of respect? They are a 9-7 squad that needed to defeat the Raiders in their season finale to qualify for these playoffs. That was one of three road victories against five losses, one being early on in San Diego and the other in Cleveland. The victory against the Chargers represented Baltimore’s only win against a playoff team. Against other post-season qualifiers, the Ravens were a miserable 0-5. Despite their perceived drop-off, the Pats won all eight of their home games this season. Only the season opener against Buffalo provided a win by less than six points. Under Tom Brady’s guidance, New England has now won 20 straight regular season games on this field, in addition to an 8-0 mark in the playoffs. Included in the home streak was an earlier 27-21 victory over these same visitors. There is concern over the loss of Patriots’ receiver Wes Welker but replacement Julian Edelmen is an exciting young player that is capable of creating some big plays for his side. Given Brady’s talented offensive line and Baltimore’s suspect pass rush, Brady should have the time he needs to find his playmakers. Combine that with the Pats underrated defence and Baltimore’s shaky kicking game, we don’t believe the host will be the team that withers.
TAKING: New England –3
RISKING: 2.26 units to win to 2

Packers @ Cardinals
Line: Pick'em
Last year, the 9-7 Cardinals made it to the playoffs, headed to Carolina as a 10-point underdog in the wild-card round and disassembled the 12-4 Panthers by a 33-13 count. A year later, the Cards have a trip to the Super Bowl under their belt, an improved 10-6 record and now get to play this game at home. Yet, they are only a 1-point favourite? Did Arizona get worse and we missed it? Are the Packers that good to justify this number? Once again, we believe last week’s 33-7 win by Green Bay on this field has influenced this number. If so, that’s absurd. While Green Bay may not have gone all out, they were at least in drive while the Cardinals were in park. Last week was Matt Leinart. This week is Kurt Warner. Warner is a playoff maniac. He’s 8-3 in post-season play, has been to three Super Bowls and this year’s team is better than last’s, with the advent of a running game. The Packers are hot. They’ve won seven of eight down the stretch and are certainly a dangerous opponent. But this is Aaron Rodgers first gig in the playoffs. Having been sacked a league-high 51 times this season, Rodgers can expect a sea of red coming at him on Sunday. He also doesn’t have the receivers that Arizona does. Cardinal’s Larry Fitzgerald is a monster and if you’ve forgotten, watch some playoff hi-lites from last year’s playoff run. This one has excitement written all over it but overall talent, experience and home field allows the Cardinals to advance.
TAKING: Arizona –1.04
RISKING: 2.08 units to win 2