darcy and the eye

Las Vegas - First the history. Miami and Boston have played three times this season, with the Celtics taking two. In the first meeting, Boston (+6.5) posted a 95-78 win in Miami. The Over/Under total was 213.5 and went low. In the second meeting, it was the Celtics (-6.5) at home, picking up a 122-92 W. The total was 208.5 and went high. In the most recent meeting, in Boston, the Heat (+5.5) finally figured something out, and walked off with a 106-98 victory. The total was 213.5 and went low. Looks like Kyle Lowry is IFFY and that's an issue, but Victor Oladipo should be able to provide some solid minutes. Miami has ripped off NINE straight wins at home and should be able to squeeze past the Cs at the FTX Arena.

On the NHL ice, Colorado got the broom out and swept Nashville in the first round, and has not played since May 9. That's eight days off. St. Louis completed a 4-2 series win over Minnesota on May 12th, so they'll have five days off. Both teams well rested. The Avalanche took two of three in the season series, and had THE BEST home record in the Western Conference at 31-5-4. The Avs can score, they can defend and my only issue is goalie Darcy Kuemper. Nashville center Ryan Johansen's stick slipped through the protective bars on Kuemper's mask and caught him around the eyelid during game three. Fortunately, it was mostly eyelid and not eye. He has had plenty of time to rest and heal, and the swelling has gone down. Banking on the Avalanche to rock the party and post a W in the opener.

------------------------------------------------------------------