Blackhawks welcome Avs to the Windy City

Hockey Betting Lines

03/08/2009 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Blackhawks will kick off a four-game homestand today when they welcome the lowly Colorado Avalanche for a battle at the United Center.

The Blackhawks have taken two of three matchups with the Avalanche this season and have won five of seven and seven of 11 overall in the series. Colorado has also dropped three straight and four of its last five tests in the Windy City.

Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville spent the last three seasons with the Avalanche, but was not brought back following the 2007-08 campaign. He signed on with the Blackhawks as a pro scout prior to this season, but ascended to the head coaching job when Denis Savard was fired on October 16.

The Blackhawks had a two-game winning streak snapped with Saturday's setback in Boston. Mark Recchi scored two goals to lead the Bruins to the 5-3 victory at TD Banknorth Garden.

Jonathan Toews, Kris Versteeg and Patrick Kane scored for Chicago, which fell to 2-3-1 in six games following a four-game win streak. Cristobal Huet allowed four goals on 38 shots in the losing effort.

Chicago is still fourth in the Western Conference with 81 points on the season.

The Blackhawks are 17-5-6 as the host this year and have won two straight and three of their last five home tests.

The Avalanche, who are last in the West with 57 points, have lost their last six games and were handed a 3-2 loss Wednesday against visiting Detroit. Kris Draper scored the eventual game-winner late in the second to help lead the Red Wings to victory at the Pepsi Center.

Milan Hejduk notched a goal and assist for Colorado, which is mired in its longest losing streak of the season. John-Michael Liles also scored for the Avalanche, who got 27 saves from Andrew Raycroft.

Colorado has a dismal 11-21-1 record as the visiting club this season and has dropped five road games in a row.

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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.