Sports Handicapper Michael Alexander's Picks & Predictions

Rating: 2 Units

The Panthers have been the better team throughout the series but the Bruins look to step up on home ice and take over this game. The Bruins should create plenty of scoring chances with David Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk, and the rest of the forward unit controlling the puck in the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick cross-ice and centering passes. The Bruins, who have only allowed four goals in the last two games, should limit the Panthers offense with Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jeremy Swayman to make plenty of big saves. The Bruins should win Game Six to force a winner-take-all game and provide great odds in the process as home Underdogs.

Rating: 2 Units

Anderson has pitched pretty well this season though he still owns a losing record on the season entering this one. Both teams have struggled of late with the Angels losing five of their previous seven while the Rangers have dropped five of their last six heading into this series. Heaney is still looking for his first win of the season here in mid-May though he’s been better in his last few turns through the rotation. The Rangers are the defending champs and they have a very deep lineup to rely on to help carry the pitching. Meanwhile, the Angels are minus Mike Trout and they’ve had issues putting runs on the board without him in the mix. Give the advantage to Texas at home in this contest.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockies should be successful against the inexperienced Giants starter Harrison in his second appearance against the ballclub in two weeks. The visitors have been red-hot offensively, scoring 19 runs in three games against San Diego, and won't back down from the challenge against their in-division rival. Considering how inconsistent the SF offense is, I like Colorado's odds of pulling off another upset tomorrow. Felter is coming off a solid start against Texas and has fared well in other appearances against Arizona, Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Miami. At +150 odds, I see value in a wager on the Rockies ML.

Rating: 2 Units

Now 3-4 on a 10-game road trip, the Reds will try to break even by sending right-hander Frankie Montas (2-3, 4.20 ERA) to the mound. Montas is 0-3 with a 6.38 ERA in his past five starts and will make his third start since returning from a right forearm injury. In two career starts against the Dodgers, he is 0-2 with a hefty 16.20 ERA. Los Angeles will turn to left-hander James Paxton (5-0, 2.58) to start today's game. Paxton enters after holding the San Diego Padres scoreless over six innings Saturday. He has given up more than two runs just twice in seven starts and has not allowed more than four. His most recent outing was the first time Paxton did not issue a walk this season, and it came after he issued a combined 18 free passes over his previous four starts.