Like picking Bjorn Borg in the French Open odds, I’m a bit behind the times here, as the Hawks look finished, but I figure I should weigh in on the Kronwall/Havlat hit that rocked NHL betting Friday night.

Let’s start by watching the hit again:

My thoughts: the league and refs probably handled everything right, but I’m not even totally convinced Kronwall deserved a penalty there. Most people would bet at the sportsbook that Kronwall left his feet to deliver that kind of impact, but he was flat-footed. Also, the play wasn’t interference, as Havlat was handling (or attempting to handle) the puck. In theory, I guess you could say Kronwall committed an NHL betting faux-pas by “hitting someone in a vulnerable position,” but where do you draw the line? Most guys carrying the puck are in a vulnerable position.

It’s not the end of the world that Kronwall got the boot from the game, and I can understand why the refs had to react quickly to what they saw, but I’m glad the NHL didn’t discipline him any more than that. It would’ve been a major detriment to any sports wagering fans resting their hopes on Detroit’s Stanley Cup odds.

Maybe I’m distracted by this weekend’s Indy 500 odds (Danica Patrick! Go Daddy!) or something, but I just realized that I never really made picks for the Conference Final series.

Since the action is well underway, I’ll make some “educated” picks for those who bet online hockey.

Red Wings vs Blackhawks odds

Well, the Wings are already up 2-0 and look pretty safe to advance to the Stanley Cup odds final, but I don’t see a sweep happening. The United Center has rocked all playoffs long and should boost the Hawks tomorrow night. They’ll come out hitting and, more importantly, they’ll play more conscientious defense, almost like a team boosted by the home crowd in basketball betting, so I think they take Game 3 and, say….Game 5 on the road, where the haven’t played badly. Red Wings in six.

Penguins vs Hurricanes odds

The theme of these hockey betting playoff continues to be the lack of respect for the Hurricanes, and I’m guilty of it, but I’m still not mending my ways. As I said yesterday, the Penguins are my sports wagering pick to win it all and their confidence seems to grow with each game. The seven-game wars with Boston and New Jersey took too much out of the Canes. I say the Pens win in five.

Big weekend for betting sports ahead! Enjoy the action.