We often like to back a good team after a bad loss and that is the case here as Houston was embarrassed last time out here in this same building. But despite that Game 3 result this is still a mismatch and we expect the Rockets to make quick work of this series and close it out back in Houston in Game 5. That Game 3 result was an embarrassing one for the No. 1 seed in the west and they will come out more focused here and they shouldn’t have to work too hard to earn a comfortable win here. We think this could be a possible double-digit win for the road club tonight.

10-unit Play Take #20 Columbus Blue Jackets over Washington Capitals (7:35pm EST) STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF GAME OF THE YEAR. What a series we've had between the Blue Jackets and Capitals thus far. Four of the first five games have gone into overtime and the teams have taken turns dominating play in each game in the series. In Game 5, the Blue Jackets were clearly the better team for the majority of the contest. They outshot the Caps 42-29 overall, including 16-1 in the third period. After the game, Columbus head coach John Tortorella said he was pleased with the effort of his team despite the loss in overtime. He also said something you don't often hear from head coaches. Tortorella told the media in the postgame press conference that the Jackets would be back in Washington D.C. for a Game 7. A couple of questions later, Tortorella doubled down and said it again. While it wasn't a guarantee that his team would win Game 6, it's about the closest thing you'll ever hear from a head coach. Players have guaranteed wins in all sports in the past, but you just don't see it in coaching, so I think it's noteworthy. Tortorella knows how well his team played in Game 5. He knows they deserved to win that game and he's confident his players will extend this series in Game 6 in front of their home fans. Anything can happen in hockey, but I'd be surprised if the Capitals outplayed the Jackets tonight in Game 6. That's not to say that Braden Holtby can't steal one for Washington, but I think Columbus should be a bigger favorite in this game. Take the Blue Jackets in our 8-unit NHL Playoff Game of the Year.

Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

10-unit Play Take #963 Oakland A’s over Texas Rangers (8:05 pm EST)  The Texas Rangers are a banged up unit right now. They’re missing their double play combination of Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus along with a few arms from their pitching staff. They’ve had to plug several guys into the lineup who just aren’t ready and it’s led to a rough 8-15 start to the 2018 campaign. On Monday, Texas lefty Matt Moore toes the rubber against the A’s. Moore has fallen apart in recent years and it’s surprising that he’s still making starts in the big leagues every five days. Moore posted a 5.43 ERA in 2015, a 4.08 ERA in 2016, a 5.52 ERA in 2017 and has started 2018 with a 5.59 ERA. His control has gotten gradually worse and there doesn’t seem to be any signs of hope for the 28-year old. Meanwhile, the A’s are off to a solid 11-11 start and have won six of their last seven overall (including two of three over Boston). Both their pitching and hitting are clicking right now. Trevor Cahill goes for Oakland and he’s coming off of a really nice effort the last time out versus the White Sox (7 innings, 0 runs, 5 hits and 8 strikeouts). Oakland is the right side in Monday’s game.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports