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Pittsburgh  - 135 vs. Washington

Two long-time adversaries resume their rivalry Thursday in Pittsburgh when the defending Eastern Champion Penguins play host to the Washington Capitals. Anytime these two clubs play each other, OLN should be carrying it much like ESPN carries every Yankees-Red Sox matchup.

For the NFL to grow in the United States, it needs to showcase two of its brightest starts who happen to play on each team. Alex Ovechkin and Sydney Crosby resume their personal rivalry, because Many NHL pundits debate which player is better. This is much like NFL fans used to wonder if Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith was the quintessential 1990s running back.

Ovechkin has been a bit dinged up in this young season, but has not missed a game, scoring two goals in the Capitals (4-1-0) five games. Ovechkin better be more worried about competing with a teammate then the Pens' Crosby.  Alexander Semin has stormed out of the gates in the 2008-2009 Season. Semin has recorded 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists), including two goals in the 5-1 drubbing of the Vancouver Canucks this past Monday. Over in Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin and Tyler Kennedy have combined for four points as the standard bearers of the Penguins.

Second place Pittsburgh (2-1-1) has played well, but had better get on their horse if they want to flag down the high flying and division rival New York Rangers who are perfect at 5-0-0.

The Pens are getting healthier, however, as left wing Petr Sykora returned to the ice this past Tuesday in Pittsburgh 2-1 victory over Philadelphia.

The teams meet at the Igloo, A.K.A. Melon Arena Thursday at 7:30 pm Eastern time.

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Cubs -160 vs. Dodgers

The playoff matchups don't get better than this one! The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs have finally gotten their clubs out of mediocrity into World Series contenders again. The past few seasons have been pretty forgettable for both teams, but they finally look like they are ready to take the next step and make an impact in the post season.

All it takes is a glance at the Cubs payroll and one would think Chicago should take win series hands down (only the Yankees dish out more dough), but with Manny Ramirez putting the Dodgers back on the map by resurrecting the offense and hopes for a championship, Lou Piniella and his Cubbies might be in trouble.

Both teams have huge advantages coming into the NLDS. The Dodgers have Joe Torre who has won 4 World Series rings and has as much post season experience as anyone. Lou Piniella on the other hand also has a ring and his fair share of playoff experience. Each squad looks very promising and when they play at the top of their game they are as good as anyone.

The difference maker in this NL match up will be Manny Ramirez. When Manny is being Manny he is as tough an out as they come. Some say Alex Rodriguez is the best right handed batter today, but many underestimate Manny's ability at the plate which in my opinion is unmatched in the MLB today.

Along with the rest of the compelling matchups in this year's playoffs, this one could be the most entertaining. The Dodgers should come out on top in my opinion. They are too talented and lead by two proven winners in Torre and Ramirez. If the Dodgers fall apart early in this series like they have done in the past, then the Cubs might have a chance at breaking that 100 year streak under Piniella.

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