While NHL playoff action takes place on three fronts tonight, why not make a wager on some non-Stanley Cup related futures.

The IIHF World Men’s Hockey Championship will begin on Friday and Canada is the odds-on fave to take the tournament at +120.

It appears as if the Boston Celtics-Atlanta Hawks playoff series is even Stephen in more ways than one.

Not only did the Atlanta Hawks even the series up at two games a piece in a 97-92 home victory last night, they cashed in a second game in-a-row ATS and on the Over.

After sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers await their next opponent.

The Lakers are favored to come out of the Western Conference at -120 and have covered the spread in eight consecutive games. 

While some point to PG Chris Paul as a major reason for the New Orleans Hornets’ turnaround, some credit must also go to head coach Byron Scott and that’s just what happened today as he was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year.

Scott won’t have much time to celebrate though as his team gets ready to host the Dallas Mavericks in a playoff game tonight.

New Orleans is a 6.5-point favorite.

Speaking of the New York Yankees, 3B Alex Rodriguez continues to have trouble with an injury to his right quadriceps.

According to reports, Rodriguez will miss today’s game against the Detroit Tigers, a game where the Yanks are listed at -133 on the Money line.

After being placed on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his career with a shoulder injury, New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is likely to return to the lineup by season’s end.

Jose Molina will catch in Posada’s stead and the Yankees are favored in the Run line today against the Detroit Tigers.

With a 7.53 ERA and an 0-6 record, the San Francisco Giants have moved Barry Zito to the bullpen in the hopes that the move will re-ignite the left-hander.

In a 10-1 loss against the Reds last Sunday, Zito allowed eight earned runs in three innings.

The NHL announced its nominees for the Hart Memorial Trophy for the league’s Most Valuable Player.

Calgary Flames power forward Jarome Iginla, Pittsburgh Penguins C Evgeni Malkin and Washington Capitals LW Alexander Ovechkin will vie for the prize.

Just as Atlanta Braves SP Tom Glavine gets set to rejoin the team after a stint on the disabled list, fellow starter John Smoltz could be taking his place.

Glavine is expected to take the mound against the Washington Nationals tomorrow after missing time with a hamstring injury.

Smoltz on the other hand, is feeling discomfort in his shoulder and depending on how he responds to treatment, could land on the DL.

Rafael Nadal likes playing on clay and added a fourth straight Monte Carlo Masters title beating Roger Federer 7-5, 7-5 yesterday.

Nadal’s record against Federer on clay is 7-1.