Matsuzaka’s starts less dicey this year

Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has not necessary ripped through the major leagues in his 35 career starts, posting a 17-12 overall record and 4.16 earned-run average.

But this season, Matsuzaka has gotten off to an impressive start. Heading into tonight’s game against the New York Yankees, he’s 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA and has recorded 22 strikeouts with nine walks.

Matsuzaka’s arm is the biggest reason why the Red Sox are heavy favorites to defeat the Yankees in the final game of a three-game series.

On the moneyline, Boston is listed at -151 with the New York at +143. So that means a player needs to wager $151 to win $100 on the Red Sox. A $100 bet on the Yankees would pay $143.

Matsuzaka is 2-1 in four career starts against New York. But he has allowed three home runs, which explains his 6.12 ERA against the Yankees.

Fortunately for Matsuzaka, his biggest pain on the Yankees, shortstop Derek Jeter, will not play tonight because of injury. Jeter has four hits in 12 at-bats with two home runs against “Dice K.”

A pitcher with a bit more big league experience, San Diego veteran Greg Maddux, will face the Dodgers for the 35th time in his career today at Dodger Stadium.

Maddux, who will turn 42 on Monday, is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA this season. He will be seeking to improve on a 15-8 career record against the Dodgers, which features 144 strikeouts and a 2.94 ERA.

The Dodgers have been pegged as the favorites today at -125 with the Padres at +115.

Hockey

Throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs, odds are updated daily on teams to win this season’s championship.

After the opening games of the postseason, the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks emerged as strong favorites.

According to Bodoglife.com, the Red Wings, who lead Nashville, 2-0, in a best-of-seven series, are listed at 11-4, followed by the Penguins (2-0 series lead vs. Ottawa) at 9-2.

The Sharks, who split their first two games against Calgary, are at 5-1. Montreal, which won its first game against Boston, is listed at 6-1.

The Ducks, the defending Stanley Cup champions who lost Game 1 to Dallas, were listed at 10-1 before Saturday night’s game against the Stars.

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lonnie.white@latimes.com