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NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Friday (4/21)

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We have one game with a team up 2-0, and a win could put that series out of hand, while we have two series tied at one, with both games being very exciting.

Friday’s Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Carolina Hurricanes (-104) at New York Islanders (-115) | O/U 5.5 (+116/-142)

The Hurricanes are playing great hockey, but that was to be expected from the team with the best-expected goal differential in the league. They’ve been better in every aspect, from the even-strength offense and defense to the special teams.

The one part we thought the Islanders would be better at was the goaltending, but that has not been the case. Antti Raanta has 1.2 goals saved above expected in the first two games, while Ilya Sorokin is at -0.2. Unfortunately for the Canes, they lost another forward, with Teuvo Teravainen out for the remainder of the series.

The Islanders lost Game 2, but it was a game they could have won. The non-call of a high stick to Scott Mayfield had fans up in arms, and they believe it played a large part in the loss. They also controlled the puck more in Game 2, and with this game being in the Belmont, the fans will be ready.

The Isles are much better at home and must feel good about this game. Count on them to get a win tonight.

Pick: Islanders Moneyline (-115)

Edmonton Oilers (-142) at Los Angeles Kings (+118) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)

The Oilers went up 2-0 in Game 2, then they blew that lead late in the game, sound familiar? This script would be different because the Oilers would manage to break the tie and then seal it with an empty netter to win 4-2.

The Kings were able to take away Edmonton’s home-ice advantage, but can they survive without Kevin Fiala? The Oilers have been the better team in the series, and they are +18 in shots and face-off wins, as well as expected goals at 61.33%.

Although these are two exceptional offensive teams, the under has hit in four of six, and only because of the empty netter, it’s not five. With the total moving back to 6.5, I like the under.

Pick: Under 6.5 (-115)

Dallas Stars (-110) at Minnesota Wild (-110) | O/U 5.5 (+102/-124)

The Stars lost the first game at home, and with one of their captains going down, you wondered how they would respond. They would come through with seven goals, including a Roope Hintz hat trick. They were the better team at even strength and out-shot the Wild, but the special teams were the difference as they went 4-for-5 in the penalty kill, including a short-handed goal, and 3-of-6 on the power play.

The Stars were always a deeper offense and still are even with Pavelski sidelined. They even played better at even strength and special teams in Game 1, and with a few different bounces of the puck, Dallas is up 2-0 in this series. They feel good about their Game 2 performance and that it will carry over into Game 3.

Pick: Stars Moneyline (-110)

Check out our other best bets for Friday:

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