NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks, & Predictions: Tuesday (4/25)
The NHL Playoffs resume tonight as six teams get set to hit the ice. The action gets going out East as the Hurricanes (3-1) look to close out the Islanders in North Carolina. The other two series are all knotted up at two games apiece as the Stars host the Wild and the Kings take on the Oilers in Alberta.
I'm breaking down each game below and locking in a trio of best bets. Let's dive in!
NHL '22-'23 Record: 26-43 (-19.79 Units)
Today's Best NHL Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
New York Islanders (+135) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (-155) | O/U 5.5 (+135/-155)
After winning the first two games of the series and splitting the pair of road games, the Hurricanes return home where they'll attempt to close out their series with the Islanders tonight. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC.
The chips are stacked against the Isles in just about every way, so I'll fade them and say the Canes secure the series win tonight. Starting with the special teams, New York is currently dead last on the power play this postseason, going just 1-for-12 (8.33%) on their man-advantage opportunities.
The fact that they cannot score on the 5-v-4 has really been their downfall this season. Factor in that they're running into a red-hot Antti Raanta and I just don't know where they're going to find offense from. Raanta finished the regular season at 11-0-1 at home with a 2.06 GAA and .916 SV%. Look for this versatile Carolina defense to put on another clinic and send New York packing.
Bet: Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-155)
Minnesota Wild (+125) vs. Dallas Stars (-145) | O/U 5.5 (+105/-125)
Some questionable officiating led to the Stars winning Sunday night as they evened up their series with the Wild at two games apiece. The Central Division foes are back at it tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
These teams are so evenly matched, which in my opinion, is what makes this arguably the most entertaining series in the first round. The Stars appear to have a slight edge in terms of overall offensive talent, but the Wild are more physical and have an advantage in net.
All things considered, I'm locking in the Wild to get it done in Game 5. The refs made their presence known in the last game, which ultimately led to a 3-2 victory for Dallas as they capitalized on the man advantage and went 2-for-3. I wouldn't be surprised if they swallowed the whistles a bit in this one due to the criticism they received.
That being said, I think it'll provide an opportunity for the Wild to excel and play their physical brand of hockey. As long as they can stay out of the box, Filip Gustavsson should be able to shut down the Stars and provide his team a chance to win. He's surrendered just two even-strength goals this series over 209:18 of total ice time, which is just insane. Let's take a shot on the plus-money payout with the Wild.
Bet: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (+115)
Los Angeles Kings (+195) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-230) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
It was an absolutely crushing loss for the Kings Sunday night as they squandered a 3-0 lead and lost 5-4 in overtime to the Oilers. So, instead of going up 3-1 in the series, it's now tied 2-2 as the two teams head back up North. This one is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.
The Kings had the Oilers on the ropes and they let them slip away. With Edmonton scoring five of the game's final six goals Sunday, it's clear that the momentum has shifted and the series now favors the Oilers once again. I'm going to ride the momentum and back Edmonton on the puck line.
Los Angeles has done a decent job bottling up Connor McDavid this series as they've held him to just six points (2G, 4A) over the first four games. However, that has allowed Leon Draisaitl to step up and dominate. The centerman has nine points courtesy of five goals and four helpers and he's been on the ice for all 14 goals. I feel that the comeback win has opened the floodgates and we're going to see 97 and 29 go to work in front of their home crowd. Let's take a shot with the Oilers -1.5.
Bet: Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (+110)
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