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NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (5/2)

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I think I speak for all of us in saying the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs was absolutely electric. From the 14 overtime games to the insane upsets and three Game 7s, it had everything hockey fans could want. 

The action continues tonight as the second round gets underway with a pair of games. The opening matchup on the slate sees the Panthers taking on the Maple Leafs while the nightcap pits the Kraken against the Stars. Let's dive into each game and get a couple of best bets locked in. 

NHL '22-'23 Record: 27-47 (-22.59 Units)

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Today's Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Florida Panthers (+135) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (-155) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)

The Maple Leafs got the 19-year-old monkey off their back when they topped the Lightning 4-2 in the opening round, marking the first time they've advanced to the second round since 2004. As for the Panthers, they made history by knocking off the greatest team of all time, the Boston Bruins. The Atlantic Division foes get underway tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. 

I'm not going to overthink this matchup and ride with the over 6.5 goals in Game 1. In terms of goals allowed per game, the Panthers are the worst team still alive in the postseason with a mark of 3.7 GAA. As for the Maple Leafs, they're seventh after surrendering 3.3 goals per contest against the Lightning. We know how important goaltending is in the playoffs and, in my opinion, it's the biggest weakness for both the Panthers and Leafs.

The Panthers proved that they're the real deal and they won't shy away from any test, especially if it's on the road. Florida won three of their four road games in the first round and found the back of the net 15 times over the four-game sample. I expect the Panthers to have no issue going toe-to-toe with an offense that's as talented as Toronto. 

Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-115)

Seattle Kraken (+150) vs. Dallas Stars (-170) | O/U 5.5 (+100/-120)

The Seattle Kraken's postseason debut started with a bang as they upset the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games. As for the Stars, they managed to out-grit the Wild and take down their division rival in six games. Puck drop for Game 1 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. 

I'm expecting the opposite to be true for Game 1 of this Western Conference showdown when comparing it to the Florida vs. Toronto series. This should be a much tighter, more defensive series between the Kraken and Stars. I'll be taking the under in this one.

Jake Oettinger has an argument to be the best goaltender left in the postseason as he went 4-1-1 in the first round with a 2.01 GAA and .929 SV%. The American-born netminder won't necessarily be running into a top-tier offense in Seattle either, as they managed just 2.6 goals per game and posted a power play percentage of 14.3% in the first round.

My only worry with the under in Game 1 would be if the Stars' power play keeps cashing at an insane rate of 37.5% (2nd). However, Seattle took an average of just 2.6 penalties per game in the first round and recorded the second-best penalty-killing number in the tournament, holding the Avs to an 11.1% success rate on the man advantage. Let's ride with the under in Game 1. 

Bet: Under 5.5 Goals (-120)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Tuesday:


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