NHL Playoffs Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (4/18)
The opening action of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday night proved why the NHL postseason is the best among major North American sports. Two matchups went to overtime with both underdogs (Wild, Kings) prevailing on the road. The best part about it is that we get to do it all again tonight! Let's dive into my top three bets for tonight's four-game slate.
NHL '22-'23 Record: 24-39 (-17.56 Units)
Today's Best NHL Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
New York Rangers (+110) vs. New Jersey Devils (-130) | O/U 6.0 (+100/-120)
The tightest series in terms of series pricing sees the Rangers (+100) take on the Devils (-120). New Jersey did enough during the regular season to secure the second seed in the Metropolitan Division, earning them home ice against third-seeded New York. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
While it's not particularly bold considering the series price, I have the Rangers as the most likely team to pull off an upset in the first round. With that being said, I'll take them in Game 1 on the moneyline.
Both of these teams are fantastic, but I think New York's edge in experience will ultimately be the difference maker. This core of players made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, so they should be primed to do it again. Furthermore, the additions of Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane, who have a combined four Stanley Cups, will be key. Not to mention, if Igor Shesterkin performs at the same level as he did a year ago in the postseason, this hockey club is going to be tough to beat. Let's ride with the Blue Shirts as slight underdogs in game one.
Bet: New York Rangers Moneyline (+110)
Tampa Bay Lightning (+140) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (-165) | O/U 6.0 (+100/-120)
Is this the year that the Maple Leafs break through and move beyond the first round? Well, they certainly don't have the easiest of opponents as they'll be tasked with taking on a Lightning team that's gone to three straight Stanley Cup Finals. This one is set for 7:20 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
Even though the Bolts looked a little worn down at times throughout the year, I think they're more than capable of pulling off an upset in the first round. However, they'll need old reliable Andrei Vasilevskiy to put on a show once again. The Russian-born netminder has been a brick wall throughout his postseason career, posting a 2.30 GAA and .923 SV% over 104 games played.
Ultimately, I think goals are going to be tough to come by in the opener. The Maple Leafs appear to finally have reliable goaltending and defense considering they were seventh defensively this season (2.6 GAA). On the flip side, Tampa Bay was 13th (2.9 GAA). With the way Toronto is trending defensively combined with Vasilevskiy's proven postseason track record, I don't expect to see seven goals in this one. Let's ride with the under in Ontario.
Bet: Under 6.0 Goals (-120)
Winnipeg Jets (+130) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (-150) | O/U 5.5 (-120/+100)
Vegas was able to fend off the surging Oilers to capture the Pacific Division title, meaning they avoided a scrappy Los Angeles team in the first round. Instead, the Golden Knights will host the Jets, who finished as the second Wild Card team. Puck drop is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
I was a little worried about the Golden Knights due to some injury issues that they ran into down the stretch. But, after checking the injury report, they seem to be good to go. They'll even get back Mark Stone, who is confirmed to play after being on the LTIR since mid-January.
It can't be stressed enough how important Stone is to this team. He's constantly in the top five in Selke voting, which means he contributes just as much defensively as he does on the offensive end. Furthermore, the power play runs through him, and I expect it to take off with him back in the lineup. Honestly, his presence is enough to make me comfortable backing Vegas in the opener. T-Mobile is going to be rocking and I expect Vegas to pick up the win.
Bet: Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline (-150)
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