NHL Playoffs Odds & Picks: Monday (4/22)
It is one of the more exciting times of the year: the Stanley Cup playoffs. What makes the NHL have such a special playoff run is that sometimes, the best team doesn't always win. We have four games, and we'll look at the best bets for each.
Monday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Toronto Maple Leafs (+114) at Boston Bruins (-135) | O/U 5.5 (-122/+102)
The Bruins continued their run over Toronto and came away with a 5-1 win. The offense wasn't dominating and was outshot 36-24, but they were great at attacking the net and taking advantage of Power Play opportunities. They haven't revealed their plans for the goaltending duties for the playoffs, but they'll likely continue rotating Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark, so this game would have Ullmark between the pipes.
The Leafs were able to get the shots off and were aggressive with the puck in Game 1, but Swayman was an absolute wall. The defense has been the problem throughout the season, and this continued in the first game. There's a sense that Ilya Samsonov will get the chance to redeem himself, but the hook could come quickly.
The Leafs' blue line looked vulnerable during that first game, and they're going to allow these scoring opportunities to Boston, then they'll take them. Toronto has the offense to match them, but Swayman and Ullmark are good enough to stop them.
Pick: Bruins Moneyline (-135)
New York Islanders (+205) at Carolina Hurricanes (-250) | O/U 5.5 (+105/-125)
The Hurricanes and Islanders played a tough and physical game, which was tied for a while. Ultimately, the Canes were able to push through and grab the 3-1 win. Frederik Anderson has been on a fantastic run after coming back from injury by 9-1-0 with a .951 save percentage and saved 33-of-34 shots in Game 1.
The Islanders' defense has steadily improved under Patrick Roy and looked great for most of that game. The offense has been the team's most inconsistent part, and now you have Bo Horvat and Matthew Barzal going pointless in the last five games.
It looks like it will be tough for the Isles to break through on Andersen, and they could grab another multiple-goal win.
Pick: Hurricanes -1.5 (+110)
Vegas Golden Knights (+110) at Dallas Stars (-130) | O/U 5.5 (+105/-125)
There was almost a scenario where the champions would not have been able to defend their crown. Ultimately, the Golden Knights were able to sneak into the playoffs through the second Wild Card. The problem wasn't the talent, it's because they've not had their full roster for most of the year. Mark Stone hasn't played since February, but he's been practicing and should be ready to take the ice.
The Stars had the most points in Western Conference history, but this was a tough draw for them. They have the talent to make it through, as they are fourth in expected goals shared and ninth in expected goals allowed.
Not being your typical 1 vs. 8 matchup, it’s tough to pick a winner. Both will have their top goalies in the net, so this should be a low-scoring game.
Pick: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-125)
Los Angeles Kings (+142) at Edmonton Oilers (-170) | O/U 6 (+102/-122)
It was an up-and-down season for the Kings. They started off as one of the best teams in the league, then hit a huge slide and made a coaching change. When everything is clicking, it's tough to beat this team; the offense finished fifth in expected goal percentage, sixth in high-danger shots allowed, and eighth in expected goals allowed per 60 minutes.
You could say the same thing about the Oilers. They started the season terribly, fired their coach, and then went on a fantastic run, which included a 17-game winning streak. We can be sure that the offense will produce as they were No. 1 in expected goal share and had five players with 60 or more points, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who had 100+ points.
This is the third consecutive year these two teams will be facing each other in playoffs. In the two previous series, the Over 6 is 7-3-3, including cashing in the last three. It’s a good bet to grab the Over on plus-money with a chance it could push.
Pick: Over 6 Total Goals (+102)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:
- NHL Prop Betting Cheat Sheet
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions
- MLB Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions