NHL Playoffs Odds & Picks: Saturday (4/20)
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. It starts tonight with two games, and we’ll look at the best bets for each.
Saturday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Toronto Maple Leafs (+105) at Boston Bruins (-125) | O/U 5.5 (-125/+105)
We know the history of playoff disappointment for Toronto. They did win a playoff round last year; can they go further? The offense can carry them as they were the second-best scoring team, but that defense could be their downfall. They were just 23rd in save percentage and 30th in high-danger shots allowed.
Last year, Boston suffered one of the biggest upsets in NHL history. Not only did they win the Presidents' Trophy, but they also had the most points ever in regular season history and lost in the first round. This team is in the top half on offense, but they excel on defense. They finished the season third in expected goals against per 60 and save percentage.
It was all Bruins in the regular season. They've been able to contain the Maple Leafs’ offense, and they should start this series with a win.
Pick: Bruins Moneyline (-125)
New York Islanders (+190) at Carolina Hurricanes (-230) | O/U 5.5 (+100/-120)
The Islanders’ decision to bring in Patrick Roy was smart. They have been better defensively, and the offense has even improved. They have a 51% expected goal share since Roy became the coach. They have noticeably been more aggressive with the puck and are playing more physically than earlier this year.
The Hurricanes are one of those teams that come into the playoffs with high expectations and always come away with disappointment. They are one of the more balanced teams in the playoffs and the only ones in the Eastern Conference that are in the top eight in goals scored and allowed. This offense was already good, and they went big and picked up Jake Guentzel, who flourished with 25 points in 17 games.
This will not be an easy series for Carolina, especially if the Islanders continue to play as well defensively as they've been. Each team should get a feel for the other, so it should be low-scoring.
Pick: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-120)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday: