Top NHL Odds, Picks, & Predictions: Thursday (4/4)
We’re nearing the end of the 2024 NHL regular season, but we’ve still got a nine-game slate to bet on Thursday night. It’s a fun time of the year to bet on hockey, as the playoff push has teams on the bubble in desperation mode, while those who have already been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs enjoy playing spoiler against their opponent.
Last week, we went 1-2 with our NHL best bets. We hit under 5.5 total goals in the New York Islanders’ 3-2 win over Florida thanks to a scoreless third period. However, the two misses came as a result of Vancouver losing 3-1 to Dallas as a pick’em on the moneyline odds, while Columbus and Pittsburgh only tallied five total goals, never quite coming close enough to cash over 6.5 total goals.
We’re due for a bounce back, and I’ve found three quality bets to make as we’re officially two weeks away from the end of the regular season. Make sure to follow Matt MacKay on Twitter to get more free plays and NHL best bets as we prepare for a highly entertaining Stanley Cup Playoff schedule.
Thursday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Boston Bruins (+126) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (-152) | O/U 5.5 (-110/-110)
Boston and Carolina have already clinched playoff berths in the Eastern Conference but this matchup promises to be one of the best on Thursday’s slate. The Hurricanes have won eight straight home games against Atlantic Division opponents, while 11 consecutive home games against Eastern Conference teams have resulted in the under total goals line cashing. In their two previous matchups, 5.5 total goals went over and under, so this is why we’re getting equal odds on either side of this line in Thursday’s matchup.
Five of Carolina’s last six games have gone under 5.5 total goals, while Boston is 4-1 in their last five games in regards to finishing with five or fewer goals. Both teams are highly talented and have great goaltending to justify staking a one-unit wager on the under 5.5 total goals line at -110 odds.
Bet: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-110)
Pittsburgh Penguins (-110) vs. Washington Capitals (-110) | O/U 5.5 (-140/+114)
The final Wild Card seed in the Eastern Conference is currently occupied by Washington, despite the Capitals losing three consecutive games entering Thursday’s home game against Pittsburgh. The Penguins have been hot lately, winning two consecutive road games against the Rangers and Devils, now sitting three points behind Washington and Detroit, who are tied at 82 points each. The New York Islanders are the other team in the mix with 81 points.
Sidney Crosby and Brian Rust have elevated Pittsburgh’s offense, while Alex Nedeljkovic has been a nice asset in the crease for the Penguins’ goaltending. The last time these teams met, Washington blanked Pittsburgh 6-0 on the road. Now, returning home, they must play with urgency to stave off the other three teams from clinching their current Wild Card seed. Washington goaltender Charlie Lindgren is already confirmed in the crease and he’s been volatile, allowing five or more goals in two of his past three starts.
These teams both surrender goals in bunches, so we’ll eat the juice at -140 odds and stake a unit on over 5.5 total goals to be scored in a must-win game for both Eastern Conference and Metropolitan Division opponents during Thursday night’s game from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Bet: Over 5.5 Total Goals (-140)
Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks | O/U 5.5 (-128/+104)
Our final bet sends us to the “Shark Tankâ€, otherwise known as the SAP Center in San Jose, California as the Los Angeles Kings head north to take on the San Jose Sharks during Thursday’s late puck drop.
The Kings have played their way back into contention, sitting in the second Wild Card seed in the Western Conference, with a five-point cushion over St. Louis. Los Angeles is 6-4 SU in its last ten games and is coming off of a 5-2 win against Seattle on Wednesday night. Yes, it’s the second leg of a back-to-back for the Kings, but the Sharks have surrendered four or more goals in four of their previous six games played.
Los Angeles is one of the best under teams in the NHL but they are facing a Sharks defense that ranks 32nd in shots allowed, goals allowed, and bottom-ten in face off win percentage. The Kings shouldn’t have many issues stacking goals against Mackenzie Blackwood, despite his improved play in the net in three of his past four starts. Their offense, led by Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, Trevor Moore, and Anze Kopitar, is talented enough to pressure the Sharks in the offensive zone all night long.
We’re going for the sweep on Thursday and staking one final unit on the Kings to finish with at least four goals at -134 odds.
Bet: Los Angeles Kings Total Goals Over 3.5 (-134)
Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.