Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (4/2)
The NHL is back with an eight-game slate tonight, providing us with a ton of different ways to get some skin in the game. Below I've narrowed in on my three favorite bets for tonight's action on the ice.
Tuesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
Chicago Blackhawks (+196) at New York Islanders (-240) | 5.5 (-120/+100)
The Islanders are still in the playoff race, occupying the fourth sport in the Wild Card race. They trail the Capitals (82 points) by three points for the final Wild Card. As for the Blackhawks (49 points), they're the second-worst team in the Western Conference, sitting above only the Sharks (42 points). This cross-conference matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.
My initial lean in this game was to play the Over on the Blackhawks' team total (2.5 at +108). They've been playing well over the past 10 days, going 3-1-0, while averaging 3.3 goals per game over the four-game stretch. It's also confirmed that Ilya Sorokin will be between the pipes tonight, and the netminder hasn't been too sharp this season. He's 22-19-11 with a 3.08 GAA (40th) and .907 SV% (21st). Then, there's the Isles' penalty kill, which is literally dead last in the entire league at 71.98%.
After further review, I'd love to incorporate Chicago's lousy defense as well, so I'll just take the full game Over. The Hawks enter tonight's game ranked 28th in overall defense (3.32 GAA) and 21st on the penalty kill (77.62%). They've seen at least six goals in six of their last 10 games, so I think it's worth a shot while this total sits at 5.5 goals.
Bet: Over 5.5 Total Goals (-120)
Boston Bruins (-120) at Nashville Predators (+100) | 5.5 (-120/+100)
After going on an 18-game point streak (16-0-2), the Predators have now dropped two straight games. They'll look to get back in the win column tonight as they host the Bruins, who have lost three of their last five games (2-3-0). Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.
The Predators relied on strong defense and excellent offense over their 18-game point streak. However, the defense has unraveled over the last three outings, allowing 19 goals (6.33 GAA). The offense has continued to put up big numbers, scoring 4.1 goals per game over the last 20 games. This is no longer just a flash-in-the-pan streak for Nashville's offense, they've really found their groove.
On the flip side, Boston hasn't been as defensively sound as we've become accustomed to over the years. They've dropped to eighth in overall defense (2.63 GAA) and seventh on the PK (82.07%). Typically, they're in the top five in both of those categories. Over their recent five-game stretch, Boston's surrendering 3.2 goals per game. With a total of 5.5 goals, I'll play the over with these teams that have taken a step back defensively.
Bet: Over 5.5 Total Goals (-120)
Vancouver Canucks (+115) at Vegas Golden Knights (-135) | 5.5 (-115/-105)
The night wraps up with a heavyweight battle in the Pacific Division as the Canucks square off against the Golden Knights. Vancouver (100 points) comfortably holds the top spot in the division while Vegas (90 points) currently occupies the third slot in the standings. The NHL nightcap is set for 10:00 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
This will be the third time that these two teams meet this season, and they've split the series so far. Vegas won 4-1 back on November 30th, while Vancouver notched a 3-1 road win on March 7th. Getting plus money with the Canucks seems like a no-brainer from a value standpoint, so I'll ride with them to secure the two points tonight.
Mainly, I'm worried about the Adin Hill injury for Vegas. Logan Thompson has been serviceable in his absence, but I'm not ready to lay juice with a backup goalie against a team that's in the running for the Presidents’ Trophy. Vancouver is on an 8-3-1 run over their last 12 games, and they rank higher in overall offense (3.4 GPG vs. 3.2 GPG), overall defense (2.54 GAA vs. 2.73 GAA), and on the power play (22.32% vs. 18.34%). I'll take a flier on the +115 payout that comes with Vancouver tonight.
Bet: Vancouver Canucks Moneyline (+115)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday: