Category: NHL Picks and Predictions

Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Minnesota Wild try to stave off elimination against the St. Louis Blues  Thursday in Game 6 of their 1st-round Western Conference playoff series. The Blues lead the series 3-2. Puck drop from Enterprise Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT).  Below, we look at the Wild vs. Blues odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

We went against the grain and nailed it in Game 5 as the Blues took down the Wild 5-2 on the road. The Blues scored first, but the Wild answered and led 2-1 after the 1st period. St. Louis tied it late in the 2nd before RW Vladimir Tarasenko took over in the 3rd period with 3 goals to seal the deal.

Wild LW Kirill Kaprizov continued his dynamic play with 2 power-play goals. “Kirill the Thrill” has 7 goals and an assist in the series. Minnesota will bring everything they have Thursday trying to force a Game 7 back home.

Wild at Blues odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:06 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wild -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Blues -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-280) | Blues -1.5 (+195)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)

Wild at Blues projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (28-23-5, 2.90 GAA, .908 SV%, 4 SO – regular season) vs. Jordan Binnington (18-14-4, 3.13 GAA, .901 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Fleury has taken a step back with 4 goals allowed in each of the last 2 games. We mentioned Game 5 was his 14th start in the last 38 days. Do they go to Cam Talbot here, who hasn’t played in more than 2 weeks? Anything is possible, but it’s likely “The Flower” once again. Fleury has a .906 SV% in the series, and he’ll have to keep the Blues under 4 goals to win.

Binnington had another great game, stopping 30 of 32 shots, and Minnesota didn’t score at even strength. Binner has a .935 SV% and has only allowed 2 goals in each game. However, it has been his movement of the puck that has been the biggest difference. He has corralled rebounds and limited the Wild’s chances.

[tipico]

Wild at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 5, Wild 3

Money line

The books have this one as a pick ’em, but they really have underrated the Blues this entire series. When St. Louis has lost, it lost its way — traveling too far for hits or because a defenseman was injured in each of the first 4 games.

D Torey Krug (knee) is out, and D Marco Scandella (lower body) is iffy, too. However, the reinforcements of D Nick Leddy and D Robert Bortuzzo lifted them in Game 5. I picked the Blues in 6 before the series, and that’s where we stand. BLUES -110 is the play, and according to Pregame.com, 70% of the cash is on that outcome.

Against the spread

The team that has scored first has won every game in the series, and every result has been by at least 3 goals. If you’re taking the Blues to end the series Thursday, we’re going with BLUES -1.5 (+195). They have been one of the better puck line teams in hockey all season.

Over/Under

The O/U is 3-2 in the series, 7-2 in the last 9 meetings and 4-1 in the last 5 in St. Louis. It’ll take 4 or 5 goals to win this one. If you’re more comfortable taking the Blues money line and puck line, then passing on the O/U makes sense. However, because of the firepower both offenses possess, we’ll LEAN OVER 6.5 (-102).

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning meet Thursday in Game 6 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The Maple Leafs lead the series 3-2. Puck drop at Amalie Arena in Tampa is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we look at the Maple Leafs vs. Lightning odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Maple Leafs erased an early 2-0 deficit on home ice Tuesday, rallying for a 4-3 victory to move within 1 game of a series win. The Leafs haven’t advanced to the 2nd round since 2004.

The Lightning have their backs to the wall, facing elimination in the first round after winning the Stanley Cup in each of the past 2 seasons. Tampa Bay is 1-1 at home in this series, averaging 4.5 goals per game while yielding 4.0 goals per outing in these contests.

Maple Leafs at Lightning odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Maple Leafs +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Lightning -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-220) | Lightning -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -140 | U: +112)

Maple Leafs at Lightning projected goalies

Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Campbell spotted the Lightning 2 goals in the first 6:11 of Game 5, but he settled down and allowed just 1 goal for the remainder of the game. He is 3-2-0 with a 3.41 GAA and .895 SV% with 1 shutout in 5 postseason games.

Vasilevskiy will have to save the Lightning again after a playoff loss. Since 2020, Vasilevskiy is 16-0 with a 1.41 GAA and .945 SV% with 5 shutouts following a loss in the postseason. Tampa Bay has a 26.2% mark on the power play while killing penalties at an 86.8% clip during that span.

[tipico]

Maple Leafs at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (-130) have a championship pedigree, and the Maple Leafs have a really shaky postseason past. It’s hard to see Toronto ousting Tampa Bay and sending the 2-time defending champs to the handshake line, especially in their own barn.

Against the spread

The LIGHTNING -1.5 (+165) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line but play it lightly. Tampa Bay is a prideful bunch that should force this series back to the Great White North for a decisive Game 7.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+112) is a risky play, but that’s the lean here.

The Over has hit in each of the last 4 games in this series after an Under result in Game 1. While the Maple Leafs have scored at least 3 goals in every game in this series, it’s time for Vasilevskiy to shine brightest when everything is on the line. Expect his best performance of the series.

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Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins meet for Game 6 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Thursday at TD Garden in Boston. Carolina leads the series 3-2. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Hurricanes vs. Bruins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Hurricanes picked up the victory on home ice in Game 5 as they routed the Bruins 5-1. Carolina has won all 3 games at home by a combined score of 15-4, but they’re 0-2 in Boston while being outscored 9-4.

The Bruins seek a win at TD Garden to force a Game 7 Saturday in Raleigh. The Bruins are averaging 2.6 goals per game in this series, but 4.5 goals per game in 2 outings on home ice.

Hurricanes at Bruins odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:37 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Hurricanes +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Bruins -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes +1.5 (-250) | Bruins -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

Hurricanes at Bruins projected goalies

Antti Raanta (15-5-4, 2.45 GAA, .912 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jeremy Swayman (23-14-3, 2.41 GAA, .914 SV%, 3 SO – regular season)

Raanta did a great job in Game 5, turning aside 33 of the 34 shots he faced to earn his second victory of the postseason. His 4 games played in these playoffs have already set a career-high for postseason appearances in a single season. He is 2-1-0 with a 1.96 GAA and .942 SV% so far.

Swayman suffered his first loss of the postseason in Game 5, allowing 4 goals on 37 shots. He is still 2-1-0 with a 2.69 GAA and .911 SV% since taking over for the ineffective G Linus Ullmark in Game 3.

[tipico]

Hurricanes at Bruins picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 4, Hurricanes 2

Money line

The BRUINS (-125) registered a pair of home victories in Games 3 and 4. Boston actually was forced to erase a 2-1 deficit in the most recent home outing. The home team is 5-for-5 so far in this series, and with the exception of Game 3, none of the games have really been terribly close.

Against the spread

The BRUINS -1.5 (+180) are worth a shot on the puck line for a chance to nearly double up. The home team is not only 5-0 in this series so far, but the margin of victory is 3.2 goals per game — the most of any series in the postseason. If you like the home team and the favorite, you should also like them on the puck line.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-125) is the lean here, even so slightly. The Over is 4-0-1 in this series but we have had a total of 6 goals in 3 of the 5 outings, barely cashing the Over.

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Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Stars are even at 2-2 with the Calgary Flames as Game 5 of their 1st-round Western Conference playoff series shifts back to Calgary Wednesday. Puck drop from Scotiabank Saddledome is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).  Below, we look at the Stars vs. Flames odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Calgary looked better in Game 4 as they pelted Dallas for 54 shots in a 4-1 win. C Johnny Gaudreau awakened with his first goal of the series on a penalty shot and added an assist. He had just 2 points and 7 shots on goal in the first 3 games. C Matthew Tkachuk is still without a goal, so figure he’s due.

Monday’s 4-1 final is misleading. Calgary led 1-0 after 2 periods, went up 2-0 with 12:13 to go and took a 3-0 lead with 8:17 remaining. Dallas cut the deficit to 3-1 with a power-play goal with 4:57 left before Calgary iced it with an empty netter in the final minute.

Stars G Jake Oettinger continues to build his legacy. He finished with 50 saves in Game 4. He kept the Stars in it, but do they have enough offensively to steal another W north of the border?

Stars at Flames odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:31 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Stars +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Flames -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Stars +1.5 (-140) | Flames -1.5 (+112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Stars at Flames projected goalies

Jake Oettinger (30-15-1, 2.53 GAA, .914 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs. Jacob Markstrom (37-15-9, 2.22 GAA, .922 SV%, 9 SO – regular season)

As mentioned, the second-year netminder Oettinger stopped 50 of 53 shots in Game 4. He has a 1.53 GAA and an absurd .960 SV%, saving 143 of 149 shots in the series. He stopped all 29 shots he saw the last time they were in Calgary (Thursday’s 2-0 victory in Game 2), but faced 41 and 53 shots, respectively, in the last 2 games.

Markstrom has been just as good with a 1.27 GAA and a .952 SV% in the series on 45 fewer shots. Markstrom has allowed 5 goals in the series, including 2 on the power play. He was a little better at home this season with a 22-8-7 record, a 2.17 GAA and a .919 SV% as opposed to 15-7-2, 2.32 GAA, .926 SV% on the road.

[tipico]

Stars at Flames picks and predictions

Prediction

Flames 3, Stars 2

Money line

This is a situation that I might hedge on. Both teams have scored 7 goals apiece in the series through 4 games. Both goalies have been phenomenal.

Everyone should expect the Flames to win this game, and we’re picking them to do so. But this series has been far too close to put +180 price on Dallas. I might throw a few dollars on Dallas (+180), but hedge it with puck line and/or O/U wagers.

It’s definitely a PASS on Calgary (-230).

Against the spread

As mentioned, Dallas was within a goal in Game 4 for 48 minutes. Calgary scored a PP goal and an empty netter to put it out of reach.

While the teams split the first 2 games in Calgary, the Stars outscored the Flames 2-1. I’ll throw a full unit on STARS +1.5 (-140) – and maybe more. Oettinger has been that good in net.

Over/Under

The Under hit in 3 of the 4 thus far, and the Flames needed 53 shots, a PP goal and an empty netter to score 4 goals. Each team has 7 goals in 4 games.

There’s not much to consider here – go UNDER 5.5 (-130).

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Washington Capitals at Florida Panthers Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Washington Capitals at Florida Panthers Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Capitals fly south to face the Florida Panthers Wednesday in Game 5 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series tied 2-2. Puck drop from FLA Live Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2).  Below, we look at the Capitals vs. Panthers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Caps threw away a golden opportunity to go up 3-1 and potentially steal this series by losing 3-2 in OT Monday. They were outshot 32 to 16 in Game 4 and just folded like a lawn chair.

Panthers C Sam Reinhart tied the game at 2-all with 2:04 left in the game, and C Carter Verhaeghe ended it 4:57 into overtime. The Capitals didn’t even get a shot on goal in the extra frame.

Caps LW Alex Ovechkin has been borderline invisible despite having points in each game. He had just 2 shots on goal in Game 4, and he has just 1 goal in the series.

The Panthers are 0-for-13 on the power play in the 4 games, but they have managed to find ways to win. Florida is proving it’s deeper than Washington – this series could have easily shifted the Panthers’ way.

Capitals at Panthers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:34 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Capitals +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Panthers -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Capitals +1.5 (-130) | Panthers -1.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

Capitals at Panthers projected goalies

Ilya Samsonov (23-12-5, 3.02 GAA, .896 SV%, 3 SO – regular season) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (39-7-3, 2.67 GAA, .913 SV%, 3 SO – regular season)

Samsonov played well in Game 4, but the Panthers capitalized – no pun intended – on some fortunate bounces. His 29 saves gave him 75 in the series on 79 shots for a .949 SV%. Sammy has given his team a chance to win the series, but he’s up against it in enemy territory Wednesday.

Bobrovsky has been so-so in the series, and that’s all he has to do for his world-class offense to win games. Bobrovsky wasn’t tested in Game 4, as he only had to save 14 of 16 shots. He has an OK .900 SV% (99 saves on 110 shots) in the series.

[tipico]

Capitals at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 5, Capitals 3

Money line

Caps All-Star RW Tom Wilson (lower body) will travel with the team, but he remains questionable for Game 5. He’s a big, physical player. The question is: How much of him can you expect to get at less than 100% health?

Florida is heavily favored, and that’s where we side, but there’s no chance we’re betting the -220 prices. So, PASS there.

However, if Wilson is active for Washington and forces Florida’s line to drop to -200 or lower, I’d consider it.

Against the spread

There’s some risk here as Samsonov has really fortified Washington’s back end, but Game 4 provided a wake-up call for the top-seeded Panthers. I’d be surprised if they lost another game in the series, and I expect them to win in convincing fashion.

LEAN PANTHERS -1.5 (+105).

Over/Under

The Under has hit in 3 of the 4 games, but Florida has just 11 goals after scoring 4.1 per game in the regular season. The Panthers found themselves late in Game 4, and they’re ready to roar.

With the Panthers 0-for-13 on the PP, I would have guessed they were at best down 3-1 in the series. That gets cleaned up, and we’ll LEAN OVER 6.5 (-125).

Or if you’d like to wait until after the puck drops to catch an in-game “live” bet at either Over 6.5 at plus-money or catch an Over 5.5, that was successful a lot in the regular season with Florida games.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (3-1) look to close out the New York Rangers (1-3) in Game 5 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series. Puck drop from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).  Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Rangers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Rangers can’t go out like this, can they? The favorite for the Vezina Trophy all season, Igor Shesterkin, being chased from the net in the last two games and being thoroughly outplayed by a third-string goalie in Louis Domingue?

Pittsburgh won 2 at home, which is what they were supposed to do. However, it’s the fashion in which they did it that makes this series feel so disproportionate. The Pens won 7-4 and 7-2 to take a commanding 3-1 lead. Future Hall-of-Fame C Sidney Crosby had 1 goal and 4 assists in the 2 wins, and he leads the team with 9 points in the playoffs. He has been great, but it’s the supporting cast emerging around him that has been the difference. LW Jake Guentzel has stepped up with 5 goals in the series.

For the Rangers, it’s not all doom and gloom. The Penguins have exploited a soft spot by parking in front of the net and scoring often on deflections. That’s correctable. The Rangers aren’t getting production outside of their top-3 forwards: Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, who each have a point per game. They need LW Alexis Lafreniere to play above his 20-year-old age as he has just 2 points in the series.

Penguins at Rangers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:37 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Penguins +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Rangers -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-220) | Rangers -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +102 | U: -122)

Penguins at Rangers projected goalies

Louis Domingue (1-1-0, 2.02 GAA, .952 SV% – regular season) vs. Igor Shesterkin (36-13-4, 2.07 GAA, .935 SV%, 6 SO – regular season)

Domingue has been solid with a 3.07 GAA and .917 SV% in the series, but he has allowed 3.67 goals per game in his 3 starts. He has been beatable, and the Rangers are expected to throw everything at him in Game 5.

The Rangers have announced they’re sticking with Shesterkin. However, there are sure to be second-guessers after Alexandar Georgiev made 29 saves on 31 shots in relief of Shesterkin the last 2 games. Shesterkin has allowed 10 goals on 45 shots in the last 2 games. Let’s not forget he made an insane 79 saves in the triple-OT thriller in Game 1.

[tipico]

Penguins at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 5, Penguins 2

Money line

It’s do or die for New York. Look for them to air it out at home because this series could easily be tied 2-2 if certain bounces went their way in the 3-OT loss in Game 1. The Rangers were 3-1 against the Pens in the regular season, and that loss was 1-0. The price is pretty solid at home, and they’ll survive another day. Take the RANGERS -135.

Against the spread

The Rangers -1.5 (+165) could very well cash, but the Penguins have scored 14 goals in the last 2 games on the team with arguably the best goalie in hockey. PASS.

Over/Under

The Over has been money all series, and we’re still getting plus-money on it. The Over has cashed in the last 5 playoff games for the Pens and the last 4 they were underdogs. The Over has also cashed in the last 7 games following a Rangers loss of 3 or more goals. Take the OVER 6.5 (+102).

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Tied 2-2, the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild throw down Tuesday in Game 5 of their 1st-round Western Conference playoff series. Puck drop from Xcel Energy Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).  Below, we look at the Blues vs. Wild odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blues looked dead in the water after a 5-1 home loss in Game 3 Friday. They lost yet another important defenseman as D Torey Krug appeared to suffer a season-ending knee injury. However, they activated rookie D Scott Perunovich off IR, who hadn’t played since January after wrist surgery, and he looked great moving the puck on the power play in Game 4.

The Blues won the game 5-2, but it was by no means that convincing as Minnesota drew within one late. St. Louis All-star LW Jordan Kyrou lit the lamp twice and appears to be returning to his pre-All-Star-break form. The Blues could get reinforcements as D Nick Leddy and D Robert Bortuzzo have a good chance to return for Game 5.

The Wild came undone by Blues G Jordan Binnington, who was strong in his first action of the series. LW Kirill Kaprizov scored his 5th goal of the series and has scored in each of the last 3 games. The Wild are 2-for-17 (11.7%) on the power play in the series. That has to change if they plan to win the series.

Wild coach Dean Evason hinted there could be lineup changes after the Blues changed it up and took Game 4.

Blues at Wild odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:56 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Wild -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-190) | Wild -1.5 (+145)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Blues at Wild projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (18-14-4, 3.13 GAA, .901 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (28-23-5, 2.90 GAA, .908 SV%, 4 SO – regular season)

Binnington stopped 28 of 30 shots in his first action of the series in Game 4. He played well down the stretch, too, as he was 5-1 in April. Binnington was in goal during the team’s unlikely run to win the Stanley Cup in his rookie 2018-19 season.

The 37-year-old Fleury stopped 29 of 33 shots in the Game 4 loss. Fleury has a 2.76 GAA and .914 SV% in the series. He was stellar in Games 2 and 3, but the Blues got to him in Games 1 and 4. One has to wonder if fatigue will come into play as this will be his 14th start in the last 38 days.

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Blues at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 4, Wild 3

Money line

This might be the most difficult game to handicap in the playoffs thus far in the most difficult series. The winner of this game is likely going to advance to the conference semifinals.

I picked the Blues in 6 games coming in, and we’re sticking to it. The infusion of two of their injured defensemen, Binnington’s comeback story, the good mojo after Game 4 and C Ryan O’Reilly’s wife giving birth Sunday offer up enough intangibles to LEAN BLUES (+125) with a HALF-UNIT wager.

Against the spread

This is the kind of win that veteran teams gut out late or in overtime. At Blues +1.5 (-190), I’m going to PASS on the puck line even though every game has been decided by more than a goal.

Over/Under

The O/U is 2-2 in the series, but the Over has hit 7 times in the last 10 head-to-head meetings between these two rivals. Binnington, through all of his clutch moments, has been a little giving, and Fleury could be a little fatigued.

Let’s LEAN OVER 6.5 (-112).

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Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Kings (2-2) and Edmonton Oilers (2-2) face off Tuesday in Game 5 of their 1st-round Western Conference playoff series. Puck drop from Rogers Place is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN2).  Below, we look at the Kings vs. Oilers Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Kings responded to a Game 3 defeat with a 4-0 shutout to even the series in Game 4 Sunday. This series has gone back and forth with laughers after a tight Game 1 that Edmonton literally gave away on a bad turnover.

Kings RW Carl Grundstrom emerged with 2 goals and an assist in Game 4. He has just 36 points in 129 career regular-season games. G Jonathan Quick was dominant stopping all 31 shots.

Oilers stud C Connor McDavid was kept in check after he had 2 points in each of the first 3 games of the series. C Leon Draisaitl was held scoreless after a goal in each of the first 3 games.

The Oilers were 0-for-3 on the power play, and they were outshot 46-to-31. Now they return home with a chance to refocus. They responded to throwing away Game 1 by winning the next two games 14-2. They’ll be ready.

Kings at Oilers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:40 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Kings +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Oilers -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (-140) | Oilers -1.5 (+112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

Kings at Oilers projected goalies

Jonathan Quick (23-13-9, 2.59 GAA, .910 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Mike Smith (16-9-1, 2.81 GAA, .915 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Quick has been feast or famine in this series. He is coming off a 31-save masterpiece in Game 4. At one point, he even lost his glove and was attempting to make saves with his bare hand. Before that, though, he allowed 10 goals in two games and didn’t finish Game 3. He has an .894 SV% in the series.

Smith has been pretty steady – it’s his offense that has been inconsistent. Smith has a 2.27 GAA and a .942 SV% in the series. The Kings have been relentless as he has faced 46 and 45 shots in the last two games. The Oilers’ blue line will need to step up as fatigue could set in seeing so many fired at him.

[tipico]

Kings at Oilers picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 5, Kings 2

Money line

The Oilers return home, where they’ve outscored LA 9-4, despite losing Game 1 on a misplay behind the net. We’re definitely siding with the Oilers here, but not at the -220 price tag. PASS.

Against the spread

The Kings are playing with two starting defensemen out for the season. The Oilers had an off night Sunday in LA. Maybe they didn’t use Saturday wisely, but we could see them record 5 or 6 goals tonight. We’ll take the OILERS -1.5 (+112).

Over/Under

The Over has hit twice in this series, and the two occasions it didn’t hit were because a team got shut out. We expect Edmonton to respond offensively, and their goalie has seen nearly 100 shots in the last two games and at that rate a couple are bound to go in.

LEAN OVER 6.5 (-105) or place a live bet when the Over drops to 5.5. Neither side has scored within the first 3 minutes of any game in this series, and that might work to your advantage.

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Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 5 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The series is tied 2-2. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning split two games in Toronto, and they split a pair of games on home ice. No one has really been able to gather much momentum in this series, although we’ve seen plenty of goals.

The Maple Leafs have scored a total of 16 goals while yielding 14 goals, and every game has been decided by 2 or more goals. The most sure thing seems to be the Over so far.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Maple Leafs -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-240) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy bounced back from the Game 3 loss, stopping 22 of the 25 shots he faced. He is still a very ordinary 2-2 with a 3.54 GAA and .888 SV% in 4 postseason starts so far.

Campbell was yanked in Game 4 after allowing 5 goals on 16 shots. Rookie G Erik Kallgren came on and stopped all 10 of the shots he faced, although “Soup” will be back in the crease for Game 5.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Lightning 3

Money line

It’s hard to believe in a MAPLE LEAFS (-130) team which has had so much postseason misery in recent seasons. This team hasn’t made it to the second round since 2004.

However, Toronto has been showing up and scoring plenty of goals, which is a difference from years past. Back them at home, as they push the Lightning into an elimination game.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-240) is a little on the expensive side if you’d like some insurance. If you like Tampa Bay, just play them straight up. It’s not a terrible value at plus money against a team that just cannot get out of its own way across the past two decades of playoffs.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-125) is the lean, although go lightly. We’ve seen the Over cashed in the past three games, with an average of 8.33 combined goals per contest. You can’t count on the Under until things change dramatically in this series.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Boston Bruins at Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Boston Bruins at Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Boston Bruins (2-2) and Carolina Hurricanes (2-2) meet for Game 5 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Tuesday at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. The series is tied 2-2. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Bruins vs. Hurricanes Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Bruins will look to carry over their momentum from a pair of convincing wins on home ice in Games 3 and 4. The B’s changed to Jeremy Swayman in net for Game 3, and have won two in a row while outscoring the Canes 9-4.

The Hurricanes hope to use the home crowd to get back on track. Carolina bludgeoned Boston in the first 2 wins by a combined 10-3 margin but lost focus in the 2 road games, while also letting some undisciplined play creep in.

Bruins at Hurricanes odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bruins +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Hurricanes -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bruins +1.5 (-230) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -145 | U: +115)

Bruins at Hurricanes projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (23-14-3, 2.41 GAA, .914 SV%, 3 SO – regular season) vs. Antti Raanta (15-5-4, 2.45 GAA, .912 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

After Linus Ullmark lost the first two games in Carolina, head coach Bruce Cassidy tabbed Swayman for Game 3. The Alaska native won his first two career postseason starts in Games 3 and 4, going 2-0-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .925 SV%.

Raanta returned to the lineup after being knocked out of Game 2, and while he allowed 4 goals on 27 shots, he played well. There was also a controversial situation in the second period where goalie interference appeared to have occurred. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour challenged, and not only did the goal stand, but the Bruins received a power play and scored another goal. That changed the entire momentum of the game.

[tipico]

Bruins at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Bruins 2

Money line

The way the Bruins (+120) played in Boston the past 2 games, it’s tempting to play the ‘dog. But the HURRICANES (-145) have been so dominant on home ice, and until the B’s can prove they can win in Raleigh, you have to back the home side.

Against the spread

The HURRICANES -1.5 (+170) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line. Carolina lost a little momentum in the first with the 2 losses in Boston, but it won the first 2 games on home ice by a combined 10-3 score.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-145) is the lean here. Eventually we’re going to get a defensive game in this series, and one with very tight checking, low scoring and perhaps even a trip to overtime. But so far the Over is 3-0-1 in four games, so until we get an Under, keep going for at least 6 goals per outing.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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