Tag: NHL betting odds lines against the spread over-under picks

Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Sunday’s Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 1 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning kick off their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals for Game 1 Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Bruins-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Bruins vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Jaroslav Halak vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Halak stepped into the crease for Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes after Tuukka Rask left the bubble to return home for family reasons. Halak was a little shaky in Game 4, but overall, he was 3-0 with a 1.67 goals against average and .932 save percentage across his three starts. The B’s didn’t skip a beat with Halak in between the pipes. However, there is a big difference between pushing aside the up-and-coming Hurricanes and the NHL’s No. 1 offense (3.5 goals per game) of the Lightning.

Vasilevskiy helped the Lightning avenge last season’s embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets with four wins in five games in the first round. He was 4-1 with a 1.84 GAA and .930 SV% against the Jackets, and he was 3-1 with a 2.46 GAA and .928 SV% in the regular season against the B’s, while also stopping 25 of 27 shots in a 3-2 win in a round-robin game vs. Boston on Aug. 5.

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Bruins vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 3, Bruins 1

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-112) are the pick as slight favorites, and the difference here is Vasilevskiy. He looks determined to put last season’s debacle behind him and take the Lightning on his back deep into the postseason. In fact, this might be his biggest test of the entire playoffs in this series. The Bruins (-106) will win a couple of games in this series, but I like Tampa in the opener. For an added bonus, take the LIGHTNING (+140) on the 3-way line. If they win in regulation, you receive plus money, which is always nice. But if they win in overtime, you lose.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning on the 2-way line returns a profit of $8.93, while a bet on the 3-way line fetches a $14 profit if Tampa wins in regulation.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +240) is a tempting play at this rate, but go very, very lightly. In 76 postseason games to date, favorites are just 41-35, with the puck-line cashing in 20 of those contests.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-139) is the best bet here. Halak has been respectable since taking the reins for the B’s, and Vasilevskiy is playing at a Vezina level. The under is 33-36-7 in 76 postseason games so far, and 3-1 in the past four for Boston, while going 3-1-1 in the first round for Tampa Bay.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Saturday’s Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 1 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche tangle in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinals Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Avalanche NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Stars vs. Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Philipp Grubauer

Khudobin helped the Stars to a 4-2 series win over the Calgary Flames, stepping up in five of those games with regular starting G Ben Bishop deemed unfit to play. In fact, Bishop wasn’t even the backup for Game 6, as that understudy role fell to the 6-foot-5 Jake Oettinger. Khudobin went 3-2 with a 2.52 goals against average and .918 save percentage against the Flames in the quarterfinals. He’ll need to be even better if he and the Stars hope to stop the Avalanche. In a preview in the round-robin games, Khudobin allowed four goals on 40 shots in a 4-0 loss back on Aug. 5, although he did stop 38 of the 39 shots in a 2-1 regular-season win in Denver on Nov. 1, 2019.

Grubauer figures to get a little more of a test from the Stars than he did in the Avs’ 4-1 series win against the Arizona Coyotes. He won each of the four games against the ‘Yotes, with Pavel Francouz taking the one loss in Game 3. Grubauer went 4-0 with a 1.00 GAA and sparkling .953 SV%, while also blanking Arizona in Game 1. It helped that he received 14 goals of offensive support in the final two games, which were laughers. Things figure to be a lot tougher against the Stars.

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Stars vs. Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-176) are priced right at that level where I don’t feel comfortable betting a moneyline. Anything more than -180 and I AVOID and focus on the puck line – or back off of the favorite. However, the Avs looked like a Stanley Cup contender in their quarterfinal series, although, the Coyotes were the No. 11 seed. We’ll see if the Avs slow down against a much better Stars side (+145). However, Colorado pounded Dallas 4-0 in a round-robin tilt, so we do have a fairly fresh sample of how this thing could go.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Avalanche returns a profit of $5.68, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The AVALANCHE (-1.5, +165) are an interesting play at this price. It might take an empty-net goal to get you over the hump, but Game 1 should belong to the favorites, and the way they treated Khudobin last time makes this puck line play that much more attractive.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+110) is worth backing, but play it very lightly. Again, I like the score to end up 4-2 here, with perhaps an empty-netter in the final minute capping off the scoring. In other words, the Over is anything but a slam-dunki play, so tread lightly.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around Friday’s St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks Game 6 matchup, with NHL odds, picks and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks continue their Western Conference quarterfinals for Game 6 on Friday at 9:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Blues-Canucks NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Blues vs. Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Jake Allen vs. Jacob Markstrom

Allen saved his team’s bacon, digging them out of a 2-0 series hole to help square the series 2-2 with solid play. It’s something they weren’t getting from last season’s crease hero, Jordan Binnington, who allowed 15 goals in three appearances from Aug. 6-14. Allen steadied the ship with a total of three goals allowed on 64 shots in the first two games, but he was dinged for four goals on 30 shots in a Game 5 loss. Head coach Craig Berube has another big decision to make. Does he stick with Allen, or go back to Binnington? Does it even matter?

Markstrom was sharp in a Game 5 victory, allowing three goals on 39 shots to push the defending champs to the brink. Markstrom has allowed three or fewer goals in each of the five games in this series, and eight of his nine appearances since the restart. In order to go deep into the playoffs you need consistent and strong goaltending play, and Markstrom is fitting the bill.

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Blues vs. Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Friday at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-134) have their backs to the wall, and there is some uncertainty on who will be in the crease for the elimination game. It’s a far cry from the organization of last season’s Stanley Cup run. Still, the Blues know what it takes to win in adverse conditions, and the Canucks (+115) will find it difficult tapping in the final nails in the coffin.

The Blues (+120) are plus-money on the 3-way line, but they have to win in regulation.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Blues to win Game 6 returns a net profit of $7.46, while the Canucks fetch a profit of $11.50 on a $10 wager if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Blues (-1.5, +200) are very tempting at a 2-to-1 rate, but they haven’t been able to slide more than three past Markstrom at any point in this series. The Canucks will make the Blues work hard for this one, and it could even be decided in overtime. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5 (+115) is tempting at plus-money, but I cannot stand playing the under on a flat five. Buy the half-goal, or insurance if you will, and go UNDER 5.5 (-154). It’s a bit expensive, but it will prove to be worth it.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues Wednesday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines.

The St. Louis Blues and the Vancouver Canucks resume their Western Conference quarterfinals series for Game 5 on Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Blues-Canucks NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Canucks vs. Blues: Projected starting goalies

Jacob Markstrom vs. Jake Allen

Markstrom has been steady since the restart, and he has yielded three or fewer goals in each of his four starts in this series. The difference for the Canucks has been on offense, as they averaged 4.5 goals per game in the first two outings, and just 1.5 goals per game in the previous two. If that lack of offense continues, the defending champs are going to keep winning in this series.

Head coach Craig Berube made the choice to go back to Allen for Game 4, and it paid off in spades. After Allen picked up the overtime win in Game 3, he was right back at it and winning again. It was not an easy choice for Berube, getting away from Jordan Binnington, who led the team to 16 wins and a Stanley Cup last season. But a 2-0 series hole meant desperate times call for desperate measures, and the veteran Allen has answered the bell. Allen is 2-0 in this series, and 2-1 with a 1.20 GAA and .961 SV% in three starts since play resumed.

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Canucks vs. Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Canucks 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-143) are back on track with consecutive wins to pull even and make this a best-of-three series. The Canucks (+120) have seen the offensive lights go out as Berube’s change to Allen in goal has been a masterful move. St. Louis is playing with that championship confidence again, and you have to keep backing them in this decisive Game 5.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Blues to win Game 5 returns a net profit of $6.99, while the Canucks fetch a profit of $12 on a $10 wager if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +190) are worth a small-unit play, as you can nearly double up. After some defensive lapses and shaky tendy play in the first two games, they’re back, and Allen is leading the way to victories.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-139) has cashed in the past two games, with a total of nine goals on the board in the two St. Louis wins. They have tightened up their backcheck, defense and goaltending, and under bettors will get a great value as long as the total doesn’t go back down to a flat five.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins Wednesday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins battle in Game 5 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinals series Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The puck will drop at 4 p.m. ET. We analyze the Hurricanes-Bruins NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Hurricanes vs. Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Petr Mrazak vs. Jaroslav Halak

Coach Rod Brind’Amour turned to James Reimer for Game 4, and it looked like a tremendous move. The Hurricanes held a 2-0 lead heading into the third period, but that’s when Reimer and Carolina fell apart. The B’s ripped off four unanswered goals against Reimer, and now the ‘Canes are on the brink of elimination. Mrazek is likely to be back in the crease. He is 0-2 with a 2.59 goals against average and .923 save percentage in his two appearances so far, so Mrazek hasn’t been too bad.

Halak had a couple of mental check-outs in Monday’s win, but he hung on for his second consecutive win in the series since Tuukka Rask bolted the bubble for Finland. Halak made just 16 saves on 19 shots, but the offense bailed him out in the third period. However, he’ll need to tighten up if the B’s are going to oust the young Hurricanes.

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Hurricanes vs. Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Bruins 2

Moneyline (ML)

We’re going to find out a lot about the HURRICANES (+120) in this one, and they’re going to show everyone why they’ll be a regular playoff team for a while. This team doesn’t quit, and it has a ton of young talent with a bright future. The Bruins (-143) are going to win this series, but the ‘Canes will not go quietly into the night, overcoming a difficult meltdown in the final stanza last time out. If you’re not feeling the ‘Canes, look to the 3-way line for a Bruins (+115) win after regular time to save a little juice.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Hurricanes returns a net profit of $12, while the Bruins fetch a profit of $6.99 if they turn are victorious.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Hurricanes (+1.5, -250) are too expensive, as you have to risk more than two times your potential return. In addition, this will be a super close game, so there is no way you can back the Bruins (-1.5, +200), no matter how tempting they look.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-150) on the alternate line is the way to go here. I don’t like flat-five lines, and this game should have exactly five goals. In fact, betting FIVE TOTAL GOALS in regular time pays +425, so that’s mighty attractive.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Wednesday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to put away the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 5 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series Wednesday at noon ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

The Blue Jackets find themselves down 3-1 in this series, but it’s no fault of Korpisalo. He has acquitted himself well in his first series as a playoff starter, going 1-3 with a 1.65 goals against average and .950 save percentage across his four starts in this series. Unfortunately for Korpisalo, he has received just 2.0 goals of offensive support. The margin of error has been razor thin in this series, and all three losses, including a Game 1 loss in five overtimes, have been by one goal.

Vasilevskiy has pushed the Jackets to the brink of elimination, as the Lightning look to exact a little revenge for last season’s stunning first-round loss. The Vezina Trophy candidate is 3-1 with a 1.47 GAA and .939 SV%. This is what we expected of Vasilevskiy and the Lightning last season, and they’re looking the part of championship contender this time around.

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Blue Jackets vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 2, Blue Jackets 1

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-176) are only worth a small-unit play, as the juice here is a little past my limit. For a better value, it might be best to take the LIGHTING (-110) to win on the 3-way line. However, if you choose the latter, they must win without the game going to overtime.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Lightning returns a net profit of $5.68, while a $10 play on the Lightning to win in regular time posts a profit of $9.09.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This will be a defensive slog with plenty of hitting, tight checking and few scoring chances. The Lightning (-1.5, +165) are tempting at this price, but all three of their wins in this series have been by one goal. The Blue Jackets (+1.5, -200) are just too expensive, as you cannot risk twice as much as your potential return. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5 (+100) is the play, but go lightly. I have made it perfectly clear that I am not a fan of betting the under on flat-five lines, but buying the half-goal and going up to Under 5.5 (-176) is just too much juice.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks Monday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines.

The Vancouver Canucks and the St. Louis Blues continue their Western Conference quarterfinals for Game 4 on Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Blues-Canucks NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Blues vs. Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington vs. Jacob Markstrom

Binnington is expected to be back between the pipes for Game 4 in the back-to-back situation despite the fact Jake Allen backstopped the team’s only victory of the series so far on Sunday. The Stanley Cup winning goaltender Binnington hasn’t won in four starts since the restart, losing Game 1 and 2 of this series, as well as two round-robin games against Colorado and Vegas. In fact, Binnington has allowed four or more goals in each of his past three outings. Head coach Craig Berube couldn’t possibly go right back to Allen again for Game 4, could he?

Markstrom has been rock steady in goal for the upstart Canucks, although is five-start winning streak came to an end in Sunday’s Game 3 overtime loss. Still, he hasn’t lost in regulation since Game 1 of the qualifying round against the Minnesota Wild, and he has allowed three or fewer goals in six of his seven starts since the restart. You need a hot goalie if you’re going to make noise in the hockey playoffs, and Markstrom is a big reason why the ‘Nucks are up 2-1 in this series.

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Blues vs. Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-143) are champions, and they showed up with their backs against the wall in a 2-0 series hole. It wasn’t pretty, but they found a way against a hot goalie in Game 3 to get back into the series. There’s more where that came from, too.

The Canucks (+120) have been an amazing story, and are making life tough for the defending champs on every faceoff, every puck battle and every shift. It’s been one of the best series in all of hockey, and the margin of error is razor thin. St. Louis is going to get it done again in Game 4, and we’ll have a nice little best-of-three to figure out a winner, but not after another close game Monday.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Blues to win Game 4 returns a net profit of $7, while the Canucks fetch a profit of $12 on a $10 wager if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Blues (-1.5, +195) cannot be trusted on the puck line just yet. They’re not playing their best hockey, and Markstrom isn’t giving them anything easy. St. Louis should win in Game 4, but it might take overtime yet again. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-125) hit in Game 3 for the first time in this series. Binnington has played uncharacteristically poor, allowing four or more goals in each of his past three starts, so there is some concern playing the under with his recent stretch. But look for Binnington to step up and play his best outing since the restart. If not, don’t be surprised to see Berube tab Allen if the wheels come off early.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames Sunday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames tangle again in Game 4 of the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals Sunday at 2 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Flames NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Stars vs. Flames: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Cam Talbot

Khudobin was back in the crease and he was solid, stopping 21 of 23 shots in the Game 3 loss. The problem was not his goaltending, but rather a lack of offensive support. The Stars averaged 2.6 goals per game offensively, ranking 26th in the NHL, and they’re second in the league allowing just 2.5 goals per game. If the low-scoring ways continue, it’s not good for their long-term outlook.

Talbot had a 4-1 record during the qualifying round and first round of the playoffs before a 5-4 loss in Game 2. There was some thought that perhaps the Flames might turn to G David Rittich, but bench boss Geoff Ward stuck with Talbot and it paid off tremendously. Talbot posted his second shutout since the restart, and he is now 5-2 with a 1.87 goals against average and .937 save percentage with two shutouts in seven starts since the restart. Ward saw something in Talbot during training camp that caught his eye, and now he is looking very smart for going with Talbot over the All-Star Rittich.

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Stars vs. Flames: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 7:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flames 3, Stars 1

Moneyline (ML)

The FLAMES (+105) have surprised with a 2-1 series lead, and that’s mostly because they’ve been able to muster some offense, whereas the Stars (-125) continue to struggle generating high-danger chances. It also helps that Talbot has stood on his head more often than not. Matthew Tkachuk was shaken up in Game 2 and unable to play, but the Flames persevered without their spark plug and irritant. This Flames have made themselves right at home on their rivals’ ice in Edmonton, and they’ll push past Dallas again in Game 4.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Flames returns a profit of $10.50, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $8.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The FLAMES (-1.5, +280) are a huge value on an alternative puck line, as you can nearly triple your initial stake with a win of two or more goals. Four of their past five wins for the Flames have been by two or more, so toss a little lettuce on the puck line for Calgary and triple up.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5 (+105) is a risky play. I rarely, if ever, bet Under on a flat five, but Dallas’ offense has been so anemic, Talbot has surprised and Calgary’s offense isn’t exactly lighting the world afire, either. TAKE THE UNDER, but go lightly.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes Saturday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes resume their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinals series with Game 3 Saturday at noon ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Bruins-Hurricanes NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Bruins vs. Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Jaroslav Halak vs. Petr Mrazek/James Reimer

Halak will get the Game 3 start after starter Tuukka Rask opted out of the remainder of the postseason due to COVID-19 concerns. Halak posted a .919 save percentage and 2.39 goals against average in the regular season.

Reimer stepped into the crease for Game 2, as coach Rod Brind’Amour rolled the dice due to a back-to-back situation. Optimus Reim didn’t let RBA down, stopping 33 of the 35 shots to earn his second victory in two starts since the restart. Petr Mrazek lost in double-overtime in Game 1, so it will be interesting to see who starts Game 3. To be fair to Mrazek, Reimer didn’t have to face MVP candidate David Pastrnak, who was deemed unfit to play for Boston. He is considered a game-time decision for Saturday’s game.

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Bruins vs. Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-129) are slightly favored over the Hurricanes (+110), and the line might be down slightly due to Pastrnak’s uncertain status. He hobbled off the ice in Game 1 and did not play in Game 2, so it’s a legitimate concern. However, the B’s are still the better team in this series, and this price is a great value. Take advantage.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Bruins returns a net profit of $7.80, while the Hurricanes fetch a profit of $11 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Bruins (-1.5, +220) are a very, very tempting play at this price point. However, both games have been one-goal contests, so you cannot bet the favorite on the puck line, especially with Pasta uncertain. On the flip side, the Hurricanes (+1.5, -279) are just too expensive, as you cannot risk three times your potential return just for a little insurance.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 5.5 (Over +115, Under -139). The Under hung on by a string in Game 2. There was a total of four goals on the board, two per side, and the Over appeared to be on track, but the final was Hurricanes 3, Bruins 2. We’ll see a similar type game Saturday afternoon. An early-afternoon start, coupled with the fact these sides are playing three grueling battles in four days, should mean a lower scoring Game 3. Bet UNDER 5.5 (-139).

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues Friday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Vancouver Canucks and the St. Louis Blues continue their Western Conference quarterfinals for Game 2 on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Canucks-Blues NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Canucks vs. Blues: Projected starting goalies

Jacob Markstrom vs. Jordan Binnington

Markstrom allowed two goals on 31 shots in Game 1, as the Canucks served notice to the defending Stanley Cup champions that they won’t be a pushover in this best-of-seven series. David Perron scored on the power play, and Jaden Schwartz had an unassisted even-strength goal halfway through the second period, and that’s all the Blues could muster against Markstrom. That’s now four consecutive wins for Markstrom and the Canucks since a 3-0 setback against the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the qualifying round.

Binnington went 16-10 with a 2.46 goals against average and .914 save percentage in 26 starts during the postseason in 2019, en route to a Stanley Cup championship. However, the Canucks weren’t impressed, as Bo Horvat scored a pair of goals, including a power-play marker, while Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller also broke through on the man advantage. Troy Stetcher was the other scorer, and he ended up with the game-winning tally.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Canucks vs. Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 4, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-150) are favored for the bounce back in Game 2, and they’re the play here. It’s hard to envision the Canucks (+125) going up 2-0 against the defending champs. It’s not hard to envision that this series could go to six or seven games now. Vancouver’s offense is legit.

While the Blues opened at -200 to win the series before Game 1, you can now get them at even money (+100). Take advantage. The defending champs aren’t going home, although they could definitely get a scare from the high-octane Canucks. BET THE BLUES (+100) TO WIN THE SERIES.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Blues to win Game 2 returns a net profit of $6.67, while the Canucks fetch a profit of $12.50 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +185) are worth a small-unit wager as they attempt to rebound from the Game 1 loss. It’s a great chance to double up and recoup some of those losses from ripped up opening game tickets.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+120) is a good value at plus money. The Over has connected in five of the past six for the Canucks against winning teams, and the Over has hit in 12 of the past 16 games overall. For the Blues, the Over is 5-1 in their previous six playoff outings as a favorite, including their Game 1 setback.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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