NHL betting odds lines picks predictions – Page 2

Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche meet Friday in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series. Puck drop from Ball Arena is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Jets vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Tied 1-1

The Jets posted a wild 7-6 victory in Game 1, as Kyle Connor and Adam Lowry each scored 2 goals. Connor Hellebuyck was good for 40 saves on 46 shots to outlast the Avalanche.

In Game 2, the Avs beat Hellebuyck for 4 goals on 31 shots, as Colorado leveled the series with a 5-2 victory. The Over (6.5) barely cashed, but is 2-0 in this series, with an average of 10.0 combined goals per game.

The Avalanche had goals from Miles Wood, Artturi Lehkonen, Zach Parise, Josh Manson and Valeri Nichushkin, and some of those guys are unlikely sources of offense. Nichushkin and Wood have 2 goals and 4 points in the series, while Lehkonen is good for 2 goals and 6 points in the 2 games.

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Jets at Avalanche odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:57 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Jets +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Avalanche -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Jets +1.5 (-175) | Avalanche -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Jets at Avalanche projected goalies

Connor Hellebuyck (37-19-4, 2.39 GAA, .921 SV%, 5 SO – regular season) vs. Alexander Georgiev (38-18-5, 3.02 GAA, .897 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Hellebuyck has some ugly numbers in this series, going 1-1-0 with a 5.04 GAA and .870% in the 2 games in Winnipeg. We expected this to be a high-scoring series, but this has been ridiculous. Still, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the backup Laurent Brossoit barring an injury.

Georgiev was tagged for 7 goals on just 23 shots in Game 1, but he was much better in Game 2, limiting Winnipeg to only 2 goals on 30 shots in the win. Still, he is 1-1-0 with an unseemly 4.63 GAA and .830 SV%, but there is little chance we’ll see the backup Justus Annunen, especially since he hasn’t been quite 100 percent healthy lately.

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Jets at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Jets 3

Moneyline

The AVALANCHE (-175) is worth playing, although this is a little pricey given the high-octane offenses on both sides. The 1st 2 games showed us that we’re going to have a lot of wide-open hockey with very little defense, and no lead is safe.

The Jets (+145) are a tempting play as moderate underdogs, but Georgiev, Cale Makar and the rest of the Avs tossed a blanket on Winnipeg defensively, making the proper adjustments after Game 1, so be careful there.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Jets +1.5 (-275) would set you back nearly 3 times your potential return, if you’re searching for a little insurance, and just can’t back Winnipeg straight up. That’s not a recommended betting strategy, as the reward is just so little with a ton of risk.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-110) is a good play, and it has been an ace in this series so far. We’ll see if the change of venue makes a difference, as things shift to the Mile High City. It’s unlikely to mean a slow down in offense, though.

Colorado has cashed the Over in 8 of the past 9 games since April 4, scoring 3.89 goals per game (GPG) in those 9 contests, while allowing 4.5 GPG (36 goals) in the past 8 outings.

The Jets have cashed the Over in 5 in a row, too, going for 4 or more goals in 4 of those games. Go high, until the defenses actually show up.

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Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Friday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Canucks vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Tied 1-1

The Predators might have deserved a better fate in Game 1. Nashville was leading 2-1 heading into the 3rd period, but allowed 2 goals in a 12-second span, eventually falling 4-2. The Predators were able to gain a split, though, picking up a 4-1 victory as an underdog (+110) in Game 2 as the Under (6) connected.

The Canucks were without starting goaltender Thatcher Demko for Game 2. He suffered an injury which is not believed to be related to the lower-body ailment that forced him out previously. However, coach Rick Tocchet said the All-Star goaltender is considered questionable for the remainder of the series. That meant Casey DeSmith was thrust back into action, and he suffered the loss in Game 2.

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Canucks at Predators odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:18 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Canucks -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Predators -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canucks +1.5 (-275) | Predators -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

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Canucks at Predators projected goalies

Casey DeSmith (12-9-6, 2.89 GAA, .896 SV%, 1 SO – regular season) vs. Juuse Saros (35-24-5, 2.86 GAA, .906 SV%, 3 SO – regular season)

DeSmith was thrust into action in Game 2, with Demko nursing a new LBI. The backup allowed 3 goals on just 15 shots in 58:58 to take the loss. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 10 of his past 12 starts since March 16.

Saros picked up the victory in Game 2, turning aside 17 of the 18 shots he faced. He has managed a 1-1-0 record, 2.01 GAA and .895 SV% in 2 starts in this series. It’s been a far cry from how he wrapped up the season, as Saros allowed 4 or more goals in 5 of his final 8 regular-season starts since March 26.

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Canucks at Predators picks and predictions

Prediction

Predators 4, Canucks 3

Moneyline

The PREDATORS (-115) are worth a look in this pivotal Game 3 in the Music City. It’s uncertain if or when Demko will be back for the Canucks (-105) in this series, or in the postseason. Nashville needs to get while the gettin’ is good.

DeSmith isn’t a terrible backstop by any means, but he isn’t an All-Star, either. Saros has snapped back to his previous outstanding form after a rough finish to the regular season.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Canucks +1.5 (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return if you require insurance, and you cannot play Vancouver straight up. That’s not a recommended long-term betting strategy.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-125) is worth a look. With DeSmith in between the pipes, Nashville should be able to generate a little more offense, similar to Game 2 when it lit the lamp 4 times.

The Predators have cashed the Over in 6 of the past 10 starts by Saros, and Nashville has cashed high in 3 straight at Bridgestone Arena, while the Over is 5-2 in the past 7 games on home ice.

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Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Thursday. The Panthers lead the series 2-0. Puck drop from Amalie Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Lightning odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Panthers endured the Lightning with a 3-2 overtime win in Game 2. It came at a cost, though, as C Sam Bennett is out with an upper body injury in this one. Bennett, who had 20 goals in the regular season, scored a goal in the 1st of Game 2.

The Lightning were just 1 for 6 on the power play in Game 2, and that will need to be improved upon in order to climb back in it. RW Nikita Kucherov has been kept off the score sheet with just 3 SOG in 2 games, but he has 2 assists. The Lightning were 25-11-5 on home ice this season.

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Panthers at Lightning odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:35 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Lightning -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-275) | Lightning -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Panthers at Lightning projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (36-17-4, 2.37 GAA, .915 SV%, 6 SO) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (30-20-2, 2.90 GAA, .900 SV%, 2 SO)

Bob has been solid, allowing just 2 goals in each game of the series. He really hasn’t been tested too much, though, stopping 17 in Game 1 and 21 in Game 2. He was 2-1-0 with a 2.71 GAA and .892 SV% in 3 games against Tampa during the regular season.

Vassy has been solid as well, despite being in an 0-2 hole. He stopped 25 of 27 in Game 1 and 34 of 37 in Game 2 as Florida has just turned up the decibels to ear-popping levels. He was 1-2-0 with a 4.50 GAA and .883 SV% in 3 regular season games against Florida.

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Panthers at Lightning picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 3, Panthers 2

Moneyline

The Panthers have won 6 of the last 7 meetings — including 3 in this building. This really is the Lightning’s last stand, though, because if they lose this one, they’re likely getting swept. They have considerable questions to answer during the offseason as well with C Steven Stamkos becoming a free agent.

The Panthers are down a man, and I look for the Lightning to put up more than the handful of shots they’ve taken thus far.

Take the LIGHTNING -115 at a solid price.

Puck line/Against the spread

I’m going to pass on the puck line, but I will take a chance on something that will correlate with a Lightning win. Kucherov has to get going. Three shots on goal in 2 playoff losses looks bad, and I look for him to come out firing.

Take NIKITA KUCHEROV ANYTIME GOAL +140 for a good return.

Over/Under

At most, I see a push here. The Over is just 3-7 in the last 10 meetings between the clubs. We have had a 3-2 final in each game, and maybe an empty netter pushes it here.

LEAN UNDER 6 (-120).

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Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Thursday in New York. The Hurricanes lead the series 2-0. Puck drop from UBS Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Islanders looked great for half of Game 2 on Monday, and it was in good shape all the way until halfway into the 3rd period, up 3-1. That’s when the floodgates opened, and New York had a brutal collapse that might be difficult to forget.

Kyle Palmieri and Bo Horvat scored a pair of even-strength goals in the 1st period, and the latter was a killer at 19:45, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead. PNC Arena was uncharacteristically quiet, sans for the smattering for New Yorkers holding tickets. Anders Lee scored a power-play goal at 3:54 of the 2nd period, and the Canes looked to be in trouble.

Teuvo Teravainen struck for a power-play goal 10 minutes later in the 2nd period on a selfless pass from Jake Guentzel in front of Semyon Varlamov‘s cage, and Carolina suddenly had life.

It remained 3-1 until 10:43 of the 3rd period when Seth Jarvis scored. He posted an assist on Sebastian Aho‘s goal at 17:45, as the Canes tied it, and then just 9 seconds later, it was a “Marty Party”, as Jordan Martinook scored at 17:54 to give Carolina a 4-3 lead. Guentzel added an empty-net goal, and what looked like a sure win for the Islanders, turned to dust, and an 0-2 series hole.

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Hurricanes at Islanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:03 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Islanders +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+155) | Islanders +1.5 (-190)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Hurricanes at Islanders projected goalies

Frederik Andersen (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO in regular season) vs. Ilya Sorokin (25-19-12, 3.01 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO in regular season)

Andersen has allowed just 4 goals on 46 shots in this series, good for a 2-0-0 record, 2.02 GAA and .913 SV% in the 2 games. It’s been a tale of 2 games, too, as he kicked aside 33 of 34 shots in Game 1, while allowing 3 goals on just 12 shots for the entirety of Game 2. The Islanders have to take some positives from the fact they scored on 25% of their shots last time out.

Sorokin is confirmed to make his 1st start of the series, as coach Patrick Roy, who knows a thing or two about postseason goaltending, shifts from Semyon Varlamov. The 35-year-old Varlamov is 0-2-0 with a 3.03 GAA and .905 SV% in 2 games in this series.

Sorokin allowed 3 goals on 33 shots in a 4-1 home loss to the Hurricanes on March 19, but he made 36 saves in a 5-4 win in Raleigh on Dec. 23, and he made 42 saves in a wild 4-3 OTL against the Hurricanes on Nov. 4 at UBS Arena.

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Hurricanes at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Islanders 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline

The ISLANDERS (+135) are back in front of the home fans for Game 3, and that could be enough to turn the tide in their favor.

New York looked good for most of Game 2, holding a 3-1 leading into the midway portion of the 3rd period before folding like a tent. If it can maintain focus, and Sorokin and the home crowd can give them a bump, New York can still make this a series.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Islanders +1.5 (-190) are too expensive on the puck line, costing you nearly 2 times your potential return. If you need a little insurance, and just can’t pick New York straight up, it isn’t worth it.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is worth a play in Game 3.

We had a lower-scoring Game 1, with just 4 goals on the board. Game 2 was shaping up as an Under result, too, before the floodgates opened and we had 4 goals from Carolina in the 3rd period to flip things to the Over.

The total has gone low in 2 of the past 3 skates at UBS Arena between these teams, including the only regular-season meeting on March 19 on Long Island. The most recent playoff meeting at UBS Arena, Game 6 of the 1st round last season, also cashed Under.

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LA Kings at Edmonton Oilers Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s LA Kings at Edmonton Oilers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The LA Kings and Edmonton Oilers meet in Game 2 of their Western Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The Oilers lead the best-of-7 series 1-0. Puck drop from Rogers Place is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Kings vs. Oilers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Oilers (-180) cashed as the favorites in Game 1 on home ice in a wild 7-4 victory as the Over (5.5) easily connected.

Edmonton picked up right where it left off, as the Oilers took 3 of 4 games from LA during the regular season. The favorite, which has been the Oilers each time, has cashed in 3 straight meetings. The Over was a rarity, as the Under had cashed in each of the past 4 meetings while going 7-3 in the past 10 in the series.

Edmonton’s Zach Hyman recorded the hat trick, while superstar Connor McDavid registered 5 assists. Evan Bouchard added 4 helpers, while Leon Draisaitl and Adam Henrique each recorded a goal and an assist. For Los Angeles, Adrian Kempe managed a goal and an assist.

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Kings at Oilers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:15 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Kings +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Oilers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (-160) | Oilers -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Kings at Oilers projected goalies

Cam Talbot (27-20-6, 2.50 GAA, .913 SV%, 3 SO in regular season) vs. Stuart Skinner (36-16-5, 2.62 GAA, .905 SV%, 2 SO in regular season)

Talbot was shelled in Game 1, allowing 6 goals on 44 shots, which equates to an .864 SV%, way below his regular-season average. He was 0-1-1 with a 2.46 GAA and .889 SV% in 2 starts against Edmonton in the regular season.

Skinner wasn’t at his best in Game 1, either, allowing 4 goals on 37 shots, although that’s not nearly as poor as his counterpart. He had allowed just a single goal on 32 shots in a 4-1 win against LA in his most recent start against it March 28. The 25-year-old tendy was 3-1-0 with a 1.71 GAA and .936 SV% in 4 regular-season starts against the Kings.

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Kings at Oilers picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 5, Kings 3

Moneyline

The Oilers (-190) are a little too expensive straight up for my liking.

Risking nearly 2 times your potential return isn’t a great long-term strategy, as 1 of those kind of losses can negate several victories over time.

It’s just too risky, as both of these goaltenders weren’t at their best in Game 1, and the Kings (+155) could easily steal Game 2 with a couple of bounces going their way.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The OILERS -1.5 (+135) are a much better value, with much less risk, on the puck line in Game 2.

The Kings +1.5 (-160) were able to cobble together 4 goals against Skinner, but his overall body of work against Los Angeles in the regular season suggests that was an anomaly. Expect much better from the All-Star.

Edmonton has won the past 3 meetings with LA by 2 or more goals, so if you like the Oilers to win, you should also like them to cover.

Over/Under

OVER 6 (-115) is actually surprisingly low for Game 2, so take advantage.

While we’ve seen the Under routinely cash in this series in recent seasons, it’s surprising that the total isn’t 6.5, given the fact we had 11 combined goals in Game 1.

The goaltending should be a little bit better in the 2nd go-around, but it isn’t likely to be a defensive slog by any means.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The Golden Knights lead the series 1-0. Puck drop from American Airlines Center is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Stars odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Knights took Game 1 on the road 4-3, and they cashed 2 of our 3 bets in the process. C Jack Eichel had 2 assists but did not have a shot on goal, oddly enough. RW Mark Stone, who made a curious return to health before Game 1 of the playoffs, scored 83 seconds into the game, and the Knights were up 3-2 at the end of 1. They didn’t look back.

The Stars lost all of their Game 1s last season, including 2 at home, and they continued that trend with a slow start Monday. G Jake Oettinger made just 11 saves on 15 shots. LW Jamie Benn scored a goal and had 7 shots, and RW Jason Robertson found the back of the net.

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Golden Knights at Stars odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:20 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Stars -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights +1.5 (-185) | Stars -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Golden Knights at Stars projected goalies

Logan Thompson (25-14-5, 2.70 GAA, .908 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Jake Oettinger (35-14-4, 2.72 GAA, .905 SV%, 3 SO)

Thompson was solid in Game 1, stopping 26 of 29 shots fired his way. He was 3-2-0 with a 3.22 GAA and .887 SV% in 5 April starts. He beat the Stars in his only start against them during the regular season, stopping 19 of 20 shots he faced.

Oettinger no bueno, but the Knights scored 2 of their 4 goals on the power play. Still, he stopped just 11 of 15 shots. He was 0-1-1 with a 3.21 GAA and .885 SV% against Vegas during the regular season. He went 2-4 with an .877 SV% in 6 games against the eventual Stanley Cup champs in last year’s playoffs. So there is enough of a sample size here to be concerned.

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Golden Knights at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 3, Golden Knights 2

Moneyline

Oettinger had a string last year where he was unstoppable after a loss. I look for him to steady up in this one and the Stars to even the series. VGK has won 5 consecutive meetings and the last 4 in Dallas. The train stops here, but Oettinger has to keep it low-scoring. I don’t like the price tag on Dallas at -165.

JASON ROBERTSON OVER 2.5 SHOTS (-140) is the way to go here. He had 3 SOG in Game 1 and has 3+ in 3 straight and 4 of 5.

Puck line/Against the spread

The only side I would consider here is the Stars -1.5, but I don’t have the confidence to back them.

PASS.

Over/Under

This total would be 3-5-2 O/U in the last 10 meetings. The Stars have 8 goals in the last 4 games, and Oettinger will have to keep this one under wraps for them to have a chance. Otherwise, they could be going home early.

LEAN UNDER 6 (-115).

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Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The series is tied 1-1. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bruins vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Maple Leafs, who were +135 underdogs, beat the Bruins 3-2 in Game 2 Monday as the Under (6) hit.

The Maple Leafs allowed a power-play goal to Morgan Geekie midway through the 1st period, and it looked like same old Toronto in Boston. It was down, the TD Garden crowd was wild, and the Bruins looked to be on their way.

However, Toronto notched a goal from Max Domi just 14 seconds after the PPG, simmering the crowd down. While David Pastrnak gave the team a lead at 19:52 of the 1st period, the Leafs answered again.

Captain John Tavares scored a power-play goal with assists to Auston Matthews and Tyler Bertuzzi, and that leveled things at 2-2 going to the room after 2. Matthews connected for what stood up as the game-winning tally at 12:06, grabbing his 3rd point of the night to even the series. It was huge for Matthews, as he was blanked in Game 1.

Boston’s Brad Marchand had a helper in Game 2, and he now has 7 goals and 24 points in 23 career playoff games against Toronto.

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Bruins at Maple Leafs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bruins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Maple Leafs -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins +1.5 (-275) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Bruins at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (25-10-8, 2.53 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO in regular season) vs. Ilya Samsonov (23-7-8, 3.13 GAA, .890 SV%, 3 SO in regular season)

The Bruins went with the goaltender rotation in Game 2, going with Linus Ullmark instead of Game 1 winner Swayman. Ullmark wasn’t bad, per se, but he allowed 3 goals on 34 shots in the loss. Swayman turned aside 35 of the 36 shots he faced, and it’s hard to imagine we see the rotation continue if he gets the win in Game 3.

Samsonov was much more locked in for Game 2 than in the series opener. In Game 1, he allowed 4 goals on 24 shots, as he and the defense were snowed under. On Monday, Samsonov allowed just 2 goals on 29 shots, with one of them coming on the man advantage. He tracked the puck well in the final 2 periods, allowing nothing.

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Bruins at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

The BRUINS (-110) are worth a look on the road in Game 3.

The Maple Leafs (-110) have a lot of ghosts following them around. This team hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967, and it has advanced past the 1st round just once (last season) since 2004. Whenever you think things are moving in a positive direction, this team seems to take 1 step backward.

Boston has won the past 3 skates in Toronto, and 2 of those victories since Jan. 14, 2023, have come by at least 3 goals. Until the Leafs can consistently win on home ice, back the more proven winner.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Maple Leafs +1.5 (-220) are just too expensive on home ice if you want some insurance and can’t trust Toronto straight up.

AVOID, and just play the moneyline instead if you like the home side.

Over/Under

OVER 6 (+100) is a bit of a risky play considering we saw a total of 11 goals, or 5.5 GPG, in the 1st 2 games in Boston.

The shift to Toronto could mean more scoring. The Under has cashed in 2 of the past 3 meetings at Scotiabank Arena, and the Leafs have seen the total go high at a 6-2-1 clip in the past 9 skates at home since March 16. Roll high, but go lightly.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Panthers lead the series 1-0. Puck drop from Amerant Bank Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Panthers have now won 5 of the last 6 meetings between these teams after Sunday’s 3-2 victory at Amerant Bank Arena. Tampa Bay managed just 10 shots in the 1st and 2nd periods combined against Florida.

Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos was the 1st player on the ice for the Bolts in Monday’s practice and the last player to score in Game 1, finding the back of the net on the power play with 9.3 seconds remaining. The 34-year-old assisted on LW Brandon Hagel‘s game-tying goal in the 1st period, his 26th career playoff multi-point game.

After a scoreless 2nd period, Florida broke the tie as former Bolts C Carter Verhaeghe scored less than a minute into the 3rd period on the power play. LW Matthew Tkachuk scored an empty-netter with just over 2 minutes to play, and the 26-year-old now has 26 points in 21 career playoff games with Florida.

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Lightning at Panthers odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Lightning +146 (bet $100 to win $146) | Panthers -176 (bet $176 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-178) | Panthers -1.5 (+146)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -132 | U: +108)

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Lightning at Panthers projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (30-20-2, 2.90 GAA, .900 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (36-17-4, 2.37 GAA, .915 SV%, 6 SO)

The Big Cat made several key saves to keep his team in it during Game 1 and benefits from playing in front of teammates that have blocked the 4th-highest percentage of shots (22.83%) during the regular season (min. 50 games).

Lightning coach Jon Cooper credited Florida’s forecheck in the 1st 15 minutes for limiting the amount of chances that Tampa had to score on Bobrovsky. Maurice told the Miami Herald about how last year’s playoff run “lifted a burden” off Bob and “now he can just play.” His 6 shutouts during the regular season were tied for the most in the NHL.

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Lightning at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Panthers 3

Moneyline

BET LIGHTNING (+138).

Cooper told reporters after losing Game 1 how the Panthers have “weathered all the frustration they possibly can” in the playoffs over the last decade. I would be surprised if Tampa Bay comes back home down 2-0. The Bolts should be able to get more scoring opportunities in Game 2, especially with Florida LW Ryan Lomberg and his 53.8% defensive zone start % (2nd-highest on team) missing the game with an illness.

Puck line/Against the spread

Consider betting Lightning +1.5 (-178) in an ML parlay.

This it too much juice to lay to get the puck and a half by itself, unless you like the NEW YORK RANGERS (-275 ML vs. Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET) as I do. If you are looking to build a parlay, TAMPA BAY +1.5 (-178) and New York ML pays out +113.

Over/Under

BET OVER 5.5 (-132).

Both teams scored on the man advantage in Game 1, and each had top 8 power plays during the regular season, with the Lightning atop the league at 28.63%. Florida’s physical style should lend itself to more 5-on-4 advantages for the Lightning, who should cash in.

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Nashville Predators at Vancouver Canucks Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Nashville Predators at Vancouver Canucks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Tuesday. Puck drop from Rogers Arena is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Predators vs. Canucks odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Canucks lead 1-0

The underdog Predators (+135) held a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, and a 2-1 lead heading into the 3rd period. Nashville held its own for most of the game, but it allowed 2 goals in a 12-second span to Pius Suter and Dakota Joshua, and once the crowd got back into it, the Predators knuckled under. Joshua added an empty-net goal to put a bow on the scoring. He also led the team with 6 hits.

It was a rare Over result for Nashville, as the Under was 4-2 in the final 6 games of the regular-season, with just 17 goals allowed in the span. However, against Vancouver, the Over has now cashed in 3 straight meetings, and 7 of the past 8 encounters in the series since Feb. 1, 2022.

The Canucks welcomed All-Star goaltender Thatcher Demko back from injury April 16 against the Calgary Flames, and he had mixed results in his final 2 regular-season starts. But he was rock-solid in Game 1, allowing just 2 goals on 22 shots in his 4th-career postseason start.

Quinn Hughes posted 2 assists, which is already his 5th-career multi-point performance in the postseason.

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Predators at Canucks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:50 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Predators +120 (bet $100 to win $130) | Canucks -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Predators +1.5 (-210) | Canucks -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

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Predators at Canucks projected goalies

Juuse Saros (35-24-5, 2.86 GAA, .906 SV%, 3 SO – regular season) vs. Thatcher Demko (35-14-2, 2.45 GAA, .918 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Saros made just 17 saves on 20 shots, as Vancouver doesn’t take a lot of shots per game. In fact, while the Canucks ranked 6th in goals scored (3.4) and 11th on the power play (22.7%) in the regular season, they were just 26th in shots on goal (SOG) with 28.4 per game.

Demko has a tremendous defense in front of him, and he made just 20 saves on 22 shots in Game 1. Vancouver limited Nashville to 6 SOG apiece in the first 2 periods, before a flurry of 10 shots in the 3rd period, including late with the extra attacker.

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Predators at Canucks picks and predictions

Prediction

Canucks 3, Predators 2

Moneyline

The CANUCKS (-145) are as solid play in Game 2, although expect another close game. Vancouver bettors were in trouble through 40 minutes in Game 1 before the Canucks had a flurry of 3 goals in the final period. The Predators (+120) were able to dictate their pace and style for much of the game, and it was a very defensive, physical contest which is what Nashville wants.

Back the Canucks, but expect to sweat until the very end, perhaps even into overtime.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Predators +1.5 (-210) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too risky if you require a little bit of insurance and cannot play Nashville straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+105) is going a bit against the grain, and it would be a much more comfortable bet buying half-goal or full goal to give some more wiggly room, but that can get quite expensive.

We saw the Over cash in Game 1, barely, on the late ENG. We saw the Over cash in 2 of the 3 regular-season meetings. We saw the Over cash in 7 of the past 8 meetings in the series. You’re going against the trends with an Under play, but with Saros and Demko at opposite ends, goals are going to be at a premium.

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Colorado Avalanche at Winnipeg Jets Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Colorado Avalanche at Winnipeg Jets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Colorado Avalanche try to rebound against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 2 of their best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series at Canada Life Centre Tuesday. Puck drop is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Avalanche vs. Jets odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

We cashed all 3 bets as the Jets held on for a 7-6 win in Game 1 Sunday. C Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and an assist, and RD Cale Makar had a goal and 2 assists. The Avs’ bugaboo rendered its head again, though, as G Alexandar Georgiev allowed 7 goals on 23 shots.

The Jets got up 6-3 a few minutes into the final period, but the Avs made it close. G Connor Hellebuyck was treated like a firing squad, stopping 40 of 46 shots. LW Kyle Connor stepped up with 2 goals in the 3rd period to keep his team afloat. The Jets have now won all 4 meetings against the Avs this season.

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Avalanche at Jets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:35 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Jets +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+200) | Jets +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Avalanche at Jets projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (36-15-5, 2.57 GAA, .907 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Connor Hellebuyck (7-4-1, 2.35 GAA, .925 SV%, 2 SO)

Georgiev has been a dumpster fire of late, allowing 4+ goals in 5 of 6 starts to end the regular season. He was 0-2 with a 5.66 GAA and .833 SV% in 2 starts against the Jets this year before allowing 7 goals on 23 shots in Game 1. The team could turn to backup Justus Annunen, who was bothered by an illness coming into the series. At the very least, Georgiev will have a short hook.

“Helley” was very human in this one, allowing 6 to go by but stopping 40 in the process. He struggled in the playoffs last season, going 1-4 with a 3.44 GAA and .886 SV%, which is a big cause for concern. If this series becomes a track meet, the Avs would benefit. Hellebuyck stopped 92 of 96 shots the Avs fired at him in 3 regular season games.

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Avalanche at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Jets 4, Avalanche 3

Moneyline

The Jets showed resilience in Game 1. Colorado went up 3-2 with under 5 to go in the 1st, and they tied it 48 seconds later. The Jets scored the next 3 goals, and the Avs made a run, but it wasn’t enough.

The problem, though, is that the Jets can’t survive a lengthy track meet. They don’t have the elite players to keep up with MacKinnon, Makar and RW Mikko Rantanen. Conversely, the Avs can’t compete if their goalie is Swiss cheese between the pipes. The books like the Avalanche to counter. I don’t think they do until they hit home ice, though.

Take the JETS +100.

Puck line/Against the spread

I’m going to PASS on the puck line and go right back to the well.

Hellebuyck had 40 saves in Game 1 and 30+ saves in all 3 meetings during the regular season.

Take CONNOR HELLEBUYCK OVER 29.5 SAVES (-130).

Over/Under

We cashed an Over 5.5 in the 1st period of Game 1. The books have reacted, but I still like the Over.

The final scores of each matchup this season were 7-6, 7-0, 6-2 and 4-2. It’s not nearly as attractive as Game 1, but LEAN OVER 6.5 (+100).

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