NHL Playoffs best bets – Page 4

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

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

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

The Rangers picked up a 4-3 win as short ‘dogs (+101) in Game 1 as the Over (5.5) cashed. New York had to work a little harder in Game 2, going to double-overtime, before winning 4-3, also with an Over (5.5) result. New York cashed as the underdog (+106) in Game 2, as well.

The Hurricanes have gotten themselves into trouble with penalties. Carolina led 3-2 going into the 3rd period in Game 2, but it allowed a Chris Kreider power-play goal at 6:07 of the final period, and then Vincent Trocheck, a former Cane, notched the winner at 7:24 of 2OT on the man advantage, after Brady Skjei‘s cross-checking infraction.

New York has won 9 of the past 11 meetings in this series, it won the past 4 playoff battles with Carolina, and it is 5-1 in the past 6 meetings (regular season or postseason). New York has also won 4 straight trips to PNC Arena, including Game 7 of the 2022 second-round playoff series.

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Rangers at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rangers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Hurricanes -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-185) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Hurricanes at Rangers projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (6-0-0, 2.01 GAA, .929 SV% in 2024 playoffs) vs. Frederik Andersen (4-3-0, 2.58 GAA, .899 SV% in 2024 playoffs)

Shesterkin turned aside 54 of the 57 shots he faced in the Game 2 marathon, and he has stopped 76 of the 82 shots he has seen in this series. The Rangers backstop has gone 13 consecutive games since March 26 in the regular season, allowing 3 or fewer goals.

Andersen allowed 4 goals in Game 1, his most since the second regular-season game at Los Angeles back in early October. Now, he has yielded 4 goals in each of the past 2 playoff games. He has to be much better, or the Canes won’t be long for this series.

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Hurricanes at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Rangers 2

Moneyline

The Hurricanes (-165) have struggled over the years with the Rangers (+140), dropping 9 of the past 11 meetings. New York is the kryptonite for Rod Brind’Amour’s bunch.

The Canes have gotten themselves into trouble with penalties, and they’ll have to be a lot more disciplined. Carolina is too risky to play at this price, given the domination of New York in the past couple of years. But a couple of bounces, and some smarter play, and the Canes could easily have gained a road split at MSG.

It’s not like the Rangers have dominated. But, they have done enough to win, and that’s what matters in the playoffs.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The RANGERS +1.5 (-185) are a little on the expensive side, but the way they have played against the Hurricanes -1.5 (+150) for the past 2-plus seasons, they’re the play.

New York won the first 2 games as an outright underdog, and it won 1-0 in the most recent skate at PNC Arena in the regular season. The underdog has cashed in 11 straight meetings in this series, too.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-110) is a risk, quite frankly, as we had exactly 7 goals in each of the first 2 games.

However, as the series treads along, these teams build hate for each other, the offensive chances will get fewer and further between, the physicality, hitting and rough stuff will pick up, and the goaltending will be much better, too.

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Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Edmonton Oilers head West to face the Vancouver Canucks in Game 1 of their best-of-7 Western Conference, 2nd-round series at Rogers Arena Wednesday. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Oilers vs. Canucks odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Oilers have had a week off after dethroning the LA Kings in 5 games. C Connor McDavid had 1 goal and 11 assists in the series. LW Zach Hyman led the offense with 7 goals and an assist, while C Leon Draisaitl finished with 5 goals and 5 assists.

The Canucks might have been one of the more impressive teams in the 1st round. They lost their goalie and were down 3-1 in the 3rd period of Game 4, but they found a way to win that game and the series in 6 against the Nashville Predators. They won all 4 meetings against the Oilers this season, but 3 of them took place before Edmonton fired coach Jay Woodcroft and turned its season around. Another problem: Starting G Thatcher Demko (knee) is still out.

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Oilers 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 4:26 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Oilers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Canucks +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Oilers -1.5 (+180) | Canucks +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Oilers at Canucks projected goalies

Stuart Skinner (36-16-5, 2.62 GAA, .905 SV%, 2 SO) vs Arturs Silovs (3-0-1, 2.47 GAA, .881 SV%)

Skinner went 4-1 with a 2.59 GAA and .910 SV% in the Kings series. He allowed 13 goals in 5 games, stopping 132 of 145 fired his way. He went 0-3 in 3 starts (4 games) against Vancouver this season, with a 4.60 GAA and .830 SV%.

Silovs was unreal in 3 games during Round 1, allowing just 5 goals on 80 shots for a 1.70 GAA and .938 SV%. Facing the Oilers is going to be a monstrous test, though, but he has looked the part.

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Oilers at Canucks picks and predictions

Prediction

Canucks 4, Oilers 3

Moneyline

I’m riding with the underdog home side here because the Oilers haven’t played in 7 days while the Canucks have had just 5 days between games. Rust builds up in the course of a week off.

Take CANUCKS (+115).

Puck line/Against the spread

Silovs had 28, 22 and 30 saves in his 3 playoff starts. I expect a barrage from Edmonton that should eclipse those numbers.

Take ARTURS SILOVS OVER 26.5 SAVES (-115).

Over/Under

The Canucks went 2-4 O/U in their opening series, and Edmonton went 4-1 O/U. The 4 meetings between these clubs went 2-1-1 O/U. Because this is an even 6, I’ll take the OVER 6 (-120). If it swells to 6.5, avoid.

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Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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

Boston took down Florida in Game 1 by a score of 5-1, cashing as a (+139) road underdog. After a scoreless 1st period, LW Matthew Tkachuk gave Florida a 1-0 advantage in the 2nd. C Morgan Geekie tied it up just over a minute later thanks to some traffic created by C Pavel Zacha, who was credited with the assist along with RW David Pastrnak.

In the same period, D Mason Lohrei would go onto score the eventual game-clinching 2nd Bruins goal, the 1st career postseason goal for the 23-year-old. D Brandon Carlo managed to make it back to South Florida in time for the game after the birth of his 2nd child and also lit the lamp to make it a 3-1 game after 40 minutes.

RW Justin Brazeau, who earned a spot in the Bruins lineup for the final 3 games of the Maple Leafs series, scored his 1st career playoff goal in the 3rd period. LW Jake DeBrusk tallied Boston’s 5th and final goal with an empty-netter, and now the Bruins have won 5 straight over Florida after choking away a 3-1 lead in last year’s 1st-round series.

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Bruins 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 12:45 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bruins +136 (bet $100 to win $136) | Panthers -164 (bet $164 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins +1.5 (-192) | Panthers -1.5 (+158)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -106 | U: -114)

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Bruins at Panthers projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (5-2, 1.42 GAA, .955 SV%) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (4-2, 3.00 GAA, .890 SV%)

Swayman completed the Toronto series with the 6th-fewest goals allowed in a single playoff series since 2003-04, joining the likes of former Bruins Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Tim Thomas. The 25-year-old has allowed 2 or fewer goals in each of his postseason starts, tied for 2nd-best in NHL history.

Bobrovsky got off to a strong start in Game 1, stopping 13 shots, including 6 high-danger chances in the 1st period. The 2-time Vezina Trophy winner recorded 6 shutouts during the regular season, tied for the most in the NHL.

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Bruins at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 4, Panthers 3

Moneyline

BET BRUINS (+136).

Only 4 Boston players (David Krejci, Daniel Paille, Nathan Horton & Mirsolav Satan) in the past 30 years have recorded 3 or more game-winners in a single postseason.

LW Brad Marchand has a chance of joining that group, as the Bruins captain tallied 2 game-winners in the 1st round alone. Expect Marchand, Pastrnak & Co. to head back to Boston up 2-0.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

There’s no need to risk laying that much juice grabbing a puck and a half when the plus-money underdog price is out there.

Over/Under

BET OVER 5.5 (-106).

Boston is 1st amongst Eastern Conference playoff teams when it comes to expected goals for (17.57), while it also has allowed the most shots on goal against (198). Swayman has been splendid, but it’s hard to expect C Sam Reinhart, C Carter Verhaeghe and C Aleksander Barkov to stay in check offensively.

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Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars meet in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 2nd-round series Tuesday. Puck drop from American Airlines Arena is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Avalanche vs. Stars odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Colorado scored 20 goals in 4 regular-season meetings between these teams, winning 3 of them. Dallas snapped a 4-game losing streak vs. Colorado as it topped the Avs 7-4 at Ball Arena April 7.

RW Valeri Nichushkin and LW Artturi Lehkonen scored goals in every game of the 1st-round series vs. the Winnipeg Jets but astonishingly do not lead the Avalanche in points thus far. C Nathan MacKinnon, RW Mikko Rantanen and D Cale Makar are atop the team leaderboard all with 9, as each has 2 goals and 7 assists.

C Wyatt Johnston leads the way for Dallas in goals (4) and points overall (7) after its 7-game series vs. the Vegas Golden Knights. The 20-year-old scored in a Game 7 for the 2nd straight postseason, and Stars coach Pete DeBoer moved to 8-0 all-time in Game 7s during his coaching tenure with 4 different teams.

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Avalanche at Stars odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:55 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Avalanche +106 (bet $100 to win $106) | Stars -128 (bet $128 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche +1.5 (-230) | Stars -1.5 (+188)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Avalanche at Stars projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (4-1, 3.03 GAA, .900 SV%) vs. Jake Oettinger (4-3, 1.95 GAA, .925 SV%)

In 10 career games vs. Dallas, Georgiev is 6-3 with a 2.93 GAA and .907 SV%. The 28-year-old won 4 straight with a 2.00 GAA and .940 SV% after losing Game 1 vs the Jets.

Oettinger has taken on Colorado 8 times in his career, and the 25-year-old is 4-3-1 with a 3.06 GAA and a .915 SV%. The 25.67% of shot attempts blocked by Otter’s teammates is the highest mark in the Western Conference amongst goalies who have started at least 3 games in the playoffs.

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Avalanche at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Dallas 4, Colorado 3

Moneyline

BET STARS (-128).

Dallas is 1st among postseason teams in limiting turnovers in the defensive zone (30%) and boasts the most takeaways from its opponent (57).

Colorado has not played this month after taking down Winnipeg in 5 games, so I am expecting a little rust like we saw with the Florida Panthers in Game 1 vs. the Boston Bruins after the Panthers had their week-long layoff.

Puck line/Against the spread

Consider playing Avalanche +1.5 (-230) in a parlay.

This is too much juice to lay to take the Avalanche +1.5 (-230) on a straight bet. However, if you are into building parlays and want to spread out action, adding the New York Rangers +1.5 (-260 vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. ET) in a 2-leg parlay pays out -101.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6.5 (-110).

Dallas LW Jamie Benn scored in Game 1 vs. VGK and leads Dallas in high-danger unblocked shot attempts (5), an area Georgiev struggled (.709 SV%) during the regular season.

Expect Stars veterans like Benn and C Joe Pavelski, along with young contributors like Johnston and D Miro Heiskanen, to contribute on the score sheet and this game to go Over for the 6th time in 7 meetings.

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Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers meet in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference 2nd-round series Tuesday. Puck drop from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Rangers lead series 1-0. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Rangers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Rangers took Sunday’s opener 4-3 as +101 home underdogs with the Over (5.5) cashing.

The Hurricanes got off to a horrible start, falling behind 3-1 with 3:32 to go in the 1st period. It was undisciplined play which led to the hole, as the Rangers scored twice on the power play. C Mika Zibanejad had 2 goals and an assist, while C Vincent Trocheck tallied a goal and an assist in the period.

Things settled down in the 2nd period with no scoring, and Carolina sliced the lead to 3-2 on C Martin Necas‘ goal 2:48 into the 3rd. Rangers LW Artemi Panarin restored the 2-goal lead at 8:21 of the 3rd before Hurricanes C Seth Jarvis made things interesting by scoring with 1:47 to go. The ‘Canes pulled their goalie but couldn’t force overtime with the extra attacker.

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Hurricanes at Rangers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:22 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Rangers +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+200) | Rangers +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Hurricanes at Rangers projected goalies

Frederik Andersen (4-2-0, 2.54 GAA, .899 SV% – 2024 playoffs) vs. Igor Shesterkin (5-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .921 SV% – 2024 playoffs)

Andersen coughed up 4 goals on just 23 shots in Game 1 against the Rangers, the most goals he allowed in these playoffs. He only allowed 4 or more goals once in the regular season. That was back on Oct. 14, 2023, when the Los Angeles Kings scored 5 times on 30 shots in Andersen’s 2nd start of the season, but the Hurricanes still won 6-5 in a shootout.

Shesterkin allowed 3 goals on 25 shots in the 4-3 win Sunday. He has won all 5 of his postseason starts, while allowing 3 or fewer goals. In addition, Shesterkin has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 12 straight starts dating back to March 28.

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Hurricanes at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline

The RANGERS (+100) are underdogs for the 2nd straight home game against the Hurricanes (-120). It’s hard to figure out what the books are thinking, but take advantage.

New York has won 8 of the past 10 meetings with Carolina, although the 2 victories by the Hurricanes came at Madison Square Garden.

Including the Game 1 victory, the Rangers have won 8 of the past 10 head-to-head meetings with the Hurricanes, dating back to March 28, 2022 — although the 2 victories by Carolina came at Madison Square Garden.

Still, at even-money, the Blueshirts are a tremendous value.

Puck line/Against the spread

If you’re looking for a little bit of insurance, and can’t bring yourself to back New York straight up in Game 2 for whatever reason, the Rangers +1.5 (-250) will set you back 2½ times your potential return. It’s just not a good bet.

New York won outright as the underdog in Game 1, and it won 1-0 in Raleigh as a ‘dog, too, in the last regular-season meeting between the two teams.

The Underdog has won an amazing 10 straight in this series.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-120) is worth a look in Game 2, but go lightly.

We had a total of 7 goals in the series opener, but as these teams get familiar with each other, the physicality and defense will tighten up, and we should get a flurry of Under results.

The Under holds a 4-2 edge in the past 6 meetings between these Metropolitan Division rivals.

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Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Boston Bruins face the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 2nd-round series on Monday. Puck drop from Amerant Bank Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bruins vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Boston snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 2-1 overtime win in Game 7 over Toronto to win its 1st-round series 4-3 and cover as a -131 home favorite. RW David Pastrnak scored the game-winning goal less than 2 minutes into OT as the Bruins avoided a series loss after being up 3-1.

Florida cruised through the 1st-round, taking down the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1. It finished the series with a 6-1 victory on Monday as a -176 home favorite. C Aleksander Barkov and C Carter Verhaeghe each scored 2 goals with an assist in the dominant victory.

Boston won all 4 regular-season meetings, 3 by 1 goal, and only 1 game had more than 5 goals totals (7).

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Bruins at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:59 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bruins +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Panthers -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins +1.5 (-190) | Panthers -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -125)

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Bruins at Panthers projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (25-10-8, 2.53 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (36-17-4, 2.37 GAA, .915 SV%, 6 SO)

Swayman was the goalie in 6 of the 7 1st-round games for the Bruins and went 4-2. He allowed 9 goals in the series and had a 1.49 GAA and .950 SV%, both better than his season averages.

Bobrovsky was the only goalie to see action in the 1st round for the Panthers. He went 4-1 and allowed 14 goals with a 2.78 GAA and .896 SV%, both worse than his season averages.

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Bruins at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 3, Bruins 1

Moneyline

PASS.

There is minimal value on Florida (-175) to win at home.

Puck line/Against the spread

BET PANTHERS -1.5 (+155).

In 5 of its last 8 games, Florida has won by 2 or more goals including each of its last 2 wins in the 1st round. It has scored 3 or more goals in each of its last 8 games and scored 5 or more goals in 2 of its last 3 while allowing 3 or fewer goals in 9 of its last 10. Boston has scored 2 or fewer goals in each of its last 3 games and in 6 of its last 9.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 5.5 (-125).

This series will feature 2 of the top goalies in the NHL and while Bobrovsky had a less-than-stellar 1st-round, this matchup with be a defensive battle. The Bruins have allowed 2 or fewer goals in each of their last 5 games and 7 of their last 9 while the Panthers have allowed 2 or fewer goals in 7 of their last 9 including 2 shutouts in that span.

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Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers meet in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference 2nd-round series Sunday. Puck drop from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Rangers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Hurricanes made quick work of the ‘other’ New York team in the 1st round, ousting the Islanders in 5 games. Carolina split the 2 games on Long Island, winning 3-2 in Game 3 as moderate favorites (-175) as the Under (5.5) cashed, while losing 3-2 in double-overtime in Game 4 as moderate faves (-180), also as the total went low.

Speaking of quick work, the Rangers broke out the brooms against the overmatched Washington Capitals, winning in 4 games. At home, New York won Game 1 by a 4-1 score as heavy favorites (-270) as the Under (5.5) cashed, while easing by the Caps in Game 2, 4-3, cashing narrowly as a heavy favorite (-280) as the Over (5.5) connected.

The Rangers won the regular-season series 2-1 against the Hurricanes, with the teams splitting 2 games at Madison Square Garden. New York won 2-1 on Nov. 2 as the Under (5.5) hit, while Carolina routed the Blueshirts 6-1 on Jan. 2 as slight underdogs (+110) as the Over (6) cashed.

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Hurricanes at Rangers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:23 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Rangers -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+220) | Rangers +1.5 (-275)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Hurricanes at Rangers projected goalies

Frederik Andersen (4-1-0, 2.25 GAA, .912 SV% – 2024 playoffs) vs. Igor Shesterkin (4-0-0, 1.75 GAA, .930 SV% – 2024 playoffs)

Andersen allowed 3 or fewer goals in each of his 5 playoff games against the Islanders, and he kicked aside 125 of the 137 shots he faced. In 2 road games, he allowed just 5 goals on 66 shots, with a loss in 2 OT in Game 4.

Against the Rangers in the regular season, Andersen allowed 2 goals on 26 shots in a 2-1 loss at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 2 in his only appearance against New York this season.

Shesterkin allowed 2 or fewer goals in 3 of his 4 outings against the Capitals, yielding 4 goals on 46 shots in 2 home playoff games at MSG.

Against the Hurricanes in the regular season, Shesterkin stopped all 28 shots he faced in a 1-0 road win on March 12 in Raleigh, and he stopped 26 of 27 shots in a 2-1 win on Nov. 2. However, Shesterkin also conceded 6 goals on 27 shots in a 6-1 whitewashing at home on Jan. 2 against the Canes.

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Hurricanes at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline

The RANGERS (-105) are slight underdogs at home despite having more points than the Hurricanes (-115) during the season, while winning 2 of the 3 regular-season meetings.

New York has also won 7 of the past 9 meetings since May 28, 2022, which includes the final 2 games of the last playoff series between the teams, which saw New York win in 7 games in a 2nd-round series. The Rangers went on to lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals, in case you were wondering.

It’s a bit disrespectful to the Rangers to be underdogs at home in the series opener. Perhaps the books are considering a rust factor, since New York hasn’t played since April 28. Of course, Carolina wrapped up its series against the Isles on April 30, so both teams have had lengthy layoffs.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Rangers +1.5 (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s a little too much risk for not enough reward. If you like the Blueshirts at MSG in Game 1, just play them straight up, and don’t worry about the puck line.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-120) is a strong play in Game 1. As mentioned above, rust could potentially be a factor, since both teams have had several days off since clinching their respective series.

When things get underway, both Andersen and Shesterkin have been masterful in these playoffs, and goals should be at a premium.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars Game 7 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’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 7 of their Western Conference 1st-round series Sunday. Puck drop from American Airlines Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Golden Knights vs. Stars odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Tied 3-3

The Stars had the chance to polish off the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, but with their backs to the wall, the defending Stanley Cup champs won 2-0 to force a decisive Game 7.

In Friday’s game, there was no score until Noah Hanifin struck for an unassisted goal at 9:54 of the 3rd period. Mark Stone scored an empty-net goal to put a bow on the scoring, as Adin Hill made 23 saves to record the shutout and keep Vegas’ season alive and well.

This is the 4th Game 7 for the Stars just since 2019, and the Stars have won 2 of the past 3 decisive games. Last season, Wyatt Johnston was the hero in a 2-1 Game 7 win over the Seattle Kraken in the 2nd round in Dallas.

This is the 4th Game 7 in franchise history for the Golden Knights. They won 6-2 against the Minnesota Wild in the most recent Game 7 in the opening round of the 2021 playoffs , and also won 3-0 against the Vancouver Canucks in the 2020 COVID bubble. The Golden Knights lost to the San Jose Sharks in 2019 in their only previous road Game 7.

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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 Saturday at 11:31 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Stars -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights +1.5 (-210) | Stars -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -125)

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Golden Knights at Stars projected goalies

Adin Hill (19-12-2, 2.71 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jake Oettinger (35-14-4, 2.72 GAA, .905 SV%, 3 SO – regular season)

Hill, the hero in last season’s Stanley Cup championship run, has started the past 2 games. He allowed 3 goals on 25 shots in a narrow 3-2 loss in Dallas in Game 5, while kicked aside all 23 of the shots he faced in Game 6 for the shutout.

Oettinger has been fabulous in this series, going 3-3-0 with a 2.10 GAA and .921 SV% in 6 games. He has allowed 2 or fewer goals in each of the past 5 outings since getting touched up for 4 goals on just 15 shots in the Game 1 loss against the Golden Knights back on April 22.

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Golden Knights at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 2, Golden Knights 1

Moneyline

The STARS (-150) are moderate favorites on home ice, but really, in a decisive Game 7, the home-ice advantage is negated somewhat. Anything can happen.

However, Dallas has been to a Game 7 as recently as last season, and this core knows how to get the job done. We have 2 goaltenders playing very well on both sides, so no matter which way you decide to bet, it’s going to be a sweat shop which comes right down to the wire.

Puck line/Against the spread

The defending champion Golden Knights +1.5 (-210) will cost you more than 2 times your initial return. That’s quite costly if you need a little bit of insurance in this Game 7. If you like Vegas, just bet it straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-125) is easily the best play on the board.

We’ve seen some high-scoring opening periods in this series, but the Under is 4-1 in the past 5 in the series, and Game 4 also nearly went low until a late empty-net goal by Roope Hintz which flipped the total to an Over in the dying moments.

The Under is 3-1 in the past 4 Game 7 matchups for the Stars, while the Over-Under has split in the past 2 Game 7s for the Golden Knights since 2020.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins Game 7 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins battle in Game 7 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Saturday. The series is tied 3-3. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+/CBC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Bruins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Maple Leafs have clawed their way back in the series after being down 3-1 to even the series after taking down the Bruins 2-1 Thursday and cashing as +108 favorites. RW William Nylander led the way on offense with both goals, while 3 different Toronto players had assists, including D Morgan Rielly who had 2.

Boston has lost all momentum in the series after back-to-back losses and failing to cash as a -119 road favorite Thursday. C Morgan Geekie was the lone goalscorer for the Bruins as LW James Van Riemsdyk and D Kevin Shattenkirk were each credited with an assist.

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Maple Leafs at Bruins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Bruins -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-225) | Bruins -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

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Maple Leafs at Bruins projected goalies

Joseph Woll (12-11-1, 2.94 GAA, .907 SV%) vs. Jeremy Swayman (25-10-8, 2.53 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO)

Woll has been the unsung hero for the Maple Leafs in this series. After G Ilya Samsonov, who is the Leafs main goalie, started the series, Woll has replaced him with a 2-0 record in his 2 starts. He has allowed just 2 goals in his 3 appearances in the series.

Swayman has been in the net for the Bruins in all games but 1 in this series and has a 3-2 record. He has allowed just 8 goals in that span for a GAA of 1.60 and SV% of .947, both better than his season averages.

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Maple Leafs at Bruins picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline

BET BRUINS (-135).

While Boston has lost back-to-back games, it returns to its home ice Saturday where it will have the roaring crowd and momentum back on its side. Boston has struggled offensively in the past 2 games, scoring 1 goal in each contest, but has scored 7 goals combined in its previous 2 games at home in this series.

Toronto has not scored more than 3 goals in any game in this series.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

The moneyline has better value for the Bruins.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 5.5 (-135).

The Over has failed to hit in each of the last 5 in this series, with the Maple Leafs scoring 2 or fewer goals in 5 of the 6 games. Both goalies who are expected to start have played phenomenally and will help the Under hit.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights meet in Game 6 of a best-of-7 Western Conference series Friday. The Stars lead the series 3-2. Puck drop at T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Stars vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Dallas has won 3 straight over Vegas after dropping the 1st 2 games of the series at home. LW Jason Robertson scored the game-winning goal on the power play in the 2nd period of Game 5, breaking a 2-2 tie. His 3 playoff goals are tied for the most on Dallas with C Wyatt Johnston, who fired in the game-winner in OT in Game 3.

G Adin Hill got his chance in net in Game 5 for the 1st time this series after G Logan Thompson started Games 1-4. C Jack Eichel has recorded a point in every game thus far this series as he leads VGK with 7.

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Canucks at Golden Knights odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:24 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Stars -114 (bet $114 to win $100) | Golden Knights -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Stars -1.5 (+210) | Golden Knights +1.5 (-260)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: +100)

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Stars at Golden Knights projected goalies

Jake Oettinger (3-2, .911 SV%, 2.31 GAA) vs. Logan Thompson (2-2, 2.35 GAA, .921 SV%)

The 25-year-old Oettinger got off to a rough start in the series when he allowed 4 goals on 15 shots but has settled in nicely, having surrendered just 2 goals in each of the last 4 games. Stars coach Pete Deboer credited Oettinger’s ability to “go to another level at the most important time of the game” after the Game 5 victory.

Thompson’s .921 save percentage is the highest amongst playoff goaltenders in the Western Conference. Despite the Game 3 loss, Knights broadcaster Dan D’Uva said that the 27-year-old “was as good as I think I’ve ever seen him” as he made 43 saves, the most saves by a goaltender in Vegas postseason history.

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Stars at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 4, Golden Knights 3

Moneyline

BET STARS (-114).

Dallas plays a disciplined style as they sport the lowest % of giveaways in the defensive zone (27.59%) of any playoff team, plus they have had to kill off the least number of penalties (9). The Stars possess the 13-7 high danger shots advantage, so expect them to have more opportunities to score on a goaltender that may be out of rhythm after watching Game 5 from the bench.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

Too much juice (-260) to back Vegas who is playing with their season on the line, do they pull Thompson really early in an effort to desperately tie it up? I would rather take a shot on the YES (+330) for Will There be Overtime? as this game should definitely stay close.

Over/Under

BET OVER 5.5 (-122).

Vegas still features RW Jonathan Marchessault, last year’s Conn Smythe Trophy Winner who found the back of the net in the 1st 2 games of the series. The 33-year-old’s 6-year, $30 million contract expires after this season, as does 39-year-old C Joe Pavelski‘s, who nearly missed a game winner in Game 5. Expect both veterans to help contribute to multiple goals for their respective teams.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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