Tag: NHL Playoffs best bets

Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators Game 6 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 6 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Friday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Canucks vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Canucks 3-2

The Canucks had a chance to finish off the Predators on home ice Tuesday in Game 5, and send them packing for Nashville.

There was no score through 2 periods, and then Nikita Zadorov gave the Canucks a 1-0 lead at 3:11 of the 3rd period. Rogers Arena was jumping, but Roman Josi quickly answered on the power play at 7:15. Alexandre Carrier stunned the crowd, though, at 12:46, and that was all of the scoring. Back to the Music City it is.

The Canucks lost All-Star Thatcher Demko to a knee injury after Game 1. Casey DeSmith started Games 2 and 3, but suffered a lower-body injury of his own, keeping him out of Game 4. Third-string goalie Arturs Silovs started in Nashville, grabbing the 3-1 series lead for the Canucks.

Coach Rick Tocchet stuck with Silovs for Game 5, with DeSmith still dealing with his LBI. Silovs was good, stopping 20 of 22 shots, but Juuse Saros was just a tick better.

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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 Thursday at 10:53  p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Canucks +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Predators -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canucks +1.5 (-250) | Predators -1.5 (+190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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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 considered a game-time decision for Game 5 due to his LBI, but Silovs got the nod. The Latvian backstop didn’t do a poor job, but with the loss, if DeSmith is ready, he’ll be given the nod, even though Silovs won the most recent game in Nashville. Vancouver has the 2nd of 3 chances to get the 4th win, and it likely doesn’t want a decisive Game 7, where anything can happen.

Saros was rocked for 4 goals on just 21 shots in Game 4, but he has allowed a total of just 4 goals in Games 2, 3 and 5. The Canucks just do not throw a lot of rubber at the goalie, as he has made a total of just 80 saves in the 5 games, so he should have plenty of energy.

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Canucks at Predators picks and predictions

Prediction

Predators 3, Canucks 2

Moneyline

The PREDATORS (-115) are the play in Game 6, as they look to force this series back to the Pacific Northwest for a decisive Game 7. The Canucks (-105) would like to ruin those plans, and set up an All-Canada series against the Edmonton Oilers which would make Gary Bettman’s head spin.

Saros has been fire in this series, all except for Game 4, and he is giving the Preds a chance to steal this season.

The reason to play the Preds is in between the pipes. Saros has been steady, but the Canucks have been forced to start 3 different netminders due to injuries.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Canucks +1.5 (-250) will set you back 2 1/2 times your potential return, if you require a little bit of insurance, and just cannot trust Vancouver straight up due to its tendy troubles.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is the best play on the board, as both of these sides are defense first, while the offense takes very few shots.

Again, Saros has faced just 91 shots through 5 games of this series, an average of 18.2 shots on goal (SOG) per contest for Vancouver.

Despite the fact the Canucks have had goaltender issues with injuries, Nashville hasn’t changed its approach, taking a total of just 119 shots, or 23.8 SOG. Go low, and feel confidently in doing so.

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Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’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 6 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Thursday night. Boston leads 3-2. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TBS/NESN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bruins vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Boston snapped a 2-game winning streak and failed to close the series on Tuesday, losing 2-1 in overtime and failing to cover as a -172 home favorite. C Trent Frederic was the only Bruins player to find the back of the net off an assist from LW Pat Maroon.

Toronto extended its season with Tuesday’s win while covering as a +155 road underdog. D Jake McCabe opened the scoring for the Maple Leafs while LW Matthew Knies scored the game-winner.

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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 10:33 a.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): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Bruins at Maple Leafs projected goalies

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

Swayman is the expected starter for the Bruins on Thursday. He has started in 4 of the 5 games in this series with a 3-1 record and just 6 total goals allowed. His 1.49 GAA and .952 SV% series averages are better than his season marks.

While Ilya Samsonov has seen the most production for the Maple Leafs this season, it is hard to see Woll not earning the start after his 1-goal victory on Tuesday. In his 2 appearances in this series, Woll has allowed just 1 goal with a .970 SV%.

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Bruins at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline

BET BRUINS (-110).

Boston has won both games in Toronto this series and is 3-1 in its last 4 road games. It had an uncharacteristically bad performance on Tuesday scoring just 1 goal, but it has held Toronto to 2 or fewer goals in 4 of the 5 games in this series. With Toronto’s lack of offense, expect the Bruins to close out the series on Thursday.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is no value on the puck line in either direction.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 5.5 (+100).

The Under has hit in 4 consecutive games in this series with the Bruins scoring 3 or fewer goals in 3 of the last 4 games and the Leafs scoring 3 or fewer goals in each of the 5 games. As always, with the season on the line, in a tight game in the closing minutes, there is a possibility of an empty net goal which would all but destroy an Under.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars Game 5 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 hook up for Game 5 of their best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Wednesday. Puck drop from American Airlines Center is scheduled for 7:30 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.

Update 12:53 p.m. ET: Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy announced G Adin Hill will start instead of G Logan Thompson, who was the projected starter when this column first ran. Odds and below suggestions have not changed due to the goalie switch.

After losing the first 2 games at home, Dallas recovered and regained home-ice advantage by taking the next 2 at Vegas, including a 4-2 victory Monday.

The Stars were -121 favorites vs. the Golden Knights, who were +109 underdogs, as the Over (5.5) cashed. Vegas RW Michael Amadio and C Jack Eichel each found the back of the net, while 4 different Golden Knights were credited with an assist.

Dallas scored in each period, including 2 in the 2nd, with 4 different players scoring and 4 different players having an assist. The Stars’ goals were tallied by RW Evgenii Dadonov, C Wyatt Johnston, C Ty Dellandrea (game-winner) and C Roope Hintz (empty-netter).

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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 12:41 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Golden Knights +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Stars -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights +1.5 (-190) | Stars -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

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Golden Knights at Stars projected goalies

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

Thompson (25-14-5, 2.70 GAA, .908 SV%, 1 SO) started in net the first 4 games of the series. He gave up 3 goals apiece in 3 of the 4 games and surrendered just 1 goal in Game 2. His 2.35 GAA and .921 SV% series averages are slightly better than his season averages.

Hill played 3 games in April, last starting April 18 in a 4-1 loss at the Anaheim Ducks in the regular-season finale. He allowed 3 goals on 22 shots. For the month, Hill is 1-2-0, allowing 11 goals on 71 shots for a .845 SV% with a 3.68 GAA. He did go 2-0-0 against the Stars this season, yielding just 3 goals on 58 shots (.948 SV%) with a 1.43 GAA.

Oettinger started each game in this series and has given up 2 goals in each of the last 3 games — he allowed 4 in the opener. His 2.38 GAA and .907 SV% series averages are also slightly better than his season averages. He is 12-3 in his last 15 starts.

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Golden Knights at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 4, Golden Knights 3

Moneyline

BET STARS (-160).

While neither team has won on its home ice to this point in the series, expect the Stars to change that Wednesday. Dallas has roared back into the series after stealing back-to-back games in Vegas and has scored 3 or more goals in each of its last 2 games.

Dallas performed well on its home ice during the regular season with a 26-11-4 record, while Vegas went 18-17-6 on the road during the regular season.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is no value on the puck line in this tight series.

Over/Under

BET OVER 5.5 (-125).

The Over has hit in 2 of the 4 games in this series with at least one side scoring 3 or more goals in each game. With both teams getting better on the attack throughout the series, more goals are to be expected. Vegas has scored 3 or more goals in 6 of its last 10 games, while Dallas has scored 3 or more goals in 6 of its last 9.

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LA Kings at Edmonton Oilers Game 5 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 5 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The Oilers lead the series 3-1. Opening faceoff at Rogers Place is slated for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Kings vs. Oilers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Los Angeles coughed up 17 goals over the 1st 3 games of this series, then dropped a 1-0 decision Sunday. The Kings lost Game 4 despite allowing just 13 shots on goal.

Edmonton is a combined 6-2-0 against LA in 2023-24 regular-season and playoff action. The Oilers are 8-1-1 across their last 10 games against the Kings.

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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 12:32 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Kings +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Oilers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kings +1.5 (-155) | Oilers -1.5 (+130)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Kings at Oilers projected goalies

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

Talbot last started Game 3 and allowed 6 goals on 40 shots. He owns an .856 SV% over his last 5 playoff starts.

Skinner has started all 4 games, posting a .919 SV%. He logged a .984 mark over Games 3 and 4. The 25-year-old clocked a .936 SV% across 4 regular-season games against the Kings.

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Kings at Oilers picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 3, Kings 1

Moneyline

PASS: The Oilers (-190) are a lean but have some value in the plus-money return on the puck line.

Puck line/Against the spread

LA has piled up visits to the sin bin in these playoffs, and Edmonton has leveraged that with an 8-of-15 mark on the powerplay.

Meanwhile, Oilers penalty killers have gone 11 for 11 in diffusing Kings’ power plays. Skinner has been the netminder in better form, and Edmonton has the home ice and the momentum of the series.

FanDuel Sportsbook has the best price on getting the home side by with a cushion. BACK THE OILERS -1.5 (+130).

Over/Under

The Over is 3-1 in this series, but the Under went 4-0 in the regular season.

The total here figures as being aggressive for a backs-against-the-wall game for the visitors. Consider a partial-unit play on the UNDER 6 (+100).

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Colorado Avalanche at Winnipeg Jets Game 5 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 and Winnipeg Jets meet in Game 5 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Avalanche lead the series 3-1. Puck drop from Canada Life Centre is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Avalanche vs. Jets odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

After falling 7-6 in Game 1 of this series, Colorado has outscored the Jets 16-5 over its 3 consecutive wins.

RW Valeri Nichushkin has found the back of the net in all 4 games this series, including his 1st career hat trick in Game 4, and leads the team in postseason goals (6). LW Artturi Lehkonen also has goals in every game, and his 7 points are tied with C Nathan MacKinnon for 2nd-most this postseason, with D Cale Makar leading the way with 8.

Only the LA Kings (8) have allowed more power-play goals than Winnipeg (6) this postseason.

Jets coach Rick Bowness told reporters Tuesday that issues with discipline have taken them out of games. The 69-year-old, who became the oldest coach to win a Stanley Cup playoff game this season, also lamented that Colorado is getting too many chances off the rush due to his team’s puck management issues.

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Avalanche at Jets odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Jets -104 (bet $104 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+210) | Jets +1.5 (-260)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Avalanche at Jets projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (6-6, 2.70 GAA, .907 SV% in 11 career playoff games) vs. Connor Hellebuyck (18-26, 2.80 GAA, .912 SV%, 3 SO in 44 career playoff games)

Georgiev played the most minutes in the league (3637) during the regular season, with Hellebuyck wrapping up with the 3rd-most (3567). Since surrendering 7 goals in Game 1, the 28-year-old has settled in, as he’s won 3 straight starts, sporting a .938 SV% during that stretch.

Hellebuyck will probably win the Vezina Trophy after finishing the regular season with the 2nd-most saves (1656) and best GAA (2.39) among goaltenders with mininimum 50 games played. However, his last 2 postseasons have not been good statically. The 30-year-old is 2-7 vs. the Vegas Golden Knights and Avalanche, sporting a sub-.880 SV% in 9 starts.

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Avalanche at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Jets

Moneyline

BET AVALANCHE (-115).

MacKinnon has the 2nd-shortest odds to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (+1200 at FanDuel Sportsbook) and has double-digit point outputs in 3 of the 4 games this series, as does RW Mikko Rantanen.

The addition of LW Zach Parise this season has bolstered this team’s playoff pedigree, and Makar and D Devon Toews make such a strong top defenseman pairing. Expect Colorado to stay focused and wrap up this series.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

Way too much juice to back Winnipeg +1.5 (-260). With the end of the season upon the horizon, there is the possibility Bowness desperately pulls Hellebuyck with a lot of time left, which can lead to 1 or more empty-net goals.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6.5 (-115).

Only Nashville Predators D Roman Josi (22) has more regular-season goals among defensemen than Makar (21), who won the Conn Smythe Trophy back in 2022. Colorado is an offensive juggernaut and could end up chasing Hellebuyck early, just like in Game 4 when G Laurent Brossoit finished.

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New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes battle in Game 5 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Hurricanes lead the series 3-1. Puck drop from PNC Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Islanders vs. Hurricanes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Islanders snapped a 3-game losing streak with a 3-2 double-OT win over the Hurricanes Saturday to cash as +159 home favorites. C Mathew Barzal led the way with 2 goals, including the game-winner, while C Bo Horvat had 2 assists.

C Seth Jarvis and RW Stefan Noesen each found the back of the net for the Hurricanes, who failed to cash as -178 favorites, with Noesen tying it on a power-play goal with 5:52 remaining.

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Islanders 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 10:34 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Islanders +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Hurricanes -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-135) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Islanders at Hurricanes projected goalies

Semyon Varlamov (14-8-4, 2.60 GAA, .918 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Frederik Andersen (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO)

Varlamov has the 12th-best GAA and 3rd-best SV%. While he has not been the top goaltender on the Islanders, he has started in 3 of the games in this series and played in all 4. He has allowed 2 or fewer goals in 3 of his appearances with his 2.08 GAA and .930 SV% being slightly better than his regular-season averages.

Andersen has seen the least action of any of the 4 Carolina goalies this season, but he has started in each of the 4 games so far in this series. He has allowed 2 or more goals in 3 of the 4 games, while his 2.08 GAA and .920 SV% are slightly lower than his season averages.

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Islanders at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Islanders 2

Moneyline

PASS.

The value is better on the Hurricanes’ (-250) puck line.

Puck line/Against the spread

BET HURRICANES -1.5 (+115).

Expect Carolina to close out the series on its home ice Tuesday. The Hurricanes are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and 4-0 in their last 4 at home. New York has scored 3 or fewer goals in each game this series and will not be able to contain the Hurricanes.

Over/Under

BET OVER 5.5 (+100).

While these teams have combined for more than 5 goals just once in this series, the implications of this Game 5 will cause more action on both sides.

The Hurricanes will be looking to put away N.Y. by force and will have a great opportunity to add to their total if they are able to bring a lead into the final minutes of the game. With a high chance of an empty-net goal, the Over will be all but certain.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’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 meet in Game 5 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Bruins lead the series 3-1. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs at Bruins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Toronto has dropped back-to-back games after falling 3-1 Saturday and failing to cash as a -127 home favorite. RW Mitch Marner scored the lone goal for the Maple Leafs, which came in the 3rd period and prevented a shutout.

All 3 goals came in the 1st 2 periods for Boston, which cashed as a +115 road underdog. LW Brad Marchand led the way with a goal and 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 9:54 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Bruins -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-190) | Bruins -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Maple Leafs at Bruins projected goalies

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

Samsonov ranks 38th in the NHL in GAA and 45th in SV%. He has allowed 2 or more goals in each game this series with his GAA (3.32) being slightly higher than his season average. His SV% in this series (.883) is slightly lower than his season average, as well.

Swayman has the 8th-best GAA in the NHL and is tied for the 5th-best SV%. Boston has won each game he has started in this series, with the goalie giving up 2 or fewer goals in each start. His 1.34 GAA and .956 SV% are both higher than his season averages.

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Maple Leafs at Bruins picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

BET BRUINS (-165).

Returning home with a commanding lead, look for the Bruins to amp up the pressure in order to put this series away. They have won back-to-back games, both on the road, and have the Leafs on the ropes. They have not allowed more than 3 goals in any game this series and have scored 3 or more in 3 of the 4 games.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

While there is a chance for Boston to cover the -1.5 (+155) puck line, the moneyline is a safer play. If it comes down to their season on the line, the Maple Leafs would send the all-out attack and could sneakily erase a deficit.

Over/Under

BET OVER 5.5 (-120).

Boston has scored 3 or more goals in 3 of the 4 games thus fare with the teams scoring 6 or more goals in 2 of the 4 games. In a crucial Game 5, with the Bruins trying to put the Leafs away and the Leafs fighting to keep their season alive, expect a fast-paced, high-attack game resulting in more goals.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’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 5 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Monday. The Panthers lead the series 3-1. Puck drop from Amerant Bank Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Lightning awakened to salvage a Game 4 win in a 6-3 surge Saturday. They put up an eye-popping 61 hits in the game. C Steven Stamkos and LW Brandon Hagel each had 2 goals in the W. It was encouraging to see some desperation from the team that really looked flat in the first 3 games.

The Panthers weren’t terrible, going 2 for 2 on the power play, but they allowed Tampa to go 2 for 5 on their PP. C Sam Reinhart scored his 3rd goal of the series. LW Matthew Tkachuk had 2 assists but just 2 shots on goal. They return home with another chance to send the Lightning to the golf course.

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Lightning 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 1:15 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lightning +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Panthers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-155) | Panthers -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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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)

Vassy got the win in Game 4, but he still allowed 3 goals on 25 shots for an .880 SV%. He has a 3.01 GAA and .899 SV% in the series. After allowing 2 goals in Game 1, he has allowed 3+ in the 3 games since.

Bob had an off game Saturday, allowing 6 goals on 32 shots. He allowed 7 goals in the 3 games combined before Game 4. He has a 3.21 GAA and .874 SV% in the series after the clunker.

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Lightning at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 4, Lightning 2

Moneyline

The Lightning could always turn it on one more time, but the alarming thing for me is RW Nikita Kucherov. In an elimination game, he had 0 shots on goal. Granted, he had 3 assists, but Florida has completely neutralized him, and he has 0 goals in the series.

The Panthers are too expensive to consider here. Instead, take NIKITA KUCHEROV UNDER 3.5 SHOTS (-165). He had 4 shots once in 4 games in the series.

Puck line/Against the spread

Another prop I see is VICTOR HEDMAN OVER 2.5 SHOTS (+125).

It’s a little surprising to see him at plus-money when he has 3+ SOG in 3 of 4 games in the series. Send it with Hedman!

Over/Under

The last 2 games took the Over, but the first 2 in the Panthers’ arena were 3-2 finishes. I look for a similar Game 5 result. The Over is just 5-5 in the last 10 meetings, and I’ll take the UNDER 6.5 (-115).

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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 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’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 visit the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Monday. The Golden Knights lead the series 2-1. Puck drop from T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stars vs. Golden Knights odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Dallas won its 1st game of the series 3-2 in overtime Saturday to cash as a -111 road favorite. C Wyatt Johnson led the way on offense with 2 goals, including the game-winner, while D Miro Heiskanen added a goal and an assist.

Vegas snapped its 2-game winning streak with Saturday’s loss, failing to cash as a +100 home underdog. After going down 2-0, Vegas evened the score with two 2nd-period goals. D Alec Martinez found the back of the net and had an assist, while C Jack Eichel also had a goal.

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Stars at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:46 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Stars -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Golden Knights +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Stars -1.5 (+190) | Golden Knights +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Stars at Golden Knights projected goalies

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

Oettinger’s record is tied for 6th-best in the NHL, while his 2.72 GAA is good for 19th. He has started each game so far in this series and allowed a total of 8 goals in that span. Saturday’s win was his best performance yet with 32 saves and a .941 SV%.

Thompson has been a middle-of-the-pack goalie this season. He has the 13th-best record, 17th-best GAA, and 19th-best SV%. He has also started in each of the 1st 3 games of this series and allowed 7 goals in that span. While he had 43 saves in Game 3 Saturday, his best performance was in Game 2 with a .952 SV% and just 1 goal allowed.

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Stars at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 3, Golden Knights 2

Moneyline

BET STARS (-125).

While the Stars lost both games at home to start the series, they showed a clear advantage in Game 3 on the road. In an offensive battle, with the teams combining for a new series high in total shots, Dallas scored the OT winner. Oettinger seemingly turned a corner and had his best performance of the series Saturday and should be expected to hold it down for Dallas Monday.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is no value on the puck line in either direction. Two of the 3 games this series been won by exactly 1 goal.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 5.5 (-120).

The Stars have scored 3 or fewer goals in each game this series, while the Knights have scored 3 or fewer in 2 of the 3. Even with an accelerated pace Saturday, the total did not surpass 5 goals. It will be more of the same Monday. Both goalies have proven their worth and will keep this total under 5 goals.

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

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New York Rangers at Washington Capitals Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

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

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The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals meet in Game 4 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Sunday. Puck drop from Capital One Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Rangers lead 3-0

The Rangers posted a 4-1 win in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden April 21, and then scored a 4-3 victory in Game 2 on Tuesday for the only Over (5.5) result of the series. In Game 3, the Capitals were unable to protect home ice, falling 3-1 as the Rangers pushed them to the brink of elimination.

The Blueshirts have picked up 5 consecutive wins, while going 8-2-0 in the past 10 games since April 3, rolling right along. The Under is on a 5-1 run for the Rangers as goaltender Igor Shesterkin has snapped into championship form just in the nick of time.

The Capitals haven’t played poorly in this series, but the offense has mustered just 5 total goals, as Shesterkin has been a brick wall. Like the Rangers, the Capitals have been on an Under run, going low on the total at a 7-1-3 clip in the past 11 outings.

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Rangers at Capitals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:39 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rangers -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Capitals +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+130) | Capitals +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Rangers at Capitals projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (36-17-2, 2.58 GAA, .913 SV%, 4 SO in regular season) vs. Charlie Lindgren (25-16-7, 2.67 GAA, .911 SV%, 6 SO in regular season)

It’s hard to imagine the Rangers not riding Shesterkin in Game 4, but he was not confirmed as of early Sunday afternoon. Could they potentially use G Jonathan Quick for the close-out game, resting the starter with a cushion in the series?

Shesterkin has had it on lockdown in this series, going 3-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA and .933 SV% in the 3 outings, allowing just a single goal in 2 of the victories.

Lindgren is confirmed for the Caps, and the Lakeville, Minn., native has certainly done his part. He has allowed 11 total goals in his first full playoff series, going 0-3-0 with a 3.77 GAA and .864 SV%. While he hasn’t been nearly as sharp as Shesterkin, he has been good at times. But he hasn’t been great, and he hasn’t had very much offensive support, with the Caps posting just 1.7 goals per game (GPG) in the series.

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Rangers at Capitals picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Capitals 2

Moneyline

The Rangers (-190) will cost nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk against a team with its backs against the wall.

The Capitals (+155) are likely to show some fight in what could be their last game of the season, and most likely their final game on home ice, even if they can grab a win and get the series back to New York for Game 5.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The CAPITALS +1.5 (-155) aren’t priced out of line as home underdogs on the puck line.

The hardest win to get is the 4th one in a series. The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers were trying to close out sweeps on Saturday and were unable to do so. The Rangers -1.5 (+130) should experience similar difficulties, as the Capitals show desperation and urgency, trying to stay alive.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is the lean, but it’s only worth a half-unit play at best.

We’ve had the Under cash in 2 of 3 games in the series, including Game 3 in D.C. The Capitals offense has amassed just 5 goals in the 3 games so far, and they’re not likely to suddenly explode all over Shesterkin. The defense and goaltending must be better in Game 4, and with a lot more desperation and selling out, we should see them keep the Rangers to 3 or fewer goals. It shouldn’t be shocking to see his game tied 2-2 going into overtime to decide thing

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

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