Tag: NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs odds lines picks predictions best bets

Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild Game 4 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild Game 4 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild play Game 4 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Xcel Energy Center. Below, we analyze the Golden Knights-Wild odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Golden Knights routed the Wild in St. Paul by a 5-2 score, their second consecutive victory in the series. After a pair of Under results in the first two games, the Over cashed in Game 3.

The Wild have managed to notch a total of four goals through the first three games in this series, or 1.33 goals per game. After a shutout win in overtime in the series opener, Minnesota has been outscored 8-3 in the past two games.

Golden Knights at Wild: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Golden Knights -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Wild -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Golden Knights -1.5 (+220) | Wild +1.5 (-275)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Golden Knights at Wild: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10-0, 1.98 GAA, .928 SV%, 6 SO) vs. Cam Talbot (19-8-5, 2.63 GAA, .915 SV%, 2 SO)

Fleury has allowed a total of just four goals on 81 shots, good for a 2-1-0 record, 1.32 GAA and .951 SV% in three games so far in this series. The only reason he lost Game 1 was a lack of offensive support in a 1-0 overtime setback.

Talbot pitched the shutout in Game 1, a thrilling overtime victory. But he has coughed up seven goals across the past two losses on just 67 shots, or a mediocre .896 SV%. He did make 35 saves on 39 shots last time out, but it wasn’t nearly good enough.

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Golden Knights at Wild: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Wild 2

Money line (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-115) are slight favorites for Game 4, as they look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Vegas has rattled off victories in the past two games to wrestle back home-ice advantage.

They’ll win this one, and head home next time out looking to send the Wild (-105) to the handshake line.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS -1.5 (+220) are going to get the best punch from the Wild +1.5 (-275), and if you intend to bet the puck line you better be ready to sweat. This one likely will likely head across the finish line with an empty-net goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+100) is the play here after a pair of Under results in the first two games in Vegas. We had a total of seven goals in Game 3, with Vegas nearly taking care of the Over on their own.

Similar to the puck line above, it’s likely going to come down to a late empty-net goal to push this across the line.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs play Game 2 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Below, we analyze the Canadiens-Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Canadiens opened the series with a 2-1 victory in Toronto Thursday night. It was the first meeting in the postseason between these two Original Six organizations since 1979.

Not only did the Leafs lose on a Paul Byron shorthanded goal at 12:44 of the third period, but they were forced to deal with the loss of John Tavares to a serious upper-body injury in the first period. He was released from the hospital Friday but is out indefinitely.

Canadiens at Maple Leafs: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Canadiens +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Maple Leafs -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Canadiens +1.5 (-165) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -125)

Canadiens at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price (12-7-5, 2.64 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Jack Campbell (17-3-2, 2.15 GAA, .921 SV%, 2 SO)

Price was tremendous in his first action in a month due to a concussion. He allowed just one goal on 36 shots to help the Habs seize home-ice advantage from the Maple Leafs.

Campbell allowed just two goals on 30 shots in his first career playoff appearance. Unfortunately for Campbell, he was beaten on a shorthanded breakaway late in the third period, and his offense gave him little support.

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Canadiens at Maple Leafs: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Maple Leafs 3, Canadiens 2

Money line (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-190) are worth a play as they look to bounce back after their Game 1 setback.

Toronto had a couple of days to adjust to the shock of losing Tavares, and it should be able to make the proper adjustments to scratch out a win and grab the split at home.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The CANADIENS +1.5 (-165) won a low-scoring battle at Scotiabank Arena in Game 1, and they will be able to keep it close in another lower-scoring battle in Game 2.

This won’t end in a 2-0 series lead for Montreal, but they’ll scratch out the puck line win to keep Toronto fans on pins and needles before the series shifts to Montreal.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-125) is the play here, as we saw very little offense and a lot of hitting, backchecking and tremendous goal play. The Tavares injury also hurts the offensive flow for the Leafs, and that will help Under bettors, too.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders Game 4 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 4 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders play Game 4 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Islanders odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Penguins picked up a 5-4 victory in Game 3, thanks to a wild third period. Pittsburgh benefited from a Brandon Tanev winner with just 3:36 to go in regulation after a seesaw third period.

The Islanders have been on the short end of each of the past two games after winning 4-3 in overtime in Game 1. They secured home-ice advantage after that win but gave it back after Game 3.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Islanders -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+225) | Islanders +1.5 (-275)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +115 | U: -135)

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (25-9-3, 2.75 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Semyon Varlamov (19-11-4, 2.04 GAA, .929 SV%, 7 SO)

Jarry stopped 26 of 30 shots in Thursday’s 5-4 win, and he has allowed nine goals on 109 shots for a .917 SV% so far in the series.

Varlamov has coughed up seven goals on 72 shots in a pair of losses since Ilya Sorokin picked up the OT win in Game 1. Barry Trotz will likely have Varlamov on a short leash in this one, with rookie waiting in the wings at the first sign of trouble.

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Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 4, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-110) are worth playing lightly, as they look to get back on track after a disappointing Game 3 setback. All three games in this series have been nail-biters, and Game 4 shouldn’t be any different.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Islanders +1.5 (-275) is super expensive, as New York will cost you nearly three times your potential return.

It seems like a slam-dunk play, as all three games in the series have been decided by one goal. But it’s just too expensive, and not a good betting strategy over the long term.

AVOID, and just play the money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+115) is the way to go, and a nice value at plus-money. The Over has cashed in six of the past seven meetings in Uniondale. We saw nine total goals in Game 3, and the Over is 2-1 in the series so far.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 4 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Game 4 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET at Amalie Arena. Below, we analyze the Panthers-Lightning odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Panthers survived in overtime in Game 3, winning 6-5 as slight underdogs. After taking a 2-0 lead, the Lightning outscored the Panthers 5-1 in the second period. However, Florida scratched back to force overtime and won it on a Ryan Lomberg goal.

The Lightning have allowed 11 goals in the first three games, so the Panthers’ offense has plenty of confidence against Andrei Vasilevskiy. Tampa has scored 13 goals in the three games, however, and they still maintain home-ice advantage despite the Game 3 loss.

Panthers at Lightning: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Panthers +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Lightning -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Panthers +1.5 (-200) | Lightning -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Panthers at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (19-8-2, 2.91 GAA, .906 SV%) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (31-10-1, 2.21 GAA, .925 SV%, 5 SO)

The Panthers went with Chris Driedger in Game 3 to start, but he was smacked around for five goals on 22 shots. Bobrovsky came on to start the third period and he turned aside all nine shots he faced to earn the OT win.

Vasilevskiy was tested early and often in Game 3, as he made 41 saves. But he also was beaten six times, including two times on the power play. The Lightning led 5-3 after 40 minutes, but Vasilevskiy allowed three goals in the final 25:56.

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Panthers at Lightning: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Lightning 3, Panthers 2

Money line (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-145) were 20 minutes away from taking a commanding 3-0 series lead, but a third-period hiccup and overtime goal got the Panthers (+120) back in the series.

Still, Tampa has the home-ice advantage, and they should be able to push past the pesky Cats.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Panthers +1.5 (-200) will cost you two times your potential return, and that’s risky business. Still, I think this is going to be a close game decided by one goal, something we’ve seen in two of the first three in the series. The juice is just too high to take Florida here.

AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 6 (-120) is the lean here. We have seen an explosion of offense in Games 1 and 3. However, we saw a rather defensive battle in Game 2, and we should see a tighter game in this one, too.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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VIDEO: Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning Game 3 preview

Video previewing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Game 3 matchup.

The NHL playoffs continue Thursday evening, as the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of their first-round series. The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at Amalie Arena in Tampa.

The team at SportsGrid breaks down the Lightning-Panthers matchup:

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Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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VIDEO: Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 preview

Video previewing Thursday’s Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 matchup.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are in motion, as the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs play Game 1 of their first-round series Thursday. The matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena.

SportsGrid breaks down the first game matchup:

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Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild Game 3 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild Game 3 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild play Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at Xcel Energy Center. Below, we analyze the Golden Knights-Wild odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Golden Knights bounced back in Game 2 with a 3-1 win as heavy favorites after getting tripped up 1-0 in overtime in Game 1. The goaltending has obviously been on point in this series, with offense at a premium.

The Wild are back on home ice where they posted a 21-5-2 record this season. That includes three wins in four tries against the Knights, with a 3-2 overtime loss May 5 as the only setback in St. Paul.

Golden Knights at Wild: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Golden Knights -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Wild -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Golden Knights -1.5 (+210) | Wild +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Golden Knights at Wild: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10-0, 1.98 GAA, .928 SV%, 6 SO) vs. Cam Talbot (19-8-5, 2.63 GAA, .915 SV%, 2 SO)

Fleury has turned aside 63 of the 65 shots he has faced in the postseason for a stellar .969 SV%. Unfortunately for Fleury, he has won once and lost once. He is just 1-2-0 in three games in St. Paul this season, but he has a 2.49 GAA and .910 SV%, so expect another low-scoring affair.

Talbot has been money at home, going 12-2-2 with a 2.50 GAA and .912 SV% with two shutouts in 17 games. He has matched Fleury in this series, and is looking championship-caliber so far.

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Golden Knights at Wild: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Golden Knights 2, Wild 1

Money line (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-115) are slight favorites on the road, and they’re a good play behind Fleury. He is just 8-14-0 in his career against Minnesota, but he has been on point in this series so far.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Wild +1.5 (-250) will cost you two and a half times your potential return at home. I don’t trust the Golden Knights -1.5 (+210) to win by at least 2, but Minnesota is just too expensive.

AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-135) is the play in this series until further notice. We’ve had a total of just 5 goals in the first two games, as Talbot and Fleury have been standing on their heads. Look for more of the same in Game 3.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild Game 3 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild Game 3 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild play Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at Xcel Energy Center. Below, we analyze the Golden Knights-Wild odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Golden Knights bounced back in Game 2 with a 3-1 win as heavy favorites after getting tripped up 1-0 in overtime in Game 1. The goaltending has obviously been on point in this series, with offense at a premium.

The Wild are back on home ice where they posted a 21-5-2 record this season. That includes three wins in four tries against the Knights, with a 3-2 overtime loss May 5 as the only setback in St. Paul.

Golden Knights at Wild: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Golden Knights -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Wild -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Golden Knights -1.5 (+210) | Wild +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Golden Knights at Wild: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10-0, 1.98 GAA, .928 SV%, 6 SO) vs. Cam Talbot (19-8-5, 2.63 GAA, .915 SV%, 2 SO)

Fleury has turned aside 63 of the 65 shots he has faced in the postseason for a stellar .969 SV%. Unfortunately for Fleury, he has won once and lost once. He is just 1-2-0 in three games in St. Paul this season, but he has a 2.49 GAA and .910 SV%, so expect another low-scoring affair.

Talbot has been money at home, going 12-2-2 with a 2.50 GAA and .912 SV% with two shutouts in 17 games. He has matched Fleury in this series, and is looking championship-caliber so far.

Special NHL Betting Promotion!

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Golden Knights at Wild: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Golden Knights 2, Wild 1

Money line (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-115) are slight favorites on the road, and they’re a good play behind Fleury. He is just 8-14-0 in his career against Minnesota, but he has been on point in this series so far.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Wild +1.5 (-250) will cost you two and a half times your potential return at home. I don’t trust the Golden Knights -1.5 (+210) to win by at least 2, but Minnesota is just too expensive.

AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-135) is the play in this series until further notice. We’ve had a total of just 5 goals in the first two games, as Talbot and Fleury have been standing on their heads. Look for more of the same in Game 3.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs play Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Below, we analyze the Canadiens-Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Canadiens meet the Maple Leafs in the playoffs for the first time since 1979. When these teams last played, Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe wasn’t even alive, and Montreal head coach Dominique Ducharme was six years old.

The Maple Leafs won eight of the last 10 head-to-head meetings at Scotiabank Arena, while the favorite is 23-8 across the past 31 overall in this series.

Canadiens at Maple Leafs: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Canadiens +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Maple Leafs -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Canadiens +1.5 (-160) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Canadiens at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price (12-7-5, 2.64 GAA, .901 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Jack Campbell (17-3-2, 2.15 GAA, .921 SV%, 2 SO)

Price makes his return after a month-long absence due to a concussion. He posted a 1-2-1 record, 3.48 GAA and .868 SV% in four games against the Maple Leafs this season.

Campbell will be making his first career playoff start. He was actually a little worse statistically at home, going 7-1-0 with a 2.50 GAA And .907 SV% compared to 10-2-2 with a 1.97 GAA and .928 SV% in 14 road outings.

Special NHL Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team scores a goal in the game. Betting offer available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. Place your legal, online bets at BetMGM. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Canadiens at Maple Leafs: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Canadiens 4, Maple Leafs 3

Money line (ML)

The CANADIENS (+170) are worth a look as moderate underdogs on the road. This game will play more like a neutral-site situation with no fans in the stands. We saw home ice mattered very little in the other series in the North Division, as the Jets beat the Edmonton Oilers in a sterile environment in Game 1. The Habs are a good value for a potential repeat here.

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Against the spread (ATS)

If you’re not feeling the Habs straight up, CANADIENS +1.5 (-160) isn’t a bad buy on the puck line. While the Leafs have dominated the Habs in recent seasons, I just don’t trust the inexperienced Campbell heading into the postseason.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-115) might be the best play on the board. You have a guy making his first career postseason start in Campbell, and then you have a guy looking to knock off rust after a month-long injury with Price. Look for the offenses to enjoy a nice night.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders Game 3 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 3 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders play Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Islanders odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Penguins scratched out two first-period goals in Game 2, and they hung on for the 2-1 victory to level the series after falling in overtime in the series opener.

The Islanders surprised the Pens in Game 1 in overtime, and it was just one of two victories across the past seven games dating back to May 1 in the regular season.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Islanders -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+230) | Islanders +1.5 (-300)
  • Over/Under: 5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (25-9-3, 2.75 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Semyon Varlamov (19-11-4, 2.04 GAA, .929 SV%, 7 SO)

Jarry turned aside 37 of the 38 shots he faced in Game 2, helping the Penguins square the series 1-1 before shifting to the Island for the next two games.

Varlamov missed Game 1 due to a lower-body injury, but he was back in Game 2. While he lost, he was impressive, making 43 saves on 45 shots in the 2-1 setback.

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Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 3, Penguins 2

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-110) are the pick in Game 3 in this coin-flip game. The books are expecting this one to be super close, and another overtime game wouldn’t be shocking here.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Islanders +1.5 (-300) will cost you three times your potential return if you are not confident in a straight-up win and want a little insurance. It’s just not worth it.

AVOID, and just play the money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

TOTAL 5 (O: -135, U: +110) is not a recommended play, as I expect this total to come in right on the number. However, UNDER 5.5 (-160) will cost you a little extra on the alternate line, but that’s a better play.

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