NHL Odds, Picks, & Predictions: Thursday (4/17)
We’ve reached the end of the 2024-25 NHL regular season. Don’t worry, though, I’ll still provide NHL picks for the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.
We went 2-0 last Thursday with my most recent NHL best bets. The Rangers pummeled the Islanders 9-2 to easily hit their underdog moneyline at -102 odds, while Winnipeg shut out Dallas, 4-0, cashing under 5.5 total goals.
I’m back with two more NHL picks to tail ahead of Thursday’s seven-game slate. Follow me on X at Matt_MacKay_ for more NHL free bets and weekly analysis when the Stanley Cup Playoffs start on Saturday, April 19th.
Thursday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators
Carolina and Ottawa are both in the Eastern Conference playoffs, so this game is a good way to prepare for these teams to prepare for the intensity of playoff hockey. The Senators will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the First Round, while the Carolina Hurricanes play the New Jersey Devils.
Linus Ullmark gets the start in the crease for Ottawa, holding opponents to three total goals in his last three combined starts. The Hurricanes are expected to start Frederik Andersen as their goaltender tonight. Andersen has regressed lately, allowing four or more goals in three consecutive starts to Toronto, Washington, and Boston.
The Hurricanes have a tendency to not play well on the road. Tonight’s game is in Ottawa and they hold the edge in goaltending. This season series is 1-1, with the Senators shutting out the Hurricanes, 3-0, despite playing in a difficult road environment. Carolina has lost six of its last seven games played, while Ottawa is 5-2 SU in its last seven contests.
Let’s roll a unit on Ottawa’s moneyline at -125 odds based on superior goaltending, better form, and playing at home tonight.
Pick: Senators Moneyline (-125)
Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings
Calgary fought hard to stay in contention for a Western Conference Wild Card seed. Despite their best efforts, Thursday is the final game that the Flames will play this season.
The Los Angeles Kings are set for a matchup against the Edmonton Oilers in the First Round, so they may be looking ahead in this spot. Calgary is 2-0 SU against the Kings this season, beating Los Angeles 3-1 and 2-1 at home.
The Flames’ season ends on the road in Los Angeles. The Kings have one of the best home records in the NHL at 31-5-4.
Dan Vladar draws the start for Calgary, replacing a red-hot Dustin Wolf in the crease. Vladar hasn’t started since March 31st but he’s allowed six total goals across his last three starts, so he’s a solid replacement option for the Flames.
The Kings are expected to deploy Darcy Kuemper in between the pipes. Kuemper has been among the best goaltenders in the league this season, so goals could be few and far between for Calgary.
The question in this matchup is whether the Flames will have enough effort left in the tank to keep churning out wins. Calgary has won four of its last five games and has covered +1.5 in seven consecutive matchups. The Kings have won four straight, including victories against the Oilers and Avalanche.
I can see this game being a physical, low-scoring affair. I don’t want to back the Flames at arguably the toughest road environment in the NHL. Plus, they no longer have motivation like they’ve had during their recent winning streak.
I expect this game to finish 3-0 or 4-1 in favor of the Kings. Both of these teams are profitable on the goal total under this season, so let’s bet one more unit on under 5.5 total goals at -110 odds.
Pick: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-110)
Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for BettingPros and FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.