Navigate

NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (5/10)

by |

The Stanley Cup Playoff action continues tonight as we have a pair of games on the ice. The first is an elimination game in South Florida where the Panthers (3-0) look to break out the brooms against the visiting Maple Leafs. The nightcap is a Western Conference tilt in Alberta, which sees the Oilers (1-2) attempting to tie up their series with the Golden Knights. 

I'm locking in bets on both games! So, let's dive into my analysis and where I'm placing my money.

NHL '22-'23 Record: 29-51 (-24.50 Units)

Today's Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Toronto Maple Leafs (-125) vs. Florida Panthers (+105) | O/U 6.5 (-130/+110)

The Maple Leafs got the 19-year-old monkey off their back when they finally advanced out of the first round for the first time since 2004. Well, you have to wonder if they'll consider that a successful season if they get swept out of the second round. The Panthers will attempt to put them away tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET from FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, FL. 

It's confirmed that Joseph Woll will get the nod between the pipes as he steps in for the injured Ilya Samsonov. Woll entered game three early in the second period after Samsonov departed, and the 24-year-old gave up three goals on 21 shots faced. The pedestrian outing increased his playoff GAA to 3.85 and his SV% decreased to .846. 

I can't pass up the red-hot Panthers with a plus-money payout on their home ice against a backup goaltender. Sure, the fourth win in a playoff series is always the toughest one to get, but c'mon now. Florida has proven that they're the real deal and they're plenty capable to get the job done in this spot. This team is scrappy, physical, and it simply looks like they want it more than the Maple Leafs. Not to mention, Sergei Bobrovsky is playing excellently, posting a .938 SV% this series. Let's ride with Florida to advance tonight. 

Bet: Florida Panthers Moneyline (+105)

Vegas Golden Knights (+150) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-175) | O/U 7.0 (+110/-130)

After getting a dominant road win in Game 2, the Oilers were big favorites to take the series lead in Game 3 when it shifted back to Alberta. However, the Golden Knights had different thoughts and pounded the Oilers 5-1 on Monday night. The divisional foes are back at it tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. 

Whether the reasoning was injury or poor performance, Game 3 of this Western Conference series saw all four goaltenders get some action. Stuart Skinner got the nod for Edmonton and was yanked after allowing four goals on 23 shots. He was replaced by Jack Campbell, who stopped nine out of 10 shots. As for Vegas, Laurent Brossoit started in the crease and made three saves on four shot attempts before departing with an injury. Adin Hill stepped in to make 24 straight saves, securing the 5-1 victory. 

With all of that being said, I'm taking the over in Game 4. A few sportsbooks are offering a heavily juiced 6.5 for the total, but I'll opt to take a plus-money shot with the over on 7.0 goals. We always have a push to fall back on if it lands on exactly seven goals. 

With the shuffling of netminders, I'd have to think that we're in for a higher-scoring affair. I mean, there's a reason Hill and Campbell weren't starting to begin with. Furthermore, the Oilers went to the power play just two times in Game 3 and were held scoreless. If they get to the man advantage in this one, I'd lean toward them finding the back of the net at least once. While it's a cliche in the sports betting industry, I think we're due for a barnburner. Let's sit back and watch these talented skaters go to work - give me the over! 

Bet: Over 7.0 Total Goals (+110)

Check out our other best bets for Wednesday:


Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts

Try Premium for FREE in our mobile app

BettingPros App