NHL Playoffs Picks & Predictions: Monday (4/21)
The NHL playoffs are one of the most exciting events in sports, as sometimes you just need to get in to make a run. We’ve seen lower seeds come away with upsets and even hoist the Stanley Cup. Let’s look at a couple of those potential teams with today’s NHL best bets.
Monday’s NHL Playoffs Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers (+105) at Los Angeles Kings (-125) | O/U 5.5 (-105/-115)
This series feels familiar because it is. For the fourth year in a row, the Kings and Oilers will face off in the first round. Edmonton has dominated this rivalry by winning the three previous series.
This Oilers offense has so much talent; most teams would be lucky to have one player with 100 points, but they had two (Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid). They are a great overall unit by averaging 3.16 goals per game, but they also dominate puck possession and get great shot opportunities, which is why they have the third-best expected goal share (54.75%).
The Kings have kept them quiet by shutting them out in two straight games and allowing one goal in the last three games. This was one of the top defenses in the league, allowing the second-fewest goals per game (2.48) and shots allowed (25.5). With these being defensive-centric, that could be a trend in this game throughout the series.
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-115)
Colorado Avalanche (-148) at Dallas Stars (+124) | O/U 6.5 (+105/-125)
Dallas kept Colorado quiet in the first period in Game 1, but the Avalanche went on to score five goals and cruised to a 5-1 win. This was despite Colorado not being the dominant offensive team, as they only had a 44.37% expected goal share and a -7 difference in high-danger shots.
This shows that even when they are not playing their best hockey, they find ways to win. Thanks to that offensive collection, including Nathan MacKinnon, who had two goals and an assist in the win.
A few weeks ago, Dallas would have won this game, but they've now lost eight straight, and the defense looks horrific. This is the fourth straight game they've given up five goals. The Stars know they will need to rely on that offense, and we should see a better effort. This could turn into a high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (+105)
Montreal Canadiens (+160) at Washington Capitals (-192) | O/U 6.5 (+114/-135)
The Canadiens won a thrilling game on Wednesday night to secure a spot in the playoffs. We've been waiting to see what Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield can do in a playoff setting. Suzuki had 89 points, and Caufield had 70, and they might have to carry this offense because, besides Juraj Slafkovsky, no other forward has 40 points.
The Capitals had eight players who finished with at least 40 points, which helped them finish second in goals scored (3.49). Now that Alex Ovechkin has his record, it's time for them to concentrate on the ultimate task.
Some might be concerned with how their season ended and the status of goalie Logan Thompson, but Thompson has been practicing, and there is optimism that he will be in the net. Even without Thompson, the Capitals hold an advantage in every aspect and have the playoff experience.
Pick: Capitals 60-Minute Moneyline (-115)