Top 3 NHL Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (4/28)
We have another thrilling day of Stanley Cup playoff hockey on the docket today, as the Sabres and Ducks attempt to punch their tickets to the second round. I'll break down each of those teams' pivotal Game 5 clashes, as well as get into the Wild versus Stars series, with a betting-focused perspective. Here are my top NHL picks for Tuesday, April 28th.
Tuesday’s Best NHL Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of Hard Rock Bet)
Boston Bruins (+135) vs. Buffalo Sabres (-160) | O/U 5.5 (-130/+105)
The Bruins (1-3) came out extremely flat in Game 4 on Sunday, finding themselves trailing 4-0 after the first period against the Sabres (3-1). Buffalo ultimately won the contest 6-1, and now they'll return home to try and close out the series this evening. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.
I was not inspired one iota by Boston's effort on Sunday. I'll back Buffalo to close out the series tonight on home ice. The Bruins simply haven't been in great form recently, as they're now just 3-8 straight up (SU) in their last 11 games. They're also just 2-5 SU in their last seven road games. As for the Sabres, they remain a wagon, having won seven of their last nine games overall.
Additionally, the KeyBank Center appears to be an arena where the home team can gain a huge home-ice advantage. The fans have been crazy, and this building has been loud. During the regular season, the Sabres went an impressive 28-10-5 at home. The Bruins struggled on the road, going an underwhelming 16-16-9. Buffalo closes this one out tonight. Let's lay the juice and back the Sabres.
Bet: Sabres Moneyline (-160)
Minnesota Wild (+110) vs. Dallas Stars (-130) | O/U 5.5 (-120/+100)
This Wild (2-2) versus Stars (2-2) series has lived up to the hype, as it's tied 2-2 and we've seen two of the games go to overtime. Minnesota notched a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 4 on Sunday, courtesy of Matt Boldy's game-winning goal. The series shifts back to the Lone Star State, and Game 5 is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
This is one of those series where it almost makes sense to just back the underdog as often as possible. Essentially, I view this as a 50-50 series, so I think the smart move is to just ride with the plus money.
Minnesota has dominated this series during 5-on-5 play. On the power play, not so much, since Dallas is cashing in at only a 42.11% clip with the man advantage (8-for-19). But during even strength, the Wild have limited the Stars to only two high-danger shots on goal and a 3% shooting rate through four games. If Minnesota can stay out of the box, they're going to be competitive in this one. Let's take a +110 flier on the visitors to win on the Moneyline.
Bet: Wild Moneyline (+110)
Anaheim Ducks (+140) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-170) | O/U 7.5 (+130/-165)
The young, up-and-coming Ducks (3-1) have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead over the back-to-back reigning Western Conference Champion Oilers (1-3). They'll hit the road tonight to put away Edmonton in Alberta. Game 5 is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.
Goals are always plentiful when these teams link up, as 11 of the last 15 meetings have gone over the pregame total. In their last 10 meetings with the Ducks, the Oilers are averaging 3.80 goals per game. They're cashing in on the power play at 27% during the 10-game sample size. Edmonton has lit the lamp four or more times in six of the last seven head-to-head games with Anaheim.
Anaheim's defense also hasn't been in great shape recently. To close out the regular season, the Ducks ranked 28th in goals against per 60 minutes (4.03) and dead last in save percentage (.832). With the Oilers facing elimination, I think we see them put the pedal to the medal in front of their home fans. I'll take them to score at least four goals on home ice.
Bet: Oilers Team Total Over 3.5 Goals (-150)