Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (4/15)
We’re now in the last days of the NHL regular season. Let's analyze today's matchups and give you the best bets. And for our top NHL Player Props, check out our NHL Prop Bet Cheat Sheet.
Monday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nashville Predators (+110) at Pittsburgh Penguins (-130) | O/U 6 (-115/-105)
The Penguins need to win tonight but also need help; they are one point behind the Capitals, Red Wings, and Flyers for the second Wild Card. The offense has been inconsistent throughout the year except for Sidney Crosby, but he, Michael Bunting, Drew O'Connor, Evgeni Malkin, and Bryan Rust all have double-digit points over their last ten games, and the team at one point looked dead in the water, and even being at this point was a surprise.
The Predators have locked in a playoff spot, but their seeding isn't set. If they win this game, they have the first Wild Card, if not, they're only three points ahead of Vegas with one game remaining, while Vegas has two. They've been a great offense throughout the season, including seventh in expected goal share, matched with how well their defense is they're eighth in expected goals difference per 60.
The Penguins are right above them in expected goals difference per 60. We will see both offenses be the focal point, so anticipate the Over.
Pick: Over 6 Total Goals (-115)
Boston Bruins (-155) at Washington Capitals (+130) | O/U 5.5 (-110/-110)
Early in the season, you wouldn't have believed the Capitals had a chance to be a playoff contender. For most of the season, the offense was terrible, nearly at the bottom in goals scored per game, and Alex Ovechkin was looking over the hill. Right after the All-Star break, things started to change, and they got right back into contention, but lately, they're just 2-5-2, and those offensive woes are creeping back up.
The Bruins didn't break any regular season records this year, but they still have a small chance at winning back-to-back Presidents' Trophies. They’ve ended the season on a great run, going 4-1-0, including a win against the Capitals.
The last game ended with a 3-2 Bruins win in a shootout. Both defenses are playing well enough to keep this close, and it could end almost the same way.
Pick: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-110)
Minnesota Wild (+142) at Los Angeles Kings (-170) | O/U 5.5 (-112/-108)
The Wild were in contention for most of the season, but they played a brutal schedule that they couldn't overcome and ended up going 4-5-2 in their last 11. Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson have been in the net for most of the season, but lately, Jesper Wallstedt has been getting into the mix. Don't be surprised if he finishes the season, with Fleury likely moving on and Gustavsson having a down year.
Despite everything the Kings have experienced this season, getting third in the Pacific seems like a best-case scenario. They haven't been consistent since their early season run and even made a mid-season coaching change. They've been playing up to their talent lately, and four of their last five wins have been by multiple goals.
Los Angeles should make it five tonight against a team like Minnesota who they've out-scored 13-3.
Pick: Kings -1.5 (+154)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: