Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (4/13)
We are now in the last few games of the season. Let’s analyze today’s matchups and give you the best bets.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Detroit Red Wings (+150) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-180) | O/U 6.5 (-122/+102)
The Red Wings have plummeted since the All-Star break, going 5-12-3 in their last 20. Despite that, there is still a chance for them to reach the playoffs as they are only one point behind Pittsburgh with three games remaining. This has never been a good Detroit defense, but they had a few playmakers that were a part of their early success. During this span, they averaged 2.50 goals, while before, they allowed 3.49.
The Maple Leafs are locked into third place in the Atlantic. The offense continues to be strong with a 52.77% goal share this year, but it’s been even better at 58% over the last five games.
This should be a great opportunity for Toronto to show its offensive strength against a weak defensive team, but Detroit has its share of offensive playmakers. This looks to be a high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-122)
New York Islanders (+140) at New York Rangers (-166) | O/U 5.5 (-118/-102)
A lot of things could happen to the Islanders in their final three games. They are currently in third place in the Metro, but the Capitals, Penguins, and Flyers are within striking distance, and if they stumble, they could be going home at the end of the season. They have shown no signs of that as they come in winning six straight. Bo Horvat is leading the way with four goals during this winning streak, Kyle Palmeri has six points, and Noah Dobson isn’t far behind with four. It looks like the Isles could continue to ride with Semyon Varlamov, who has started the last three over Ilya Sorokin and allowed four goals in that span.
The Rangers are currently the points leader and hold just a one-point advantage for the Presidents’ Trophy. What will make them dangerous in the playoffs is that although the defense has struggled, allowing 3.60 goals per game over their last ten, the offense has been fantastic, scoring 3.90 goals. The full-strength offense continues to be subpar in that span, but they excelled at special teams with 38.4% on the Power Play and 88.4% on the Penalty Kill.
It’s great to get them on with this total because they’ve gone over it in each matchup,
Pick: Over 5.5 Total Goals (-118)
Winnipeg Jets (+130) at Colorado Avalanche (-155) | O/U 6 (-125/+105)
This is an important matchup as it should likely settle second and third place in the Central. Winnipeg slumped after the All-Star break, but they’re playing well at the end of the season, winning five straight. The defense is the nucleus of this team, as Vezina Trophy-odds favorite Connor Hellebuyck is head above everyone else with 31.4 goals saved above expected and 5.24 wins above replacement.
The Avalanche are trending in the opposite direction, losing three of their last five. The defense has struggled during that time, allowing 35.7 shots on goal per game. Alexander Georgiev has allowed four or more goals in three of his last four starts, with a .847 save percentage.
Interestingly, the odds have the Jets as underdogs, even though they’ve taken the previous two matchups and are the better-looking team right now. It just means we get to take them at plus odds.
Pick: Jets Moneyline (+130)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday: