Top NHL Parlay Odds & Picks for Monday, May 23 (2022)
We have a pair of exciting Game 4s. After going all the way in the first round, the defending champs have a chance to make this a quick series as they could sweep the Panthers right out of the playoffs. With the injury to Jordan Binnington, the Blues could be in serious trouble as Vile Husso has not looked good during the playoffs, and the Avalanche will have a shot to extend their series to 3-1.
Bet $10, Win $200 if Either Team Scores a Goal >>
Florida Panthers (+102) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (-122)
(Puck Drop 7 p.m. ET)
‘The Lighting will have a chance to pull out brooms for this Game 4 matchup.
Andrei Vasilevskiy struggled for the six games against the Maple Leafs in the first round, but he looks like the 2021 Conn Smythe winner. From Game 7 against Toronto till now, he has a .971 save percentage and 6.0 Goals Saved Above Expected during the playoffs. He’s been a saving grace behind the net and allowing each shift to focus on putting up the points.
Nikita Kucherov is third on the team with 69 points in just 47 games and continues to play well in the playoffs as he leads the team. with 11 points (3 G, 8 A). The Lighting’s regular-season points leader Steve Stamkos has struggled with just two goals in the first nine games of the playoffs, but he found his groove in Game 3 by doubling that total. If he can get it going, what a boost for this offense in the potential closeout game.
The best offensive team in the regular season and Presidents Cup winners have not been able to get it done in the first three games. They are getting plenty of opportunities by averaging 35 shots per game, but Vasilevskiy has just been that good. He’s been able to keep the puck out of the net, and the Bolts have not been allowing those second-chance opportunities.
What’s been the most shocking is the Panthers have entirely been a dud with the man advantage. They finished the regular season with a power-play percentage of 24.4, which was fifth in the league. During the playoffs, they have just one power play goal for 3.6%.
It’s hard to give Florida any confidence they can extend this series on the road unless Vasilevskiy reverts to earlier in the playoffs and the offense can’t push the puck into the zone.
Leg 1: Lighting ML
Colorado Avalanche (-166) vs. St. Louis Blues (+138)
(Puck Drop 9:30 p.m. ET)
The Blues will be without Jordan Binnington for Game 4 as he left early in Game 3 with a lower-body injury. This will be a tough loss as he leads all goalies in the playoffs with a 1.71 GAA. Ville Husso, who took the starting job from Binnington during the regular season, struggled early in the playoffs and was replaced by Binnington. In his four appearances during the playoffs, he has a .891 save percentage, 3.38 goals-against average, and -2.2 goals saved above expected. He needs to be the Husso we saw in the regular season who had the ninth-best goals saved above expected (13.5).
The Blues’ injuries continue, especially on the blue line, as it looks like Torey Krug will miss Game 4 along with Marco Scandella. Scott Perunovich will get another opportunity and three assists, a -2 difference in six games.
The Avs could be pleased with Husso in the net as they scored the same amount of goals against him in Game 3 as the previous two games combined against Binnington.
Darcy Kuemper has been great since return from getting poked in the eye back in Game 3 in the first round and has been impressive throughout the playoffs with a 1.99 GAA and .926 save percentage.
A big credit goes to the Colorado blue line as Cale Makar has been one of the best defensemen in the playoffs with 11 points (3 G, 8 A) and a +4 point difference. With Samuel Girard out for the rest of the playoffs with the broken sternum, we could see Bowen Byram pair up with Makar with Jack Johnson or Ryan Murray making their way into the lineup.
Colorado needs to continue to control the puck and keep it out of their zone like they’ve been doing through the first three games. Colorado controls 54.45% of the expected goals at 5-on-5 and dominated that during the regular season against St. Louis at 62.28%.
With Binnington out for the rest of the series, it will come down to whether Husso can get back to the regular form. He struggled against the Wild in the first round, and now he’s facing an Avalanche team at that same level. Colorado has way better at 5-on-5, and they should come home with the chance to close it out.
Leg 2: Avalanche ML
Total parlay odds on FanDuel: +191
Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section — including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners — or head to more advanced strategy — like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread — to learn more.