The Stanley Cup Playoffs resume Wednesday night, with six teams taking the ice for the three-game slate. Below, I'll break down each contest from a sports betting angle, touching on the odds, key metrics, and favorite bets. Here are my top NHL bets for Wednesday, April 22nd.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of Hard Rock Bet)
Pittsburgh Penguins (-105) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (-115) | O/U 5.5 (-115/-105)
The Flyers (2-0) won both road games in Pittsburgh, and now they return home looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead over the Penguins (0-2). Game 3 of this rivalry showdown is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
It pains me to do this as a Penguins fan, but I have to fade Pittsburgh and back the Flyers as the series shifts back to Philly. I'll take Philadelphia in this pick 'em spot. The Penguins look lifeless, as they've now dropped their last five games outright. They're also just 3-6 SU in their last nine meetings with the Flyers. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is on a 5-0-0 run, and they've also gone 5-1 SU in their last six home games.
Additionally, Philadelphia's Dan Vladar is dialed in right now. He has posted a .956 SV% and a 1.00 GAA through the first two games. His goals saved above expected mark of 2.4 is the fifth-best in the playoffs thus far. With a locked-in goaltender, their home crowd behind them, and momentum in the head-to-head category in recent history, I think we have to ride with the Flyers in this one.
Pick: Flyers Moneyline (-115)
Dallas Stars (+110) vs. Minnesota Wild (-130) | O/U 5.5 (-130/+105)
The Stars (1-1) bounced back with a 4-2 victory over the Wild (1-1) in Game 2, evening up the series before heading on the road to the Twin Cities. This Central Division series continues tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET from Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, MN.
I'll back the Stars as slim underdogs on Wednesday night. Dallas got their clunker out of the way in Game 1, and they looked much better in Game 2. Jake Oettinger was sharp on Monday, posting a 1.29 goals saved above expected rate and a .933 SV% in the 4-2 victory. The Stars have also now won 11 of their last 16 meetings with the Wild, giving them a sizable edge in the head-to-head category.
This game is rightfully priced as a pick 'em, as both of these teams are loaded with talent. However, given Dallas' head-to-head success, as well as the injury to Minnesota's Mats Zuccarello (upper-body), I believe it's best to take the plus-money flier on the Stars.
Pick: Stars Moneyline (+110)
Anaheim Ducks (+150) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-180) | O/U 6.5 (-145/+115)
Game 1 between the Ducks (0-1) and the Oilers (1-0) went to Edmonton in a 4-3 affair. It was the first time all season (across 42 wins) where the Oilers won without Connor McDavid finding his way onto the scoresheet. Game 2 is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.
Edmonton pulling off a win without a Connor McDavid point is actually great news for the Oilers. It speaks to the depth that they have on their roster this season, which has been an issue in the past. Additionally, the Oilers received solid netminding from Connor Ingram in Game 1, with him posting a 1.1 goals saved above expected mark in the 4-3 victory.
I'm going to lay the juice and back the Oilers to win on the moneyline. Yes, it's pricey, but I think it's the safest bet, rather than trying to lay 1.5 goals and praying for an empty-net goal toward the end of the contest.
We should see the Oilers take care of business against the slumping Ducks. Anaheim is now just 2-9 SU in its last 11 games. During the final 10 regular season contests, they ranked 28th in GAA (4.03) and dead last in SV% (.832). Their defense has gone ice cold, and that's not going to bode well for them on the road against the McDavid-Draisaitl duo. Let's back the Oilers.
Pick: Oilers Moneyline (-180)
