NHL Picks

The Montreal Canadiens secured a 4-3 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of this series. In a contest that featured 7 total goals, Montreal’s Juraj Slafkovsky and Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel accounted for 5 of them. Slafkovsky recorded a hat trick that culminated in the game-winner for Montreal, while Hagel scored 2 of Tampa Bay’s 3 goals on the night. It would be a bit surprising to see multiple players with multiple goals again in Game 2.

Both the Lightning and Canadiens were undisciplined defensively, as a total of 10 powerplays occurred in Game 1. Both Tampa Bay and Montreal took advantage of those opportunities, as they combined to go 5-for-10 on the man advantage. With that in mind, I expect both teams to come out more fundamentally sound defensively and actively looking to avoid the penalty box. That could especially be true for the Lightning after seeing Slafkovsky pot all 3 of his goals on the powerplay. After 7 goals were scored in the series opener, look for ice space to be a bit more limited and scoring chances to be at more of a premium this time around.

Canadiens vs Lightning prediction: Under 6 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Vegas Golden Knights took a 1-0 series lead over the Utah Mammoth with a 4-2 victory in Game 1 on Sunday night. That game stayed under the listed total of 6.5, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see another low-scoring affair on Tuesday. Generally speaking, both Vegas and Utah are stout defensive teams that make life difficult on their opponents. There may have been 6 total goals in Game 1, but it was a 2-1 margin after 2 periods before Vegas erupted for 3 goals in the third. It was clear that both teams were familiar enough with one another to stymie each other in the offensive zone.

Vegas goaltender Carter Hart has found a groove with head coach John Tortorella leading the way behind the bench. Not only is Hart 7-0-1 under Vegas’ new coach, but he also owns a stellar .935 save percentage as well as 3.67 goals saved above expected. He was solid in Game 1, turning away 31 of the 33 shots he saw. With the way he is playing, look for Hart to put forth another strong performance in this one. The Golden Knights and Mammoth have now played 7 times since 2024, and all but one of those games have featured 6 or fewer goals. With a total of 6, the under is the play.

Mammoth vs Golden Knights prediction: Under 6 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Philadelphia Flyers opened the series with their in-state rival Pittsburgh Penguins by a 3-2 score on Saturday as slight underdogs (+118) as the Under (6.5) cashed. Dan Vladar was hardly tested in the victory, while Jamie Drysdale, Travis Sanheim and Porter Martone accounted for the offense. Philadelphia has won 2 in a row against Pittsburgh since March 7, the final regular-season meeting. In fact, 4 of the past 6 meetings have been decided by a single goal, and the Under in Game 1 snapped a 3-game Over run in the series since Dec. 1.

The Penguins went 20-14-8 at home during the regular season, but the Flyers were a tough team on the road, going an impressive 24-14-4. It’s tempting to play Philadelphia for a second straight game, as it tries to put Pittsburgh in an 0-2 series hole before things shift cross-state to the City of Brotherly Love. Head coach Dan Muse is playing possum, not announcing his starting netminder. Stuart Skinner made 17 saves on 20 shots, which isn’t terrible. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Arturs Silovs get the starting nod in the blue paint. Look for Pittsburgh to bounce back at home.

Flyers vs Penguins prediction: Penguins ML (-150) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Minnesota Wild took a 1-0 series lead over the Stars with a convincing 6-1 victory in Game 1 on Saturday night. Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Mats Zuccarello all recorded three-point nights, with Boldy and Eriksson Ek potting multiple goals. As impressive as Minnesota’s offensive performance was, look for Dallas to bring a spirited defensive effort into Game 2. The Stars were among the best defensive teams in the NHL during the regular season, ranking 2nd allowing just 2.71 goals per game. Head coach Glen Gulutzan also clearly has confidence in his netminder to bounce back, as he’s already stated that Jake Oettinger will be between the pipes for Game 2. Look for the Stars to be more stout defensively in this one.

On the other side, Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt looked extremely impressive in his NHL postseason debut by stopping 27 of the 28 shots he faced. Plus, the only goal he gave up came on the power play. It’s clear he wasn’t phased by the pressure of the postseason, and he will most likely be in net again for Minnesota in Game 2. Playing with plenty of confidence, Wallstedt should be able to hold the Stars in check once again. After the over cashed in Game 1, look to the under in Game 2.

Wild vs Stars Game 2 prediction: Under 6 (-120) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Anaheim Ducks are traveling to Edmonton to face the Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Both teams ranked in the top ten of the NHL for goals scored during the regular season, but they also had trouble keeping the puck out of their nets. While we can expect plenty of goals, a successful playoff run requires solid defensive play.

Anaheim was particularly dominant on home ice, averaging over three goals per game, but they performed more moderately on the road. The Oilers may have Leon Draisaitl returning for this game, which would significantly enhance their offense and bolster their defense. Anaheim’s defense is strong, yet the team is still young, and its lineup has noticeable weaknesses. On the other side, the Oilers will aim to start the game strong, especially since their defense and goaltending remains a significant concern. Overall, I like Edmonton’s offense to lead the way and put up a big number en route to securing a statement win over the Ducks in this series opener.

Ducks vs Oilers prediction: Oilers -1.5 (+140) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number or better.

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