The first few days of the Stanley Cup Playoffs have come and gone, and the action has already been fast and furious. A total of 4 games are on the docket for Monday, with a new series getting underway as the Oilers host the Ducks in Game 1. Other tilts tonight feature a trio of Game 2’s between the Flyers and Penguins, Senators and Hurricanes, and Wild and Stars. It should be a tremendous evening of playoff hockey, and if you will be following along and want to have some action, I have picked out my 3 NHL best bets for Monday with odds and lines courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publishing. Furthermore, be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the playoffs, including all 4 matchups today.
NHL best bet: Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers Over 6.5 (-135)
The Anaheim Ducks are back in the postseason for the first time since 2018, and they have a tough assignment going up against the back-to-back reigning Western Conference champions. Anaheim could have a tough time slowing Edmonton down, as the Oilers ranked 6th in the NHL scoring 3.44 goals per game during the regular season. The Oilers could also get a massive boost if Leon Draisaitl is able to play. He participated in Monday’s morning skate and is officially listed as a game-time decision, and his presence would obviously take Edmonton’s offensive ceiling even higher. Anaheim goaltender Lukas Dostal will have his hands full either way.
The good news for the Ducks is that once again, Edmonton’s defensive and goaltending issues have plagued them throughout the season. The trade for Tristan Jarry hasn’t gone as planned, as Jarry owns a 3.86 goals-against average to go along with a .858 save percentage with Edmonton. In fact, neither team presents much confidence defensively. During the regular season, the Oilers ranked 25th in the league allowing 3.23 goals per game while Anaheim was even worse ranking 29th allowing 3.51 goals per game. Sure the defensive intensity tends to get turned up in the playoffs, but it would be a bit surprising to see both teams put forth stingy defensive performances tonight in Game 1.
Read our full game previews for all of tonight’s playoff action!
NHL best bet: Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars Under 6 (-120)
In a dominating 6-1 victory in Game 1, Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Mats Zuccarello all recorded three-point nights for the Wild. As impressive as Minnesota’s offensive performance was, look for Dallas to bring a spirited defensive effort into Game 2. Despite that Game 1 result, the Stars are a solid defensive team. During the regular season, Dallas ranked 2nd in the NHL 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 put forth a better defensive effort in Game 2.
On the other side, Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt was not phased by a road playoff environment in his NHL postseason debut. He stopped 27 of the 28 shots he faced, and the only goal he gave up came on the power play. 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.
Read our full Wild vs Stars prediction for Game 2
NHL best bet: Pittsburgh Penguins ML over Philadelphia Flyers (-155)
The Penguins already have their backs against the wall and are in danger of going down 2-0 on home ice to the Flyers. With that in mind, look for the Penguins to put forth a much crisper performance tonight in Game 2. Pittsburgh mustered up just 17 shots on goal and took some untimely penalties in Game 1, which severely limited their offensive potential. However, led by Sidney Crosby, the Penguins are an extremely experienced team full of veteran players up and down the lineup, and they are more than capable of bouncing back.
The Penguins are now 2-3 against the Flyers this season, and all 3 losses have come by a single goal with the 2 regular season losses coming via shootouts. Conversely, Pittsburgh’s 2 wins in the season series have come by a total score of 11-4. Playing in a near desperation mode at home, I expect the Penguins to come out firing to put more pressure on Philadelphia goaltender Dan Vladar. In doing that, I believe they will be able to find a groove and even up this series.
Read our full Flyers vs Penguins prediction for tonight’s Game 2
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