Every night of the Stanley Cup Playoffs has provided thrilling action for hockey fans, and Tuesday night will be no different. A pair of pivotal matchups await, as the Canadiens battle the Sabres in Game 4 of their series while the Golden Knights take on the Ducks in Game 5 of their series. Both games carry immense weight, and both should make for tremendous entertainment. If you will be following along and want some action, I have picked out a trio of NHL best bets for Tuesday’s games with lines and odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publishing. In addition, don’t forget to check out all of our NHL predictions for EVERY game throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including both matchups on Tuesday’s docket.
NHL best bet: Montreal Canadiens ML over Buffalo Sabres (-135)
The Montreal Canadiens enter Game 4 of their series against the Buffalo Sabres coming off back-to-back wins for the first time this postseason. Montreal alternated wins with Tampa Bay in their epic 7-game series in the first round, and after dropping Game 1 in Buffalo, the Habs have taken control of the series with a pair of emphatic wins in Games 2 and 3. Montreal out-scored Buffalo 11-3 in those 2 contests, which gives Martin St. Louis’ team plenty of momentum heading into Tuesday’s Game 4.
The atmosphere in Buffalo at KeyBank Center has been electric, but it hasn’t translated to a major home ice advantage for the Sabres. Lindy Ruff’s squad is just 2-3 at home in the postseason, and with the way the Canadiens are rolling right now, the Sabres are sure to have their hands full once again. The Canadiens have a huge edge when it comes to the power play, as they are clicking at a strong 20.5% clip on the man advantage in the playoffs, while Buffalo’s power play percentage sits at just 11.1%. But Montreal isn’t too reliant on special teams, as just 2 of their 11 goals over the last 2 games have come a man up. They are thriving when playing 5-on-5, and are generating far more high-danger chances than Buffalo. Look for the Canadiens to take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a road victory in Game 4.
Now see our expert’s full game preview for Canadiens vs Sabres Game 4
NHL best bet: Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights Over 6.5 (+105)
The first 2 games of this series between the Ducks and Golden Knights stayed under the total, but the last 2 games have both gone over. Game 4 featured the lowest shot total for each team in this series, and yet 7 total goals were still scored. Neither goaltender has been reliable in this series, and that was extremely evident in Game 4 as Carter Hart allowed 4 goals on 23 shots and Lukas Dostal allowed 3 goals on just 21 shots. Dostal’s save percentage now sits at .875 in this series, and things won’t get any easier as the Ducks hit the road for Game 5 in Vegas. The Golden Knights have scored 3+ goals in 4 of their 5 playoff games at home, and they should be able to give Dostal more issues in this one.
The Ducks play a high-flying style of hockey that relies on speed and playmaking ability in the offensive zone. They tend to pay more attention to the offensive zone than the defensive zone, and that style has resulted in plenty of high-scoring games for Anaheim in the postseason. More specifically, the Ducks are scoring 3.60 goals per game but allowing 3.40 goals per game in the postseason. With the total listed at 6.5 with plus-money odds to the over, the over is the play a pivotal Game 5.
NHL best bet: Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Under 6.5 (-125)
All 3 games in this series so far have featured at least 6 total goals, and the over is 2-0-1. The total is a bit higher at 6.5 for Game 4, and I am looking to the under. Buffalo has looked absolutely lifeless offensively over the last 2 games. The Sabres have scored just 3 total goals in that span and just a single goal was scored at even strength. The Sabres are not clicking when it comes to 5-on-5 hockey right now, and that is a major concern. Buffalo’s offensive woes are even more concerning when looking at their lowly power play percentage of 11.1% in the playoffs.
With the offensive attack in a rut and Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobes in a groove, Buffalo may have to lean on a spirited defensive effort in Game 4. After allowing 11 total goals over Games 2 and 3, look for the Sabres to make some major defensive adjustments back on home ice. The Canadiens have caught fire lately, but they were averaging just 2.3 goals per game in the playoffs prior to Game 2 of this series. With a total of 6.5, the under is the play.
Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources and never miss a story
