Ryan Hodges
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This is the final weekend of the 2021-2022 NHL season. It will bring clarity to the playoff picture and a lot of great action. This is a great 12-game slate that will surely have a little bit of everything: high-scoring games, goalie duels, heavyweight tilts, and battles for a draft lottery positioning. If you’re looking to combine some picks with good value, check out this mega parlay that has +1047 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins Under 5.5 (-105)
Toronto Maple Leafs ML (+135) vs Florida Panthers
Nashville Predators ML (+150) vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Parlay odds: +1047
New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins under 5.5 (-105)
The Rangers beat the Islanders 6-3 on Thursday, which represented their first goal(s) surrendered in 4 games. The Rangers pitched 3 straight shutouts against before their Thursday night win over the Islanders. That makes 4 shutouts in their last 7 games. Granted, that isn’t sustainable over time. But they are feeling a very good mojo on the defensive side of the puck. The Rangers have allowed just 16 goals over their last 10 games. That’s a ridiculous run.
Typically New York’s offense will not carry a game total over alone. If they are going to allow 2 or less goals per game, that offense would need to be relied on to carry the weight of the total. The Rangers will just keep doing what has made them successful which is emphasizing the defensive side of the puck. Bruins games have hit the under in 4 out of their last 5 games and 5 out of their last 7. In their respective last 10 games, the over has hit just 5 times in the combined 20 games. The under looks to be a good play again.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins
Toronto Maple Leafs (+135) vs Florida Panthers
These teams have had some knockdown, drag-out head-to-head matchups this season. Last month the Leafs beat the Panthers 5-2 and earlier in April the Panthers beat the Leafs 7-6 in overtime. Florida has been on a torrid run. The Panthers have won 12 straight and their last loss was that game against Toronto. But in those 12 games, they only played against 1 other playoff team (Nashville). That’s not Florida’s fault. They can only beat who is in front of them. But for all intents and purposes, this winning streak has come against weaker teams.
Toronto has been playing great, itself. The Leafs are 11-2-1 in their last 14 games. Over that span they have defeated the Panthers, Bruins, Lightning, Stars, and Capitals. They are playing well against good teams and will be the best opponent Florida has faced against since the last time they squared off head-to-head. The Leafs have 3 points in 2 games against the Panthers and have outscored them 11-9. They have a good chance to beat Florida again in this one.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Nashville Predators (+150) vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The Predators are still very much in the thick of things in the playoff picture with more to play for. Their spot is not yet cemented as they are still fending off Dallas and Vegas. They come into this game off of good, a gutsy win over a solid Calgary team. The Predators have more points in their last 10 games than Tampa Bay does and have more points against playoff teams in that span.
Nashville has come on strong in the second half and has been playing playoff hockey for a couple weeks now. Roman Josi is a great counter to Victor Hedman, and Matt Duchene and Filip Forsberg along with Josi have led the way for Nashville. They have a good thing going in their locker room. Look for them to come out with some jam to collect 2 points and further certify their playoff spot.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
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