The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule has been very consistent, with 4 series in action on alternating nights. However, tonight is the first night to break that trend, and not because a team has advanced. We will see 1 team trying to do just that, while the other series are tied at 2-2. The Stanley Cup Playoffs never disappoint, and this season is no different. We’re also looking to add even more excitement with our NHL mega parlay. Having 3 games on the board is more than enough action to piece one together and we’ve done just that.
Along with our NHL mega parlay, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
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The first game of the night is the only one where there is the potential for a series win. That’s the case for the Hurricanes after they were the only team to get off to a 2-0 series lead at home. Now they head back to Carolina after handling the Islanders with ease in New York on Sunday afternoon. There was a bit of a speedbump in Game 3, but outside of that, this series has been all ‘Canes. Neither team has been explosive in terms of offense, but Carolina’s defense continues to be suffocating.
They finished the regular season allowing the fewest shots per game and are doing much of the same in the playoffs, allowing fewer than 30 shots per game. There’s no denying that New York goaltender Ilya Sorokin is great, but there’s simply not enough firepower in front of him. When this series began in Carolina, the Islanders put up just a single goal. Even with Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen, the ‘Canes have still been able to find the net enough for come out on top. It may be tough for Carolina offensively moving forward, but they should be able to close out this series first.
Be sure to check out our full New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes predictions
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This Central Division rivalry has not disappointed. Most series in the first round have been back-and-forth, and this one is not different. After splitting the first 2 games in Dallas, these teams also split the 2 games in Minnesota over the weekend. Now they’ll head back to the Lone Star State, so it’s not surprising to see the Stars as favorites. However, that wasn’t an issue when the Wild kicked off the series with a double overtime win in Game 1.
It’s also important to note that Game 2 was such a lopsided loss as Minnesota inexplicably decided to switch to goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. They’ve since gone back to Filip Gustavsson. He’s continued his great regular season into these playoffs sitting 4th in terms of goals saved above expected per MoneyPuck. It also doesn’t help the Stars that Joe Pavelski is still dealing with a head injury suffered back in Game 1. On the flip side, Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov looks as healthy as ever after missing all of March. We’re expecting another low-scoring contest, but the Wild can absolutely pull off the upset.
Be sure to check out our Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars prediction
The Oilers were able to come through for a best bet on Sunday, but they certainly made it a sweat. That’s quite an understatement, as they were down 3-0 in the 1st period. They truly are such a tough team to gauge because they have the elite talent to hoist the Stanley Cup, while also being inconsistent enough to get knocked out in this first round series. Edmonton may still end up advancing, but the Kings have shown that they are not intimidated by Connor McDavid and company.
The took the opening game of this series, which was in Edmonton, and that’s where they’ll be again tonight. Three of the 4 games have also gone to overtime, so LA has certainly shown some fight. The Oilers should no doubt be the favorites, but the Kings at this price on just the straight money line feels a bit disrespectful. LA was also able to beat the Oilers in each of their first 2 games in the regular season. The Kings may not get their revenge from last year’s first round 7-game series, but they can again push the Oilers to the brink.
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