The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to surprise as both road teams took Game 1 in each Conference Final but expect the home teams to fire back looking to avoid the dreaded 2-0 hole! 

There’s lots to like in these matchups tonight – and moving forward – but do not overinvest just because there is one game per day; stay disciplined and trust the process. 

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/24

Today, I have a pair of wagers for these Game 2s to continue these NHL predictions for the Conference Championships. If you agree with the logic, join in and enjoy the exciting games! 

Let's now take a look at my top NHL best bets and props for today.

  • Playoffs Record: 22-10-0
  • Bankroll: +7.4 Units

*Take in my NHL picks below and then be sure to follow me on twitter @jwaggs10!

 

 

 

Panthers vs. Rangers Prediction, 5/24: Game 2

Well, we learned some things in Game 1 between these two teams as the Panthers dominated possession and the Rangers had trouble scoring without the powerplay as predicted, but still interesting to see it shake out. What I did not expect was the superior play from Sergei Bobrovsky in the cage for Florida stopping all 24 shots in a shutout victory. No matter though, as it’s a long way from over, so let’s regroup and find a winning bet for this game. 

With the game a toss-up in my mind and the game total having burned me in Game 1, let’s look instead at a player prop for a guy that has stepped up time and time again this postseason for the Rangers. I am talking about Alexis Lafreniere of course as he has collected 10 points so far these playoffs and has put up 29 shots on goal to supplement those numbers.

His prop tonight is 2.5 shots, and for me, that’s a fair line, but the plus money value has my attention. He has topped this number in 6 of 11 games so far in the playoffs and I expect the Rangers to fully push back in this Game 2 at home. Give me some production from a top winger for this evening’s NHL best bets.

 

 

 

Oilers vs. Stars Prediction, 5/25: Game 2

Now that the usual Game 1 curse has passed for the Stars, who have now lost 8 straight to open playoff series, I fully expect the best in the West to bounce back on home ice in Game 2. So too do my NHL picks. Dallas lost a double overtime game that analytically was 50/50, so I don’t read too far into the loss. 

The important stat was the expected goals department for the Stars, as they generated a rating of 3.88 compared to Edmonton’s 3.66. This means the Stars got the better of the play and were a bit unlucky. Moving forward, I love their offense against Stuart Skinner who has been so up and down this postseason and by far the worst goaltender left of the four teams still playing. 

If Dallas keeps applying pressure, good things will happen. Not to mention they hit the post about 3-4 times over the course of a powerplay in Game 1. The Stars are a deeper team and while the Oilers have Connor McDavid, it looked like Jake Oettinger will be up to task in net, so give me Dallas at home to win Game 2.