The crucial Game 3s are underway today and while things are staying tight between the Rangers and Panthers I expect this game to bust open and the goals to flow! 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/26

Today I have a pair of wagers for these Game 2s to continue these Conference Championships for you to consider, If you agree with the rationale, feel free to tail and enjoy the games!

Now, let's dive into my expert NHL Best Bets today!

  • Playoffs Record: 24-10-0
  • Bankroll: +8.4 Units

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Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers Prediction

It may go against the grain of this series, but I am looking to take the over on this game as day hockey is crazy and the expected goals levee may be ready to burst. No knock on the goaltenders play as Sergei Bobrovsky and Igor Shesterkin have been fantastic but the offenses are capable of much more and the special teams’ units have underperformed thus far. 

The props are also likeable as they Panthers should control play as they have all season and postseason so I am looking at shots on goal especially Sam Reinhart who has put up 55 total shots these playoffs already and matchups up well against the Rangers forwards. If the Panthers get a few powerplays he should cross 3.5 shots easily so let me hit that bet at plus money. 

 

Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars Prediction - 5/25

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. They 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 4 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.