Welcome to our expert NHL Best Bets today!

The NHL regular season ends in 15 days, and each day, another team clinches its spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Every point matters for teams, which should lead to high-intensity games. 

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/2

We saw some lower-scoring games regarding last night's NHL best bets and I'm hoping that's a trend moving forward. 

As much as I love seeing goals and offense, late-season hockey should be all about picking up wins and ramping up the intensity. 

 

 

 

Kraken vs. Canucks Prediction: Wednesday, April 2nd

If the Vancouver Canucks want to make the playoffs, they need every point they can possibly get. The wild-card picture in the Western Conference is a mess right now and it's left a lot to be desired by some teams. Outside of the St. Louis Blues, who may never lose again, the second spot is up for grabs. 

The Canucks haven't had the season many imagined but this is a game for them to pick up two points and push for that last wild card spot. The Seattle Kraken have already been eliminated from the playoffs and shouldn't provide too much resistance tonight. 

Over the last two weeks, the Kraken have scored 2.13 Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 12th worst in the league. During that same time, the Canucks have scored a solid 2.98 Goals in the same situations, which is the ninth-best in the league. 

If the Canucks want a shot at the playoffs, this is a game they need to take care of quickly, and come away with two points. 

  • Expert Kraken vs. Canucks Picks:

 

 

 

Wild vs. Rangers Prediction: Wednesday, April 2nd

It's getting late for both the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers, as they are both vying for wild-card spots. Granted, the Wild are a bit more secure than the Rangers, but we should be in for an exciting game in the final stretch of the regular season. 

Over the last two weeks, one thing has been clear for the Rangers: they've been allowing way too many shots, something that has been a general trend for them this entire season. 

To be specific, over the last two weeks, the Rangers have allowed 60.37 Total Shot Attempts per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 11th worst in the league. That has led to 30.06 Shots on Goal in the same situations, which is the sixth-worst in the league. They are being peppered by shots early and often, which leads us to Igor Shesterkin. 

He's piled up 24 saves or more in five straight starts and seven of his last 10 games. The defensive inefficiency in front of him is very clear and it's led to plenty of saves. I'm not sure who will end up winning, but Igor is in for a busy night, as usual. 

 

 

 

Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/2