Happy Tuesday, hockey fans! I hope everyone is enjoying the Stanley Cup Playoff action, especially after last night’s wild finishes! 

So far, so good on the NHL best bets front with some early winners. But you know me: I am ready to lock into this 4-game slate tonight!

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions, & Best Bets Today, 4/23

Today, I have a pair of moneyline wagers for you to consider, including an upset pick in the Western Conference. 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: 2-1-0
  • Bankroll: +0.6 Units

*The NHL picks provided below will include the corresponding NHL odds. Remember to follow me on twitter @jwaggs10!

 

 

 

Avalanche vs. Jets Prediction

It’s going to be a theme in today’s NHL predictions, but teams down 1-0 in their series are going to knot things up. I have the most faith in that statement with the Avalanche tonight. In Game 1 they found themselves in a barn burner that ended 7-6, and that’s exactly how Colorado wants to live as a fast-paced team. 

It's hard to imagine the Avs scoring 6 again against Connor Hellebuyck who is in line to win the Vezina trophy, but I also don’t see the Jets scoring 7 goals again for a team that averaged just 3.16 goals per game. Things should flip tonight and look for Colorado, a team with better Corsi metrics, to control the play. 

I expect this series to go 7 games and that starts tonight with the Avalanche tying things in what should be a very close game. 

 

 

 

Predators vs. Canucks Prediction

I realize I am more bullish on Nashville than most hockey writers, but I am just in awe of everything they accomplished this season with the roster that they have. They play team hockey from top to bottom and this time of year they can be a pain in the butt. 

They gave the top-seeded Pacific Canucks a scare in Game 1, and I think they will continue to push and get a win tonight. It starts in net as I fully believe Juuse Saros is the better goalie over Thatcher Demko and has more experience in the postseason. The Predators also have the role players and defense to clamp down on the young Vancouver stars as we saw a bit in Game 1 with Elias Pettersson, and J.T. Miller being nonfactors. 

I also like that Nashville held them to just 21 total shots. Saros will be better tonight if things remain the same, and I like the Preds to steal an upset here in Game 2 to finalize my NHL picks today!

 

 

 

NHL Predictions: Expert Bets For Wednesday, 4/24