Happy Saturday hockey fans! I hope everyone is enjoying the Stanley Cup playoff action although some teams are already starting to pull away into the 2nd round! So far so good on the betting front with some early winners but you know me I am ready to lock into this 4-game slate tonight!

Today I have a pair of wagers on the Money Line for you to consider including some picks for tomorrow’s action as well to help you end your weekend with some money! 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!

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NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/27

Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction

As a stubborn hockey fan I truly see this series going 7 games as the matchup margins are razor thin and how do we get there, well I think its with a Maple Leafs win this evening. There are of course other examples of outside evidence though so let’s quickly dive in.

If the Bruins continue their trend of alternating goalies, then that means Linus Ullmark will start tonight and if that’s the case then I like the Maple Leafs even more. Ullmark while a good goaltender is not on the same level as Jeremy Swayman right now and that’s reflected by their goals saved above expected numbers. 

Another reason for the Toronto resurgence tonight will be better overall play in most metrics as in Game 3 they were the better team statistically but Boston was able to take advantage of limited opportunities. I also hate to use due theory, but Auston Matthews only has 1 goal and 2 assists this series so I expect him to rise to the occasion. Give me the Leafs to level the series tonight on the Money Line.

Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-120 on DraftKings Sportsbook) 

 

Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Well it looks like the Stars are going to have to win this series the hard way after dropping both of their home games and will now head to Vegas for Games 3 and 4. I saw some good things from Dallas in the opening pair of games though and I think stats and trends prove corrected. 

First things first, Jake Oettinger has got to be better in the cage for Dallas, he is supposed to be the franchise and he has not looked it for stretches of his career. Of the 19 goalies that have played a game this postseason Oettinger ranks 14th in Goals Saved Above Expected. I know there’s another level there however and I am willing to hedge my bets to back him to bounce back tonight. 

It would also help if the Stars offense would get moving as they were one of the best in the NHL all season but only have 4 goals through the 2 games played. Look for guys like Jason Robertson, Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz to pick up the slack and attack Logan Thompson tonight as the Stars get back in the series with a win. 

Pick: Dallas Stars Money Line (-110 on DraftKings Sportsbook) 

NHL Best Bets for Sunday 4/28