Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the conference semifinals edition! No major surprises thus far unless you had Vegas going deep but I don’t think many people did. All chalk means that these series will feature the premiere teams in the NHL and I can’t wait to see it all go down.

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 stay in the action every single day this postseason! 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: 14-6-0
  • Bankroll: +5.7 Units

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NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/7

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers Prediction

With their victory in Game 1 the Rangers really put their stamp on the series but I still feel that the Rangers are in for a fight here as the Hurricanes are one of the most complete teams in the NHL! Leading into Game 2 I am leaning Carolina for a few reasons so let’s break it down.

No knock on the Rangers but they really hammered home their opportunities in Game 1 going 2 for 2 on the power play and putting 4 goals behind Frederick Andersen on just 23 shots. That level of efficiency is amazing but not something you can expect to hold up. On the flip side the Hurricanes actually generated more scoring chances 4.4 xGF to 2.3 xGF for the Rangers and should control possession through the series and that’ll come back to bite the Rangers in my mind. I also expect the Carolina goaltending to be much better as well so when you add everything up you should expect a better showing overall from the Canes tonight and that should lead to them knotting up the series at 1-1 after tonight. 

 

Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars Prediction

In the eastern side of the bracket goals will be at a premium but over on this side of the bracket I expect the 4 teams left will light the lamp plenty! Much of it has to do with the talent on offense between Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Jason Robertson and Quinn Hughes but it also has to do with the drop off in talent at the goaltender position. 

Jake Oettinger does represent the best goaltender left in western side of the bracket but even he is just 8th overall in goals saved above expected in this postseason. He is going to have his hands full as well with the Colorado offense scoring 5.6 goals per game during the first round. Expect this series to be fast paced and full of goals as like it or not the Avalanche play their game no matter what. Not saying that’s bad for the prospects of Dallas winning the series its just a fact. 

That lines up most of this series to look towards the game total and betting the over and if the number is anything below 6.5, I will target the over! Don’t forget as well that Alexandar Georgiev is a -1.8 in goals above expected which is the 3rd worst in the playoffs right now! Let’s go ahead and hammer this over!

  • Pick: Avalanche & Stars Over 6 Goals (-130 on DraftKings) 
 

NHL Best Bets for Wednesday 5/8