We’ll have another five games of NHL action to get us through Sunday as more teams start to inch toward the second round. Three of the five series have deficits of 2-0 or 3-0, while the other two series are more of a dogfight, at 1-1 and 2-1.
Perhaps the most intriguing of the matchups is Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals down 2-0 to the pesky New York Islanders. In addition, the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues are also down 2-0 to the Vancouver Canucks. Of course, everyone will be anticipating the matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the odds and best value plays we can find from all NHL games. All of these lines are according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Washington Capitals at New York Islanders (NYI leads 2-0)
12:00 p.m. EST | Watch: USA
Total: 5 goals | Over: -134 | Under: +110
WSH | Moneyline: -120 | Puck Line -1.5: +220
NYI | Moneyline: +105 | Puck Line +1.5: -275
Where’s the Money Going? (as of 10:15 a.m. EST)
– Moneyline: WSH, 54% of bets made | WSH, 74% of money wagered
– Puck Line: NYI, 59% of bets made | WSH, 62% of money wagered
– Total: Over, 79% of bets made | Over, 60% of money wagered
Betting Pick: Under 5 goals (+110)
The line doesn’t indicate that the Capitals will be making this series closer but there is some good data on a low-scoring game. Both teams had their team totals drop -0.2, which is tied for most on the entire slate. With the Islanders already clinging to a 2-0 lead, we can probably expect them to be back on their heels waiting for the Caps attack. Games 1 and 2 have gone over the total, so we’re due for a tight low-scoring battle.
Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames (CGY leads series 2-1)
2:00 p.m. EST | Watch: CNBC
Total: 5 goals | Over: -127 | Under: +105
DAL | Moneyline: -120 | Puck Line -1.5: +225
CGY | Moneyline: +102 | Puck Line +1.5: -278
Where’s the Money Going? (as of 10:15 a.m. EST)
– Moneyline: CGY, 58% of bets made | DAL, 57% of money wagered
– Puck Line: DAL, 64% of bets made | CGY, 94% of money wagered
– Total: Over, 54% of bets made | Under, 88% of money wagered
Betting Pick: Stars Moneyline (-120)
For the first time in this series, we’re starting to see a little bit of separation in the moneylines between the two teams. Seeing the Stars in this position, it’s more sensible to take them in hopes of evening up the series. This has been the most difficult series to handicap, and that’s probably because the series will wind up going the distance.
Vegas Golden Knights at Chicago Blackhawks (VGK leads 3-0)
6:30 p.m. EST | Watch: NBCSN
Total: 6 goals | Over: -107 | Under: -114
VGK | Moneyline: -182 | Puck Line -1.5: +150
CHI | Moneyline: +155 | Puck Line +1.5: -182
Where’s the Money Going? (as of 10:15 a.m. EST)
– Moneyline: VG7, 58% of bets made | VGK, 85% of money wagered
– Puck Line: VGK, 57% of bets made | VGK, 79% of money wagered
– Total: Over, 61% of bets made | Under, 72% of money wagered
Betting Pick: Blackhawks Moneyline (+155)
I believe the Blackhawks can steal a game from this series, especially with this being the back-end of a back-to-back set. The Golden Knights are a well-rounded team, but I can see them taking the opposition lightly today. Vegas will be back on the good foot in Game 5.
Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens (series tied 1-1)
8:00 p.m. EST | Watch: NBC
Total: 5 goals | Over: -150 | Under: +123
PHI | Moneyline: -134 | Puck Line -1.5: +195
MTL | Moneyline: +115 | Puck Line +1.5: -240
Where’s the Money Going? (as of 10:15 a.m. EST)
– Moneyline: PHI, 57% of bets made | PHI, 77% of money wagered
– Puck Line: 50/50% of bets made | PHI, 65% of money wagered
– Total: 50/50% of bets made | Over, 92% of money wagered
Betting Pick: Under 5 goals (+123)
In this series, we’ve seen either one or both of these teams not show up offensively in a particular game. Both goaltenders are some of the best in the NHL and I truly believe we’re going to see a tight contest in a situation where one team will try to take the upper hand in this series. All of the money is heading towards the over but I feel like there’s a nice plus-money opportunity to take advantage of.
St. Louis Blues at Vancouver Canucks (VAN leads series 2-0)
10:30 p.m. EST | Watch: NBCSN
Total: 5.5 goals | Over: +105 | Under: -127
STL | Moneyline: -132 | Puck Line -1.5: +200
VAN | Moneyline: +114 | Puck Line: +1.5: -245
Where’s the Money Going? (as of 10:15 a.m. EST)
– Moneyline: STL, 51% of bets made | VAN, 56% of money wagered
– Puck Line: STL, 69% of bets made | VAN, 90% of money wagered
– Total: Over, 68% of bets made | Over, 97% of money wagered
Betting Pick: Canucks Moneyline (+114)
This time, I will follow the money. We’re seeing tons on public money on the Blues while all of the real money is coming in on the Canucks. And I get it; St. Louis hasn’t won a single game here in the bubble – that includes exhibition, round-robin and now playoff games. Quite simply, it looks like there’s a big mismatch in this series that the Blues will not be able to overcome.
