Category: NHL

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks Game 2: Look for Zach Hyman to light the lamp

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

The Edmonton Oilers look to even the series with the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: The Oilers fell short in their comeback effort in Game 1. I expect another high-scoring game, so I’ll back Edmonton’s Zach Hyman and L.A.’s Kevin Fiala to generate offence.

Check out my Oilers vs. Kings prop picks for Game 2 of the opening round.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

Best Bet: Hyman anytime goalscorer (+210)

Hyman was cold against the Kings in the regular season, going goalless in three games, but the playoffs have been a different story.

He scored in the opening game and had a spectacular first-round series against L.A. in 2024:

  • 5 games
  • 7 goals
  • 4-1 against this wager

Hyman scored a disappointing 27 goals in 73 games this season. But the Oilers rely heavily on Connor McDavid in the playoffs, and his first-line winger is a huge beneficiary of that.

He also plays on the top power-play unit that includes Leon Draisaitl. That should provide a lot of opportunities for the winger to bang in another goal.

This isn’t a line bettors would’ve gotten after his 54-goal campaign last year, so I want to take advantage before he gets hot.

Key stat: Hyman had 17 goals in 26 playoff games during Edmonton’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2024.

Quick picks

Fiala to score 1+ points (-154): The Oilers and Kings have combined for 46 goals in their last six postseason meetings (7.6 goals per game).

That’s led to inflated stats across the board. In Game 1, Fiala scored a goal on six shots and tallied an assist in a 6-5 win for the Kings.

The 28-year-old winger had a down year, recording 60 points in 81 games. Most players dream of 60-point seasons, but it’s a step back for Fiala, who had 70-plus points in the three previous seasons.

That includes an 85-point run with the Minnesota Wild in 2021-22. His track record as a point producer is well documented.

Since Feb. 1, Fiala has tallied 33 points in 34 games.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks made at 3:30 p.m. ET 04/23/2025.

Leafs vs. Senators prop picks Game 3: Target Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk

Maple Leafs vs. Senators picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs hold a 2-0 series lead in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

The pregame narrative: Auston Matthews is without a goal so far, but I predict that will change in Game 3. My best bet for the game, however, is on Brady Tkachuk.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Senators prop picks for Game 3 of the opening round.

Maple Leafs vs. Senators picks

Best bet: Tkachuk over 3.5 shots (-136)

Embed: #112886

Toronto is up 2-0, but the team has been heavily outshot in this series.

  • Game 1: Ottawa outshot Toronto, 33-24
  • Game 2: Ottawa outshot Toronto, 28-21

Tkachuk easily cleared this line in both games, recording five shots in each. Now, the Senators return home, where they are 27-11-3 this season.

The Leafs allowed the eighth-most shots per game this year (29.3). Even though a lot of those are low-quality chances, the result is the same for this wager.

Tkachuk played north of 20 minutes in Game 2, which is well above his average (18:14).

Put it all together, and you’ve got a handful of compelling reasons why Ottawa’s captain should continue to generate offence.

Key stat: Tkachuk led the league with 4.11 shots per game during the regular season.

Game 3 prop prediction

Matthews anytime goalscorer (+118): I think Leafs fans would agree that it’s time for Matthews to get on the board as a scorer.

Although he only has two goals in his last 10 games vs. Ottawa, this is a matchup the Leafs’ captain has historically dominated.

  • Matthews has played 37 games against the Sens in his career and has 25 goals and 26 assists in those meetings.
  • He has 102 goals since the beginning of last season, which leads the NHL.

It’s not that Matthews hasn’t been productive. He has three assists and nine shots through Games 1-2.

He should be out there for 20-plus minutes with some added opportunities on a red-hot power play that’s 4-for-6 in this series.

It’s only a matter of time before Matthews is on the receiving end of an assist rather than vice versa.

Maple Leafs vs. Senators prop picks made at 2:10 p.m. ET 04/23/2025.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks Game 2: Look for Zach Hyman to light the lamp

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

The Edmonton Oilers look to even the series with the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: The Oilers fell short in their comeback effort in Game 1. I expect another high-scoring game, so I’ll back Edmonton’s Zach Hyman and L.A.’s Kevin Fiala to generate offence.

Check out my Oilers vs. Kings prop picks for Game 2 of the opening round.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks

Best Bet: Hyman anytime goalscorer (+190)

Embed: #112881

Hyman was cold against the Kings in the regular season, going goalless in three games, but the playoffs have been a different story.

He scored in the opening game and had a spectacular first-round series against L.A. in 2024:

  • 5 games
  • 7 goals
  • 4-1 against this wager

Hyman scored a disappointing 27 goals in 73 games this season. But the Oilers rely heavily on Connor McDavid in the playoffs, and his first-line winger is a huge beneficiary of that.

He also plays on the top power-play unit that includes Leon Draisaitl. That should provide a lot of opportunities for the winger to bang in another goal.

This isn’t a line bettors would’ve gotten after his 54-goal campaign last year, so I want to take advantage before he gets hot.

Key stat: Hyman had 17 goals in 26 playoff games during Edmonton’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2024.

Quick picks

Fiala to score 1+ points (-132): The Oilers and Kings have combined for 46 goals in their last six postseason meetings (7.6 goals per game).

That’s led to inflated stats across the board. In Game 1, Fiala scored a goal on six shots and tallied an assist in a 6-5 win for the Kings.

The 28-year-old winger had a down year, recording 60 points in 81 games. Most players dream of 60-point seasons, but it’s a step back for Fiala, who had 70-plus points in the three previous seasons.

That includes an 85-point run with the Minnesota Wild in 2021-22. His track record as a point producer is well documented.

Since Feb. 1, Fiala has tallied 33 points in 34 games.

Oilers vs. Kings prop picks made at 11:30 a.m. ET 04/23/2025.

NHL playoff anytime goalscorer picks April 23: Bet on Wyatt Johnston to score his first of the postseason

NHL goal scorer picks

I have goalscorer picks from two NHL playoff games on Wednesday.

The pregame narrative: Wyatt Johnston was the unsung hero for the Dallas Stars in the playoffs last season. I’ll bet on him to find the back of the net in Game 3, while taking a shot on Cole Caufield to do the same.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for April 23.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Caufield anytime goalscorer (+175)

Caufield led the Montreal Canadiens with a career-high 37 goals this season.

He was one of the Habs’ most important players in Game 1, scoring a goal and playing over 20 minutes. The winger also had five of his team’s 35 shots.

If Game 2 goes anything like that, Caufield will have plenty of chances to score again.

It’s the playoffs, and the Canadiens are a young, top-heavy team. They should continue to rely on their No. 1 line to pick up more shifts.

Washington finished atop the Eastern Conference, but April was a different story.

The Capitals went 4-5 in the final nine games of the regular season, allowing an average of 4.0 goals over that time.

Montreal appeared to be up for the challenge in the opening game, and I think this will be a competitive series.

Key stat: Including Monday, Caufield has scored in all four games vs. the Capitals this season.

NHL prop predictions

Johnston anytime goalscorer (+225): Dallas’ top dogs were pretty quiet in the Stars’ 4-3 overtime win in Game 2.

Johnston did grab an assist, but it’s time for the young gun to light the lamp in this series.

In the final 27 games following the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Johnston had 17 goals and went 15-12 against this wager.

Dallas had a solid 22-16-3 record at home this season as well, so the Stars should come out firing.

Johnston had 10 goals in 19 games during Dallas’ postseason run in 2024.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 9:27 a.m. ET on 04/23/2025.

NHL playoff anytime goalscorer picks April 23: Bet on Wyatt Johnston to score his first of the postseason

NHL goal scorer picks

I have goalscorer picks from two NHL playoff games on Wednesday.

The pregame narrative: Wyatt Johnston was the unsung hero for the Dallas Stars in the playoffs last season. I’ll bet on him to find the back of the net in Game 3, while taking a shot on Cole Caufield to do the same.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for April 23.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Caufield anytime goalscorer (+210)

Embed: #112863

Caufield led the Montreal Canadiens with a career-high 37 goals this season.

He was one of the Habs’ most important players in Game 1, scoring a goal and playing over 20 minutes. The winger also had five of his team’s 35 shots.

If Game 2 goes anything like that, Caufield will have plenty of chances to score again.

It’s the playoffs, and the Canadiens are a young, top-heavy team. They should continue to rely on their No. 1 line to pick up more shifts.

Washington finished atop the Eastern Conference, but April was a different story.

The Capitals went 4-5 in the final nine games of the regular season, allowing an average of 4.0 goals over that time.

Montreal appeared to be up for the challenge in the opening game, and I think this will be a competitive series.

Key stat: Including Monday, Caufield has scored in all four games vs. the Capitals this season.

NHL prop predictions

Johnston anytime goalscorer (+210): Dallas’ top dogs were pretty quiet in the Stars’ 4-3 overtime win in Game 2.

Johnston did grab an assist, but it’s time for the young gun to light the lamp in this series.

In the final 27 games following the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Johnston had 17 goals and went 15-12 against this wager.

Dallas had a solid 22-16-3 record at home this season as well, so the Stars should come out firing.

Johnston had 10 goals in 19 games during Dallas’ postseason run in 2024.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 9:27 a.m. ET on 04/23/2025.

Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks Game 2: Target Matt Boldy and Alex Pietrangelo

Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks

The Vegas Golden Knights look to build on their series lead over the Minnesota Wild.

The pregame narrative: Matt Boldy had two goals in Game 1 of this series and I’ll back the winger to stay productive tonight. I’ll also take a shot on Alex Pietrangelo to find the score sheet at a nice plus-money price.

Check out my Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks for Game 2 of the opening round.

Wild vs. Golden Knights picks

Best bet: Boldy to score 1+ points (-165)

The one-two punch of Kirill Kaprizov and Boldy is back in full force.

Kaprizov missed half the season recovering from an injury but returned two weeks ago. And he’s made an instant impact in this series, tallying two assists in Game 1.

Who scored both goals? It was Boldy, who greatly benefits from his teammate’s presence.

Boldy had 38 points in 41 games with Kaprizov in the lineup. The latter finished sixth in points per game (1.35), providing a clear jolt of offence to the lineup.

Key stat: Boldy has multiple points in four of his last six games.

Game 2 prop prediction

Pietrangelo to score 1+ points (+185): The Canadian blue-liner was in and out of the lineup with an injury for the final stretch of the season, but it appears he’s healthy again at the right time.

Pietrangelo tallied points in six of his final 10 regular-season games. He then grabbed an assist in the opening game of this series in 21:03 of ice time.

When someone plays that much, I’ll always like his chances of getting on the score sheet. Only Noah Hannifin logged more minutes for the Knights.

Pietrangelo also quarterbacks the second power-play unit, which could provide added opportunities.

Minnesota allows the seventh-most shots against (29.6) while killing penalties at the third-worst rate (72.4%).

Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks made at 3:25 p.m. ET 04/22/2025.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Game 2: Bet on Matthews, Nylander in Tuesday’s Battle of Ontario

Senators vs. Maple Leafs picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the edge heading into Game 2 of the Battle of Ontario.

The pregame narrative: Toronto scored a whopping six goals against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, led by the Core Four. Bank on Auston Matthews and William Nylander to continue producing in the second game of this series.

Check out my Senators vs. Maple Leafs prop picks for Game 2 of the opening round.

BOOST: Leafs to win, Matthews & Nylander to score (+561, was +510). Bet now!

Senators vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Matthews over 3.5 shots (-124)

Embed: #112753

Toronto was outshot 33-24 in Game 1. But a majority of the damage was done by the top dogs, and that, of course, includes Matthews.

The captain recorded six of the Leafs’ 24 shots. They had six power plays, too, which will always help offensive production.

I could see Toronto being on the man advantage plenty again as the Senators are one of the more physical, but undisciplined teams in the NHL.

The Senators allow 28.6 shots per game, which is in the bottom half of the league. It’s also a fair bit more than the Leafs’ 24 shots on Saturday.

Matthews already had a high volume of shots in Game 1, and there could be more chances on the board in Game 2.

Key stat: Matthews ranked third in the NHL this season with 3.9 shots per game.

Game 2 prop prediction

Nylander to score 1+ goals (+143): It was easy to convince myself to bet on Nylander in the playoffs.

And that’s not to say the winger didn’t have a fantastic season. His career-high 45 goals were the second most in the league.

But there’s something special about Willy in the postseason, and it was on display in the first game.

Nylander assisted John Tavares’ second-period goal. He then ripped one of his own past Linus Ullmark on the two-man advantage.

Last year, he missed the first part of the Leafs’ opening series with the Boston Bruins but came back to score two goals in Game 6 and his team’s only goal in the 2-1 Game 7 loss.

The electric winger is on a bit of a scoring streak in the playoffs right now, lighting the lamp in three straight. I’m willing to take a shot on that continuing.

Nylander has 26 goals in 42 home games this season (Sunday included).

Maple Leafs vs. Senators prop picks made at 2:10 p.m. ET 04/21/2025.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs predictions SGP Game 2: Back Marner and Tkachuk to produce at +300

Senators vs. Maple Leafs predictions

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators meet for Game 2 of the Battle of Ontario on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Toronto dominated the series opener, winning 6-2, and I’ll back the Leafs to at least cover a +1.5 puck line tonight. On top of that, take John Tavares and Brady Tkachuk to find the score sheet in this +300 wager.

Check out my Senators vs. Maple Leafs playoff SGP predictions for Game 2 on April 22.

BOOST: Leafs to win, Matthews & Nylander to score (+561, was +510). Bet now!

Senators vs. Maple Leafs predictions

Parlay: Maple Leafs +1.5 | Tavares to record a point | Tkachuk to record a point (+310)

Embed: #112764

Maple Leafs +1.5 (-500): I expect Toronto to win this game, but I’ll opt for a bit of safety by taking the home side on an alternate puck line.

The Leafs ran roughshod in Sunday’s series opener, jumping out to a 4-1 lead midway through the second period and never looking back.

Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Auston Matthews and Tavares combined for nine points in the victory. That’s the most from the “Core Four” in a playoff game since Game 2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023.

Ottawa is bound to turn in a better effort on Tuesday, but I struggle to look past Linus Ullmark, who has consistently struggled in the postseason.

Goaltending is the great equalizer in the playoffs, as Leafs fans know too well from years past, and it looks like Toronto has the definitive upper hand.

Anthony Stolarz turned away 31-of-33 shots on Sunday and has a 9-0-0 record across his last nine starts. In that span, he has a 1.44 GAA and .949 SV%.

I’ll ride with Stolarz until he gives me a reason not to.

NBA SGP legs

Tavares to record a point (-157): A lot has been made of Tavares’ future with the Maple Leafs this season, as the former captain will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1.

But that’s a long way away, and right now, Tavares is playing like a man possessed.

Coming off a great regular season (38 goals, 74 points), Tavares registered a goal, an assist and six shots in the series opener.

He has now found the stat sheet in 20 of 28 games since the 4 Nations Face-Off (31 total points in that span).

Tavares is an integral part of Toronto’s red-hot power play, and he rides shotgun with Nylander. I expect him to make noise against an undisciplined Sens group.

Tkachuk to record a point (-105): This leg is a bit narrative-driven because the numbers suggest Tkachuk goes pointless again on Tuesday:

  • Tkachuk had just 55 points in 72 games this season.
  • He is now pointless in five straight games dating back to March 25.
  • He has been held pointless in seven of his last nine games against the Maple Leafs.

So why am I backing him? Ottawa needs its captain to show up, and Tkachuk seems like the kind of player who will answer the bell.

His line with Tim Stutzle and Claude Giroux was extremely productive at 5-on-5 in Game 1, out-chancing opponents 18-3. The problem was that they only played 9:42 together because Ottawa was constantly in the penalty box.

Travis Green will surely tell his team to tighten things up, which should lead to more opportunities for Tkachuk.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs predictions made at 1:28 p.m. ET 04/22/2025.

Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks Game 2: Target Matt Boldy and Alex Pietrangelo

Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks

The Vegas Golden Knights look to build on their series lead over the Minnesota Wild.

The pregame narrative: Matt Boldy had two goals in Game 1 of this series and I’ll back the winger to stay productive tonight. I’ll also take a shot on Alex Pietrangelo to find the score sheet at a nice plus-money price.

Check out my Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks for Game 2 of the opening round.

Wild vs. Golden Knights picks

Best bet: Boldy to score 1+ points (-139)

Embed: #112772

The one-two punch of Kirill Kaprizov and Boldy is back in full force.

Kaprizov missed half the season recovering from an injury but returned two weeks ago. And he’s made an instant impact in this series, tallying two assists in Game 1.

Who scored both goals? It was Boldy, who greatly benefits from his teammate’s presence.

Boldy had 38 points in 41 games with Kaprizov in the lineup. The latter finished sixth in points per game (1.35), providing a clear jolt of offence to the lineup.

Kaprizov carries -265 odds to record a point. But if he gets on the score sheet, there’s a solid chance that Boldy is involved somehow — and Boldy’s market has has a far more playable price.

Key stat: Boldy has multiple points in four of his last six games.

Game 2 prop prediction

Pietrangelo to score 1+ points (+195): The Canadian blue-liner was in and out of the lineup with an injury for the final stretch of the season, but it appears he’s healthy again at the right time.

Pietrangelo tallied points in six of his final 10 regular-season games. He then grabbed an assist in the opening game of this series in 21:03 of ice time.

When someone plays that much, I’ll always like his chances of getting on the score sheet. Only Noah Hannifin logged more minutes for the Knights.

Pietrangelo also quarterbacks the second power-play unit, which could provide added opportunities.

Minnesota allows the seventh-most shots against (29.6) while killing penalties at the third-worst rate (72.4%).

Wild vs. Golden Knights prop picks made at 11:25 a.m. ET 04/22/2025.

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NHL playoff anytime goalscorer picks April 22: Bet on Guentzel and Tavares to score on Tuesday

NHL anytime goal picks

There are four playoff games on Tuesday and I have two goalscorer picks for the action.

The pregame narrative: The Toronto Maple Leafs look to build on their 6-2 win in Game 1 and I believe John Tavares has value on his goalscorer prop. I’ll also take a shot on Jake Guentzel to score against the Florida Panthers.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for April 22.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Guentzel to score 1+ goal (+185)

Embed: #112765

Guentzel ranked seventh in the NHL in scoring this season, with 41 goals in his first season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He scored seven goals in the final 10 games, so it feels like he’s coming into this series hot.

Guentzel is also quite a strong playoff performer. He has 38 goals in 69 career postseason games.

His team finished the season with the best offence in hockey. Tampa led the league with 3.56 goals per game.

Florida enters the playoffs as the defending champion, but things are different this year.

The Panthers looked strong for the first half of the season but dealt with absences to key players like Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad down the stretch.

They finished the season losing seven of their last 10 games, allowing 2.9 goals per game over that stretch. That included a 5-1 loss to the Lightning in a game in which Guentzel scored.

Key stat: The winger has a point in all four games against Florida this season and went 2-2 against this line.

NHL prop prediction: Back Tavares to score

Tavares to score a goal (+205): Tavares had a great season, scoring 38 goals in 75 games. He finished the year on a tear, recording points in 11 of the final 15 games. That involved 10 goals.

He carried the momentum into the playoffs and grabbed one of Toronto’s six goals in the opening game against the Ottawa Senators.

The centreman also mustered six shots and an assist on William Nylander’s power-play goal.

Ottawa is ranked around the middle of the pack in terms of goals against per game (2.83) and got punished on Sunday for six goals.

Toronto went 3-for-6 on the power play, where Tavares plays in front of the net. If the Sens are undisciplined again, he could bang another in with the man advantage.

Either way, I love the value here for the former captain.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 9:27 a.m. ET on 04/22/2025.