There is one playoff spot left up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. A spot that could be decided tonight. That's where I'm going to focus my attention on my NHL expert picks tonight.
NHL Expert Picks Tonight: April 15, 2024
Canadiens vs Red Wings
The Game: Montreal Canadiens vs Detroit Red Wings, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | +1.5 (-142) | O6.5 (-105) | +170 |
| Detroit Red Wings | -1.5 (+120) | U6.5 (-115) | -205 |
Pick: Canadiens +1.5 (-142)
Detroit needs this game to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. Thankfully, Montreal isn't very good at winning games. But fortunately for us, the Habs are good at covering a +1.5 puckline.
In their last 10 games, they've covered a +1.5 puckline nine times. The only time they failed was a 4-0 loss at Carolina. Meanwhile, the Red Wings haven't covered a -1.5 puckline only three times over their last 10 games.
Islanders vs Devils
The Game: New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Islanders | -1.5 (+225) | O6 (-108) | -115 |
| New Jersey Devils | +1.5 (-278) | U6 (-112) | -105 |
Pick: OVER 6 (-108)
In two of three matchups between these two local rivals, the total has gone OVER six goals. And for the Devils, they've seen the total go OVER seven times in their last 10 games.
The Isles have seen the total go UNDER but barely. In their last 10, the Isle are 2-7-1 against the UNDER. So not great for my bet you might think, but in four of those games there have been five goals scored. That's soooo close to going OVER.
New Jersey is so bad defensively of late and the Islanders are desperate to clinch that final spot in the East, we're bound to see a bunch of goals tonight.
Capitals vs Bruins
The Game: Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | -1.5 (+164) | O5.5 (-110) | -155 |
| Washington Capitals | +1.5 (-198) | U5.5 (-110) | +130 |
Pick: Bruins ML (-155)
Things are falling apart for the Caps at the worst possible time. They're still in a playoff spot at the time, but with a 3-5-2 record and two games to play their runway is thin. A game against Boston isn't ideal.
The B's are 4-0SU on the road lately with a convincing +8 goal differential. Meanwhile, the Caps have lost three of their last four at home. I'm convinced that Boston will continue that run and end the Caps push for the postseason.
And it looks like the Bruins might have some extra motivation.
#Bruins morning skate delayed because Capital One Arena staff late drilling the post holes. Jim Montgomery not happy with the staffers’ hustle.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) April 15, 2024
