It's time. The Stanley Cup is being polished, the series are locked in as the NHL playoffs begin.
Just like the players, our team is taking no days off either. Our NHL experts, Michel Anderson and Josie Costigan, will be giving picks for every playoff game this season.
Apr. 20th: Islanders vs Hurricanes Picks
Apr. 20th: Leafs vs Bruins Picks
NHL Playoffs Betting Picks
Visit our NHL betting hub daily for expert analysis for every series and playoff betting tips to find an edge for every bet.
Rolling Records
Michel: TBD
Josie: TBD
Game 1: Islanders vs Hurricanes
The Game: NY Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes, 5 pM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY Islanders | +1.5 (-148) | O5.5 (+100) | +190 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -1.5 (+124) | U5.5 (-120) | -230 |
Carolina Hurricanes vs NY Islanders Series Preview
Michel's Take: If I know anything about my Islanders is that they've played a ton of one-goal games. Statistically, they've played the second-most in the league at 40. They've also gone to overtime the most in the league with 26 appearances.
Now remember, these two sides have played four times this season and three of those games were decided by a single goal. Now they're playing in a tight-checking playoff game? No doubt this tilt is decided by a single goal.
Josie's Take: Opening at -340 to steal the series, just about everyone is thinking Carolina ends this round quickly. But, aside from their last meeting at the end of March, I didn't see too much of a discrepancy on the ice that warrants this much of a moneyline tilt.
The first game of a series can surprise us. But, we know the Canes' offense sits second-best (3.40 GPG) and we also know the Islanders have snuck 14 goals past Carolina this year. The OVER has hit in six of the last nine meetings between these two. Let's stick to that and let the rest play out.
Michel's Pick: Islanders +1.5 (-148)
Josie's Pick: OVER 5.5 (+100)
Game 1: Leafs vs Bruins
The Game: Toronto Maple leafs vs Boston Bruins, 8 pM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1.5 (-230) | O5.5 (-125) | +110 |
| Boston Bruins | -1.5 (+190) | U5.5 (+105) | -130 |
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins Series Preview
Michel's Take: Looking back at the Leafs' first game in the first round since 2017 has them hitting O5.5 goals only twice. But they've seen five goals scored another three times. So that's over twice and nearly five times.
Toronto has seen the OVER hit 56% this year and in five straight to end the year. Meanwhile, Tampa has seen the total go OVER 5.5 goals six times in seven games.
I'm taking the OVER.
Josie's Take: Hello darkness, my old friend. That is exactly how this aggressive playoff rivalry makes me feel. These two met twice in March, with the Bruins making easy work of the Leafs, winning 4-1 both outings.
Look, Toronto's offense is a threat. But, that goaltending tandem of Jeremy Swayman (.916SV%, 2.53 GAA) and Linus Ullmark (.915SV%, 2.58 GAA) is too hard not to trust.
Whatever you do, just mentally prepare for a Game 7.
Michel's Pick: OVER 5.5 (-125)
Josie's Pick: Bruins ML (-130)
