To end the week, I've got three NHL expert picks tonight. All three have some sort of Stanley Cup playoff implications. So even though we're deep into the season, there's still plenty of drama to play for.
NHL Expert Picks Tonight: April 5, 2024
Capitals vs Hurricanes
The Game: Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | +1.5 (-115) | O6 (-110) | +220 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -1.5 (-105) | U6 (-110) | -258 |
Pick: Capitals +1.5 (-115)
The Canes are 6-3SU when playing an opponent on the second leg of a back-to-back. In fact, in their last six games in this context, they're 5-1SU. No doubt Carolina wins. As the odds suggest. But I doubt they cover the puckline.
On that second leg of a back-to-back, Washington has covered a +1.5 puckline three times from four games. Add the fact that their loss last night saw them get bounced from a playoff spot and the Caps should be motivated and keep the score close. And heck, maybe they even win.
Rangers vs Red Wings
The Game: New York Rangers vs Detroit Red Wings, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Rangers | -1.5 (+180) | O6 (-112) | -135 |
| Detroit Red Wings | +1.5 (-218) | U6 (-108) | +114 |
Pick: OVER 6 (-112)
Detroit needs a win to get into the playoffs. Maybe they get that, but I'm not confident they will. I am confident we'll see a lot of goals.
We're looking at a matchup of excellent offense and poor defense here. Since March 1, the Rangers hold the joint-best offense in the league with 60 goals. Meanwhile, the Red Wings hold the ninth-worst defense in that time with 57 goals conceded.
In net for Detroit tonight is Alex Lyon whose career stats against the Rangers can only be described as "yikes". In five games, he holds a 0.883SV% and 3.62GAA.
We're gonna see more than six goals tonight.
Avalanche vs Oilers
The Game: Colorado Avalanche vs Edmonton Oilers, 9 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +1.5 (-218) | O6.5 (-130) | +110 |
| Edmonton Oilers | -1.5 (+180) | U6.5 (+110) | -130 |
Pick: Oilers ML (-130)
The Oilers have been great on home ice recently going 8-1SU. The only loss however came at the hands of these very same Colorado Avalanche. A game the Oilers were leading 2-1 up till the 14th minute of the 3rd period.
Tonight they get to avenge that loss as they welcome the Avs on the second leg of a back-to-back. Edmonton hasn't lost in this situation since November 2nd going 6-1SU all season. For their part, the Avalanche are 2-2SU when on the road with 0 days of rest.
I say Edmonton wins this.
We've got two of the Hart Trophy favorites (Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon) battling it out tonight in Edmonton. If you've seen my video for Odds Shark you'll know that I don't believe either should win the league's "MVP" award. That honor should go to Nikita Kucherov
