While most will have their eyes on the conclusion of the March Madness tournament tonight, you and I will have our peepers set on the NHL. Here are my expert picks for tonight April 8, 2024.
NHL Expert Picks Tonight: April 8, 2024
Penguins vs Maple Leafs
The Game: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1.5 (-185) | O6.5 (-105) | +136 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | -1.5 (+154) | U6.5 (-115) | -162 |
Pick: UNDER 6.5 (-115)
I know the Penguins have seen the OVER hit a lot lately, but I'm calling for that to end tonight. These old flightless birds tend to slow down in the next game after playing in overtime. This year Pittsburgh are 2-6 against the OVER following an overtime outing.
Now consider the the UNDER has hit in four of the last five when Crosby and his Penguins play at Scotiabank Arena. To me, that's mounting evidence that Pittsburgh cools down tonight as they travel north to Toronto.
Value Prop Bet: Evgeny Malkin O0.5 Points (-130)
There is no Penguin with more production in Toronto than Malkin (since 0607) with 30 in 22 games. Geno has been on a heater lately with seven points over his last five games.
Golden Knights vs Canucks
The Game: Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks, 10 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1.5 (-238) | O6 (-105) | +100 |
| Vancouver Canucks | -1.5 (+195) | U6 (-115) | -120 |
Pick: Canucks ML (-120)
Vegas hasn't played in a while. Their last outing was on Friday when they lost 7-4 to the Arizona Coyotes. You'd think extra rest would be a good thing for an NHL team, but for Vegas, they're 1-6SU when having more than two days of rest between games.
That record isn't any better after a big loss. When coming off an L of three or more goals Vegas is 1-4SU in their next game this year. Woof.
Vancouver is 25-13SU at home this year (66%). They've also won four of their last six on home ice. Me likey the Nucks tonight.
