We've got four games in the NHL tonight and only one means anything (Dallas clinches the West with at least one point). I'm going to give you a reason to care four all four games with tonight's expert picks.
We've got one pick for every game on the schedule tonight; April 17, 2024.
NHL Expert Picks Tonight: April 17, 2024
Penguins vs Islanders
The Game: Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | -1.5 (+190) | O5.5 (-125) | -130 |
| New York Islanders | +1.5 (-230) | U5.5 (+105) | +110 |
Pick: Islanders ML (+110)
Why the Islanders are home dogs tonight is beyond me. New York is 7-3SU at home lately and is currently on a four-game winning streak (with a +6 goal differential as well). Meanwhile, the Pens are 15-25SU on the road and only have three wins in their last 13 road games. Again, why are the Isles the dogs here?!
Maple Leafs vs Lightning
The Game: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1.5 (-225) | O6.5 (+100) | +110 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | -1.5 (+185) | U6.5 (-120) | -130 |
Pick: O6.5 (+100)
Another plus-money bet here. I'm taking the OVER in tonight's game between the Leafs and Lightning. In two of three meetings this year between these teams, the total has gone over 6.5 goals.
Toronto is specifically sus at hitting the OVER. They've hit it four times in a row now with an average of 8.5 goals scored. They'll be chasing goals as they try to give Matthews his 70th goal of the year.
Blues vs Stars
The Game: St. Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars, 9:30 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Blues | +1.5 (-135) | O6 (-115) | +185 |
| Dallas Stars | -1.5 (+114) | U6 (-105) | -225 |
Pick: Stars -1.5 (+114)
Dallas has played a ton of one-goal games this year, but lately, they've started turning home-ice advantage into a true strength. They've won six of seven and covered a -1.5 puckline five times.
The Blues have pride to play for, sure. But the Stars have the West to play for. Getting at least one point will secure the Western Conference for the Stars (and home ice through the first three rounds should they get there). No doubt the Stars put on a show tonight and blow the Blues out of the water.
Oilers vs Coyotes
The Game: Edmonton Oilers vs Arizona Coyotes, 10 PM ET
| Teams | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | -1.5 (+136) | O6.5 (-105) | -185 |
| Arizona Coyotes | +1.5 (-162) | U6.5 (-115) | +154 |
Pick: Oilers ML (-185)
My pick here is less data-based and more "vibes" based.
We all collectively feel bad for the Coyotes. This is going to be their last game ever. I feel for the fans and the players. But with the franchise all but officially moving to Salt Lake City, there's little motivation to perform tonight.
The Oilers have won four of their last six games. One of those losses was at the hands of the Coyotes. So rectifying that recent blip is 100% on McDavid and co's minds. Edmonton will put the 'Yotes out of their misery.
