Back to the grind of the National Hockey League postseason tonight. Monday, May 9th brings another four-pack of games to the ice. Here is a look at the four games tonight:
Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals
Best Bet: Capitals ML (+145)
The Capitals lead this best of 7 series, 2-1, and get Game 4 at home. This is what many Florida Panthers fans were afraid of when they were matched against the playoff-tested Washington Capitals. The Capitals won the last game 6-1 and looked great doing so. In fact, in this series, the Capitals have scored 11 goals, while Florida has picked up just 8. Alexander Ovechkin notched a goal and an assist in the last game and has recorded a point in each of the first three games. The Panthers’ defense looks to be running a little ragged right now, which means it is a great time for the Capitals to pounce. The Capitals as the underdog seems to be the way to go here.
New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins
Best Bet: Under 6 Goals
After the thrilling Game 1, which resulted in a loss, the Rangers bounced back with a home win. Now, New York will look to bounce back after losing in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Igor Shetsterkin and Louis Domingue expect to be between the pipes and look for the defenses to bring their top game here. The total for this game is set at 6, and all three games so far have gone over that, but a Game 4 is where the defenses come to play. We are looking at taking the UNDER 6 goals in this game. The pace slows down a little bit, the teams get a little more physical and a few less goals. Look for the Rangers to play a little desperate.
Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators
Best Bet: Avalanche -1.5 (+100)
At this point, the fans in the National Hockey League are looking at Minnesota or St. Louis and wondering if either of them can slow down this high-flying Avalanche team. It does not appear the Predators are going to be the team to do that. Colorado is just one win away from winning the series. Sure, game 2 was competitive, but Games 1 and 3 were not, and that’s what we expect from this affair on Monday night. Colorado has scored 7 goals in both games 1 and 3. May not get to 7 tonight, but the folks in Nashville are going to be treated to playoff elimination in their home arena. Colorado is a huge favorite at -235 in this one, but we like the alternate line, which puts the Avalanche at even money.
Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars
Best Bet: Under 5.5 Goals
The Stars have been a surprise early in this series, as they lead 2-1. Dallas gets an opportunity to go up 3-1 with a win tonight. This has been a fun series, and competitive series, and seems like one that fits the bill at going 7 games. One thing the Flames have been good at all season is bouncing back. Look for the Flames and Stars to feel each other out a little early in this game. There have been a combined 9 goals through 3 games so far here. Two of the three games have gone UNDER the total for tonight. It’s listed at 5.5, and we expect this one to continue that trend.
Enjoy the NHL playoffs action tonight and good luck!