I haven’t been able to write on this website very much over the past few years. Facebook shut down the page, where I was giving out my daily picks, and that pretty much spelled the end of my NHL picks career because I didn’t have time to get full prediction posts up every day.
That said, now that I’m stuck at home social distancing due to COVID-19 I figured it’s the perfect time to get up my 2020 Stanley Cup pick. Of course this pick is conditional on the NHL figuring out a way to finish the 19-20 season and award the Stanley Cup.
I know a lot of my visitors are Canadians. If you live in Canada and want to learn more about betting on sports online, check out HowToBet.ca.
Americans can find USA specific betting guides at HowToBetUSA.com.
My Pick
This pick may come as a bit of a surprise, but I think they have great value. I like the Winnipeg Jets to win the 2020 Stanley Cup. I was betting them at 50-1 to 60-1 in the few weeks prior to the suspension of the NHL season.
BetOnline.ag currently has the Jets at 66-1 to win the 2020 Stanley Cup. With the unknown about whether the Stanley Cup will be awarded, and how the playoff teams will be decided the site is offering great Stanley Cup odds.
The Jets were on a four game winning streak leading into this hiatus, including a huge 4-2 win in Edmonton on the final day before the suspension. The team has the firepower to score goals with Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine being one of the best top four forward combos in the league. They are also very responsible defensively with Josh Morrissey one of the best (and most underrated) D in the league, and Dylan DeMelo exactly the type of pickup that will help this team from the back end. I like this roster, even without Bryan Little and Dustin Byfuglien. Add in Connor Hellebuyck and I think this team can compete with anyone if they make the playoffs.
The playoff question is the million dollar one. From what I’ve heard the NHL would want to have at least a few regular season games leading into the playoffs. This would ensure everyone plays the same number of games and gives teams a few games to shake off the rust before heading into the playoffs. I don’t think they would just go to point percentage and start the playoffs right away like many seem to think.
The Jets have played 71 games, while the Preds, Canucks and Wild have all played 69. There are basically 2 spots for these 4 teams. Let’s say the NHL season is shortened to 74 games. I think if the Jets win 2 of those final 3 games, they would make the playoffs. Then once they are in the tournament, I think they have as good a chance as anyone. By this theory the Jets odds should at worst be 32-1 and that’s if you think they have a 50% chance of making the playoffs. I personally think they have a better shot than that.
For all of these reasons I like the Jets at odds of 66-1. If you have money that you don’t mind locking up hoping for a Stanley Cup Playoffs this year then that’s my play.
I actually prefer the Jets to win the West at odds of 33-1, so that’s another option.
Play: Jets 66-1 @ BetOnline.ag.
I went 2-2 with my round 2 picks, which brings my post season series record to 7-5 for -0.49 units. I am 0-2 with game 7’s otherwise I would be sitting on +4.36 units, but alas, those games didn’t go my way. That said, I still think I can get back in the black before the Stanley Cup Finals.
All of the odds below are taken from BetOnline.ag, one of my favourite sites for betting on the NHL Playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Washington Capitals
The Lightning have made quick work of the Devils and Bruins, going 8-2 so far in the playoffs to make it to the Conference Finals. The Caps, on the other hand, were really pushed in their first two rounds, winning in 6 games over both the Blue Jackets and Penguins, in very tight series’. The Penguins series especially will have taken a lot out of the Caps because there was so much pressure on them to finally beat the Penguins in the playoffs.
The Lightning are the more well rested and healthier team, but I think the belief that the Caps will have at this point in the playoffs after facing plenty of adversity already in the playoffs could play dividends for this team that has underachieved in the past.
When looking at this series I see two very even teams. Both teams have two great lines that play with speed and talent, power play units that other teams in the league would be envious of, 3 top end D-men, and some great depth at all positions, not to mention goaltenders playing great. I see this series very similar to the Jets vs Preds series in that these are two teams playing so well that it could really go either way.
I think this is a coin flip series, so I will happily take the plus odds on the Capitals and feel good about the value.
Play: Capitals +165
Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights
I honestly think that the Jets vs Predators series was a battle between the two best teams in the league. Winnipeg came out with the win and they are now my pick to win the Stanley Cup. The Jets speed and strength up front was able to give the Preds elite back end fits, and I think they should find even more success against Vegas. Fleury will have to stand on his head to steal a couple games in this series, but overall I think the better team is easily the Jets and they should find a way to win four games and advance to the Finals.
I’ve kept this write up short because I only had a few hours to get it up before the Conference Finals start tonight, but this is easily my favourite play so far in these playoffs.
Play: Jets -145
I went 5-3 for -0.05 units with my round 1 series predictions. The Leafs were leading their game 7 game with the Bruins heading into the third period last night, and a win there would have secured me a very profitable 6-2 for +2.35 unit first round, but we’re back to square one heading into round 2. That said, I still felt strong about my plays so I’m confident I will get into the profit here in round 2.
All of the odds below are taken from BetOnline.ag, one of my favourite sites for betting on the NHL Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins
The Caps and Pens once again renew acquaintances in the Metropolitan Division Finals. This will be the third year in a row that the Pens and Caps meet in the second round with the Penguins winning the last two years and going on to win the Cup in both seasons. The Capitals have now lost in the second round three years in a row.
The Caps had their backs against the wall in round one after losing the first two games of the series to the Blue Jackets, both in OT. Washington showed a lot of resilience continuing to battle and they went into Columbus in game 3 and pulled off a double OT victory that turned the series around. From there the Caps were the better team winning four straight (including another OT game) and finishing the Jackets off in style with a 6-3 win in game 6.
Pittsburgh had a strange series of their own against the Flyers. It was a barn burner of a series, but it ended up being the Flyers turnovers in the defensive end and average at best goaltending that allowed the Pens to advance in 6 games.
In this series you’d think the Penguins have the edge based on having the Caps number in series past, but I think there are a few differences this year that could result in the Caps finally beat Pittsburgh in a 7 game series.
First of all, Matt Murray looked very human in the series with the Flyers. Yes, he had a couple huge shutouts in games 1 and 4, but he gave up 3 goals in the game 5 loss and was actually lit up for 5 goals in game 6 even though his scorers bailed him out in the 8-5 win. Murray has looked nearly unbeatable in the Penguins runs the last couple of years and I just don’t see that from him this year. He struggled in the season and although he had flashes of brilliance in the first round I’m not convinced he will be able to keep the Caps high powered offense off the scoreboard.
The injury to Evgeni Malkin is also a huge story heading into this series. The Penguins need their star center to match up with the 1-2 punch of Backstrom and Kuznetsov that the Caps have down the middle.
I also much prefer the Caps powerplay this year with John Carlson at the helm rather than Kevin Shattenkirk. Carlson is a terrific all around D-man and has looked terrific on the powerplay.
This Caps team has less expectations than years past and I think they are really coming together at this point in the playoffs. I think this series could go either way, but based on the betting odds the sharp money has to be on the Caps.
Play: Capitals +101
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins
The Bruins won a huge game 7 last night after heading into the third period down to the Maple Leafs, but it’s right back to action this Saturday in Tampa Bay.
Tuuka Rask did not look great in the series with the Maple Leafs and I definitely give the Bolts the advantage between the pipes in this series. I also found the play of the Bruins very sloppy at times in the Leafs series and I think guys like Kucherov, Stamkos, Point and Johnson to be able to capitalize on lackluster play from the Bruins D.
I also like how the Point line matches up with the Bergeron line for the Bolts. Point, Johnson and Palat bring a lot of speed to the table and I think they will be able to stay fairly even with the Bergeron line throughout the series. If that line can play the Bergeron line even over the course of the series I love the Bolts chances.
I think Tampa Bay is slightly better everywhere in this series and fully expect them to take advantage of the Bruins D. If Boston is going to have a chance Rask is going to have to find his A-game quickly.
Play: Lightning -134
Western Conference
Nashville Predators vs Winnipeg Jets
The Preds and Jets each got through their first round series with relative ease, as expected.
The Wild were simply unable to generate high quality scoring chances against the Jets star studded defensive corps. Connor Hellebuyck continued his stellar play from the season and the Jets big, speedy forwards got the better of the Wild back end as the series went on.
The Preds put themselves in some tough spots in the series with Avs, giving up the first goal on several occasions and dropping a couple games to an obviously weaker team, but they were able to put the hammer down with a big 5-0 win in game 6.
The Preds have the best top 4 at the defenseman position in the league, while the Jets have a big 4 of their own and tremendous depth at the back end. Up front both teams have superstars, some of the best top lines in the league, tremendous depth and goaltenders nominated for the Vezina. The winner of this series will be the Stanley Cup favourite moving forward.
I honestly think this series is just too hard to call. In my opinion these are the two best teams in the playoffs. I’m going to lean towards the Preds based on their experience and home ice advantage, but I really think these teams are evenly matched and it could come down to a couple bounces as to which group advances.
Lean: Predators -145
Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks
I faded Vegas in round 1 and was quickly proven wrong with their 4 game sweep of the Kings. That said, I’m still not sold on Vegas. The Kings struggled to generate offense, but that’s a normal occurrence for LA and Fleury stood on his head. The Golden Knights still only won each game by 1 goal and were gifted a game against the Kings without their best defender after Doughty was suspended for something I did not believe deserved a suspension. Vegas earned some of my respect with their team defensive effort, but not enough for me to not try a second fade here in the second round.
San Jose really only looked ok against Anaheim. It was Martin Jones who absolutely stole the show in the series only allowing 4 goals against in the series, only 1 more than Fleury. I really like the defensive corps for the Sharks. The top four especially are very strong defensively and the shut down unit of Vlasic and Braun should be able to really slow down the Marchessault-Karlsson-Smith line from the Knights.
Joe Thornton will not start the series for the Sharks, but I don’t think they need him. Evander Kane has been a great addition and that line of Kane-Pavelski-Donskoi has really clicked so far, while Couture-Hertl-Boedker is basically another top line.
I don’t think Vegas will be able to contain either of the top 2 Sharks lines, like they were able to contain Kopitar with a couple scrubs as linemates. On the flip side Vlasic is one of the top defensive d-men in the league and I expect him to slow down the Vegas top line. I’m also big on the Sharks top PP unit which was clicking at a 30% rate in round 1, compared to the Golden Knights top PP which only converted at an 8% rate.
The ride for the Golden Knights ends in round 2.
Play: Sharks +115
The Bruins vs Lightning odds aren’t up yet. I will try to update this page once they become live.
The regular season is over, the matchups are set, and it’s time to start picking series winners in the first round of the 2018 NHL Playoffs. Last year I went 6-2 with my first round series picks for a +4.02 units and I expect to once again make some solid profits with my series predictions.
***If you enjoy picking winners and winning money make sure you enter the free NHL Playoffs bracket contest I’m running at my main site, Sports Betting Canadian. There’s $750 in prizes to be won with the top 15 paid out! Here are the details.
All of the odds below are taken from BetOnline.ag, one of my favourite sites for betting on the NHL Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New Jersey Devils
The Devils played very well to close out the season, going 7-1-1 in their final 9 games to squeak into the playoffs just one point ahead of the Panthers for the final wild card spot in the East. New Jersey has overachieved just making the playoffs this year and the pressure will be off as they move forward and do their best to progress.
Unfortunately for New Jersey, I do not give them a great chance against the Lightning. Yes, Tampa didn’t play quite as well down the stretch as they have for other parts of the season, but they still were able to string together enough wins to clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference and I’m definitely not overlooking this team as a potential Stanley Cup winner, which many others seem to be doing.
In this match-up I think the Lightning have an obvious advantage in firepower and that’s even if Stamkos is unable to go early in this series (he’s expected back though). The Lightning really only need to shut down Taylor Hall, who is almost the entire offense for the Devils, and in a playoff series I think they will at least be able to slow down the Devils superstar.
I expect the Lightning to advance from this series fairly easily in either 4 or 5 games.
Play: Lightning 1.33
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Every Maple Leafs fan I talk to was hoping the Leafs would be playing the Lightning in the first round. I personally think they have a much better chance against Boston and I actually like their chances to advance in this series. Yes, the Leafs lost to the Bruins in a tight series back in 2013, but that was 5 years ago and this Leafs team is built very differently this time around.
Toronto is healthy and they have the firepower up front to score goals against this Bruins team. As long as the Maple Leafs are able to slow down the Marchand-Bergeron connection, I really think they have a great chance to win this series. At worst it’s a coin flip, so at these odds I think Toronto is a good bet.
Play: Maple Leafs 2.40
Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets
I actually think this could be the Capitals year. They are coming into these playoffs somewhat under the radar even though they’ve finished atop the Metropolitan division once again. Alex Ovechkin is playing some of his best hockey in recent years and the lack of pressure facing this team compared to other years is significant. I also like the makeup of the team better this year. I think the addition of Shattenkirk at the deadline last year was a huge mistake, and I actually see John Carlson as the better offensive weapon from the point, while also have a far better two-way game. There are a few less big names on the team this year, but Ovechkin, Backstrom and Kuznetsov are more than capable of providing enough offense to carry this team through the playoffs if they can also play responsible defensively.
The Blue Jackets are rolling into form as well, but I expect the Caps to be able to take advantage of some of the d-men on the Blue Jackets squad, namely Jack Johnson, and find a way to roll through this series fairly easily.
One question mark for the Caps though is the goaltending situation. Braden Holtby has not been at his best this year and it looks like Phillip Grubauer will get the nod as the starter in this series. I’m expecting a solid performance from him. We see it often, where a backup goalie earns the starting job and carries his team to the Stanley Cup. Look no further than Matt Murray two years back. I think we could see something similar from Grubauer this year.
Play: Capitals 1.76
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers
I think the Penguins are most susceptible to being beaten in the first round of the playoffs, and I think the Flyers are a good team to potentially pull this off. The Pens are two time defending champs and have arguably a better team this year, with all of the same pieces in place, plus a healthy Kris Letang to control the back end. That said, Matt Murray has not been as good this year and I think the Flyers could take the Pens by surprise in round 1, before Pittsburgh is able to get into their playoff groove.
The Pens won all four games against the Flyers in the regular season, but you have to throw those results out the window in the playoffs. I believe Sean Couturier is at the point in his career where he will be able to make life very difficult on either Crosby or Malkin, and Nolan Patrick has also really stepped up his game late in the season and emerged as a capable second line center.
Overall, I would still give the edge to the Penguins, but it would be a small edge and I think as far as bets go, there is value on the Flyers at these odds.
Play: Flyers 2.95
Western Conference
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche
The Predators are my pick to win the Stanley Cup this year. I think they are just as good as last year, and with a healthy Ryan Johansen, and the addition of Kyle Turris, this team has the forward depth to go with their stacked blueline.
Pekka Rinne is one of the top goaltenders in the game and I expect him and the Preds team defense to be able to slow down Nathan MacKinnon and company. It was a great effort for the Avs to make the playoffs this year, but I don’t think they have much of a shot here in round 1.
Play: Predators 1.26
Winnipeg Jets vs Minnesota Wild
The Jets are really putting everything together at the right time. This team won 52 games this season and that wasn’t by accident. At 277 goals for the Jets had the most potent offense in the Western Conference and with everyone healthy and firing on all cylinders I expect Wheeler, Scheifele and company to be able to put up goals against this Wild team.
Minnesota is always going to be a tough out with a very solid top two lines, but I think the loss of Ryan Suter to a right ankle fracture near the end of the regular season will make it extremely difficult for the Wild to keep the Jets from piling up the goals.
Play: Jets 1.52
Vegas Golden Knights vs LA Kings
This is my favourite play of the 8 series. I’m taking the Kings as underdogs here in a big way. I do believe that the Golden Knights overachieved this season and that their home record was aided by the fact other teams were going to Vegas for the first time, particularly early in the season. Vegas definitely has two high end scoring lines that could pose problems for the LA Kings, but I just think the Kings have experienced enough defensemen, as well as top end centers in Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter, where they really should have the advantage in every department.
I also think that the Vegas defensemen leave a lot to be desired and I think the Kings hard nosed style will pay dividends as this series progresses.
I like the Kings to get the job done in 6 or 7 games and once again make a run in the playoffs like they did from 2012 to 2014.
Play: Kings 2.20
Anaheim Ducks vs San Jose Sharks
I think this series could really go either way, so I’m taking the underdog. This one is truly just a lean though.
The Ducks really turned it up down the stretch winning their final 5 games and going 10-1-1 in their last 12 games. The Cam Fowler injury is a big loss for this team though and I simply do not love their depth on defense.
Joe Thornton is also doubtful for the Sharks, but I don’t think he’s as big of a factor for this Sharks team as he used to be. The addition of Evander Kane should pay dividends for the Sharks, especially in this series.
Again, this is just a lean and a dog or pass spot for me, though I probably won’t have much action on this series, if any at all.
Play: Sharks 2.08
The 2017 NHL playoffs are here! The NHL playoffs are my favourite time of the year and they also tend to be my most successful when it comes to NHL betting. I consistenly do very well with series predictions and I expect this year to be no different. I tossed down an 8 series parlay today that pays out 240/1, so if I do manage to go 8 for 8 I’ll be rolling in the dough.
***If you enjoy picking winners and winning money make sure you enter our free NHL bracket contest. There’s $750 in prizes to be won with the top 15 paid out! Here are the details.
All of the odds below are from Bet365.com. I’m using Bet365 for all of my NHL betting these playoffs. Also, for anyone out there who doesn’t get the games on TV, Bet365 streams every game live through their site as long as you have an account with them.
Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs
I’m not going to take long breaking down this series. The Caps are the best team in the NHL and I don’t see them getting bounced by the Maple Leafs. Toronto has the ability and fire power up front to possibly steal a game, but I think this one is either a sweep for the Caps or else they get the job done in 5. This one won’t be close. The odds for the Caps already dropped from 1.27 to 1.23 over the course of the day and I could see them down to 1.20 or so by the start of the series.
Play: Capitals 1.23
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
The loss of Kris Letang is a huge issue for the Penguins who simply don’t have the talent on the back end to make a deep run this year. The Blue Jackets are stumbling into the playoffs, having lost 6 in a row before their comeback victory over the Leafs on Sunday. That said, I think that game vs the Leafs had enough of a playoff atmosphere that it was good to see the Jackets dig deep and find a way to win. I think that will give them a lot of confidence heading into the playoffs.
The Jackets forward depth, speed and pressure should cause fits for the Penguins back end and the Pens will need a lot of offense from Crosby and company to keep up with the Jackets in this one. The Pens have the high end talent up front that can steal a series, but I think the Jackets are the better team through and through. This one is a coin toss for me, so I’ll gladly take the 2.50 odds on the Jackets.
Play: Blue Jackets 2.50
Montreal Canadiens vs New York Rangers
This is the most even series according to the oddsmakers, which makes sense considering the teams are only 1 point apart in the standings. I give the edge to the Habs because Carey Price can steal games, while Henrik Lundqvist has looked shaky at times this season. The Habs seem to have figured things out under Claude Julien and I just don’t like the Rangers form heading into the playoffs. The Rangers only won 4 of 14 games before their meaningless win over the Pens on Sunday. They aren’t playing well and I expect the Habs to take advantage.
Play: Canadiens 1.74
Ottawa Senators vs Boston Bruins
Erik Karlsson will be back for the playoffs and when he’s in the lineup and Craig Anderson is playing well, anything is possible for the Sens. Ottawa won all 4 games against the Bruins this season and I think they match up very well with Boston from the top to bottom of the lineup. If the Sens are able to keep Bergeron and Marchand from hooking up for more than 1 combined goal each game then this is the Senators series to lose. Torey Krug is injured and that’s a huge problem for the Bruins, especially on the powerplay.
The Senators are getting healthy at the right time, they have the star power, goaltending and depth to go deep. I really like the Sens at these odds.
Play: Senators 2.60
Western Conference
Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators
The Preds struggled a bit down the stretch, but when this team is on they are one of the best in the business. The Preds are a complete team from top to bottom and they have the speed and defensive corps to hang with and upset the Blackhawks. Speaking of struggling down the stretch, the Blackhawks lost their final four games heading into the playoffs and have only won 2 of theri last 8.
Even without the odds I’m going back and forth in my head as to who I think will win this series. When you add in the odds I think the smart money has to be on the Preds. This will be a very tight series and one that I am excited to watch.
Play: Predators 2.70
St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild
Since their coaching change the Blues have been one of the best teams in the NHL. They won 3 straight games heading into the playoffs and are 15-2-2 since a 5 game losing streak back at the end of February.
The Wild ended their season with 4 wins, but these were against some weak teams (Avs x 2, Canes, Coyotes). Before those 4 wins the Wild were 3-10-2 in their previous 15. I’m not convinced that this Wild team is fully fixed after that poor stretch and I think running into the Blues this early will result in a quick exit for Minnesota.
Play: Blues 2.20
Anaheim Ducks vs Calgary Flames
The Flames really turned their season around after losing in Montreal on January 24th. The team was 24-24-3 after that game and finished the season 45-33-4 to qualify for the playoffs. That’s quite the run, but I think just making the playoffs is a success for the Flames and I don’t see them advancing any further.
The Ducks beat the Flames in back to back games last week and went 3-1 against the Flames on the season. The Ducks have won 4 straight heading into the playoffs and are 9-0-2 in their last 11. This Ducks team is built for the playoffs and the way they are playing at both ends of the ice I expect them to make quick work of Calgary.
I see a Ducks sweep in this one.
Play: Ducks 1.58
Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks
The Sharks were able to pull out a few wins heading into the playoffs going 3-1 in April, but the loss was to this Edmonton Oilers team (and the wins were over the Canucks x2 and Flames). Before those Canucks wins the Sharks had won just 1 of 9 games in the second half of March (and the win was in OT). I just don’t see the Sharks as a team that is coming into the playoffs in good form. Last year they seemed poised heading into the playoffs, but I just don’t see that from the team this year.
The Oilers, on the other hand, are playing some great hockey! Edmonton is 12-2-0 since March 14th and they’re playing some amazing hockey with Connor McDavid leading the way. The Oilers are scoring at will, with the back end playing very solid hockey as well. I think McDavid will get the best of both Burns and Vlasic in this series and I also expect the second line with Eberle and Nuge to play a big factor in this series.
The Oilers are the future and the Sharks are the past.
Play: Oilers 1.71
I plan to go 8 for 8 with these picks and hit a big payday. Join me and let’s celebrate a big win!
It’s playoff time and that means it’s time to fill out your NHL brackets. This year I’m allowing NHL Betting Tips users to hop on board the annual contest I run at my main site SportsBettingCanadian.ca and have a shot at the $750 in prizes to be won.
If you’ve never participated in an NHL bracket contest before it’s very easy. You simply pick which team you expect to win each series all the way to the Stanley Cup Champion and you earn points whenever you’re correct. Keep reading for all the details and how to enter.
Prizes
As I mentioned above we’re piggy backing on the Sports Betting Canadian contest this year. Because of that the prizes are all in Canadian dollars. Here are the prizes for this year:
- 1st place – $200 voucher for online sports betting
- 2nd and 3rd place – $100 for betting online
- 4th and 5th place – $50
- 6th to 15th – $25
The total prize pool is $750 and you have a great shot at winning some cash with the top 15 places each winning money.
Scoring
Here’s how the points are awarded for the bracket:
- 1st round = 5 points
- 2nd round = 7 points
- 3rd round = 10 points
- Stanley Cup Champ = 15 points
- 1 bonus point will also be awarded for every upset picked correctly.
If there is a tie after the tie-breaker the prizes will be split evenly among those in the tie. If this can’t be done easily a draw will be held.
How To Enter
In order to join the bracket I’m asking that you both like the NHL Betting Tips Facebook page and join the NHL Betting Tips newsletter. Below are the three steps that you’ll need to take to enter the contest. If you do not complete all 3 steps then you are not eligible for the prizes.
- Like the NHL Betting Tips Facebook page by clicking the ‘Like’ button below:
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Terms
1 entry per person. Anyone with more than 1 entry in this contest will have each of their entries voided.
The prizes are meant for sports betting online and you will be required to deposit the voucher at an agreed upon online sportsbook.
It’s been a few months since I’ve actually posted my picks here at the site, but I’ve been giving them out daily at the NHL Betting Tips Facebook page. I wanted to do a write up today because things are really getting interesting in the playoff races as we head into the final week of the NHL season.
I also wanted to share that I’m planning to run a playoff bracket challenge this year, so be check out the Facebook page after the season for all of the details on that.
Alright, let’s get into the picks today:
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Boston Bruins
This is the biggest game of the night. The Lightning are still in playoff contention having earned 11 of a possible 12 points over their past 6 games and one of the teams they are chasing is the Boston Bruins. The Bruins are rolling themselves, having won 5 straight, but their last loss was to the Lightning back on March 23rd and if they lose to the Bolts again tonight they will only be two points up on Tampa while the Bolts will have a game in hand.
The Lightning are scoring almost at will of late, scoring 5 or more goals in 4 of their last 6 games. I think Tampa will be able to find the back of the net against the Bruins with Kucherov and Hedman stepping up in this game to put the Lightning on the brink of the playoffs.
Play: Lightning 2.50 @ 5Dimes.eu
Winnipeg Jets @ St. Louis Blues
The Blues are on another level of late. They’re 7-0-2 over their last 9 games and everything seems to be coming together for them at this point in the season. They have some of the best all around defensivemen in the league in Pietrangelo and Bouwmeester and I expect them to be able to shut down the scoring lines of the Jets, while Tarasenko and company find the back of the net against this weak Jets defense.
The Jets are on a four game winning streak, but these have mostly been over weak or slumping teams and I don’t expect them to be able to score 3+ times against the Blues, which I think is what would be needed for a win.
Play: Blues 1.64 @ 5Dimes.eu
Carolina Hurricanes @ Minnesota Wild
The Hurricanes are quietly playing some very solid hockey. They did lost their last couple games, but before that they were 5-0-1 and I think they are close to that level at this point in time. The Wild have only won 2 of their last 7 games and those wins were over the struggling Senators and the awful Avalanche. I think this game could be very close and if Jeff Skinner continues to score at the rate he has been the Canes should be able to find the back of the net and possibly pull off the upset.
Play: Hurricanes 2.68 @ 5Dimes.eu
This is my first write up of the season for my NHL picks. I’ll try to get one up every week throughout the course of the season, but don’t forget that you can get my daily picks every single day at the NHL Betting Tips Facebook page.
***Also, our featured sportsbook for the season is WilliamHill.com. They’re a top rated sportsbook for players from around the world and they have drastically improved their NHL betting options over the past year, which now makes them a must have sportsbook for NHL bettors.
Click here to sign up at WilliamHill.com and get a $100 bonus.
Alright, on to the picks….
Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers are coming off a tough loss in Montreal last night and now play a back to back at home against the Sabres. I don’t think that Buffalo is as bad this year as many people think. They do have just 1 win in 4 games, but they are only a minus 1 in goal differential on the season and they’re also the only team to beat the Oilers yet this year.
Seeing as it’s a back to back game for the Flyers, I like the Sabres in this one at these odds.
Play: Sabres 2.35 @ 5Dimes.eu
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Toronto Maple Leafs
The Lightning probably have the best team on paper in the NHL this season. They have great depth up front with two very high quality top lines who can put the puck in the net at any time. On the back end I think Victor Hedman may be the most underrated defensemen in the league and that’s even after two deep playoff runs in the past two seasons. The Lightning will have no trouble scoring goals against the Leafs tonight and I expect them to also be able to slow down the Maple Leafs offense that has looked fairly solid to this point in the season.
Play: Lightning 1.80 @ WilliamHill.com
Anaheim Ducks @ San Jose Sharks
These rivals seem to be trending in opposite directions at this point in the season. The Ducks have finally put together a couple of wins after losing their first four games out of the gate, while the Sharks have dropped their past two and now sit with a .500 record. At these odds the sharp money has to be on the Ducks here. These two teams always battle each other hard and this will likely be another low scoring game where a couple bounces decide the game. In those types of games you gotta take the big dog.
Play: Ducks 2.40 @ 5Dimes.eu
Columbus Blue Jackets @ LA Kings
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The Kings are not a good team anymore. They do have Doughty as a decent shut down defensemen, but with the Blue Jackets spreading their offensive talent around the lineup they will find some very good match ups, even on the road, against this Kings team.
Both teams have won their past two games, but the Blue Jackets have looked far more impressive. I think they get another win tonight and show they are a somewhat legitimate team this year, while the Kings are not.
Play: Blue Jackets 2.40 @ 5Dimes.eu
The NHL season starts tomorrow, but I wanted to get my division winners picks up quickly today. I think there’s a ton of value with some of these picks and even though your bet is locked up for the season, if you find great value it can be worth it.
I’m using the odds from William Hill, our featured sportsbook for the season for the season for my division winner picks.
Let’s get to them….
Pacific Division Winner
- Anaheim Ducks 3.40
- LA Kings 3.40
- San Jose Sharks 3.60
- Edmonton Oilers 11.00
- Calgary Flames 12.00
- Vancouver Canucks 19.00
- Arizona Coyotes 21.00
This is a three horse race in a very weak division, but I have to give the nod to the Ducks here. Anaheim really stumbled out of the gate for the first couple months of the season last year, but they were able to put it all together in the second half and ended up still finishing atop the division. If they don’t stumble out of the gate this year I expect the Ducks to lead the division throughout the season. Getzlaf and Perry are still in their prime and adding Antoine Vermette gives the Ducks a ton of depth up the middle.
The Kings simply aren’t as good as everyone gives them credit for and I expect the Sharks to have a bit of a let down start after making it to the Cup Finals last season.
Play: Anaheim Ducks 3.40
Central Division Winner
- Chicago Blackhawks 4.20
- Dallas Stars 4.50
- Nashville Predators 4.50
- St. Louis Blues 4.50
- Minnesota Wild 10.00
- Winnipeg Jets 13.00
- Colorado Avalanche 15.00
This is a very tough division to call with the Blackhawks, Stars, Blues and even the Predators having strong teams capable of winning the division. That said, when I look at the depth of each lineup and the quality of a top 4 on defense I keep coming back to the St. Louis Blues. Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester are still underrated defensemen that are two of the best in the game. They have the ability to shut down the oppositions top players on any given night and give their team a great chance to win. Up front the Blues have some of the best depth in the league, which is crucial in a long regular season where injuries can derail a team for large portions of the season.
Play: St. Louis Blues 4.50
Metropolitan Division Winner
Pittsburgh Penguins 2.87- Washington Capitals 3.00
- New York Rangers 8.00
- New York Islanders 9.00
- Philadelphia Flyers 12.00
- Carolina Hurricanes 17.00
- New Jersey Devils 17.00
- Columbus Blue Jackets 21.00
The Capitals ran away with the division last year putting up 120 points for tops in the league. This year they still have pretty much the exact same team, Kuznetsov will likely be even better than last year and Barry Trotz knows how to get wins throughout the season. This is an easy pick for me given the Penguins struggles of having their star players stay healthy for an entire season. With Crosby already out with a concussion to start the year this is definitely the Capitals division to lose.
Play: Washington Capitals 3.00
Atlantic Division Winner
Tampa Bay Lightning 2.40- Florida Panthers 5.00
- Boston Bruins 8.00
- Detroit Red Wings 8.50
- Montreal Canadiens 8.50
- Ottawa Senators 17.00
- Toronto Maple Leafs 17.00
The Lightning are the best team in this division on paper and in reality, but at odds of 2.40 I don’t think they are the best bet on the board here. I’m looking at the Florida Panthers to repeat as division champs. They have a young core with Ekblad, Barkov, Trocheck, Huberdeau and Smith only getting better. Add in a couple of great additions on the back end in Yandle and Demers, and a solid goaltender in Roberto Luongo and I don’t see any reason why the Panthers don’t have close to as good a chance as the Lightning to win this division.
Play: Florida Panthers 5.00
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The World Cup of Hockey has finally arrived. As I’m writing this the pre-tournament games are in full swing and there is less than a week until the real tournament action begins. Here in Canada there is a lot of hype for both Team Canada and the U23 North American squad, and I’m sure the hype is building around the world as well.
In this post I’ll break down everything you need to know about betting on the 2016 World Cup of Hockey online. I’ll provide information on our featured sportsbook for betting on the tournament, a step by step guide to get started and information on where you can find my picks throughout the tourney.
Featured Sportsbook
Our featured sportsbook for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey is WilliamHill.com.
William Hill is one of the biggest and best sportsbooks online, not to mention one of the most reputable and long standing betting sites in the world.
We’re featuring them as our top rated sportsbook for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey because they accept players from around the world because they are providing a wide variety of fair odds for the World Cup and accept players from around the world. Not to mention they are offering a solid 100% up to $100 bonus for new sign ups.
Click here to visit WilliamHill.com and start betting.
How To Bet Guide
Here’s a quick 3 step guide to get you betting on the World Cup of Hockey in just a few minutes.
Step 1. Open an Account
First you’ll need to open an online betting account. As I mentioned above, our featured sportsbook for betting on the World Cup is WilliamHill.com.
Click here to visit WilliamHill.com and open an account.
Step 2. Deposit
Once you’ve opened an account you’ll need to deposit funds in order to have money to bet with. William Hill accepts a wide variety of deposits including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, InstaDebit, EntroPay and more.
After signing up at William Hill you can check which deposit options are available in your country. It’s very easy to get funds on and off of William Hill.
Step 3. Place Your Bets
Now you’re ready to bet. To find the World Cup of Hockey betting lines at William Hill, click ‘Hockey’ followed by ‘World Cup’ in the William Hill sportsbook. This will bring up the upcoming markets in the World Cup.
At the top of the World Cup betting screen you will see the upcoming games and below you can find some of the other types of bets including prop bets, and the outright winner odds.
My Picks
I will be adding my picks every day to the NHL Betting Tips Facebook page and also sending out picks via our email newsletter. You can join this newsletter to receive my daily picks for both this tournament and the NHL season by entering your email on the homepage.
I will be trying to add some picks here on the site as well, but I often only have time to get the picks out via social media and email.
