If the first few days of the NHL playoffs are any indication, buckle up. As hockey fans, this is by far the best time of the year, and it’s only getting started.
Are you fired up about tonight's playoff hockey? Make these matchups more interesting with 3 NHL Best Bets for Thursday, April 20. Good luck!
New York Rangers Vs. New Jersey Devils OVER 5.5 Goals
In their first matchup of this series, the Rangers scored five goals by themselves in a 5-1 rout of the Devils. We’re anticipating a change of the tides tonight, and the scoring disparity should swing back toward the Devils’ favor.
Prior to their Game 1 loss, the Devils averaged five goals per game in their previous five contests. Hopefully, Game 1 was just a fluke for the Devils, and they’ll be able to run up the score in Game 2.
While we’re expecting a high-scoring affair from the Devils, the Rangers have a tendency to score in bunches as well. As long as both teams score at least three times, the over will hit.
Nobody likes to start a series down 2-0, and we’re expecting some extra fight out of the Devils tonight, which should result in a hard-fought, high-scoring affair.
Colorado Avalanche ML (-225)
When the Seattle Kraken took home the first game of their playoff series with the Avalanche, it took the hockey world by storm. The Kraken were in their first playoff game in franchise history, and they ended up winning 3-1.
We’re not expecting that trend to continue tonight, especially against the Avalanche, a perennial favorite to make the playoffs. This is a home game for the Avalanche, and we’re expecting them to come out in a big way tonight, showing out for their home supporters.
We would like to add that -225 isn’t exactly the greatest standalone value in terms of bets that you can make. However, given our confidence in this pick, we would certainly recommend using it as a parlay piece, either with player props or another one of our picks in this “Best Bets” segment.
Vegas Golden Knights ML (-155)
Did anyone tell the Golden Knights that the playoffs started? In their first playoff game on Tuesday, the Winnipeg Jets startled them in a surprising 5-1 rout.
Leading into their first game against the Jets, the Golden Knights won three of their previous four games, which gave them momentum leading into the playoffs. Tonight, they look to get back into the swing of things. We believe that they will work extra diligently to get the victory tonight, especially since they are at home.
Not to mention, the Golden Knights won their first three meetings with the Jets this year. They have held their number all season, and tonight is a great time for them to get back on track.
