NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Here are tonight’s NHL predictions and best bets.
Montreal Canadiens (+110) at Buffalo Sabres (-135)
Total 5.5 (-125)
Sabres lead series 1-0
7 p.m. ET
The Canadiens couldn’t generate much. The Sabres, who had just one power play goal in their first 25 opportunities, erupted for a pair of goals with the extra man in the opening game of the series, as they went on to double up Montreal 4-2. It marked the ninth straight game in which the two teams combined for six goals or more in their head-to-head meetings.
For Montreal to get back into this series, they are going to need their top line of Cole Caufield (one goal), Nick Suzuki (two goals) and Juraj Slafkovsky (three power play goals – all in game one vs Tampa) to wake up. Of their six combined goals, only one (from Suzuki) has come at even strength.
I was on the Canadiens to win game one and will come back with them to win game two. I projected this series to go to a minimum of six games. Remember, after beating Boston in game at home in the previous series, the Sabres dropped game two, as well as losing game five on home ice. Montreal and Tampa traded wins and losses in all seven games of their opening round, so being able to bounce back from a win is something the Habs have displayed in this year’s playoffs. The Canadiens opened the scoring in all three games following a loss to the Lightning and scored the game’s first goal in all four wins in the series.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+110) – 1 unit
Montreal Canadiens 1st goal/1st period (+140) – ½ unit
Montreal Canadiens Over ½ goal/1st period (-140) – ½ unit
(In-Pocket) Canes/Flyers Under 6.5/Canadiens/Sabres Over 5.5 (+156) – 2 units
Vegas Golden Knights (-110) at Anaheim Ducks (-110)
Total 6 (Over, -120)
Series tied at 1
9:30 p.m. ET
The series now shifts to Anaheim with the series tied at a game apiece, and I would give a slight edge to the Ducks as a better team through the first two games. Anaheim won game two, 3-1, with the Vegas goal coming on the power play with just six seconds in regulation. The Ducks did a great job of smothering the Golden Knights in game two, preventing them from making two consecutive passes for most of the game.
The Ducks defended their ice perfectly in round one, winning all three games against the Oilers at Honda Center. Vegas won two of their three opening round games on the road at Utah, and for this veteran group of players, they will not be intimidated by the road crowd.
I am going to stay away from both the side and the total and instead go with two Anaheim player props that have been big money makers here in the postseason. Anaheim center Leo Carlsson has recorded at least four shots on goal in seven of Anaheim’s eight playoff games, and defenseman Jackson LaCombe has had an assist in six of the eight playoff games. The Knights Ivan Barbashev was held without a point in game two for the first time this postseason. I will take another shot with the Vegas forward to earn a point tonight in game three.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Leo Carlsson 4+ shots on goal (+111) – 2 units
Jackson LaCombe Over ½ assist (+105) – ½ unit
Ivan Barbashev Over ½ point (-105) – ½ unit
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