Best NHL Bets, Picks & Predictions Tonight

NHL Playoff Odds, Stanley Cup Finals Best Bets Today – June 26th, 2022

Lightning vs Avalanche Game 6

8:10 p.m. ET

The Lightning forced a game 6 after holding off the Avalanche on their home ice in game 5. Now, the Lightning hosts another elimination game, this time in Tampa. Tampa’s defense was the star in game 5. Their ability to neutralize just about every Avalanche chance, allowed them to dominate puck possession. 

As we turn to game 6, the Avalanche remain favorites at -111 on the moneyline. For the Avalanche to raise the Cup in Tampa tonight, they’ll have to find a way to get back to playing their brand of hockey. Too many times this series, they’ve allowed Tampa to dictate the pace and knock them off their game. 

With the home crowd behind them, I’m looking for the Lightning to continue their defensive dominance. The Avalanche’s momentum has completely stopped, and now is the time to capitalize for the Lightning. I’m looking for another slowed-down defensive battle-type game. I love the value we’re getting on this play, that is beating the CLV by a wide margin. 

Pick: Under 6 Total Goals | -115 at DraftKings Sportsbook

+EV Player Prop Bonus: Cale Makar Over 3.5 Shots on Goal | +105 at BetMGM Sportsbook

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NHL Playoff Odds, Stanley Cup Finals Best Bets Today – June 24th, 2022

Lightning vs Avalanche Game 5 Betting Pick: Pick: Lightning Under 2.5 Team Goals | -105 at PointsBet

The Avalanche have a close-out game on their home ice tonight, after a thrilling 3-2 OT win in game 4. Colorado did something in game 4 they haven’t done in this series, come from behind. A big knock on the Avs coming into the finals as they were only able to win games as front runners. It’s become clear that their speed and offensive potency allows them to win games in a variety of ways. 

As we turn to game 5, the Avs enter as huge favorites (-175). While the Lightning have shown some strong periods, they have yet to consistently play complete dominant defensive games. Even when they are able to buckle down and hold the Avs under their average, Colorado is able to use their offensive potency to outlast the slower Lightning. 

With their backs against the wall, the Lightning are faced with a near-impossible task. Winning an elimination game in Colorado is no small task. And with their speed and offensive disadvantage, I struggle to see how they keep up with a highly energized Avalanche. I love the value we’re getting on the Lightning under 2.5 goals. This play is already beating the CLV, and I’m looking for the Avs to dominate game 5 en route to their 3rd Stanley Cup.

+EV Player Prop Bonus: Nathan MacKinnon Over 0.5 Assists | -105 at BetMGM

Stanley Cup Finals Game 4 Prediction, Odds, Best Bets Today – June 22, 2022

Avalanche vs Lightning Game 4 Betting Pick: Lightning 1st Period Moneyline  | -110 at DraftKings

The Lightning dominated Game 3, on their way to a 6-2 win. Now, down 2-1 in the series, Tampa hosts a crucial Game 4. Tampa’s defense was the story coming into the Stanley Cup Finals. But, the fact their offense looked as explosive as it did in Game 3, is a great sign for Bolts fans. As we approach Game 4, the Lightning remain slight favorites. Down to as much as -120 in some books, The Lighting have all the momentum on their home ice.

The Avalanche, who thrive on momentum, are now faced with some difficult decisions entering Game 4. Colorado has a full blown goaltender controversy on their hands. They have yet to name a starter for tonight’s game.  

I’m looking for the Lightning to keep their momentum going, especially early in the game. The Avalanche are dealing with a shaky goaltender, and I believe the Lightning are experienced and talented enough to take control of this game in the 1st period. 

+EV Player Prop Bonus: Bowen Byram Under 1.5 Shots on Goal | +125 at BetRivers

Stanley Cup Finals Game 3 Prediction, Odds, Best Bets Today – June 20, 2022

Avalanche vs. Lightning Game 3 Betting Pick: Avalanche Moneyline  | -110 at BetMGM

The Avalanche take a 2-0 series lead into Tampa, after a dominating 7-0 game 2 win. Colorado’s speed and offensive potency was on full display on Saturday night. The Lightning had no answers for the Avs depth and relentless attack. 

As the series heads to Tampa, game 3 opened as a pick’em. The Avalanche have been solid throughout these playoffs, but especially away. Time and again, Colorado has been able to sustain their momentum across state lines. With their backs against the wall, the Lightning must return to their elite defensive form in order to avoid the dreaded 0-3 series deficit. 

As back-to-back champs, I believe Tampa is getting a lot of respect on the moneyline. The Avalanche have shown they can out skate and outlast the Lightning. I’m taking the Avalanche on the moneyline. With a win tonight, this will be the best value on the moneyline for the series. The Avalanche will keep their momentum and dominance going, even on the road. 

+EV Player Prop Bonus: Ondrej Palat Under 0.5 Points | +120 at BetRivers

Stanley Cup Finals Game 2 Prediction, Odds, Best Bets Today – June 18, 2022

Lightning vs Avalanche Game 2 Betting Pick: Over 6 Total Goals | -110 at BetMGM

The Avalanche jumped out to an early 3-1 lead in game 1. They looked fast, dominant, and on their way to an easy win. Then, their offense went silent as Tampa clamped down on defense and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy found his groove, saving 34 shots. Colorado ultimately won in overtime, but certainly has some work to do on the offensive end. 

I’m looking for the Colorado attack to bounce back in a big way. Superstars Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon were held scoreless in game one, and Makar did not record a point in the game. That can’t happen again in game 2 if the Avalanche wants to take a 2-0 series lead. 

There were a ton of questions heading into game 1 if the Lightning could skate with the Avalanche. Despite a bumpy start, that question was answered with an emphatic yes. This game has all the making of producing a ton of goals, so  I love the value we’re getting on the over here.

+EV Player Prop Bonus: JT Compher Over 0.5 Points | +150 at BetRivers

Stanley Cup Finals Game 1 Prediction, Odds, Best Bets Today – June 15, 2022

Lightning vs. Avalanche Game 6 Betting Pick: Avalanche Puck Line -1  | +105 at BetRivers

8:00 p.m. ET

The Stanley Cup Finals finally get underway tonight! The white hot Avalanche host the Lightning in Colorado. The Avalanche come into this game as the hottest team in recent playoff memory. With only 2 postseason losses, Colorado looks to keep hot and pick up a crucial game 1 win. 

The Lightning won’t be an easy out, though. The back-to-back time defending champs are looking to complete the NHL’s first 3-peat in 40+ years. Tampa has certainly had a more inconsistent playoff than Colorado. The Lightning dropped 2 games on the road in the ECF, then won 4 straight to find themselves in their 3rd straight Finals.

Colorado hosts their 1st Stanley Cup Finals game in over 20 years. I’m looking for the Avalanche to continue their home dominance. The Lightning have had the best defense in the playoffs but have yet to face a team as balanced as Colorado.

The Tampa defense will not be able to just take away 1 attacker for the Avalanche. With their potent offense and multi-facetted attack, The Avalanche will keep the momentum going and win game 1

+EV Player Prop Bonus: Nathan MacKinnon Over 0.5 Goals | +148 at PointsBet

NHL Playoff Odds, Eastern Conference Finals Best Bets Today – June 11, 2022

Rangers vs. Lightning Game 6 Betting Pick: Lightning Over 3 Team Total Goals | -115 at BetMGM

8 p.m. ET

The road team finally won a game this series, as the Lightning saw a 3-1 victory in a hard-fought Game 5. Now, Tampa is on the doorstep of their third straight Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

To get there, they’ll need to win Game 6 at home; where they haven’t lost since May 6. 

As the Lightning continue their winning streak, the line is moving heavily in their favor. Tampa enters Game 6 as high as -205 favorites, and for good reason.

After two straight seven-game series, the Rangers look gassed. They are remaining competitive in every game, due to solid early-game defense. However, they just can’t sustain any offense enough to make a run late in games. 

This bet may look familiar but I’m riding with the Lightning offense, especially at home. With each game, the Rangers defense seems to be waning.

As the Lightning sense the Rangers are just about dead, I’m counting on them to feed off the home crowd’s energy and jump out the gate with a few early goals.  

+EV Player Prop Bonus: Nikita Kucherov Over 3.5 Shots on Goal | +125 at BetMGM

NHL Playoff Odds, Eastern Conference Finals Best Bets Today – June 7, 2022

Lightning vs Rangers Game 5 Betting Pick: Lightning Team Total Over 3 Goals | +118 at BetRivers

8 p.m. ET

The Lightning did what they had to do in Tampa, sweeping the two-game home stretch to pull even in the series. The Rangers have cooled off significantly in Tampa and the road games absolutely killed their momentum.

Now, they’re desperate to get hot again as the series heads back to New York for Game 5.  

Tampa continues to be favored (-124 moneyline), even on the road. This line represents the shortest the Lightning have been favored in this series.

It seems as though they can’t get their offense going on the road, like they can in Tampa. Despite their previous road struggles, I’m looking for them to capitalize on their momentum.

The Rangers leave Tampa deflated.

After two magical runs in the first and second rounds, it certainly feels like the magic may be over for the Rangers. The Lightning have the experience and talent to take command of this series on the road. 

+EV Player Prop Bonus: Artemi Panarin Over 0.5 Points | -108 at FanDuel