NHL Picks Monday 5/2
Bruins at Hurricanes Un5.5 (-105), .75
• Both of these teams finished the season with top 5 defenses. Carolina’s was ranked 1st and Boston was ranked 4th. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a very defensive game will very few scoring opportunities. Both goalies also have a GAA of 2.45 and I could see 5 goals being scored at max in this contest.
Bruins at Hurricanes ML (-120), .5
• Last time these teams met, the Hurricanes won 6-0. I don’t think a similar outcome will happen in this game but I do think Carolina has everything needed to come away with a win. The 1st ranked defense, and an underrated offense as well that came in the top 10 in scoring. I think it will be close but the Hurricanes win game 1.
Lighting ML (+105) at Maple Leafs, .75
• The back to back Stanley Cup winners are road underdogs??? Give me that all day. The Lightning are coming into this game on a 4 game win streak and have looked unstoppable coming into playoffs. Yes the Leafs have an extremely explosive offense but their defense was ranked 18th in the league. Tampa is way more well rounded and has the experience to get this game 1 victory.
Blues ML (+110) at Wild, .5
• Even though these teams battled for home ice towards the end of the season, I believe St Louis was the better team. They have been more consistent than the Wild on the offensive and defensive side of the puck. They ended the season with the 4th ranked offense and 10th ranked defense. Minnesota is similar to Toronto as they have great offensive tools but lack on the defensive side. St. Louis will take advantage of that and be able to keep the Wild away from their net.
Kings at Oilers Un6 (+105), .5
• Everything changes come playoff time. Inexperienced players become nervous and tensions are always at the max. Edmonton has a great offense but lack the experience. Last year they were knocked out first round and the last time they made playoffs was 2017. Same can be said for the Kings who haven’t won a playoff series since they won the Cup back in 2014. I have a feeling since it’s the first game, these teams are going to play very cautious and it will be less goals than most people expect.