Edmonton OILERS vs Florida PANTHERS

After watching Monday night’s debacle for the OILER, one has to wonder whether or not the OILERS are up to defeating the PANTHERS. Home ice has been good for Florida. Edmonton has now had a couple of days to get over it and make adjustments. The physical play, that is the trademark of Florida, will attempt to choke-off a desperate Edmonton team. In game 3 Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner was humiliated and pulled from the game in the 3rd period. Goalies have yet to be confirmed for tonight’s game. There is a possibility that Calvin Pickard is between the pipes for the OIL this evening. The OILERS need to prove to me they are up to beating the PANTHERS. Look for Florida to dominate once again this evening, hopefully without the extracurricular activities.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -150 — LOSS

Edmonton OILERS vs Florida PANTHERS

Tonight, the series heads down to the Florida home of the PANTHERS. The series is tied at 1-1. For the PANTHERS it was “mission accomplished” winning up in Edmonton. Now, the only thing Florida has to do is take advantage of their home ice and win. Edmonton has had trouble winning in Florida, but this is THE playoffs, and their goaltender has been hot. Can they pull an upset this evening? In short - yes, but that brings up another question - Will they? It is my belief that the PANTHERS will be rested, and they will be ready for the faceoff this evening. Florida has a toughness advantage over the OILERS, as well as, the “little ball of hate” - Brad Marchand.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -150 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Edmonton OILERS

When Edmonton opened the series @home with a win, they set the tempo for the series. Tonight, Florida’s mission is to steal at least one of the games IN Edmonton. After Tonight’s match, action heads back to Florida Monday night. In game 1 Sam Bennett scored two goals for Florida and Matthew Tkachuk was contained. Leon Draisaitl scored 2 goals, including the game winner in overtime for the OILERS. In every playoff series there are winners and losers, but when you get to the FINALS, there are NO losers. The FINALS, in hockey, are a battle of wills and I’ll guarantee you Florida will come to play this evening, even playing in Edmonton. Cup Champions have a lot of pride and even though Edmonton has won 5 playoff games in a row, the PANTHERS will tie it up this evening and make it a best 5 series.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS +110 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Edmonton OILERS

Well folks, we are finally here. The Stanley Cup Finals! If you are experiencing a bit of De’ja` - you are! Once again, this year we have Edmonton versus Florida. Last year the PANTHERS beat the OILERS is 7 games. In that series Florida came out hot and won the 1st 3 games of the series. Edmonton won the next 3 games, by dominating play, only to lose game seven 2-1. When Florida extinguished Edmonton’s hopes last season, it likely left a mark on the OILERS soul. The road to revenge starts tonight at Rogers Place in Alberta. At first blush it looks like the OILERS have the hotter hand of the pair of teams. They lost their 1st game versus the STARS, before winning the next 4 straight. That momentum continues this evening in what will be a great opening game of the set.

Today’s PICK — Edmonton OILERS -135 — WIN

Edmonton OILERS vs Dallas STARS

And then there was one. Florida took care of business last night in Carolina and belted, in a come from behind victory, the Carolina HURRICANES. This evening the STARS are on the brink of elimination. Somebody has to stand up and score goals. Could it be Rantanen, or Robertson? The OILERS Zack Hyman was injured in their last game and will be out for the rest of the playoffs. Could that open the door for a Dallas team that perennially loses in the Western Conference FINALS. Last year they lost to the OILERS in 6 games and will be fighting the same demons tonight at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Dallas is now facing a 3-1 deficit. There is NO tomorrow if they lose. To win, they have to score goals. The question is, can they?

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS -130 — LOSS

Florida Panthers vs Carolina HURRICANES

After being convinced of Florida's dominance over the HURRICANES, Carolina was able to pull an upset in Game 4 Monday night. Monday several players did not play for the CANES. Tonight, it is still unknown their condition. What the game Monday amounted to was a night off for streaking PANTHERS. Tonight, they once again get serious and swat down all hopes of a Stanley Cup Championship at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. Florida is now primed to go all-the-way once again this season.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -125 — WIN

Dallas STARS vs Edmonton OILERS

There is a single game this evening and once again there will be desperation on display. Dallas will be visiting Edmonton once again, and tonight, will have their backs to the wall. With a loss, the STARS will be 1 game away from elimination. Somehow, they will have to dig deep and once again find their way to victory. With the exception of a game 1 loss in Dallas, Edmonton has dominated the last 2 games. Goalie Stuart Skinner has found his inner Dominic Hasak and shut down the STARS. Mikko Rantanen has somehow lost his way after leading the STARS in scoring throughout the first 2 games of the series. Dallas has to play their best game of the series, and their focus needs to be DO or DIE…

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS +148 — LOSS

Carolina PANTHERS vs Florida PANTHERS

Tonight, we have Game 4 of the series of the lopsided series between the PANTHERS and the HURICANES. Florida appears to be on their way once again to the Stanley Cup FINAL. Florida has scored 16 goals in 2 games. Not a single game played by the PANTHERS has been close, or in doubt. Tonight, they can eliminate an apparently lost Carolina HURRICANES. Nothing to see here as Florida rolls.

Toady’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -190 — LOSS

Dallas STARS vs Edmonton OILERS

Today there are a lot of sporting events for the NHL to compete with. From baseball to NASCAR to CART, the Dallas STARS will be taking on the Edmonton OILERS at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Out of their last 4 playoff games G Stuart Skinner has thrown 3 shutouts. Sooner or later the STARS are going to get through and score. During their playoff run the STARS have yet to lose 2 in a row. I expect their best hockey this afternoon.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS

Carolina HURRICANES vs Florida PANTHERS

Tonight, we have a critical game 3 in the Conference FINALS. The defending Champ is rolling and are hosting the Carolina HURRICANES. In the best of times, the HURRICANES have typically had their troubles in Amerant Bank Arena. In the playoffs life is about to get more uncomfortable for them. The PANTHERS easily won in Raleigh and tonight will bring more of the same.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -160 — WIN

Edmonton OILERS vs Dallas STARS

There is once again a single game this evening in the NHL. In game 1 the OILERS looked a lot weaker than expected. Dallas was ready for them and an ambush ensued. Edmonton has to steal a game in Big "D". Carolina was able to “steal” both of their games in Carolina. The difference in this series is goaltending. Jake Oettinger is a step above Stuart Skinner in goal for the STARS. To win the OILERS have to slow down the STARS offense. While Edmonton’s defense has improved over the course of the season, they are not where they need to be without Calvin Pickard between the pipes. The STARS roll tonight.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS -115 — LOSS

Florida PANTHERS vs Carolina HURRICANES

Tonight, we head back to Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC as the HURRICANES and PANTHERS get back together in game 2 of the Eastern Final. These 2 teams have split their last 6 games, but somehow the PANTHERS seem to always be on top of their game when it comes to the playoffs. You need to have solid play before you beat these PANTHERS. Tonight, the CANES dig deep to find the wherewithal to take game 2 on home ice.

Today’s PICK — Carolina PANTHERS -130 — LOSS

Edmonton OILERS vs Dallas STARS

We have a singular game to focus on this evening in the playoffs. The Dallas STARS are hosting the McDavid led Edmonton OILERS tonight at American Airlines Center. The question this evening is whether or not the Stars stout defense can shut down McDavid and Draisaitl. Are we headed to another Stanley Cup Final with the same 2 teams as last year? That is what is at stake in this series for the OILERS. Dallas is healthy again and is hungry. They have been to the Conference Final 3 straight years in a row. The STARS open the series with a win tonight.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS -130 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Carolina HURRICANES

Well, we are finally here - the Conference FINALS. Tonight, we break the seal on game #1 of the Eastern Championship series. Historically the Panthers have usually owned the CANES. Although the CATS dispatched the LEAFS in 7 games, it was not that close. Toughness is Florida’s games. Carolina may hold up better to Florida, but that won’t help them in the end. Tonight, the PANTHERS will set the tone for the series.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS +105 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Toronto MAPLE LEAFS

And then there was one. The Western Conference series has been determined and tonight the Eastern Conference will be decided. The Florida PANTHERS are up in Toronto to take on the MAPLE LEAFS in game 7 of their series. The PANTHERS are the defending Champions, and the LEAFS will attempt to continue their quest for the Stanley Cup. Toronto has not won the Cup in 58 years. The pressure in a city that lives and breathes hockey is incredible. Fifty-eight years is the longest championship drought in the history of the NHL. The LEAFS, somehow, were able to take down the PANTHERS in Sunrise, Florida. Is it because the LEAFS were the better team, or the PANTHERS took the night off? Both teams are stacked with the LEAFS being led by Auston Matthews and Florida being led by Matthew Tchachuk. The PANTHERS have a secret weapon in the “little ball of hate” - Brad Marchand. Toronto has some of the best offensive players in the league. Nevertheless, their finesse doesn’t seem to add up to championships. Their lack of physical players has NOT served them well. One of their grittiest players Matthew Knies is likely out this evening. I hate to say it folks, but Florida is holding most of the cards this evening at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -130 — WIN

Winnipeg JETS vs Dallas STARS

Tonight, we have 1 game being played in the entire NHL. If the STARS can win tonight’s game 6 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, there is no tomorrow for the JETS. The STARS could have sealed the deal in Winnipeg last Thursday but basically took the night off. They should be fresh this evening in BID “D”. Yes folks, during the course of these playoffs I have been tough on the JETS goal tender. Today, will be Hellebuyck’s greatest challenge when they drop the puck this evening. All eyes will be on his play in the crease to force a game 7 in Winnipeg. The pressure is on for Winnipeg to prove they can do it! Can they? I believe they can…

Today’s PICK — Winnipeg JETS +140 — LOSS

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Florida PANTHERS

Tonight, we have what could be the final game of the Florida / Toronto series. Tonight’s game is being played at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FLA. The playoffs look like they are headed towards a replay of last year’s Stanley Cup Final. Both Florida and Edmonton are headed on that trajectory. The LEAFS are going to have to dig deep, if they want their season to continue. Since goalie Anthony Stolarz was knocked out in the crease the PANTHERS have owned the LEAFS lock, stock and barrel. Unfortunately, it is another year of futility and discontent for the MAPLE LEAFS.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -240 — LOSS

Dallas STARS vs Winnipeg JETS

We have 2 games on tap this evening in round 2 of the NHL playoffs. Both games could feature a team being eliminated. Winning in the playoffs is dependent on which team has their game going when it is counts. Our game takes us to Winnipeg where the JETS are hosting the Dallas STARS. Winnipeg has to win tonight, but can they? Tonight's game 5 has the STARS leading 3-1. The JETS are facing failure once again as their game centers around Connor Hellebuyck and he is once again struggling in a big game.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS EVEN — LOSS

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Florida PANTHERS

There are 2 game this evening with one of the games being a possible elimination game. Vegas is going to be hosting the Edmonton OILERS in game 5. The OILERS lead the series 3-1. The other game has the Toronto MAPLE LEAFS hosting the Florida PANTHERS with the series even up 2-2. Tonight, is the beginning of a best of 3 series. Both of these teams have won 2 games each. Both teams have maintained their home ice advantage. On home ice I like Toronto's chances.

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS +118 — LOSS

Winnipeg JETS vs Dallas STARS

There is a singular game this evening in the NHL. Winnipeg is in Dallas to take on the STARS at American Airlines Center. The President’s Cup winning Winnipeg JETS appear to be feeling the pressure. Tonight’s game will go a long way to defining Winnipeg’s chances. If Winnipeg has any hope tonight of winning the cup this season, they have to get by the STARS. They will have to steal tonight's match in Dallas. They are up to it, but is Hellebucyk? Winning on the road is a problem for them.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS -145 — WIN