Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS vs Edmonton OILERS

This evening there are 2 games on tap once again the 2nd round of the playoffs. One of the games appears to be lopsided, with the other game providing the hype we are all looking for. Don’t get me wrong, but anything can happen in either game. Our game tonight takes us to Edmonton, Alberta. Sometimes we have the good fortune to witness miracles. That was the occasion Saturday night in Edmonton. Reilly Smith scored the winning goal with 0.4 seconds left in the game. While miracles rarely happen, that had to jack-up the VGK for tonight's game.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS +110 — LOSS

Winnipeg JETS vs Dallas STARS

AH, once again into the breech! Today, we have another 2 games going off in round 2. Our game today takes us down to Dallas, Texas. Both of these teams win by stifling their opponent by choking off their ability to score goals. On Friday Dallas went up to Winnipeg and stole the home ice advantage. Winnipeg had gone wire-to-wire to win the President's Trophy. Now, the STARS have to defend home ice. These 2 teams have played 10 straight under games and scoring WILL be a challenge.

Today’s PICK — Dallas / Winnipeg — UNDER 5 — LOSS

Carolina HURRICANES vs Washington CAPITALS

Welcome back again to the DAILY ICEPICK, your hockey play! Today we have two game 3’s in the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Our game today takes us to the North Carolina home of the HURRICANES. In today's game 3 the CAPITALS will attempt to secure home ice with a win in Raleigh. Neither of these teams are scoring. Both teams are getting strong goaltending. The 1st team to score this afternoon will and should control play. I like the UNDER…

Today’s PICK — Washington / Carolina UNDER 5.5 — WIN

Dallas STARS vs Winnipeg JETS

Tonight, we have another 2 playoff games to write about. Our game this evening takes us up to Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg and the home of the “whiteout”. Dallas came out hot in game 1 and defeated the JETS 3-2. These 2 foes know each other to the point there are no surprises. With Winnipeg's home record, it is difficult to believe they won't be ready tonight on the plains of Manitoba.

Today’s PICK — Winnipeg JETS -135 — WIN

Carolina HURRICANES vs Washington CAPITALS

Tonight, we continue on with the 2nd round of the playoffs. So far, we have witnessed some great hockey. For me hockey action is the best any sport has to offer. Our game tonight takes us to our nation’s capital - Washington, DC. The CAPITPAL are hosting the Carolina H URRICANES in game 2 of their series. In the first game of this series both of these teams battled until Carolina won in overtime 2-1. This series is likely to go at least 6 games. Typically, the CAPS take care of business on home ice and have loss only 9 games at home.

Today’s PICK — Washington CAPITALS +115 — WIN

Dallas STARS vs Winnipeg JETS

Tonight, there are only 2 games on the docket this evening in the NHL. Our selection tonight takes us to “whiteout” country. All of Manitoba will be watching tonight’s match between the JETS and STARS. Tonight, we crack the seal on the 1st game of the 2nd round for these 2 teams. Both teams had to go 7 games on their way to where we are. If Dallas has a weakness, it is playing on the road. The JETS have won 4 of their last 5 versus Dallas.

Today’s PICK — Winnipeg JETS -105 — LOSS

Edmonton OILERS vs Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Tonight, all 4 teams break the seal on round 2 of the playoffs. Our game this evening takes us to ”sin city” - Las Vegas, Nevada. The KNIGHTS are welcoming in the dynamic duo of Conor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. After losing the first 2 games, the OILERS swept L-A. The VGK's 1st round of play saw them struggle at times vs the WILD. Both teams have stars to carry the load. Both teams are relatively healthy. Both of these teams have been buoyed by solid goaltending. Scoring will be a challenge for both of these teams. The KNIGHTS have a slight edge tonight at T-Mobile.

Today’s PICK — OILERS / VEGAS UNDER 6.5 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Toronto MAPLE LEAFS

Tonight, we break the seal on game 1 of the 2nd round. There is only one game featured this evening in these playoffs. Last year’s Stanley Cup Champion moves to once again win the Cup. The Toronto MAPLE LEAFS will attempt to knock them off their pedestal. After making short work of the Tampa Bay LIGHTNING, Florida flies up to Toronto for game 1 of the 2nd round. The LEAFS came out strong vs the SENS with 3 wins, then lost 2 and ultimately won game 6. There will be no surprises tonight for these longtime foes. The home team LEAFS seem to have gotten their game together, but it won’t be easy.

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS +110 — WIN

St. Louis BLUES vs Winnipeg JETS

Well folks, we are finally here. Game 7 of the first round. Did any of you watch that game last night between the AVALANCHE and the STARS? What a game! Game 7’s often feature tension and stress for both teams. Without being hyperbolic, there is NO tomorrow for the loser. Winnipeg has yet to really prove themselves, as they have led the league in wins practically wire-to-wire and winning the cursed President’s Trophy. Jet goalie Connor Hellebuyck has yet to win THAT big game. Even during the 4 Nations Tournament Hellebuyck was unable to defeat Jordon Binnington of the BLUES. Everybody knows that goalies go through some really big-time head games. Nobody expected the BLUES to be in a first round game 7, much less even get to the PLAYOFFS. Throughout the year the JETS have only lost 7 games in regulation on home ice. In this series the road team has yet to win a game. Look for the BLUES to win tonight on the road in a massive upset.

Today’s PICK — St. Louis BLUES +130 — LOSS — Rough

Colorado AVALANCHE vs Dallas STARS

Tonight, one of these teams will have come to the end of the line. Nothing will be left in the tank for either of these teams. It is truly a shame that one of these teams has to lose. Dallas has been knocking on the door for some time and tonight, even with their injuries, they will win. On Thursday night the hockey gods were smiling on the AVS. Two of their goals were of the extremely lucky variety. Dallas worked hard but came up short. Tonight, the STARS return to form to win a game 7 in BIG "D".

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS +118 — WIN - What a game!

Winnipeg JETS vs St. Louis BLUES

There is only 1 game going on this evening. The Winnipeg JETS head down to Enterprise Center to take on those pesky St. Louis BLUES. Tonight's game 6 could provide a winner in this series. The Winnipeg JETS are on the cusp of taking down the BLUES. Their only problem, they have not been able to win in St. Louis. Is tonight the night? The BLUES have been able to destroy them twice there. There is also another challenge for the JETS. They will be without one of their best players - Mark Scheifele….

Todays PICK — St. Louis BLUES -120 — WIN

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Ottawa SENATORS

Tonight, all 4 games are possible elimination games. With that in mind tonight’s games will be brutal. Our game this evening takes us up to the Canadian capital of Ottawa. The SENATORS are hosting fellow Ontario team Toronto to game 6 of their series. After jumping off to a great start winning the first 3 games of the series, the LEAFS have lost the last 2 games. The SENS have won 2 straight elimination games. It would behoove Toronto to win tonight and not go to a game 7. Anything can happen in a game 7!

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS -105 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Tampa Bay LIGHTNING

Tonight, we could witness the end of 2 playoff series. The LIGHTNING are looking at the possibility of elimination and the CANADIENS are as well. Our game this evening takes us to the Tampa Bay home of the LIGHTNING. Florida heads back to Tampa for tonight's game 5. The LIGHTNING have already lost their first 2 games at Amelie Arena. On Monday the PANTHERS scored a very quick 3 goals to take a come from behind victory. Tampa had led throughout the game. That one left a mark.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -110 — WIN

Ottawa SENATORS vs Toronto MAPLE LEAFS

Tonight, there is a possibility of 2 teams being knocked out of playoffs. Both the New Jersey DEVILS and the Ottawa SENATORS seasons are on the line with a loss this evening. In my opinion, both of those teams are in - over their heads. Our game takes us to Toronto, Ontario for what could be the final game of this series. After 3 straight losses to the MAPLE LEAFS, the SENATORS finally won a game. This has been a very close series with 3 overtimes in a row. Tonight, is the 2nd elimination game in a row for Ottawa. Anything could happen. Still, if the LEAFS are operating at 70% efficiency, they should win.

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS -205 — LOSS

Tampa Bay LIGHTNING vs Florida PANTHERS

Tonight, we have only 2 games on the docket. Both games will provide power-packed performances by both teams. Both of the games feature difficult picks with familiar foes leaning into the games being played out on the ice. Our game takes us to the Tampa Bay home of the LIGHTNING. The LIGHTNING are in town for game 4 of the series. After losing their first 2 games on home ice the Tampa Bay LIGHTNING finally won again in Florida. That is to say they beat the PANTHERS. Even with their big win in Miami, Tampa will face the reality that the Panthers are pretty good as they bounce back this evening.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -145 — WIN

Washington CAPITALS vs Montreal CANADIENS

We have 4 games slated for today. Our game this evening takes us to the hockey mad city of Montreal. The CANADIENS are once again hosting the Ovetchkin led Washington CAPITALS. There will be NO doubt Bell Centre will be rocking today! Tonight is a pivotal game this evening in Montreal. On Friday the HABS were able to come back and win on home ice. Coming into the series both teams struggled a bit. Both goalies are doubtful today and that is not good for either of them. This should be an advantage for the CAPS, but, as always, time will tell the tale.

Today’s PICK — Washington CAPITALS -115 — WIN

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Ottawa SENATORS

We have 4 games scheduled today throughout the NHL. Round 1 has provided some exciting hockey with a couple of surprises. Tonight, we head up to Ottawa where the SENATORS are hosting the Toronto MAPLE LEAFS. Tonight, the LEAFS can close out their series with a win in Ottawa. With the exception of the first game, this series has ended twice with 2 OT wins for the LEAFS. Toronto has really focused on winning and not letting the SENS up for air.

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS -105 — LOSS

Carolina HURRICANES vs Montreal CANADIENS

Tonight, we have 3 games on the docket. Our game takes us to up to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The DEVILS will be hosting the Carolina HURRICANES in game #3 of the 1st round of the playoffs. Tonight, the HURRICANES can take a commanding lead in the series with a win. But winning on the road has not been guaranteed throughout the season. There is probably no coming back, if the DEVILS drop the game this evening.

Today’s PICK — New Jersey DEVILS +143 — WIN

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Ottawa SENATORS

Tonight, we have a full slate of games. There are 4 games on the docket this evening. Our game this evening takes us to the Canadian Capital of Ottawa. The SENATORS are hosting the dreaded and feared Auston Matthews led Toronto MAPLE LEAFS. Tonight, we find out if Ottawa is a serious contender in these playoffs. They have come up on the wrong side of the playoffs in the first 2 games in Toronto. Ottawa was strong on the road and will be desperate tonight in Canadian Tire Centre.

Today’s PICK — Ottawa SENATORS -130 — LOSS

Edmonton OILERS vs Los Angeles KINGS

There are once again 3 games on tap for this evening. The first round of the playoffs is almost always exciting, with few exceptions. Each series is a mini season for each of the teams participating. Tonight’s game takes us to Los Angeles, California. The KINGS and OILERS are participating in a pivotal game 2. With a win the KINGS can put a ton of pressure on the OILERS to win to tie the series up. Is this the year that the KINGS finally beat the OILERS in the playoffs? Up until last December the OIL had owned the KINGS. L-A needs to prove that their win Monday is NOT an anomaly. They can put their seal on the series with a win again tonight at Crypto.com Arena.

Today’s PICK — Los Angeles KINGS -135 — WIN