Montreal CANADIENS vs Buffalo SABRES

Tonight, we have 2 games slated in the NHL. Our game takes us to the Western New York home of the Buffalo SABRES. Tonight, is game 1 of the 2nd round for both the SABRES and the CANADIENS. Probably the most anticipated series is teeing off this evening. If the SABRES are going to be legitimate, they have to beat another very successful young team. Proof will be in the pudding tonight at KeyBank Center as Montreal is in town and have been known to give the SABRES trouble.

Today’s PICK — Buffalo SABRES -130 — WIN

Minnesota WILD vs Colorado AVALANCHE

Tonight we have a single game on tap in the 2nd round. Our game heads to the Denver home of the Colorado AVALANCHE. The Minnesota WILD is in town for the 2nd game of the best of 7 series. It is hard to say what happened Sunday with the WILD. They gave up 3 goals almost immediately versus the AVS. They came back somehow, but in the end lost going away. The WILD could win, but they can't win a scoring fest vs Colorado. They need to steal a game at Ball Arena, but as good as the AVS have been, that may be a tall order.

Today’s PICK — Colorado AVALANCHE -200 — WIN

Anaheim DUCKS vs Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Tonight we have two games on tap. As always, the pressure cooker will be on high and for hockey fans unbelievably fun to watch. Our game this evening takes us to the Vegas home of the KNIGHTS. They are hosting the upstart Anaheim DUCKS. Vegas will be challenged on the Strip by this version of the DUCKS. Anaheim dispatched Edmonton in 6 games. The only fly in the ointment for Anaheim is that they usually struggle on the road. The VGK seem to have found their game.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS -170 — WIN

Minnesota WILD vs Colorado AVALANCHE

Today, we have two games being played. One of the games is the final game of round 1 and the other is the first game of the 2nd round for Colorado and Minnesota as they break the seal on round 2. This evening the AVS host the WILD at Denver’s Ball Arena in the “Mile High City”. This season the WILD and AVS have split 4 games with both teams winning in each other's barn. The AVS come into tonight winners of 7 straight games. They swept L-A which isn't saying much. The AVS will be tested as the WILD are battle tested and could steal game 1 in Denver.

Today’s PICK — Minnesota WILD +155 — LOSS

Philadelphia FLYERS vs Carolina HURRICANES

We have only one game on tap today. Tonight, we break the seal on the 2nd round. Carolina is hosting the Philadelphia FLYERS at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The CANES are fresh off a sweep of Ottawa. They clearly have the edge this evening, but Philly can surprise and historically has not done well vs Carolina. Scoring will be difficult tonight for the FLYERS. Three out of four games in Carolina’s 1st round series with Ottawa went UNDER. Rod Brind’Amour has his boys dominating.

Today’s PICK — Carolina HURRICANES -235 — WIN

Tampa Bay LIGHTNING vs Montreal CANADIENS

Tonight, we have 3 possible elimination games. All three games could be packed with tension and disappointment. Our pick this evening takes us up to the Montreal home of the CANADIENS. The HABS are hosting the Tampa Bay LIGHTNING in game 6 of the 1st round of the playoffs. Wins and losses have been alternating in this series. The LIGHTNING should win if that trend holds together. Montreal holds a 3-2 lead in the series. With the exception of game 1, all of the games have gone under. A proud Tampa team goes down 2Nite.

Today’s PICK — Montreal CANADIENS -105 — LOSS

Dallas STARS vs Minnesota WILD

There are 2 games this evening. Both games could be elimination games. Anaheim holds a 3-2 lead in their series, and the Minnesota WILD have the Dallas STARS on the edge. Tonight, we head to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” - Minnesota. The WILD are hosting the dreaded and feared Dallas STARS. Tonight's game is game 6 with Minnesota a holding 3 games to 2 lead. The WILD have the STARS on the edge of elimination. During the season Dallas owned the road. With G Jesper Wallstedt between the pipes, the WILD have the edge on home ice.

Today’s PICK — Minnesota WILD -125 — WIN

Montreal CANADIENS vs Tampa Bay LIGHTNING

We are entering white knuckle time in the NHL Playoffs. Tonight we have 1 team facing elimination and 2 teams looking to move ahead of the other. Our game tonight takes us to the home of the Tampa Bay LIGHTNING. They are hosting the Montreal CANADIENS where they are locked into a battle royal series tied at 2-2. Something has to give tonight. Montreal started off the series winning game 1. The LIGHTNING won game 2. The teams have split the next 2. Three of the four games have gone to OT. Scoring has been tough with only game 1 going over. Montreal is due to win tonight, if the trend holds up.

Today’s PICK — Montreal / Tampa Bay UNDER 5.5 — WIN

Minnesota WILD vs Dallas STARS

As round one winds down, we have 3 games slated for this evening. Two teams could be theoretically eliminated this evening. Both Edmonton and Boston are on the ropes tonight. Our game takes us to the Dallas home of the STARS - American Airlines Arena. The Minnesota WILD are back in town after evening the series in St. Paul. This series may be, up to now, the best series of the playoffs. With the WILD's win on Saturday Minnesota made it a best of 3 series. With the series returning to Dallas the edge is now in the STAR's court. The pressure is starting to mount on both teams. It has been 4 years since the WILD have won a series versus Dallas.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS -130 — LOSS

Philadelphia FLYERS vs Pittsburgh PENGUINS

There are 2 games this evening in the NHL. The PENGUINS are at home this evening hosting the latest rendition of the “Broad Street Bullies”. The PENS are attempting to stay relevant in the playoffs as they are up against it and could be eliminated with a loss tonight. The PENS were able to stop the bleeding Saturday after 3 straight losses. Still, the FLYERS are ready to take the next step and closeout the series. Have the Cinderella FLYERS lost their MOJO? The simple answer is NO. Their tough physical play will won’t let them down versus an aging Pittsburgh PENGUINS.

Today’s PICK — Philadelphia FLYERS +115 — LOSS

Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHT vs Utah MAMMOTH

After winning their 1st contest of the first round the VGK dropped the next 2 games. Utah has a 2 games to 1 lead in the series and could potentially gain a 3-1 lead in the series this evening. Utah somehow won Friday scoring 4 goals on just 12 shots. With 2 days to rest and prepare the VGK should able to return to Vegas with a 2-2 tie in the series. Today’s PICK - Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS -118

Tampa Bay LIGHTNING vs Montreal CANADIENS

There are 4 BIG games today in the Stanley Cup playoffs. One of the teams is facing elimination (LA KINGS). All of the other games are facing pivotal Game 4’s. Our game takes us to Bell Centre in Montreal. The CANADIENS are hosting the Tampa Bay LIGHTNING. All of the games between these 2 teams have gone to OVERTIME. Montreal is one of the few teams in the league that has had any kind of luck versus the LIGHTNING. This afternoon’s game pits 2 top goalies who are nearly stopping everything thrown at them. Every goal will be magnified. The HABS will try to put a lock on the series this afternoon.

Today’s PICK — Montreal CANADIENS -105 — LOSS

Best of the rest:

Buffalo SABRES @ Boston BRUINS — Buffalo heads into today’s game with a 2 games to 1 lead in the series. The game at TD Garden in Boston will be loaded with a rowdy and raucous crowd of BRUIN fans. The BRUINS won’t go down easy this afternoon. Today’s PICK — Boston BRUINS -110

Colorado AVALANCHE @ Los Angeles KINGS — The AVS have beaten the KINGS in 9 of their last 10 head-to-head. Combine that with the fact L-A has not competed well on home ice and you realize the KINGS are really up against it. Today could be Anze Kopitar last game before he heads into the sunset. Todays’ PICK — Colorado -175

Edmonton OILERS @ Anaheim DUCKS — The DUCKS have always played the OILERS tough. Anaheim has taken down the OILERS 4 straight times at the POND in Anaheim. There has yet to be a low scoring game in this series with all of the games going over the OVER. Guess what, the DUCKS can keep up with these high flying OILERS. Today’s PICK — Anaheim DUCKS +115

Dallas STARS vs Minnesota WILD

There are 3 games going off today in the NHL. My normal format for the site will return Tuesday as I am traveling. Our game today takes us to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” - Minnesota. The WILD are hosting their longtime rival, the Dallas STARS. Since winning game 1 in Dallas, the WILD have proceeded to lose their next 2 games returning the home ice advantage to the STARS. At this point the WILD have too many demons to exercise as they have not won a series since 2015. Compared to the Dallas, Minnesota has not been getting it done winning only 2 of their last 7 games. At this point I am not sure the WILD can get it back together at this pivotal point of the series.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS +115 — LOSS

Best of the REST:

Carolina @ Ottawa - The SENS are down 3 games to none. All of the games have been tight, but no cigar for Ottawa. Today, the CANES do the unthinkable and finish off the sweep of the series — Carolina -125 — WIN

Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia - Philadelphia has the PENGUINS on the ropes today and could whip out their broom as well. Being the young team they are Philly could potentially have a letdown after winning the first 3 games. Pittsburgh, being the veteran team they are, will com out desperate and take game 4 in the “Keystone State” series — Pittsburgh PENGUINS +102 — WIN

Edmonton OILERS vs Anaheim DUCKS

There are 3 games, once again, slated for tonight. Our game takes us to the southern California home of the Anaheim DUCKS. The Edmonton OILERS are in town to attempt to reclaim their home ice advantage. That is most likely going to be difficult for an Edmonton team that has had their troubles on the road. With every step in the playoffs Anaheim has improved. They are a young team with a lot to prove. The Draisaitl - McDavid team brings their high-octane offense to the Pond in Anaheim. Home ice has not been a problem for the DUCKS.

Today’s PICK — Anaheim DUCKS +110 — WIN

Carolina HURRICANES vs Ottawa SENATORS

We once again have 3 three games slated for this evening. Round One is nearly at the half-way point. Our game this evening takes us to the Canadian capital of Ottawa. The SENATORS are hosting the Carolina HURRICANES in what should be a hard hitting, low scoring game. In their last 10 games versus each other the SENATORS have only beaten the CANES 3 times. Ottawa doesn't match up well against the CANES and the hardworking nature of Carolina will make it difficult this evening at Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata.

Today’s PICK — Carolina HURRICANES +105 — WIN

Dallas STARS vs Minnesota WILD

Tonight, there are 3 games on tap. One of the games will be pivotal as the FLYERS could conceivably take a dominating 3 game lead in their series versus Pittsburgh. The other games are both game 2’s and could lead to dominating leads. As everyone knows, you are not in trouble till you lose on home ice. Tonight, both Edmonton and Minnesota are defending home ice. Our game takes us to the home of the WILD who are hosting the Dallas STARS. The WILD have already stolen home ice advantage with their win on Monday. This evening we should see a desperate Dallas team attempt to win back home ice. Both of the games that have been played have been dominated at points by each of the teams. The WILD have won their last 3 in a row vs Dallas on home ice. Minnesota fans will dominate the game IF the WILD scores first. Those are the stakes tonight.

Today’s PICK — Minnesota WILD -135 — LOSS

Boston BRUINS vs Buffalo SABRES

The frost round of the playoffs are great, because we have a game nearly every night! Tonight, we have 4 games slated. Our game takes us to the western New York home of the Buffalo SABRES. KeyBank Center will be rocking with rabid SABRE fans as the SABRES host the Boston BRUINS. On Sunday the SABRES electrified their home crowd with 3rd period comeback win over Boston. They scored 4 goals in the 3rd period to overcome a 4-goal deficit. Against Buffalo, the BRUINS may need a bigger boat.

Today’s PICK — Buffalo SABRES -175 — LOSS

Ottawa SENATORS vs Carolina HURRICANES

There are 4 games this evening on the 3rd night of Round #1. Our game tonight takes us to Raleigh, North Carolina and the Lenovo Center home of the HURRICANES. The Ottawa SENATORS are in town to attempt to beat the “storm surge”. Even though the SENS were competitive in the game 1, the HURRICANES were able to dominate in a 2-0 win. Their play in Raleigh has been exceptional all season long. Rod Brind'Amour has his boys playing suffocating hockey.

Today’s PICK — Carolina HURRICANES -150 — WIN

Montreal CANADIENS vs Tampa Bay LIGHTNING

There are 4 Round #1 games today in the NHL. in the playoffs anything can and WILL happen. Today’s pick takes us to the Tampa home of the LIGHTNING. The Montreal CANADIENS are the LIGHTNING’s adversary this evening at Benchmark International Arena. Fifty-seven of Montreal's 106 points came on the road this season. Most of the HABS wins versus Tampa have come in Tampa. In the playoffs coach John Cooper always has his guys ready. In the 1st game the CANADIENS must steal the opener in F-L-A - full-stop!

Today’s PICK — Montreal Canadiens +155 — WIN

Philadelphia FLYERS vs Pittsburgh PENGUINS

Today we head into the first weekend of the playoffs. There are 3 games on tap throughout the day. Our pick has the Pittsburgh PENGUINS hosting Philadelphia FLYERS at PPG Paints Arena in the “Steel City”. Philadelphia's play has been superior on the road this year. Pittsburgh has been about the same home or away. In the battle for the Keystone State these 2 teams split their 4 games. Game 1 is vital for Philly to steal an upset in western Pennsylvania.

Today’s PICK — Philadelphia FLYERS +125 — WIN