Often, your mom would say to put on your “Sunday best”. The NHL playoffs cranked things up to a volume of 11 on Saturday as the Colorado Avalanche evened their series with Dallas while Ottawa stayed alive. If that was not enough, Tampa Bay notched a win in Florida, and Vegas tied their series with Minnesota.
Now, what happens today? It is the playoffs after all. Four games are scheduled, all again on TBS/TruTV/MAX, beginning at 1:00 pm ET.
Could New Jersey Drag Their Way Back Into This Series?
The New Jersey Devils are not healthy. With injuries to several defensemen, plus Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler not exactly 100%, the Devils have been game in this series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Yes, the Hurricanes went full throttle in Game 1, but since then, New Jersey has upped their level of play.
The bad news centers on Luke Hughes. Many are speculating that Hughes will need surgery on his shoulder. That remains to be seen. One thing is sure: Hughes is out for the foreseeable future. Add in the questionable status of Jonathan Kovacevic, and Carolina should be licking their chops.
Now, New Jersey winning in double overtime can have a dramatic effect. However, the books keep tossing out this number, which has now bulged out to -180 on the moneyline. It is understandable why. Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis get the headlines, but an impressive depth allows them to enjoy an advantage.
The Devils have played valiantly, along with Jacob Markstrom, in goal. Markstrom will have to play out of his mind yet again for New Jersey to stay in this contest. Carolina figures to pull away late and salt this with an empty-net goal.
Best Sunday Bet: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 goals +154 via DraftKings
Is Logan Thompson Playing A Good Idea?
Okay, everyone saw the injuries to Logan Thompson and Samuel Montembeault. However, at the morning skate on Sunday, Thompson was in the starter’s net. Thompson went through a full practice. The Capitals-Canadiens Game 4 begins just after 6:30 pm ET.
Montreal played exceedingly well in Game 3 and ultimately tallied six goals against Washington. It was an event one might have seen coming. Thompson gave up five goals on 35 shots. Now, was his bell rung, or did something go awry with that leg? At press time, the Capitals’ goaltender was not confirmed as the starter.
Who has the advantage here? Is Washington and Spencer Carbery playing poker, or will Thompson play? Washington has been allowing 30+ shots with regularity, as seen in two of the first three games. That leads us to taking the over on Montreal goals at a safe 2.5 (- 174) via Caesars.
Top Pick: Montreal Canadiens over 2.5 goals (-174 via Caesars)
Can Anyone Stop A Power Play In Edmonton?
Maybe the Los Angeles and Edmonton series will have a penalty kill show up and be successful? The Kings and Oilers combined for 11 goals on Friday night as Edmonton notched its first win in the best-of-seven series. Edmonton has a chance to even the series tonight.
There is considerable risk with a few potential players and game props. Then, team bets may be pondered, too. After three games, the teams have combined for 30 goals (11, 8, 11). Los Angeles and Edmonton also went 2-for-2 on the man advantage. Jim Hiller stated that the penalty kill would be vital in this series, and the lack of it is why totals got pushed to 6.5.
Interestingly, the over of 6.5 goals is still +106 on FanDuel. However, our focus is once again on the players. Can Adrian Kempe keep scoring? He has four goals in this series, and Edmonton cannot clog the lanes enough. He remains third at +180 for an anytime goal. Even with powerplay point props at +130 or greater for Edmonton’s stars (McDavid – +130, Draisaitl – +145, Bouchard – +180), Kempe’s run is still up there. All can be wagered on tonight.
Best Prop Bet: Adrian Kempe anytime goal (+180 via FanDuel)
