The NHL has a split slate on Saturday. Eleven games are on this schedule, but our focus lies on the night portion. Does the impending full moon cause some strange results? Probably.
Friday night was an odd sort. Calgary is still in the playoff race, and yes, both New York teams, named the Islanders and Rangers, are, too. Five games start before sunset, and six begin after the sun goes down. Let’s dive in.
NHL Betting Picks for Saturday, April 12
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Predictions
The Montreal Canadiens are making this more difficult than it has to be. Montreal dropped a 5-2 decision against the Ottawa Senators on Friday. Now, they need a result against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Four teams are nipping at Montreal’s heels somewhat.
The numbers lean to another more wide-open affair. Even the Maple Leafs have something to play for, and that may be to avoid Tampa Bay in the playoffs at all costs. Toronto has seized control of the Atlantic for now. A win would increase their chances of avoiding the Florida teams in Round 1.
Montreal is under .500 on the road at 17-19-2. However, Cole Caufield is a scoring machine. Caufield has scored three goals in his last four contests. With an outside shot at a 40-goal campaign, Caufield will attempt even more shots on Saturday night. His shot prop is over 2.5 at -145.
Keep an eye on a potential alternate game total of 6.5 goals. At +108, this is another bet to consider for Saturday night.
Pick: Cole Caufield anytime goal at +200 via Caesars
Utah Hockey Club vs. Dallas Stars Picks
The Dallas Stars wish Tuesday night against Vancouver did not happen. Thursday night was even worse as Connor Hellebuyck and Winnipeg shut down the Stars 4-0. While the best record in the Western Conference is out of reach now, Dallas needs to get back in the win column on Saturday night at home against Utah.
Utah has proven to be a challenging team to figure out. Their numbers are relatively similar at home and on the road. Utah is 21-17 against the puckline on the road and comes off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators at home.
This all sets up for an about-face on Saturday. After winning seven straight, Dallas has lost four consecutive games for the first time this season. Two losses were in overtime, but expect Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene to have big games for Dallas at home against Utah. Take the cover.
Pick: Dallas Stars -1.5 goals at +135 via BetMGM
Getting Bold With Minnesota
The surprise game of the night may just be the Minnesota Wild versus the Vancouver Canucks. Like Montreal, the Wild have made this a little wilder than expected. Clinching a playoff spot is still likely, but a regulation loss and a Calgary win on Sunday would set up quite a final few days of the regular season.
Vancouver has zero to play for in the spoiler’s role. Thatcher Demko has seen 12 goals of support in his past two games. While Demko keeps trying to find his form from last season, Minnesota plays on the back end of a back-to-back scenario. By the way, the Wild are 22-13-5 away from home.
Again, getting bold with Minnesota is not crazy. The Wild have been giving up goals lately (30 in their last seven games). However, this could be an against-the-wall moment for the Wild.
Minnesota plays more loosely on the road. That could pay dividends in what has become a must-win game for the Wild on Saturday night.
Pick: Minnesota wins on the moneyline at -110 via DraftKings
