Written by Graeme & Scott on Sunday, May 23rd, 2021
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After a lot of great, close hockey action, Saturday was a more lopsided day with 4 big victories.
Our consensus picks of Vegas to win and the Leafs to win in regulation both came in and went 2-0. The only other pick was Scott backing the Islanders to win incl OT and they they did so with a nice victory over the Penguins.
That now sees two teams on the brink of elimination with Florida and Minnesota.
We could see the first two eliminated teams today as the Capitals are down 3-1 and host Boston, and the Blues are down 3-0 and host the mighty Colorado Avalanche.
Let’s get to it:
Predators vs Hurricanes Game 3 Betting Tips:
Scott: Huge win for the Preds in game 3. It took double overtime but the Preds came through. It was a close game as the 2 overtimes would suggest but the shots were close too with the Canes having 55 and the Preds 54.
The Canes know they can’t allow the Predators back in the series in this game. If the Preds win then it’s a best of 3 series.
Hurricanes win incl OT
Canada: 1.72 Odds at
USA: -137 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.72 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/23 10:24:28 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: Well I got my win with the Preds last game. They had to play at their absolute best to do so. Like people talk about giving 110% – this was the perfect example of that.
Here’s an example of how well the Preds played. THeir highst Corsi all season? 78. Their highest Fenwick? 62. They had 46 & 62 Corsi in the first two games, 33 & 45 Fenwick.
That game? 102 Corsi. 81 Fenwick. Basically they played out of their absolute minds – and even then it was still a close result.
So that’s the big question – if the Preds can bring it again like that. I honestly don’t think so.
I’m going to go for a riskier play than Scott here. Because if Preds bring it again then they win plain and simple. But if my theory is correct – they’ll be just drained after that game and not able to keep up.
Hurricanes -1.5
Canada: 2.80 Odds at Casumo
USA: +175 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 2.80 Odds at Casumo
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/23 10:24:28 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Blues vs Avalanche Game 4 Betting Tips:
Scott: I had picked the Avalanche to win the series but I figured it would take around 6 games. Well it doesn’t look like it will go that long.
The Avalanche are up 3-0 by a combined score of 15-5. Grubauer has been great too with a 1.67 GAA and a .944 save percentage. Binnington hasn’t fared as well with a 3.77 GAA and a .897 save percentage.
I see no reason not to back the Avalanche in this one where they will try and complete the sweep.
Avalanche win in regulation
Canada: 1.66 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -150 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.66 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/23 10:24:28 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: By the advanced metrics, the last two games have leaned the Blues way in terms of Corsi and Fenwick. They’ve been close on xG and HDC.
Thing is it doesn’t really matter. Avs have just dominated them results wise.
Basically for Blues to win they need to have a performance like the Preds did last time. Avs though haven’t even really had to get out of second gear.
Blues just don’t seem to be that team – and even when they are it hasn’t resulted in victories all the times. We saw it a few times with the Coyotes and one of them they still lost.
At the odds – I can’t bring myself to back Avs in regulation. It’s game 4 and theoretically Blues have to give it their all. I don’t think they have it and I don’t think we’ll see it – but I personally just can’t bring myself to back Avs in regulation at that price. If it was 1.80 I’d be backing it.
No Bet
Capitals vs Bruins Game 5 Betting Tips:
Scott: The Bruins are flying right now. They have won 3 in a row and have the Capitals on the verge of being eliminated.
I do see the Capitals going all out in this game. I picked the Bruins to win the series and I still like that to happen. But the Capitals aren’t going to just lay down and take it. They know the drill; lose and it’s over. They will be at home so this is their chance to get back in to the series.
Capitals win incl OT
Graeme: I mean just refer to all my previous talks about this series. It won’t surprise me at all if the Bruins wrap it up here. Caps in that game on Friday were so disappointing. Bruins are the team that actually look like they want the cup. Caps don’t.
My gut says the Bruins win this. But I’ve said I felt this was a real 50/50 one and happy to take the underdogs. With Capitals at home, in do or die mode? That’s juuuust enough for me to risk it on them. It’s one of those bets where if it wins it’ll be a nice little surprise honestly. I think Bruins do it – but math and the other factors make me go with Capitals incl OT.
Canada: 2.17 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: +117 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 2.17 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/23 10:24:28 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Jets vs Oilers Game 3 Betting Tips:
Scott: Well I for sure didn’t see the Jets going up 2-0 in the series when both games were in Edmonton. The Jets have been able to contain McDavid and Draisaitl which is truly amazing.
The series now shifts to Winnipeg and the Oilers have to find a way to get some pucks past Hellebuyck. He has been on fire with a 0.48 GAA and a .986 save percentage.
This Oilers team is capable of turning things around. They will need to get some production from other players as the Jets seem to have the top guns numbers.
With the momentum the Jets have going for them and with them now playing at home I wouldn’t be surprised if they win another but I have to give the Oilers credit. They are a strong team and Smith has been solid. If the Jets can win 2 in Edmonton then why can’t the Oilers win 2 in Winnipeg.
Oilers win incl OT
Canada: 1.78 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -127 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.78 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2021/05/23 10:24:28 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: The Jets have basically figured the Oilers out and it’s about seeing if the Oilers can adjust. Goaltending has been a big factor too though of course.
If the Oilers were underdogs I’d be all over them. As heavy favourites? No thanks. I think this will be a tight one that the Oilers squeak out – but it’s about whether they can make the necessary adjustments or not. I’m not 100% sure they can.
No Bet
Edmonton is looking like the Calgary Flames of the last five years; they’ve scored once in 120+ minutes of playoff play, but I’m not ready to think the 1-0 OT result was a turn in the tide in the Oilers favor. Can’t see bets on Carolina or Boston games.
To WIN on the puckline: Colorado