Written by Graeme on Wednesday, April 19th, 2023
Follow @BetNHL
Well, the first batch of games from the NHL Playoffs are over with.
Last night, home ice advantage went to pot as all four road teams won. Three of them were complete battering as well. That makes 6 out of 8 road teams winning Game 1s.
Let’s get right into the 4 games taking place tonight:
Hurricanes vs Islanders Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: Game 1 was close. Sorokin made 35 saves but the Canes managed to score 2 powerplay goals. They also killed all 4 penalties so this was a special teams win for the Canes.
With game 2 still in Carolina the Canes should have the momentum from the game 1 win going for them. But the Isles got Barzal back and once he gets back to game speed he is going to help them offensively.
I want to take the Canes here but the Isles played a good game and I would need to take them in regulation but not a lot of confidence in that.
No Bet
Graeme: Despite the tight scoreline, it was still a very dominant game from the Hurricanes. It was a slight concern that both their goals only came from power plays, but the 5 vs 5 metrics still point confidently towards the Canes.
I thought they did a good job of holding the Islanders, and I’m good to go with Hurricanes in Regulation based on the Game 1 metrics.
Ontario: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -105 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/04/19 6:55:03 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Bruins vs Panthers Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: The Panthers played a solid game and Lyon was good but the 2nd goal was a easy save that went off his glove and in.
Bertuzzi fits in nicely on the Bruins. He plays their style of hockey and adds another pest to play against which makes them a tougher team.
With the Bruins still at home and winning without Bergeron they’ll have the momentum on their side.
Bruins in regulation
Ontario: 1.76 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 1.76 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -140 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 1.76 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/04/19 6:55:03 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: Panthers gave as good as they got in Game 1 and were a tad unfortunate.
I’d like to back SOMETHING related to them today, but I’m not sure what. I’m a bit wary of the win bet, and there’s no decent goal related bets.
I don’t love this play but I do want to have some action on this one. I’m going with Panthers +1.5.
Ontario: 1.74 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 1.74 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -140 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 1.74 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/04/19 6:55:03 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Stars vs Wild Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: Game 1 was crazy and needed double overtime. Both goalies were great too.
Dumba smoked Pavelski and he left the game on wobbly skates so Dumba will have to keep his head up as I’m sure someone will find him.
The Stars need to respond as they can’t go down 2-0 when the series is moving to Minnesota.
If game 1 was any indication then this is going to be a great series. I just don’t know who wins this one.
No Bet
Graeme: I backed this series to go to 7 games and after game 1, I’m liking that bet a fair bit. Not much that is able to separate these teams based on that game.
Stars really came alive in OT in that one and were unfortunate not to take it.
I’m honestly not sure about this one. One of those where looking at it I could argue either side easily here. Going to pass on this one although I’ll chuck a bet on it to go to OT. If you’re interested, here’s the best odds for that:
Ontario: 4.21 Odds at Sports Interaction
Canada: 4.21 Odds at Sports Interaction
USA: +320 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 3.80 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/04/19 6:55:03 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Oilers vs Kings Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: The Oilers need to keep their foot on the gas as they seemed to let up which allowed the Kings back. They were up 2-0 and then 3-1 but the Kings kept rolling and tied it to force OT.
The Oilers can’t loss both home games and expect to have a chance in this series. They also need to cut down on the penalties as giving a team 6 powerplays in the playoffs is horrible.
Oilers in regulation
Graeme: Not sure what was more embarrassing – the Oilers collapse in the game, or some of the Oilers fan reaction after the game. Some real trashy fans there.
Oilers I felt were the better team overall though despite the result, and hopefully they won’t collapse like that again.
Happy to back Oilers in Regulation
Ontario: 1.83 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 1.83 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -140 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 1.83 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/04/19 6:55:03 AM EST but are subject to change.)
First impressions seem clear, but I’m going to do much more review. Also looking for O/U options, and maybe a prop will show up. I never put much emphasis on game 1 of the playoffs, because both teams are shaking off the regular season, are well rested and madly throwing themselves into the playoffs, so odd things can happen that won’t characterize the remainder of the series.
To WIN moneyline: Boston, Edmonton
Lean: full game UNDER 6.0: Carolina and Dallas games
I saw the first Oilers/Kings game and thought the Oilers controlled it, but relaxed in the third and took stupid penalties which gave the Kings timely opportunities, which the Kings can be counted on to capitalize on. Lesson learned, so surely the Oilers will come out intent on a full 60 minutes of effort and not let things guide them to the penalty box. By focusing on shutting down McDavid, the Kings open up many other Oilers players who easily get to the net; so it’s the Gretzky puzzle all over again. Shut down Gretzky and some other Oiler gets the goal quickly.
I don’t expect Boston to sweep every series before facing the west, but not yet seeing a strong possibility of a loss in this series. Florida will again throw themselves at Boston, but the Bruins have been well prepared to deal with that for 8+ months. Florida just isn’t that super-strong team they were in years past, and Tkachuk is neither big or fast. Boston knows how to deal with this stuff.
Evander Kane to score first +1300