I don’t know what it is with this years’ Stanley Cup Playoffs, but it seems like this is the most entertaining hockey I’ve seen in years. The stars are shining, the boys have an unmatchable intensity out there, and the matchups have been as hot and heavy as Rosie O’Donnell getting it on in the bedroom. Let’s recap the action from last night before diving into today’s picks.
To start the night, we had the Panthers giving the Bruins a pretty significant peepee wack in Boston. I mean, what were you expecting B’s fans? It legitimately looked like the Bruins were out of their league for 55 minutes of the game; pure domination. We all saw the shots-on-goal totals and it tells the story of the game – Swayman faced more rubber than Kim Kardashian in her early days. And he was deadly, but he can only do so much. Marchand gets bundled by a guy playing with a (likely) broken hand and has to go to the locker room. Pasta was a ghost. McAvoy is getting run through the boards every second shift. This is nightmare alley for the B’s, and you can label Florida as Freddy Krueger.
Then, we move to the Riot capital of the world, Van City. Not so fun when you’re on the other side of a comeback, hey Canucks fans? What a series it’s been so far, and it isn’t stopping anytime soon. The Canucks are playing surprisingly well after I didn’t think they stood a chicken shits chance following the Nashville series. The goal scoring is impressive. But c’mon now, we all saw what the difference maker is in this series – the star power of Edmonton. To stay in the game, the Canucks had to rely on a short-side shelf tuck job by Zadorov from the goal line. Then, McJesus rips down the middle of the ice, beats everyone in a footrace like Usain Bolt running against middle schoolers, and tucks on Silovs. I’m gonna stand on a limb here and say that this won’t be the last time we see McDavid do that in the series. Skinshow was just good enough in net, and Drai seems none the worse for wear. Now, we head back to Edmonton for game three, where the Rogers Place pints will be flowing like the nile after a year-long drought.
But back tonight, where we have some picks for each game. The totals are looking prime, and the desperation spot for Carolina is where I’m going to start. But let’s not stop there; we’re stacking our card. Get ready ladies and gents.
*Units for me will be $100. Bet responsibly.
If you want to keep up with the cash outs I’m taking, it’s easy to toss a follow on X and keep notifications on. You don’t have to take my suggested cash outs, but they are helpful in certain situations:
Game: New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes, 5:00 p.m. CST
Pick: Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-150) 1u
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-115) 1u
I can’t stop the “Canes at home” train. I’m like a fiend waiting for my next fix; kinda like a certain someone I know that’s fiending for more cowbell.
But for real here, you think this team is going down in a sweep after Carolina was the favourite to win the Cup after the first round? I just can’t see it, and I’m betting Carolina ML in this series until further notice. NYR is a sick squad, there’s no getting around that. The forwards are buzzing on the counter-attack, the defence is as solid as it comes, and Shesty is making enough saves to start calling him Edwin Diaz. The question has to be asked: is Shesterkin human after only letting in 2 of 47 shots? I would say no – I’m leaning more towards a cyborg that was manufactured in Martin Brodeur’s basement. I just hope it wasn’t in the same room where Martin got it on with his wife’s sister-in-law.
Back to the game; it’s time for the Canes to flip the switch. Each game in this series could have legitimately gone either way; there’s another dimension right now where the Canes are up 3-0 in this series. So evenly matched, the difference tonight’s gonna be the desperation level of Carolina. Obviously the boys get up for Playoff games, but elimination games take on another meaning. Everyone is gonna be do-or-die out there, and I wouldn’t put it past the Ranger’s dialing down the intensity a little after getting comfortable with a 3-0 series lead.
The Under pick is pretty self-explanatory – two good defences with good goaltending and the elimination game factor. Take a look back at all of the elimination games in the first round between comparable teams skill-wise (Toronto vs Boston or Dallas vs VGK for example). You’ll see that each of the elimination games went under in those circumstances – and it makes sense. The boys will be playing tight, and Canes players will be doing just about everything to keep the puck out of their net. Add in Shesty on the other end, and I’m confident with this one.
Game: Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche, 8:00 p.m. CST
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-105) 0.5u
I can’t pick a side in this one tonight; there’s just no discernible edge to be found. I mean, you have the best team at home in the regular season vs the best team on the road in the regular season. You have average goaltending and explosive offence on one side, and solid play with consistent goaltending on the other. Sooooo hard to pick a winner. So let’s just go with the Over here – friendly reminder that Colorado has only had one game this Playoffs under 7 goals total and there were 6 in that one, with Colorado scoring five. I actually saw recently that there was a petition going around to change the team name to the Rocky Mountain Twine Ticklers. It’s only right with this team’s propensity to make goalies look like Junior B tendies that have to go back to fixing shitters the next morning.
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that taking a Colorado Under leads to a shorter life span. The strain on your heart; you just can’t take it. I mean, take a look at the last game. Dallas has the Avs down 4-0 going into the third period and the Over looks very questionable. People are sweating, and anyone who took the Under in stroking themselves off for being so sharp. Then, Colorado hits em’ with the Boomer wooooooop – and three goals are on the board in the blink of an eye. If you want to be “that guy” sitting on the couch with your Under ticket when the board reads 3-3 at the end of the second, go hard. I’m gonna be chillin with the Over, sippin a whiskey, rippin a cig inside with my feet up. Just call me Tommy Shelby.
Quick aside here for dirty Seguin. Stick taps to this guy – he used to be a bonafide stud with the world at his fingertips. Definitely some regression over the past few years, but he is showing up this Playoff run. It can’t be easy to go from projected living legend to third line energy scorer, but he’s done it with grace and a shit eating grin on his face. I mean, just look at how happy he is. Great to see.
But that’s it people. I will be posting another betting article soon with more NHL Playoff game bets. If you want to make sure you don’t miss these articles, follow me on X at @plusmoneypost as I will be sharing them there.
Summary of Picks
Game: New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes, 5:00 p.m. CST
Pick: Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-150) 1u
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-115) 1u
Game: Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche, 8:00 p.m. CST
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-105) 0.5u