Best Bet of the Night
NHL Pick: Maple Leafs ML (+115) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Other Favorite Picks
- Devils ML (-160)
- Oilers -1 ½ (-165)
The last full slate of regular season action arrives on Thursday, and Swinger has the Best Bet, plus two other top selections ready to roll. Let’s review the NHL odds on these matchups and keep cashing our NHL picks!
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers
Thursday, April 13, 2023 – 07:00 PM EDT at Madison Square Garden
Key Stats
The Maple Leafs have won three straight including wins over dangerous clubs like Florida (2-1 shootout) and most recently a 4-3 victory over the Lightning on Monday. Toronto also won its most recent meeting with the Rangers when they handed the Blueshirts a 3-2 defeat back in late January.
After winning three of four, the Rangers suffered a rather surprising, 3-2, loss to the Sabres as -207 home chalk. Buffalo outshot the Rangers, 39-28, and bested them in the shootout round to claim the victory.
A few things to consider in this one. The Maple Leafs have been firmly ensconced in second place in the Atlantic Division for a good long time. They have had nothing to play for except to keep sharp and stay healthy for the playoffs. However, the Rangers lost their last game, ending any hope of catching the Devils for second place.
Our Top Pick
New York will also likely be playing backup goalie, Jaroslav Halak, which is a break for the Leafs as Igor Shesterkin can steal a game all by himself. I think we will see a letdown from the Rangers, which is why I believe Toronto is a live dog in their last regular-season contest.
NHL Pick: Maple Leafs ML (+115) at Heritage Sports
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals
Thursday, April 13, 2023 - 07:00 PM EDT at Capital One Arena
Key Stats
New Jersey has won three of its last four and steamrolled Buffalo, 6-2, in their latest effort on Tuesday night. Despite being outshot, 38-30, the Devils capitalized on their opportunities and got a strong outing from goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who turned aside 36 shots in the victory.
The Caps gamely kept pace with the high-flying Bruins on Tuesday but ultimately came up short, like so many others have this season when playing Boston, and fell 5-2 after being outshot 44-27.
The Pick
The Devils not only ended the Sabres’ postseason aspirations but also guaranteed themselves home ice in the first round. However, New Jersey is still within striking distance of the top spot in the Metropolitan Division and I expect them to leave it all on the ice after this one is through.
We should also note that the Devils have taken two of three from the Caps this season and have one of the best road records in the league at 27-9-4.
Here are a few trends to give you the courage to lay the lumber on the Devils:
- Devils are 11-1 in their last 12 vs. Metropolitan.
- Devils are 26-6 in their last 32 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Capitals are 1-8 in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
- Capitals are 0-4 in their last 4 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.
- Capitals are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
- Capitals are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning % above .600
If you're a New Jersey resident, make sure you check out our New Jersey betting guide before you go ahead and place this pick!
NHL Pick: Devils ML (-160) at Heritage Sports
San Jose Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers
Thursday, April 13, 2023 - 09:00 PM EDT at Rogers Place
Key Stats
The Sharks have been the hunted and not the hunter this season as they play out the string having lost four straight entering their date with the Flames on Wednesday night. San Jose has also dropped their last seven consecutive games to the Oilers, including a 6-1 thrashing on Saturday at the SAP Center.
The Oilers have the most potent offense in the league, averaging over four goals per game, and will be opposed by the Sharks' porous 30th-ranked defense. Edmonton has been white-hot heading into the home stretch of the season, having won eight straight and 13 of their last 14 contests.
The Pick
I love this spot for the Oilers, as seven of their last eight wins have been by two goals or more and they have one last gasp to overtake the Golden Knights for the Pacific Division crown. If Edmonton defeats the Sharks – they will – and the Knights lose to the Kraken – they might – the Oilers win the tiebreaker due to regular season wins.
Lastly, the Sharks are playing the second of back-to-back games and they should be gassed from the get-go. Let’s lay the 1½ goals with the Oilers and cash a ticket.
NHL Pick: Oilers -1 ½ (-165) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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