Connor Grootenhuis
We have a busy evening of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey in store, as 4 matchups are set for Monday night. The Avalanche and Jets are looking for 2-0 series leads, while the Canadiens battle the Capitals and the Oilers take on the Kings in their respective series openers. With such a full slate, it should be a tremendous night of playoff hockey!
Today’s NHL parlay is below, but be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for tonight’s action as well.
Canadiens vs Capitals Under 6 (-110)
Blues vs Jets Under 5.5 (-140)
Avalanche ML (-150)
Parlay odds: (+445)
Canadiens vs Capitals Under 6 (-110)
There is no question that the Capitals are the better team on paper and that will be evident from puck drop. Not only can they create chances offensively, but they have been excellent all season in their own zone. The Canadiens were one of the lowest scoring teams this year and averaged just 25.5 shots per game. Playoff hockey may be more physical, but you still need to be able to generate scoring chances. Logan Thompson is questionable to start this game, but we’ll tackle this game as if he will play. We’ve seen some high-scoring games to start the playoffs, but with the Canadiens being unable to score goals five-on-five and on the power play, this matchup has the makings of a low-scoring affair, so we’ll take the Under here.
Blues vs Jets Under 5.5 (-140)
The Jets held the Blues to just 17 shots on goal in Game 1, but goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made just 14 saves for a save percentage of .824. Hellebuyck didn’t look awful, but those numbers are below what he is capable of. He led the NHL with a 2.00 goals-against average during the regular season, and his .926 save percentage ranked 2nd. The Jets also led the league with 2.32 goals allowed per game. With the Winnipeg defensive unit playing strong in front of him, look for Hellebuyck to put together a better performance between the pipes in Game 2. After giving up 5 goals (1 via an empty net) in Game 1, St. Louis will be looking to tighten things up defensively in Game 2. The Blues don’t have the offensive firepower and forward depth that Winnipeg possesses, and it’s possible that St. Louis could benefit from a low-scoring game. With that in mind, look for Jim Montgomery’s squad to focus on their defensive structure and limiting chances for Winnipeg in this one. After a wild, high-scoring contest in Game 1, Sunday’s Game 2 could be a different story. Look to the under.
Avalanche ML (-150)
The Colorado Avalanche opener their Western Conference first-round playoff series Saturday in Dallas with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Stars. The Stars went 0-5-2 in the final 7 games of the regular season, and they carried over that bad juju into the first game of the playoffs. It’s commonplace for the Stars under head coach Pete DeBoer, as Dallas is now 0-7 in its past 7 playoff series openers, including 6 straight losses on home ice. The Stars have lost 3 in a row against the Avalanche since Jan. 18, and Colorado has outscored Dallas 15-7 in that span. The Avs have won 2 of the past 3 trips to Dallas, too, and 3 of the past 5 meetings. Back the visitors to push Dallas into an 0-2 series abyss.
