The playoffs are finally here. With a four-game slate, we’re looking to parlay three of the games that will hopefully pay big. This parlay is just under a 10/1 payout for you. But before we dive in, be sure to check out all of our picks and previews for every game tonight. You can also follow Pickswise on Twitter for plenty of daily betting content.
This parlay is paying out just under a 10/1 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Bruins ML (+100)
Blues ML (+110)
Oilers -1.5 (+120)
Parlay odds: +924
Let’s break down each of the legs one by one.
Boston Bruins ML (+105) over the Carolina Hurricanes
After becoming the first Wild Card team, the Boston Bruins have been tasked with a very difficult first-round opponent, the Carolina Hurricanes. However, for Game 1 the Bruins may have lucked out. Goaltender Frederick Andersen is expected to miss the first game of the series with a lingering injury. This is great news for Bruins bettors and fans, as the Canes will be forced to turn to their backup goaltender Antti Raanta. Raanta has only appeared in five career playoff games, and the last time he made the postseason was in the 2019 season. The lack of experience could hurt the Hurricanes and their goaltender tonight.
Another thing working in the Bruins’ favor, is their history against the Hurricanes. While the Canes dominated the Bruins this regular season, in two of the last three postseasons the Bruins have had Carolina’s number. The last two times these teams met in the postseason, the Bruins won the series 4-1 and 4-0. They’re 8-1 against the Hurricanes in the playoffs, and they’ll be hoping to improve that record here tonight. Boston has been the Hurricanes’ kryptonite in the playoffs, take the Bruins on the money line tonight.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes
St. Louis Blues ML (+115) over the Minnesota Wild
This is going to be one of the most entertaining series of the first round. These two teams are built very similarly and excel in similar areas of the game. This series is a coin flip, and for that reason, we’re taking the underdog to win game one. The St. Louis Blues finished the season on an absolute tear. They finished the month of April going 12-2-2, and they’re hoping to carry that momentum into the first round of the playoffs.
Defensively and offensively these teams are very similar, where this series will be won is in the goalie crease. Ville Husso is projected to be the starter for Game 1. He was a breakout star for the Blues this season and took over the starting job. He posted a 2.56 GAA and .919 SVP in 38 starts this season. In the Wild’s net, they are projected to start with Marc-Andre Fleury, which is an interesting choice. In three of his last five games, he’s allowed four or more goals. If the Blues can get off to an early lead tonight, it might be tough for Fleury to shut the door and give the Wild a chance. The Blues have the second-best power play and fifth-best penalty kill. Take the Blues on the money line tonight.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild
Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (+125) over the Los Angeles Kings
In one of the biggest mismatches of the first round, the Edmonton Oilers will take on the LA Kings. After two years of embarrassing performances, the Oilers are hoping to prove the doubters wrong and start off with an early victory. Last season, the Oilers were swept, it will be important for them as a team to get an early win. It’s clear what separates these two teams, offense. Both teams have veteran goaltending and a solid backup, so that should be considered a wash.
What will prove to be the difference in this series is Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While the Kings do have very skilled defensive forwards, nobody possesses the same game-breaking abilities as these two players on Edmonton. They are projected to be split onto two different lines, which will be even harder for the Kings to defend. Furthermore, the Kings are missing their number one defenseman, Drew Doughty and he is expected to miss the remainder of the playoffs. The Oilers should also dominate the special teams battle. They have the third-ranked powerplay this season. Take the Oilers on the puck line, an early series lead will be key to their success this postseason.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
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