Mark Lammey
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As we enter the final 3 weeks of the season, each matchup becomes that much more pivotal for playoff positioning. That can play a large role in handicapping games and finding the best value. We have 6 games on the board to begin the week, which includes several teams with their eyes set on the postseason. We’re focused on 2 games between divisional opponents in the Eastern Conference before we round out our NHL mega parlay with a Western Conference clash. We’re backing 3 potential playoff teams, so let’s check out why. Along with our NHL mega parlay, be sure to check out all of our NHL picks for today’s action.
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Florida Panthers -1.5 over Ottawa Senators (+175)
One of the first 2 pucks will drop up in Ottawa with the Senators hosting the Florida Panthers. Technically speaking, both teams are in the hunt for an Eastern Conference Wild Card spot. However, the Sens would need nothing short of a miracle, while Florida has a legitimate shot. With that in mind, we’ll be backing the Panthers to pounce at an opportunity to gain a game on the New York Islanders with them facing a very tough New Jersey Devils squad.
Florida has only faced Ottawa once so far this season, but that was a 5-3 victory. It’s likely going to be their offense that leads them to another victory. Matthew Tkachuk has had an incredible season with his new team, and Aleksander Barkov remains one of the top centers in the NHL. Despite still having playoff hopes, the Sens have clearly not played like there’s still a chance. They’re just 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and just lost their most recent game by multiple goals. Florida may be far from home, but we still trust they can win this one convincingly.
New Jersey Devils 3-way ML over New York Islanders (+130)
We mentioned this matchup already, so let’s break it down further. The Islanders are indeed in a solid position to earn one of those Eastern Conference Wild Card spots, but the Devils have already clinched their postseason berth. In fact, they’re still within striking distance of the Carolina Hurricanes for the Metro Division title. With how crucial of a time it is right now for New York, their recent performances are very concerning.
First, they lost to the NHL-worst Columbus Blue Jackets. They then had a perfect opportunity to bounce back with a game against the Buffalo Sabres, who have allowed the most goals per game since the start of February. Instead, the Islanders were completely shut out by that terrible goaltending. That doesn’t bode well facing the Devils; New Jersey has allowed the 5th-fewest goals per game this season. The Islanders have a strong defense themselves, but the Devils are still the 5th-highest scoring team in the league. With New York still without Mathew Barzal, we simply don’t think they have the firepower to keep pace with Jack Hughes and New Jersey.
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Edmonton Oilers -1.5 over Arizona Coyotes (-130)
Finally, we’re targeting one of the final games of the night. The Islanders were a disappointment in their most recent bounce-back opportunity, but the Oilers should thrive in theirs. They recently lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, but that’s nothing like losing to the Jackets. Vegas is atop the Pacific Division and Edmonton played a hard-fought game and forced overtime. They’re also 7-2-1 in their last 10 games as they build momentum heading towards the postseason.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that Connor McDavid is having a historical season and Leon Draisaitl is as strong as ever. Those 2 skaters lead the NHL in points; at times they feel like they out-produce entire teams. One of those teams would be the Coyotes. Not only have they been one of the worst teams in the NHL for a couple of years now, but they’ll also be on the 2nd leg of a back-to-back. They just hosted the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche yesterday, so this is about the toughest back-to-back they could possibly have to encounter. McDavid and company have outscored Arizona 12-5 this season, and we expect another convincing win tonight.
Monday’s NHL mega parlay (3/27)
Panthers -1.5 (+175)
Devils 3-way ML (+130)
Oilers -1.5 (-130)
NHL parlay odds: +1019
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