NHL Playoff Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (4/23)

The middle of the week is here, and Wednesday gives us three different Stanley Cup Playoff games tonight in the NHL. Two series play their second matchup, while one has switched locations and is set for Game 3. It all goes down on the ice tonight, so let's get in to our best bets.

Tonight's NHL matchups listed below:

• Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals
• Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche
• Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings

Be sure to head over to our NHL Picks page for all of our expert's bets this evening.

Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals Best Bets

Best Bets: Capitals ML/Alex Ovechkin Over 2.5 SOGs (-110) BetOnline

Look, I like the Capitals again. They melted in the third period of Game 1 so we didn't cash them in regulation, and to be honest, it took a lot out of me not to take them in 60 again tonight. I was even eyeing their puck line or team total, but instead I settled for this parlay. I trust Washington to get the job done at home tonight, and you've got to think Ovechkin will be peppering the net.

He had two goals on four shots on goal in Game 1 with another attempt missing the net completely. Ovi also tallied an assist and skated for nearly 17 minutes on the ice. As a team, the Capitals took over 30+ shots on net, and I see them being even more aggressive in this one, as they learned a two goal lead is not safe. Ovechkin has had three shot attempts in all three matches he's seen the Canadiens this season, however he's only cleared in the most recent playoff meeting.

He comes alive when it matters, and I certainly see him putting at least three on frame in order to lead the Capitals to another playoff victory tonight.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Best Bets

Best Bets: Avalanche TT Over 3.5 (-118) BetOnline

While I was torn on this bet and the Avalanche to win in regulation at the same price, I decided to go the team total route. They scored 5 on 25 shots in Game 1, and we saw a huge uptick in offensive production in Game 2, with each team shooting at least 37 times (although we did have nearly an entire overtime period).

The point is, tonight at home, the Avs should roll. They beat Dallas twice in Denver already this calendar year, scoring 6 in regulation the first time and 4 with an overtime goal in their last meeting at Ball Arena. They put up 32, 36, and 35 shots against Dallas in the regular season, with the latter two stats happening on their home ice. I don't see much changing, as the Colorado offense plays fearless, incredibly aggressive, and are a different animal at home.

They only cleared this line in 20/41 games at Ball Arena, but they had a 26-12-3 record to show for it. The Avs have scored 4+ in four of their last five outings, and in three of five against Dallas this season, netting three on 30+ shots the other two outings. Look for the offense to really come alive tonight at home.

Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings Best Bets

Best Bets: Over 6 (-103) BetOnline

Check out why our guy, NZ, is backing the over in this Game 2 matchup.

Check out our Kings vs Oilers Game 2 Preview!

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For more NHL action, check out these pages below.

• Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Best Bets
• NHL Betting Guide
• NHL Expert Picks

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