With the NHL Playoffs, the start of the route to the Stanley Cup, mere days away, every game matters more than ever. This is especially true with the reduced schedule this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest NHL picks so you can make the best NHL bets this weekend.
Saturday at 4:00 pm, the Montreal Canadiens go on to the second of the two-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Predictably, the Maple Leafs beat the Canadiens in the first half of the series. This was no surprise, but what surprised NHL bettors was the absolute dusting. At 5-2, it was a high-scoring game and not even close, surprising puck line bets.
Once again, there will be no in-person attendance, but it does not seem that the Maple Leafs need the extra fanbase boost.
We expect something of a repeat for the second match this weekend. The Canadiens are likely feeling dejected and unmotivated. Plus, the Maple Leafs have absolutely dominated the North Division all season long, with home-ice advantage secured.
This is a great time to bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs in the moneyline. At +190, they are clear favorites, but not so much that you will not make much money. At these odds, if you risk $190, you make an additional $100, plus your original risk. Not bad for a near shoo-in.
This second highlighted NHL weekend pick is even more of a blowout. With odds for the moneyline at -255 Colorado Avalanche against +226 for the Los Angeles Kings, it is not expected to be very close.
At these odds, placing a bet will not get you much return. It would be a huge risk to bet on the Kings. This is not a good spot to try out the underdog strategy, for example.
Rather, smart hockey bettors will focus on the over/under here. Set at 5.5, it would have to be a moderate to high-scoring match to go with over. Looking at their stats and motivation leading into this matchup, we recommend going with the over bet.
Colorado is averaging 3.5 per game and allowing an average of 2.5. This already puts the match just above the 5.5 set by most oddsmakers.
Then we should always factor in the point of the season they are in. After all, with over/unders every goal counts. In this case, the Kings have little to gain, as they are locked out of the playoffs already. On the other hand, the Avalanche are vying for home-ice advantage.
This means they will be giving their all against an unmotivated Los Angeles defence. In this case, go with over.
Now that you have these free picks for the weekend’s NHL games, you are ready to sign up at these sports betting sites. These are the same sites we use and are sure to have the best odds and latest betting markets for your NHL bets.
