Monday NHL Quick Picks: April 22, 2013
With only one week left in the NHL’s shortened regular season, teams are either making the final push towards the postseason, or gearing up for the their round playoff matches. Today, bettors will see five games featuring teams doing both, but as always, there are some premier betting opportunities. Check out our picks for the five entertaining match-ups today!
Winnipeg Jets -1.5 at Buffalo Sabres +1.5
The Jets are one of those teams on the playoff cusp and they’ll need to finish strong to make their in. Of course that all starts today with a road game against Buffalo.
The Sabres will not be playoff bound, but they’ve been stepping up their game lately and appear determined to finish the season strong for pride’s sake. As winner’s of six of their last 10, I like how Buffalo is playing, but considering Winnipeg has won the last five meetings between the clubs and has more to play for today, I like the Jets to earn the win and cover -1.5.
Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 at Ottawa Senators +1.5Â
With the East’s top seed clinched, the Penguins have proved everything they need to this regular season. Now they may be looking to rest some of their starters, while the Senators hope to improve their playoff position. Normally, it’s hard to go against a team that has won six straight, but the Penguins could be taking the foot off the accelerator today. Take the Senators to cover +1.5 today.
Phoenix Coyotes +1.5 at Detroit Red Wings -1.5
The Coyotes are in desperate need of a win to stay alive in the playoff chase and they’ll meet a familiar late-season foe today in the Red Wings, a team that they’ve struggled to handle in years past, losing two playoff series against Detroit in the past three years.
However, this year’s Wings team is not at their best right now. They are just 3-4-3 in their last 10 games and they haven’t played particularly well at home. Look for Phoenix to get a big win today and cover +1.5.
Anaheim Ducks -1.5 at Edmonton Oilers +1.5
The Ducks have still yet to clinch their first division title in six years, but a win in Edmonton would do the trick and fortunately for Anaheim, they’ve had plenty of success against the Oilers recently.
The Ducks have won both meetings between the clubs this season, including the game in Edmonton last night. Look for Anaheim to keep up the good work and sweep away the Oilers by covering -1.5 for the second night in a row.
Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 at Vancouver Canucks -1.5
Chicago is on the rare underdog end of this match-up today with the Canucks, but let’s be clear. The Blackhawks are really the favorite today, as they enter the contest on another nice point streak – this one is just a modest 11 games.
While this should be the most entertaining game of the day, it’s also the easiest pick since Chicago is considered to be the dog. Take the Blackhawks to cover +1.5 here and don’t be surprised if they win outright.
