This week’s NHL slate features some meaningful games as the road to the Stanley Cup is now less than a month away.
Several Canadian teams, in particular, will be battling to establish their playoff position. The top-four teams in the division will undoubtedly make the playoffs, as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, and the Montreal Canadiens are well in front of the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and the Ottawa Senators.
The Maple Leafs will see the most action of the top-four teams over the next three days, as their road trip continues with a game against the Canucks (Tues. Apr. 20th) followed by a tilt with the Jets (Thurs. Apr. 22nd).
The Canucks also play two games over the next three days, but they’re out of the playoff picture entirely. They’ve also just returned from a month-long layoff where almost the entire team contracted COVID-19, so winning may not be their top priority.
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Without further ado, let’s make some picks and predictions!
Toronto Maple Leafs (1.58) vs. Vancouver Canucks (4.00)
This is the only North Division game scheduled for Tuesday, April 20th.
As mentioned during the introduction, it’s been a rough month for the Vancouver Canucks. The team has seemingly resumed their season prematurely, with some players like J.T. Miller voicing their displeasure over the league’s decision to continue.
Despite their hardships, the Canucks managed to beat the Leafs 3-2 in overtime during their first game back the other night. While that’s an encouraging sign, it’s not necessarily a reason to bet on the Canucks.
The Leafs dominated the majority of the game, with the Canucks mostly hanging in there thanks to some highlight-reel saves from Braden Holtby. Toronto is also in the midst of a mini-slump, but they should be able to rebound and beat Vancouver.
Take the Toronto Maple Leafs to win.
Montreal Canadiens (TBA) vs. Edmonton Oilers (TBA)
This is the only North Division game scheduled for Wednesday, April 21st.
The Montreal Canadiens know how important this game is as we enter the home stretch of the season. The Habs sit nine points back of the Edmonton Oilers for third in the division, although they do have a game in hand. A timely win would go a long way in keeping Montreal’s third-place chase alive.
The Canadiens may be behind the Oilers in the standings; however, the Habs are also 4-2 against Edmonton this season. The odds for this game haven’t yet been released at the time of this article’s publication, but the Canadiens will definitely be the underdogs given the standings.
Take the Montreal Canadiens to win.
Toronto Maple Leafs (TBA) vs. Winnipeg Jets (TBA)
This is one of the two North Division games scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently first place in the North, but the Winnipeg Jets are only four points behind. This game is one of the three remaining between these two squads ahead of the playoffs. The Jets could definitely make a real push for first with a couple of big wins.
Toronto and Winnipeg have been neck and neck all season, with the Leafs narrowly leading the season series 4-3.
The odds will likely be in favour of the Leafs, but some key players will be absent from their lineup. William Nylander was late for a team meeting, and could very well be a healthy scratch. Zach Hyman, who left the last game with a sprained MCL, will definitely miss and trade deadline acquisitions Nick Foligno/Ben Hutton cannot dress either due to quarantine restrictions. Frederik Andersen remains on the sidelines as well.
Games between these two teams are always close, and injuries could very well be the deciding factor.
Take the Winnipeg Jets to win.
Vancouver Canucks (TBA) vs. Ottawa Senators (TBA)
This is one of the two North Division games scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd.
As many expected, the Ottawa Senators are in the last place by a landslide as they continue to rebuild. While winning isn’t their forte, they definitely have one advantage heading into this game—their health.
The Canucks are still dealing with some non-COVID-related injuries as well, most notably affecting star centre Elias Pettersson who hasn’t seen game action for several weeks.
The Senators are 0-3-2 against the Canucks this season, but this could be the game where they finally pull through. The odds will be against them, so betting on them could be a sneakily smart move to making some extra coin.
Take the Ottawa Senators to beat the Vancouver Canucks.
Thank you for tuning into this week’s edition of our free NHL picks! Be sure to choose the sportsbook provider that works for you before placing a bet and good luck!
Also, remember to always check the sports news and injury reports ahead of puck drop. You never know what might happen, even just minutes before game time.
Stay informed and stay safe.
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