This week’s NHL schedule is full of impactful games—especially in the North Division.
The Montreal Canadiens, in particular, will be an interesting team to watch. The Habs were firmly entrenched in the fourth and final playoff spot for months, but a recent string of losses and long-term injuries could change it all.
Their playoff hopes are now in jeopardy as both the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks are suddenly back in the postseason picture. The Flames and Canadiens meet Monday night for the third time in just four days. Calgary could sweep the mini-series and pull within two points of Montreal in the standings if they win
At the top of the division, the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to lead the pack. The Winnipeg Jets remain in second despite back-to-back losses to the Leafs and are only a point ahead of the Edmonton Oilers. Coincidentally, the Jets and Oilers will play each other twice in three days to start the week. Clearly, there will be a lot on the line.
If you’re new to betting, please stay smart and check out our various sports betting guides before spending your hard-earned cash. Without further ado, let’s make some picks!
Montreal Canadiens (2.50) vs. Calgary Flames (2.20)
This is one of three North Division games scheduled for Monday, April 26th.
Hard times have fallen on the Canadiens in recent weeks. It all began when Brendan Gallagher was injured during a game against the Oilers back on Monday, April 7th.
Since then, the Habs have posted a 3-8 record over 11 games. As mentioned before, their slide is why teams like the Flames and the Canucks suddenly have a shot at the final playoff spot.
Gallagher isn’t the Canadiens’ only key injury, either. Carey Price has entered concussion protocol, meaning he has indefinitely left the team to receive treatment. Both Jonathan Drouin and Paul Byron remain day-to-day as well. Even Tomas Tatar appears to have some kind of ailment and could miss time.
The Flames, on the other hand, are essentially healthy with the exceptions of Noah Hanifin and Josh Leivo. They’re also playing a lot better in recent weeks and just outscored the Habs 9-2 in the first two games of the mini-series.
Pick the Calgary Flames to win.
Edmonton Oilers (2.30) vs. Winnipeg Jets (2.30)
This is one of three North Division games scheduled for Monday, April 26th.
Nothing says ‘this should be a close game’ like even odds. Both the Oilers and the Jets open up at 2.30, which comes as no surprise considering they’ve been neck-and-neck all season.
With that being said, the Oilers have a 5-2 record against the Jets this year. A large part of that stems from the dominance of Edmonton’s twin-headed monster of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid has four goals and 15 points in the season series, while Draisaitl has five goals and nine points.
On the other side of the ledger, Jets’ head coach Paul Maurice and a couple of his star players haven’t exactly been the best of friends lately. Top-line centre Mark Scheifele was benched for most of the second period against the Leafs the other night. The exact reason is unknown, but many believe a lack of effort on John Tavares’ goal could have something to do with it.
Reigning Vezina trophy-winner Connor Hellebuyck wasn’t happy about being pulled against the Leafs in a recent game. Despite the hiccup, he’s obviously still their guy and will undoubtedly be back between the pipes for this tilt.
Additionally, Jets forward Adam Lowry is unlikely to play in this one. This is huge news for Edmonton, as he’s arguably Winnipeg’s best defensive forward.
Pick the Edmonton Oilers to win.
Toronto Maple Leafs (TBA) vs. Montreal Canadiens (TBA)
This is one of three North Division games scheduled for Wednesday, April 28th.
The Leafs/Habs rivalry is one of the best and most intense in all the sports. Games between these two squads are always tight and physical, regardless of where either resides in the standings at the time.
This season has been no different. The Leafs may be 4-2 in the season series, but they’ve only outscored the Habs 20-17. Neither team has had the benefit of health or productivity from their starting goaltenders this year, either. This game could very well turn into a shootout.
If it did, the Leafs would seemingly have the edge; however, the Canadiens are the far more desperate team right now. If there’s one thing they’re known for, it’s resilience. They are often able to win games they shouldn’t. They may be having scoring troubles, but the Leafs weren’t exactly playing great hockey themselves before their recent rout of the Jets.
Pick the Montreal Canadiens to win.
Vancouver Canucks (TBA) vs. Ottawa Senators (TBA)
This is one of three North Division games scheduled for Wednesday, April 28th.
What a season it has been for the Canucks. For those who aren’t aware, Vancouver just missed nearly a month of action as a team due to a COVID-19 breakout affecting a large portion of the roster.
Their season seemed to be in jeopardy, but they’ve managed to go 3-1 in four games since returning—including back-to-back wins against the Leafs.
They didn’t seem to have much hope of making the playoffs, but as mentioned before, all of that has now changed. Vancouver sits eight points back of Montreal, but they also have five games in hand. The Flames have a much better shot, but the Canucks are playing with house money.
Their season wasn’t going well before the outbreak, and they currently have nothing to lose. The team seems to have a good pace to their game despite the layoff and they’re very much in control of their future. They should have no problem beating the Sens.
Pick the Vancouver Canucks to win.
Thank you for tuning into this week’s edition of our free NHL picks! It’s certainly an exciting time to bet as the Stanley Cup playoffs are fast approaching. Be sure to choose the sportsbook provider that works for you before placing a wager and good luck!
Also, remember to always check sports news and injury reports ahead of puck drop.
Stay informed and stay safe.
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