After a tough Thursday of picking the NHL odds slate, we’re looking to get back on track. Actually, it hasn’t been an easy week, either.
Entering Sunday’s action, we’re 4-4 on our picks this week — though that still ranks fifth on Tallysight’s expert rankings list. That shows how difficult it is to make picks this time of year.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs provide a rare three-game schedule this Sunday, including the first leg of a back-to-back for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.
The All-Florida series hasn’t gone to plan yet, considering the two-time defending-champion Lightning has bounded out to a 2-0 series lead despite the Panthers being the best regular-season team in the NHL this year.
One of two series today sees a 2-0 series scoreline. The Carolina Hurricanes have shut down the New York Rangers in their opening two games to put the Blueshirts’ backs against the wall early.
Meanwhile, the Battle of Alberta is living up to the hype and will provide a perfect nightcap to a packed day of playoff hockey.
It’s important to remember that you don’t HAVE to bet on each game.
We are giving you our best bets for every game, but if our analysis isn’t landing with you or you just don’t feel like a bet stands out, it’s fine to give that game a pass.
There will always be more games to bet on.
New to betting? Read our Beginner’s Guide to Betting with a glossary of terms.
NHL Odds, Picks: May 22
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning, 1:30 p.m. ET
- Game 3 (TBL leads 2-0)
- Watch on TNT
- Full series preview
The inconsistencies that plagued the Panthers throughout the first round of the playoffs have come back in the second round — and the Lightning is far less merciful than the Washington Capitals.
Florida dropped both its home games to start this series, meaning they’re going into the den of the two-time defending champions to try and turn this thing around.
Obviously, that doesn’t bode well for them.
Tampa has played the same brand of stifling, shutdown hockey, holding one of the most lethal scoring teams to just two goals over the first two games of the series.
Not only are the Panthers dealing with an early hole, but they have to try and shake off losing Game 2 in one of the more demoralizing fashions out there.
The Lightning’s Ross Colton scored the game-winner with just 3.8 seconds left in regulation to stun the Panthers.
Now Andrew Brunette’s men will have to try and rebound in hostile territory — the ultimate test for a team with legitimate title aspirations.
NHL odds and The Pick:
Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers, 3:30 p.m.
- Game 3 (CAR leads 2-0)
- Watch on ESPN
- Full series preview
The Rangers’ meteoric rise from a non-playoff team to the final four in the Eastern Conference has been more than impressive, but the Hurricanes are the kind of opponent that the team needed to avoid at all costs.
Unlike the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina can play any brand of hockey better than most teams in the league. And against a team like the Rangers, the formula is simple: Keep it organized and shut it down.
The Hurricanes have held the Rangers to just one goal over the first two games of the series, allowing them just enough time to get past the resolute Igor Shesterkin.
The Rangers will be hoping that the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden provide the extra boost to get some offensive momentum going because they have none of it right now.
And time is running out.
NHL Odds and The Pick:
Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers, 9:30 p.m.
- Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
- Watch on ESPN2
- Full series preview
The Oilers found a counterpunch after all, and boy was it a significant one.
Overturning 2-0 and 3-1 deficits, Edmonton came back in Calgary to get an all-important split on the road before returning home for Game 3.
Even more impressive was that Zach Hyman’s eventual game-winner was a shorthanded breakaway goal with 9:46 remaining in regulation — the Oilers’ first lead of the entire series.
So far, the Battle of Alberta has lived up to the hype, displaying high-powered offenses, optional defense — a bit surprising for the Flames — and a whole lot of drama.
This has been well worth the 31-year wait of these two rivals meeting once again in the playoffs.
NHL Odds and The Pick:
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