Going into the weekend, the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs have four matchups on Friday night and four on Saturday, as all eight series will feature games. Six of the eight series are knotted as a game apiece, as such teams as Seattle, Winnipeg, Florida and Minnesota posted surprising upsets on the road to seize home ice, at least for now. We have some NHL betting thoughts on some of the games for you to consider as you try to stack up cash in your wagering accounts.
NHL Betting News: Tips for Profitable NHL Playoff Betting in Game 3
Boston Bruins (-145) at Florida Panthers (+120) (O/U 5)
When: Friday, April 21 at 7:30 pm ET
Where: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL
TV / Streaming: TNT
The Bruins came out with intensity in Game 1 up in Boston, rolling to a 3-1 win that showed the problems that Florida can have when their high-octane offense turns the puck over and exposes their iffy defense. In Game 2, though, we saw what could happen when the Panthers did everything right, and they never trailed, doubling up Boston on the road, 6-3, scoring four goals in the third to make it a laugher. It only took 30 shots for the Panthers to light the lamp six times, and they won 53% of the faceoffs in the second game.
Even with the confidence that the Panthers showed in Game 2, I expect the Bruins to get their game plan back in order. The Bruins won Game 1 by controlling the puck and keeping the Panthers from uncorking their offense, and they have the talent to get things heading in their direction. I also don’t expect to see Linus Ullmark give up soft goals again. Bruins to win, take the under.
Bet on the Bruins vs Panthers!
Dallas Stars (-110) at Minnesota Wild (-110) (O/U 5.5)
When: Friday, April 21 at 9:30 pm ET
Where: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL
TV / Streaming: TBS
The Stars suffered from a combination of general inattention through the first period and some bad luck in the third period and two overtime periods as the Wild came to Dallas and stole a 3-2 win. The Stars’ offense did bounce back in a big way in Game 2, rolling to a 7-3 victory. Roope Hintz, Jamie Benn and Jason Robertson have combined for six goals and five assists, and Evgenii Dadonov, Wyatt Johnston and Tyler Seguin have combined for three goals and an assist. Miro Heiskanen has jumped up from the blue line to add five assists. Jake Oettinger has stopped 68 of 74 shots that he has faced so far; the Stars need better defensive play from their blueliners to strengthen their chances on the road.
The Wild’s defense permitted 2.67 goals per game during the regular season but have permitted nine in tw games so far. Filip Gustavsson had to deal with 53 shots in Game 1 but stopped 51 of them; other than that, the Wild’s defensive performance was not all that different. Can Gustavsson stand on his head for at least one of the two games up north? Dallas to win.
Bet on the Stars vs Wild!
Toronto Maple Leafs (-115) at Tampa Bay Lightning (-105) (O/U 6.5)
When: Saturday, April 22 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
TV / Streaming: TBS
Games 1 and 2 in this series could not have been more different, as the Lightning drove the Maple Leafs off their own ice in Game 1, winning 7-3. It looked like the ghosts of playoffs past had resurfaced for the Leafs. However, things turned right back around for Game 2, as the Leafs found their confidence and walloped Tampa Bay, 7-2, behind a hat trick from captain John Tavares. The defense still has room to improve, particularly after the top two pairings. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov also needs to figure things out after permitting eight goals on just 51 shots in the first two games.
The Lightning have also had defensive issues, permitting 10 goals in two games. Andrei Vasilevskiy looked solid in Game 1 but simply got undressed in Game 2. It’s unfair to heap all the criticism on him, though, as Mikhail Sergachev and Ian Cole played well on the blue line, but there were plenty of defenseman blowing coverages and allowing open looks at the net. Lightning to win.
Bet on the Maple Leafs vs Lightning!
Lightning @ Maple Leafs – Game 2, 4/20
Live NHL Betting Odds For Today
Xbet Betting Lines for the Game
NHL Odds
Love betting NHL? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NHL Playoffs lines
