To get my daily picks for the NBA/NHL Playoffs emailed directly to your inbox by 1pm EST, you need to be subscribed to my Newsletter.
I got back into the win column last night with winning picks in the NHL Playoffs and the UFC. It was a relief after a recent losing streak in the NBA Playoffs. Looking at the NBA today, I am tempted to just go with the Mavericks again in a must-win game tonight. But honestly, I have not been on the right side of a Mavericks game in a while so I’d rather just leave the game alone. Instead, let’s try the NHL again today.
NHL Playoffs: Flames (-111) @ Oilers $
Game 1 of this series was an absolute shit-show with the Flames blowing a four-goal lead but ultimately hung on for a 9-6 victory. It was not exactly a show of quality playoff hockey. The Oilers did come back with a better game 2, but it still wasn’t a good game.
Looking at these two teams and one of them is a team built for the playoffs while the other is built for regular-season success. The Flames are bigger, tougher and have more depth. I also give them an advantage in net with Markstrom.
The Oilers are pretty much a beer league team. They have the best player in the NHL in Connor McDavid who is absolutely spectacular in open ice. His sidekick, Leon Draisaitl is also a phenomenal talent but he is dealing with an ankle sprain and is not close to 100%. Mike Smith is a decent goalie, but he is prone to having terrible games as we saw in game 1. The Oilers have consistently choked in the playoffs since the arrival of McDavid and just cannot see this team making a deep playoff run. The Oilers simply make too many turnovers and mental gaffs for them to be series contenders.
I do not give either of these teams much of a chance of getting past Colorado in the next round. But my money is on the Flames getting through this series.
___________________________________________________
Sign up to my Newsletter to get all my daily Best Bets in the NBA playoffs, NHL & UFC delivered directly to your inbox by 1 pm EST daily for just $25 per month with new subscribers getting their first two weeks free. Unsubscribed readers can still enjoy my free picks released regularly during the season or the Best Bets released one hour before game time.
I also coach live poker players, helping them win more often. Of course, you can follow more of my NBA writings right here at Last Word on Sports or find me on Twitter to stay up to date on all my latest blogs and helpful tips to grow your bankroll. CloudBet provides NHL Playoffs Odds as of writing time.
