NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Here are tonight’s NHL predictions and best bets.
Minnesota Wild (+170) at Colorado Avalanche (-210)
Total 6.5 (Under, -115)
Avalanche lead series 3-1
8 p.m. ET
The Colorado Avalanche are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Final for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, following their 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Monday. Nathan MacKinnon’s empty net goal in game four gave him goals in five consecutive games. His four goals and eight points lead all players in the series. Three of his last four goals and four of his last five goals have come in the third period. I expect Minnesota to play with the same passion and enthusiasm they did in game three after losing the first two games of the series. Lose tonight and Wild players will be booking tee times.
Two Minnesota shot props will make my betting card for game five. Ryan Hartman has had at least three shots on goal in all four games of the series. Vladimir Tarasenko did not cash the Over on his shots on goal prop (Over 1.5) for just the second time in fifteen games without Joel Erikkson Ek in the lineup. Tarasenko had just one shot on goal, but did have three others that were either blocked or missed the net. I will come back with Tarasenko to record at least two shots on goal in game five.
With this being a potential closeout game, I see the increased opportunity for at least two third period goals regardless of which team is leading, and I will once again be on the Over 6 (available at FanDuel in the Game Props tab).
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal (-120) – 1 unit
Nathan MacKinnon 3rd period goal (+290) – ½ unit
Wild/Avalanche 3rd period Over 2 goals (-145) – 1 unit
Colorado Avalanche to score an empty net goal (+175) – ½ unit
Either team to score an empty net goal (+110) – ½ unit
Ryan Hartman Over 2.5 shots on goal (-130) – 1 unit
Vladimir Tarasenko Over 1.5 shots on goal (+105) – 1 unit
Wild/Avalanche Over 6 (-138) – 1 unit
