Wednesday night's NHL on TNT slate features two interesting matchups with plenty of playoff significance.
The Islanders take on the Capitals as New York looks to widen its lead to eight points over the Panthers in the Wild Card race.
The Avalanche sit just one point behind the red-hot Wild for first in the Central. This nightcap will offer a massive four-point swing and could help one side avoid a tough first-round matchup.
Tonight's NHL on TNT slate:
- Islanders vs. Capitals (7:30 p.m. ET)
- Wild vs. Avalanche (10 p.m. ET)
Islanders vs. Capitals
| Pick | Bo Horvat Over 2.5 Shots on Goal; Anytime Goalscorer |
| Sportsbook | BetRivers, FanDuel |
| Puck drop | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
It has been well noted by most non-Islanders media that Bo Horvat has produced very little offensively since arriving in New York. Most Islanders faithful would proudly say he is still doing a lot of the little things that have helped the team put up a stellar 13-6-4 mark since his arrival.
A look into Horvat's underlying results illustrates he is tilting the ice in the right direction and generating a ton of looks.
Over the last 11 games, Horvat has generated 2.89 expected goals at even strength from 28 shots on goal. Both of those marks lead the Islanders during that stretch, but aside from his empty net goal versus New Jersey, he has finished 0% of those chances.
Over the last 10 games, Washington has allowed 33.01 shots against per 60. It is far from a defensive juggernaut at this point in the season.
In an important matchup versus a middling Caps side, I like the chances that Horvat continues to generate quality scoring chances.
Horvat is priced at -113 to record three shots on BetRivers, which is certainly a playable number. He is at +210 to record a goal on FanDuel, which is another strong option.
If I were a bettor able to access both lines, I would split a unit on those two plays. If you are someone without access to one of the lines or the other, I would put a full unit on the best number you can get compared to most markets.
Pick: Bo Horvat O2.5 SOG (-113) |
What is QuickSlip?
QuickSlip is an Action Network feature that allows users to automatically pre-load their bet slip at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Pick: Bo Horvat Anytime Goal (+210) |
Wild vs. Avalanche
With all the incredible talent on Colorado's roster, it's easy for Nichushkin to get lost in the shuffle and become somewhat of a forgotten superstar.
Nichushkin had been fairly quiet throughout December and January as he was in and out of the lineup due to injury, but he has been in incredible form of late, producing at an elite level.
He has put up eight goals and 25 points over his last 20 games. He is capable of generating a wealth of chances regardless of his spot in the lineup.
With Artturi Lehkonen sidelined, Colorado is going with a completely stacked top unit of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Nichushkin at even strength.
At worst, that means Nichushkin's incredible recent production should hold, but if anything we could see a slight uptake considering how difficult keeping that line in check should prove.
Nichushkin is priced at +275 to score a goal and +115 to record an assist. Both are very playable, and splitting a unit and making a slight profit so long as he records a point is a solid strategy.
Pick: Valeri Nichushkin to Record Assist (+115) |
What is QuickSlip?
QuickSlip is an Action Network feature that allows users to automatically pre-load their bet slip at FanDuel Sportsbook.
| Pick | Filip Gustavsson Over 30.5 Saves |
| Sportsbook | N/A |
| Puck drop | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
As goaltender save props aren't available until later in the day, I am speculating about what this number will be and noting where I would play it.
Minnesota's tear up the Central division standings has been in large part due to the incredible play in goal from Filip Gustavsson, who has thrived behind some pretty clean defensive play.
While Minnesota isn't allowing a ton of quality looks, it has allowed 32.12 shots against per 60 in March, while Colorado has generated 33.06 shots per game this month.
In a matchup with so much on the line, I expect Colorado's top stars to bring dominant performances and find ways to put lots of pressure on Gustavsson and the Wild.
I would play Gustavsson over 30.5 saves at a number of -120 or better. If it's Marc-Andre Fleury in goal for Minny, I would only play 30.5 at -105.
