My NHL expert picks tonight will focus on three big matchups around the league. See my three moneyline, total and puckline pick for tonight April 3, 2024.
NHL Expert Picks Tonight: April 3, 2024
Lightning vs Maple Leafs
The Game: tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple leafs, 7 PM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +1.5 (-218) | O6.5 (-118) | +110 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | -1.5 (+180) | U6.5 (-102) | -130 |
Pick: O6.5 (-118)
When these teams play goals are scored. Since 2020 the OVER has gone 15-6-1 (68%) in this matchup. That hit rate gets better when you isolate for games where the total was set at 6.5 goals (like tonight). The OVER is 10-4 (71%) in those contests.
Both sides have plenty to play for. A win for Toronto would have them two points back of Florida with a game in hand for home-ice advantage in the opening round. Tampa can't clinch with a win, but they'd start to create even more space between them and any team looking to take their wildcard spot.
So, we've got historical precedent for a lot of goals and a lot to play for. I like the OVER tonight.
Devils vs Rangers
The Game: New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers, 7 pM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Devils | +1.5 (-148) | O6.5 (-108) | +160 |
| New York Rangers | -1.5 (+124) | U6.5 (-112) | -192 |
Pick: Rangers ML (-192)
The Rangers have been incredible at home when big favorites. When a -180 fav or more, they've got a 13-3 SU record. New York is also excellent when facing these Devils with a 4-1SU since 2020 when they welcomed their Jersey rivals to MSG.
Meanwhile, New Jersey has been awful on the road of late with a 5-8 SU record since Jan 1.
You know the league-leading Rangers aren't about to take a night off against a local rival. Misery continues for the Devils in the Big Apple.
Oilers vs Stars
The Game: Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars, 9:30 PM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | +1.5 (-245) | O6.5 (-108) | -102 |
| Dallas Stars | -1.5 (+200) | U6.5 (-112) | -118 |
Pick: Stars ML (-118)
The Stars have been solid at home with a 5-2 SU record over their last seven, while Edmonton is the exact opposite on the road lately (2-5SU).
And the duel between the pipes doesn't do much to change Dallas's edge.
Jake Oettinger should get the start for Dallas and in his last five games he's averaged a remarkable 0.942SV% and 1.40 GAA. Much better numbers than he's averaged all year. The Otter is back, and just in time.
At the other end of the ice Stuart Skinner likely gets the crease for Edmonton. His last five games have been much different...in a bad way with a 0.892SV% and 3.19GAA. Yuck.
