The NBA takes a break tonight as series switch venues, but the NHL Playoffs continue! Colorado and Calgary should pile on the goals tonight, while the Brewers continue to dominate the worst team in the MLB.
These are my favorite bets of the day, with all odds referenced from BetMGM:
COLORADO AVALANCHE VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS
No team started their first round playoff series more explosively than the Colorado Avalanche. Five first period goals ended in a 7-2 for the Avs, who play the Predators again at home tonight.
Colorado and Nashville are no strangers to high-scoring matchups. The Avalanche finished the regular season with a 42-35 OVER/UNDER record. The Predators did even better at 49-33.
In the five games played between the two clubs this season, the OVER is 5-0. Nashville backup goalie David Rittich appeared in three of those games, including the Game 1 blowout. Rittich struggles to keep the puck out in relief for Nashville, sustaining a 3.57 GAA and .886 save percentage. The OVER has hit in nine of his last ten starts.
Whether it’s another thumping for the Avalanche or a contested road battle for the Preds, Game 2 will feature loads of scoring tonight.
PICK: OVER 6.5 GOALS (-125)
CALGARY FLAMES VS DALLAS STARS
In contrast to their fellow Western Conference contenders, the Calgary Flames shutout the Dallas Stars in a hard fought 1-0 victory to take Game 1 of the series. Heading into Game 2 at home, the Flames have won three in a row against the Stars.
The defensive effort saw Calgary outshoot Dallas 26-16, limiting the Stars chances and capitalizing on one of the few they got. A one goal effort is out of character for the Flames, who averaged 3.59 goals a game this season, good for sixth in the NHL.
The advanced analytics support an offensive bounceback for the Flames, who are fourth in the league in expected goals for at 2.41. Including the low-scoring Game 1, Calgary netted 12 goals in four games against Dallas this season.
A good record against the spread (45-38) plus Dallas’ woes on the road (19-21) have the Flames poised for a stronger offensive performance tonight. Take the favorable spread bet at -1.5.
PICK: CALGARY FLAMES -1.5 (+110)
MILWAUKEE BREWERS VS CINCINNATI REDS
On Tuesday, I bet the Brewers to cover the spread against a flailing Reds team. Milwaukee exceeded my expectations, winning Tuesday 6-3, and Wednesday 18-4.
Until the Reds show signs of life, I will continue to favor strong teams against the spread in their games. The Brewers already covered their first two games and are 7-3 against the spread in their last ten.
Adrian Houser gives the Brewers an even better chance in an advantageous pitching matchup. Houser is fresh off a 2 hit, no earned run start. Hunter Greene, who starts for the Reds today, is 1-3 with a 6.00 ERA.
With the hitting coming together to support strong pitching, Milwaukee is dangerous for good teams, let alone the lowly Reds. Ride the Brewers at -1.5 once again tonight.
PICK: MILWAUKEE BREWERS -1.5 (-115)
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Wolveridge Langan 