Games to Watch Saturday in the NHL

Lightning-Bruins highlights another great Saturday of NHL action! In addition to that matchup, Toronto heads to Montreal, while the Islanders take on the Caps in D.C. Check out BetAmerica odds, analysis, and free picks for five of the top matchups on April 6!

[Saturday, April 6]

Tampa Bay Lightning -110 at Boston Bruins -115 (1:00pm ET)

In NHL standards, the Lightning are playing okay, going .500 in their last 6. From Tampa standards, the team’s fallen off a cliff. This isn’t the time for NHL squads to slow down. Is that happening with Tampa, who heads to Boston having lost 2 of 4 and 3 of 6?

By contrast, the Bruins are 2-0 SU in their last 2. Tampa’s an awful 9-34-4 SU in the last 47 meetings in Boston. But, Tampa is also 6-1 in the last 7 meetings overall. Which way to go? Back Boston because Tampa Bay’s so far ahead in the Eastern Conference, they could be resting some players under the radar.

NHL Free Pick: Bruins -115

Toronto Maple Leafs -110 at Montreal Canadiens -115 (7:00pm ET)

The Maple Leafs, the preseason second choice to win the Stanley Cup, behind the Lightning, have fallen 8 points behind the Bruins and are only 5 points ahead of Saturday opponent Montreal in the Atlantic Division. Toronto slides into this battle having lost 3 of 4 on the moneyline.

Montreal’s in better form. The Canadiens have won 2 of 3, with victories over Winnipeg and Tampa, and a loss to the Caps on the road. Although Toronto beat them 6-3 in the last match, the Canadiens can turn the tables on their rivals here. Montreal’s the play.

NHL Free Pick: Canadiens -115

NY Islanders +105 at Washington Capitals -130 (7:00pm ET)

The Islanders are 12-3 SU in their last 15 Saturday games, but Washington’s been on fire. The Caps are peaking at the right time, going 5-1 on the moneyline in their last 6. They beat NYI 3-1 in the last head-to-head and are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games as a favorite. They're also 6-1 SU in their last 7 as a favorite of -110 to -150. Going with chalk here.

NHL Free Pick: Capitals -130

Minnesota Wild +130 at Dallas Stars -160 (8:00pm ET)

NHL handicappers are already backing the favorite in the Wild-Stars game, and for good reason! The Wild are 8-27 SU in the last 35 meetings in Dallas, while the Stars are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200. Dallas is also 4-1 on the moneyline in their last 5. Although the trends say Stars, Dallas must battle the Blackhawks in Chicago on April 5 before taking on Minnesota on Saturday. The Wild are worth backing.

NHL Free Pick: Wild +130

Edmonton Oilers +135 at Calgary Flames -170 (10:00pm ET)

The Flames are 3-1 SU in their last 4. The last time they battled Edmonton, they dominated the Oilers 5-2. Most hot trends point to the Flames winning this: 6-1 SU in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game, 9-2 SU in their last 11 as a home favorite of -110 to -150, and the favorite in the head-to-head going 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.

Wagering on Calgary on the moneyline might not be worth it, though. The BetAmerica puck line odds have Calgary -1.5 at +165. That’s the way to go.

NHL Free Pick: Flames puck line

---

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+. NJ only. Odds may vary. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.