NHL Playoff Preview & Picks – May 7th, 2024

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Tonight in the NHL, we’re in for a thrilling lineup of two playoff games. Let’s delve into the matchups that promise excitement and highlight some intriguing player props worth your attention.

Matchups:

Carolina Hurricanes @ New York Rangers

  • Time: 7:00 PM ET
  • Series: Carolina Hurricanes 0 – New York Rangers 1
TeamOpening MLCurrent MLSpreadTotal
Carolina Hurricanes-115-125-1.5 (+210)o5.5 (+110)
New York Rangers-105+105+1.5 (-258)u5.5 (-130)

CAR: Frederick Anderson [CONFIRMED]

NYR: Igor Shesterkin [EXPECTED]

Colorado Avalanche @ Dallas Stars

  • Time: 9:30 PM ET
  • Series: Colorado Avalanche 0 – Dallas Stars 0
TeamOpening MLCurrent MLSpreadTotal
Colorado Avalanche+110+102+1.5 (-238)o6.5 (-108)
Dallas Stars-130-122-1.5 (+195)u6.5 (-112)

COL: Alexandar Georgiev [CONFIRMED]

DAL: Jake Oettinger [CONFIRMED]

Picks:

  • Carolina Hurricanes (-120) – DraftKings

The inaugural game of the series showcased the decisive influence of special teams. Carolina failed to convert on any of their five power-play opportunities, while New York efficiently capitalized on theirs, going 2 for 2. Despite the 4-3 loss in the series opener, Carolina displayed dominance in expected goals, registering 4.44 compared to New York’s 2.18.

In addition to the special teams disparity, Frederick Anderson faced challenges in the Hurricanes’ net, recording a -1.82 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx), contrasting with Igor Shesterkin’s stellar performance, boasting a +1.45 GSAx for New York.

Despite the setbacks, I anticipate Anderson bouncing back tonight, supported by a strong Hurricanes lineup. As they aim to level the series before returning to Raleigh for Game 3, expect Carolina to rally.

Player Props:

  • Seth Jarvis over 0.5 Points (-125) – DraftKings

Seth Jarvis has emerged as a standout performer for the Carolina Hurricanes this postseason, leading the team in points with a total of 8 (comprising 4 goals and 4 assists). His contributions have been well-balanced, with five points scored at even strength and three on the power play. Positioned on Carolina’s second line alongside Teuvo Teravainen and Jordan Staal, Jarvis brings depth and skill to the team’s offensive efforts.

In the opening game of the second round, Jarvis added another goal to his tally, showcasing his ability to make an impact when it counts. With his consistent performance thus far, there’s every reason to anticipate Jarvis continuing to be a key factor in Carolina’s playoff run. Tonight, as the Hurricanes aim to level the series, Jarvis is poised to play a pivotal role in maintaining their postseason momentum.

  • Jake Guentzel over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-140) – Bet365

Jake Guentzel missed his shots on goal mark in each of the first five games of the postseason. Prior to the postseason, his shots on goal line was 3.5 but due to his lack of production, it has been dropped to 2.5.

He came out firing in the first game of the second round against the Rangers recording five shots on goal in nine shot attempts. I would expect him to continue to firing tonight as the Hurricanes are down 1-0 in this series and are desperately trying to avoid going down 2-0.

Guentzel also has some great history against the Rangers as well recording over 2.5 shots on goal in fourteen of his last eighteen games against them.

  • Cale Makar over 0.5 Assists (-160) – DraftKings

Cale Makar has been on fire lately, notching at least one assist in nine out of his last ten games, and he’s kept the streak alive with assists in each of his last five games. Even on the road, he’s been a playmaking force, with assists in nine out of his last ten away games. Against division rivals, he’s been consistently productive, tallying assists in all four matchups this season.

With Colorado enjoying more time off than Dallas, they should be well-rested for the second round of the playoffs. Given the history, it wouldn’t be surprising if this upcoming game turns into another high-scoring showdown.

Linemate and Shot Propz provide all Player Prop Data.

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.