Getting down to the final games of the NHL regular season and the playoff positions are yet to be determined. With much to play for, here are the top games in store for April 5.
Note that all standings are for games played through April 2.
Carolina Hurricanes versus Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers look to secure one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, while the Hurricanes try to play spoiler. Philadelphia holds a 2-1 lead in the season series and are +15 to +10 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Carolina is nearly .500 on the road, while the Flyers are 20-13-6 at home. While this should be a tightly fought game, the Flyers will come out on top and keep their run towards the playoffs alive.
Nashville Predators versus Washington Capitals
In a battle of titans, the Predators hold the top spot in the Western Conference, while the Capitals are first in the Metropolitan Division. Not surprisingly, the teams are deadlocked at +26 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Washington is 8-2 over their last ten and Nashville is 6-3-1. The Predators won the first meeting between the two and are tied for fourth in Team Volatility. This game will be tight. Look at the odds as the game approaches. If Nashville is a road favorite, go with them. If Washington is the home favorite, the bet is on them. This will be the game of the day.
Montreal Canadiens versus Detroit Red Wings
This battle is one of teams with nearly an identical record, however both have been eliminate from the playoff race. Detroit is +12 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. This is largely better than Montreal’s +2 and “ice cold down”. This is due to the three-game winning streak for Detroit and two-game losing streak for Montreal. The Canadiens are first in Team Volatility and as a road underdog, the pick is easy. Go with the Red Wings for their first win this season against Montreal.
Boston Bruins versus Florida Panthers
Boston holds the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Panthers are all but eliminated from contention. The Bruins have a huge +30 to +8 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold down”. Florida is tied for eighth in Team Volatility and while betting on Florida would be really profitable should they win, there is no indication they have a legitimate shot at an upset. The Bruins are the solid pick in this one.
Vegas Golden Knights versus Edmonton Oilers
Vegas has the Pacific Division wrapped up and the Oilers have been eliminated. Vegas has a +23 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. However Edmonton has taken 2 of the 3 meetings between the teams this season. Could another upset be in the making? If one wants to bet on an underdog, this might be the game. Vegas may want to go into the playoffs on a role, but Edmonton looks to end a losing skid and has played well against the Golden Knights. Let’s go out on the limb and pick an overtime win for the Oilers.
Colorado Avalanche versus San Jose Sharks
While San Jose has a playoff spot wrapped up, Colorado is still battling for a final spot in the Western Conference. The teams are nearly even on the oscillators, both “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. San Jose holds a slim +22 to +20 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, however Colorado has had the upper had in the season series, winning both contests. Look for a road win for the Avalanche to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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