NHL Hockey Free Picks

The only NHL playoff action on Monday night is Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins came out of the series blazing, routing the Flyers 7-3 on the road. In Game 2, the Bruins will try to make it two in a row in Philly before heading back to Boston for Games 3 and 4. Here’s your morning lines:

Money Line: Bruins +115, Flyers -135
Puck Line: 5.5 Over (EVEN), Under (-120)

The Bruins are 3-1 on the road in the playoffs, and were one of the best road teams in the NHL during the regular season (24-12-5). The Flyers are 2-2 at home this postseason after going 22-12-7 at home during the regular season. Philadelphia ended the regular season losing 7 of 8 games at home. The teams split two games in Philadelphia this season.

Chicago Blackhawks (32-23-6) @ Minnesota Wild (33-23-6)

Time: 8:00 pm EST

Our Prediction: Minnesota Wild 4-3

Expert Picks: Available Here!

Preview: Two teams separated by just one win will get together in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Minnesota Wild.

Chicago comes in with 70 points, tied for 9th in the Western Conference. The Blackhawks are a single point behind Calgary for 8th and two points behind Minnesota for 7th. Chicago has been hampered by injuries most of the season. Their one constant scoring threat this season has been Patrick Sharp. The center has 32 goals and 24 assists on the season. Chicago ranks as the fourth highest scoring team, scoring 3.1 goals per game. Chicago also ranks second in the NHL in power play percentage, as they score on nearly 25% of their attempts.

New York Rangers (32-26-4) @ Washington Capitals (32-19-10)

Time: 7:00 pm EST

Latest Odds: Find Them at Bodog.com

My Predictions: Washington Capitals 5-3

Expert Picks: Available Here!

Preview: A pair of Eastern Conference foes will get together Friday night at the Verizon Center in the nation’s capital. The New York Rangers will take on the Washington Capitals.

The Rangers are 32-26-4 overall, and 7th in the Eastern Conference standings. Washington is 32-19-10 for 74 points, currently 5th in the postseason.

The Rangers would start the playoffs at Tampa Bay, while the Capitals would start in Pittsburgh. The Rangers are coming off a road win Tuesday night over the Carolina Hurricanes. The NY Rangers rank 7th in the league is goals allowed; 2.5 per game. New York’s leading scorer has been left wing Brandon Dubinsky, who has 19 goals and 24 assists.

The Vancouver Canucks won their NHL leading 38th game of the season on Saturday night; downing the Dallas Stars 5-2. Vancouver scored single goals in the first and second period, before adding three in the final frame.

Daniel Sedin took over the lead in goals scored with 32, as he scored in both the first period and the third period. The Canucks also got goals from Raffi Torres (2) and Henrik Sedin.

Roberto Luongo saved 24 of 26 shots for the win. Dallas goaltender Andrew Raycroft allowed 5 goals on 38 total shots.

The win for the Canucks pushed them to seven games ahead of the Detroit Redwings for the top spot in the Western Conference. Vancouver has the highest scoring differential in the NHL with 202 goals and 142 goals against. The loss for Dallas kept them in a four way tie with Los Angeles, Anaheim and Calgary for the final spot in the Western Conference postseason picture. Minnesota sits just one point back.