Tuesday NHL Best Bets: Top Expert Picks for Hurricanes vs. Devils, Stars vs. Kraken Game 4 (May 9)
Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars
- Our NHL best bets for Tuesday feature two Game 4 matchups: Hurricanes vs. Devils and Stars vs. Kraken.
- Below, our hockey experts share their favorite playoff picks for tonight's NHL games and break down the bets.
- Their picks include a total and three player props, including an anytime goalscorer pick for the nightcap.
Check out our NHL Game 4 best bets from our crew of hockey experts for Tuesday, May 9.
The 2022-23 NHL postseason rolls on with a pair of Game 4 matchups in the second round, and we have top picks for tonight's doubleheader in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Below, check out our hockey crew's top NHL bets for Hurricanes vs. Devils and Stars vs. Kraken.
Hurricanes vs. Devils Total
Ryan Dadoun: I believe that tonight's Hurricanes vs. Devils and Stars vs. Kraken games both have a strong chance of exceeding the over of 5.5 goals. However, taking the over in the Carolina-New Jersey game offers a larger potential payout, which is why I'm specifically recommending it.
Carolina ranked 15th offensively with 3.20 goals per game in the regular season, but the Hurricanes have had the Devils’ number in the second round, tallying 15 markers over three contests. Akira Schmid, who came through for New Jersey in its series against the Rangers, was pulled in both Games 1 and 2 of the second round. Vitek Vanecek stepped in for Game 3, and while New Jersey won, the goaltender surrendered four goals on 30 shots.
Vanecek has a 4.02 GAA and an .845 save percentage through six playoff outings this year, so while I think it’s plausible that he’ll start Tuesday simply because the squad is coming off a win, I don’t have high expectations for him.
Carolina limited the Devils to just one goal in each of the first two games, but New Jersey's offense came alive in Game 3 with an eight-goal effort. While it may be unrealistic to expect the Devils to replicate that level of scoring, they should hold their own given that they were one of the best teams offensively in the regular season, providing 3.52 goals per game.
Each of the first three contests in this series resulted in six or more goals, and this match is looking like it could produce more of the same.
Pick: Hurricanes vs. Devils o5.5 (-105) |
Hurricanes vs. Devils Player Prop
Tony Sartori: After dropping both games in Carolina, the New Jersey Devils returned home for Game 3 and dominated the Hurricanes, winning 8-4 in convincing fashion. Finally getting the monkey off his back after being held scoreless in the first two games, superstar forward Jack Hughes put together a masterclass of offensive production in Game 3.
Hughes logged two goals and two assists, all of which came at even-strength. This performance should get the young American back on track, whose confidence and subsequent game had been lacking after being held off the goal sheet in each of his prior five games.
Typically a shoot-first forward when in the zone, Hughes will likely utilize Game 3 as a stepping stone for the rest of the series, especially considering that New Jersey will have to keep leaning on him if they are to even things up in Game 4. Logging at least four shots on goal in six of his past nine games, Hughes should have no issue getting over this number once again on Tuesday.
Additionally, he has surpassed this total in five of his past seven outings against the Canes. I would play this number up to -145.
Stars vs. Kraken Player Prop
Nicholas Martin: The Stars have been highly reliant on Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski to lead the way offensively this season.
With Dallas trailing 2-1 in the series, we can expect to see them garner lots of time on ice in most game scripts.
Hintz's recent dynamic play has been noteworthy, and there is no doubt he has earned his 13 playoff points. One assist in three games versus Seattle is a disappointment, but a lack of attempts on goal has not been the problem. He has put up 13 shots on goal over the first three games of this series.
Hintz has been consistently cashing the over 2.5 with ease, and that is not surprising after evaluating his play. This prop closed at -110 in Game 3, and I do not believe oddsmakers have moved the number enough tonight.
Pick: Roope Hintz over 2.5 shots on goal (-114) |
Stars vs. Kraken Player Prop
Greg Liodice: It’s about time Jason Robertson breaks out. The star forward had more than a point per game in the first round of the playoffs, but in three games against the Kraken, he's been held pointless. Throughout the season, Robertson was never held to more than two games without a point, so he’s swimming in uncharted water right now.
He’s a special player, and he’s too important to the Stars success to not contribute in the postseason. In my Stars vs. Kraken game guide, I stated that it’s time for Robertson to light the lamp tonight. He had 46 goals in 82 games, and two in the first round. He has gotten chances, though, as he’s placed in the top five on his team in expected goals, high-danger chances, and scoring chances. Not only that, aside from Game 2, he’s been putting pucks on net.
Robertson skates with Roope Hintz, who also had a dynamic Round 1 and a quiet Round 2, and Tyler Seguin, who’s a very capable player as well. I noted in the guide that Dallas typically bounces back after getting trounced. Sunday was an embarrassment for the team, and I’m interested to see how they bounce back. But I’m expecting a Robertson goal tonight regardless.
Pick: Jason Robertson anytime goalscorer (+160) |
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