The Carolina Hurricanes are waiting in the wings in the Eastern Conference Final after sweeping each of its first two series.
The Montreal Canadiens can lock up its first berth in the final four since the 2020-21 campaign, when the divisions were realigned for one season.
The Habs own a 3-2 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres headed back to Bell Center tonight, as the Atlantic Division champs try to force a Game 7 back at home.
We’ll break down two plays for the Saturday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.
Here are the free NHL picks for Saturday, May 16. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.
Best NHL plays today
- Canadiens -1.5 (+155) vs. Sabres
- Canadiens/Sabres Under 6.5 Goals (-122)
Canadiens -1.5 (+155) vs. Sabres – 8:00 p.m. ET
All three of Montreal’s wins in this series have come by at least two goals, capped off by a 6-3 triumph in Game 5. The Canadiens allowed three goals in the first period before storming back to score four unanswered goals.
In the three victories, the Habs posted 5, 5, and 6 goals, which is a huge improvement from the 2.28 goals per game scored in the first round series win over Tampa Bay.
Buffalo owned the third-highest goal differential in the Eastern Conference this season (+47), but sits at 0 in the playoffs thanks to several blowout losses to Montreal.
Montreal C Alex Newhook has shined in this round with five goals, while Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield each compiled 3 goals apiece. Look for the Habs to close this out at home in blowout fashion.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting
Sabres/Canadiens Under 6.5 Goals (-122) – 8:00 p.m. ET
There have been plenty of goals scored in this series, but tonight is the highest total between these division rivals at 6.5. Game 5 saw five goals in the opening period and a series-high 9 goals, but it was only the second time these squads combined for more than six goals.
Buffalo seems to run out of gas after these quick starts, scoring only once in the third period in this series. Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes has allowed two or fewer goals in three of five home playoff games, while four games at Bell Center have been decided by one goal.
The Sabres can’t afford to get into a shootout here with the Canadiens with their season on the line. Buffalo yielded two or less goals in four of five road playoff games, resulting in three Unders. Look for Game 6 to remain below this number in Montreal tonight.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting