Predictions for NHL Action on April 26: A Closer Look
Anticipated NHL Matchups: Prognostications from Experts on the 26th of April, Saturday
Saunter into the raucous NHL atmosphere this Saturday, April 26, as three electrifying matches are set to unfold! Here's a closer look at each game, complete with expert predictions and the lowdown on key players to watch.
Vegas Golden Knights (-150, 5.5) at Minnesota Wild
- Game Four: 4 p.m. ET
The Minnesota Wild have surprised many with their strong playoff performance, except for their die-hard fans. Despite injuries, notably superstar Kirill Kaprizov limiting him to just 41 games in the regular season, the Wild is in full force, thanks to Kaprizov's recovery. The top-line duo of Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and center Joel Eriksson-Ek has ruthlessly dominated the Golden Knights, scoring eight of the Wild's 12 goals in the series.
While the Wild relies on its top players, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone have been absent for the opening three games of the series. However, Eichel is expected to make a strong comeback during Saturday's game, bolstering Vegas' chances. Pavel Dorofeyev of the Golden Knights, with 12 shots on goal in the playoffs, should also keep an eye on.
Predictions:- Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 SOG (-180) – 1 unit- Pavel Dorofeyev Over 3.5 SOG (+150) - .20 units- Jack Eichel Over 2.5 SOG (-135) - .20 units- Tomas Hertl anytime goal (+240) - .20 units- Kirill Kaprizov anytime goal (+125) - .20 units- Matt Boldy anytime goal (+195) - .20 units- Kirill Kaprizov Over 1.5 points (+168) - .20 units- Kirill Kaprizov Over 3.5 SOG (+120) - .20 units- Joel Eriksson-Ek Over 2.5 SOG (-180) - 1 unit- Vegas and Colorado both to score in the 1 period parlay (+120) - .35 units
Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators (-120, 5.5)
- Game Four: 7 p.m. ET
After losing handily in game one, 6-2, and then dropping the last two games in overtime by identical 3-2 results, the Ottawa Senators find themselves on the brink of elimination in their best-of-seven series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In sports, being on the verge of elimination doesn't always mean victory. Despite the line moving to the Senators, I'd steer clear and sit this one out.
Regarding the prop plays, Ottawa's Tim Stutzle, with two scores on goal in two of the three playoff games, and Claude Giroux, who's shown career averages of over a point per game against Toronto, are worth a watch. The Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, with 14 goals in 17 games against Ottawa, and Matthew Knies, who scored 29 goals during the season, are also key players to track.
Predictions:- Brady Tkachuk anytime goal (+170) - .20 units- Brady Tkachuk Over 3.5 SOG (-150) – 1 unit- Brady Tkachuk Over 4.5 SOG (+150) - .15 units- Tim Stutzle Over 2.5 SOG (+155) - .50 units- Claude Giroux Over 1⁄2 point (+132) - .20 units- Auston Matthews anytime goal (+140) - .20 units- Matthew Knies anytime goal (+300) - .20 units- Mitch Marner Power Play point (+170) - .10 units
Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche (-180, 6)
- Game Four: 9:30 p.m. ET
The Dallas Stars have led this series for all but 71 seconds while winning two consecutive overtime games, putting them up 2-1 in the series. Despite the underdog's status (-180), there's not enough value on the Stars. For this match, I'll skip sides and totals, focusing instead on player props.
Esa Lindell, the shot-blocking powerhouse for Dallas, has 12 blocks, with three or more in each game, making him a standout. Former Avalanche player Mikko Rantanen, with 11 shots on goal in the series, is another player to track. Additionally, watch out for Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the playoffs in shots on goal (20), and Devon Toews, who's racked up 11 blocked shots in the last two games.
Predictions:- Esa Lindell Over 2.5 blocks (-120) – .50 units- Esa Lindell Over 3.5 blocks (+215) - .20 units- Devon Toews Over 2.5 blocks (+230) - .50 units- Devon Toews Over 3.5 blocks (+625) - .20 units- Mikko Rantanen Over 2.5 SOG (+125) - .20 units- Nathan MacKinnon Over 3.5 SOG (-210) – 1 unit- Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 SOG (+115) - .25 units- Nathan MacKinnon Over 5.5 SOG (+220) - .10 units
Bonus reads:
- NHL Injury Update on Kirill Kaprizov: health and impact on Wild
- NHL Predictions: Expert Picks on Friday, April 25
- NHL Predictions: Expert Picks on Thursday, April 24
- NHL Predictions: Expert Picks on Wednesday, April 23
#kaprizov
Injury Summary
Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild's versatile forward, has been hampered by lower-body injuries, sidelining him for 12 games early in the season. After surgery in late January, he missed 28 straight games and 40 out of 43 contests. Kaprizov returned to action on April 9 against the San Jose Sharks, scoring in his first game back.
Return to Play and Performance
Kaprizov's comeback proved critical for the Wild in their playoff push, as he displayed stunning playmaking abilities and scoring potential. Ever since his return, he has held a significant impact on the team's performance.
Impact on Minnesota Wild's Performance
Kaprizov's injury absence had a profound effect on the Wild's overall performance, leaving the team struggling to maintain consistency without their top scorer. With Kaprizov back in action, the Wild have shown renewed strength, particularly during their playoff run, backed by players like Matt Boldy praising Kaprizov's exceptional skillset (source). This revitalized Wild is now poised for postseason triumph while keeping an active eye on its outstanding player.
#footnotes
[1] - Matt Boldy praises Kaprizov[2] - Kaprizov's missed games[3] - Kaprizov's return to play[4] - Kaprizov's first goal after returning[5] - Kaprizov cleared for contact
- Expert picks for the Vegas Golden Knights game suggest looking into Pavel Dorofeyev's odds for over 2.5 shots on goal (-180) and over 3.5 shots on goal (+150), both at 0.20 units.
- In the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators match, predictions include a bet on Brady Tkachuk's anytime goal (+170) and Brady Tkachuk over 3.5 shots on goal (-150), both at 0.20 units.
- For the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche game, focusing on player props, Esa Lindell's over 2.5 blocks (-120) is a promising bet at 0.50 units.
- Regarding the Ottawa Senators, despite being on the brink of elimination, it is advised to steer clear and not place a bet on this game.
- When considering the NHL action on April 26, keep a watchful eye on veterans like Tim Stutzle, Claude Giroux, Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Devon Toews for player prop bets in various games.
