Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 20, 2026
OTT
@
CAR
Mon, Apr 20 • 7:30 PM ET
Linus Ullmark o25.5 Total Saves (-115)
Ullmark was the real deal in Game 1 with a .931 save percentage and 2.94 goals saved above expected, and I’m expecting him to face plenty of shots again tonight. The Hurricanes paced the NHL Corsi For percentage at five-on-five while averaging a second-ranked 32.2 shots per game during the regular season, and those numbers both climbed on home ice.
Andrei Svechnikov o0.5 Goals Scored (+165)
Svechnikov was a force in the opener with six shots on 10 attempts resulting in a game-high 1.42 individual expected goals. The Hurricanes loaded up their No. 1 line with Svechnikov skating alongside Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, and the trio finished Game 1 with a 67.3 expected goals percentage at 5-on-5.
MIN
@
DAL
Mon, Apr 20 • 9:30 PM ET
Mikko Rantanen o0.5 Assists (-125)
Mikko Rantanen took his playmaking to a different level this season, producing 55 assists over just 62 appearances. That’s the highest per-game output of his career.
He was at his best in Dallas, picking up at least one helper in 68% of his games – and 73% following a day of rest.
While Rantanen didn’t record an assist in Game 1 against Minnesota, the underlying metrics were very strong. Dallas generated 26 shot attempts, 14 scoring chances, and 1.91 expected goals during his minutes.
The Wild are unlikely to keep Rantanen off the scoresheet if he replicates those numbers.
Wyatt Johnston o0.5 Goals Scored (+145)
Johnston led Stars forwards in time on ice during Game 1 and was one of two Dallas players to generate multiple high-danger looks. He is elite at finding space in the slot, and the Wild ranked 27th in defending that shooting zone this season.
It’s also worth noting Johnston was by far the league’s most lethal power play scorer, and there tends to be more penalties early on in playoff series.
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ANA
@
EDM
Mon, Apr 20 • 10:00 PM ET
Leon Draisaitl o0.5 Goals Scored (+125)
Connor McDavid o1.5 Points (-130)
The three-time Hart Trophy winner comes into Game 1 hot, cashing the Over in points in three of his last five appearances. McDavid led the NHL in points in 2025-26, registering 138. He always turns it up a notch come playoff time, and the superstar has dominated the Ducks this season. Across three meetings, he’s grabbed seven points.
MON
@
TB
Tue, Apr 21 • 7:00 PM ET
Alex Newhook o0.5 Goals Scored (+405)
Newhook often gets overshadowed among the myriad of fast, young Habs forwards. While he has just one goal in his last eight games, he's occupying the 2C role, and he'll remain a scoring threat playing alongside a premier playmaker like Ivan Demidov.
Lane Hutson o0.5 Points (-160)
Hutson notched an assist on Juraj Slafkovsky's OT winner in Game 1, giving him six points in six career playoff games. The sophomore blue liner picked up 78 points in his second full NHL season and quarterbacks a deadly Habs power-play unit that scored three times on Sunday.
BOS
@
BUF
Tue, Apr 21 • 7:30 PM ET
Charlie McAvoy o0.5 Points (-105)
Charlie McAvoy played 40.5% of Game 1, leading all skaters on either team. The Bruins didn’t generate a ton of chances during his minutes but score effects played a big part. They led from the 10 minute mark of the opening period until there was less than five minutes to go in the 3rd. Boston was trying to see their lead through, which led to a larger focus on defense. Even if the Bruins get another lead, I don’t think they’ll be as conservative in Game 2. McAvoy has also hit the scoresheet in 20 of his last 23 games following one day of rest. Look for him to make his mark offensively.
Josh Doan o0.5 Goals Scored (+310)
Doan was a threat in the series opener, generating five shot attempts and a couple of scoring chances on the doorstep. His expected goal output of 0.91 was actually 2nd highest among all skaters. Jeremy Swayman is very tough to beat from range so it is best to target players who live in high-danger areas.
Ducks vs Oilers Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for NHL Playoffs Game 1
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