NHL Picks

The 26-year-old finished with 72 helpers in 2025-26, which ranked fifth in the NHL. He’s obviously on the top line for this team with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky beside him, while also playing on the first PP1 unit. He's cashed the Over in assists in four of his last five. 

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.

Dylan Guenther didn’t hit the scoresheet but there was a lot to like in his playoff debut. The Mammoth controlled 79% of the expected goal share during his 5-on-5 minutes, generating 21 shot attempts and 1.31 xG along the way. They often threatened with Guenther on the ice. He did a lot of the heavy lifting, piling up 10 shot attempts, five scoring chances, and a pair of rebound opportunities. And that doesn’t even factor in the power play. The Golden Knights didn’t seem to have an answer. If that continues, expect Guenther to break through against a goaltender who posted an .891 SV% this season.

The Avs went 26-9-6 at home during the regular season while averaging 3.8 goals per game, allowing just 2.54 and ranking second in both Corsi For percentage and expected goals percentage at five-on-five. So, with Kings starter Anton Forsberg eyeing statistical correction to his unsustainable .940 save percentage with 9.1 goals saved above expected across his past nine games, look for Colorado to pull away tonight at Ball Arena.

Rakell finished the regular season with seven goals over his final eight games. While he hasn’t found the net in this series, he leads the Penguins in expected goals at 5-on-5. The vast majority of his shot volume comes from the slot and in, which is key. An in-form Vladar is unlikely to be beaten from range.

Matt Boldy has been busy in the series so far. His two goals and an assist powered the Minnesota Wild in Game 1, and he cashed the Over in shots on goal easily, registering eight on Jake Oettinger. While Oettinger was much better in Game 2, Boldy still created his chances, notching five SOG. The Wild star has now hit the Over in SOG in four straight. The Stars are allowing 5.2 shots per game to left wingers, and Boldy had a whopping 23 SOG across four regular-season meetings.