Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 20, 2026
PHI
@
PIT
Mon, Apr 20 • 7:00 PM ET
Trevor Zegras o0.5 Assists (+105)
The 25-year-old has now cashed the Over in helpers in four of his last six appearances, and three of those contests were on the road. The Flyers visit the Pens again tonight for Game 2. During the regular season, all three of his points against Pittsburgh were assists.
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.
Get weekly insights uncovering matchup advantages and mispriced lines.
ANA
@
EDM
Mon, Apr 20 • 10:00 PM ET
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.
Connor McDavid o1.5 Points (-130)
Connor McDavid has averaged 1.56 points per game over the course of his playoff career, and a plus matchup against the Ducks will allow him to go Over his 1.5 point total once again. He was 3-0 to the Over this season against Anaheim, collecting two points in each of the three games.
Covers’ roster of hockey betting analysts has more than 25 years of experience making smart NHL picks from the season’s first puck drop to the Stanley Cup Final.
We find the best NHL odds and share our picks and NHL best bets for the biggest games of the NHL season right here on this page.
Our picks are researched and analyzed by experienced sports bettors looking for an edge to get the best value from their NHL betting.
Making smart NHL picks means looking beyond the favorites. Our free expert hockey picks will include a wide variety of bet types and markets.
Puck lines are what other sports like football and basketball refer to as point spreads. Puck lines even the odds between two teams, offering bettors as close to an even matchup as possible. Our analysts research matchups, goalies, injuries, and more to give you the best possible edge before making your NHL puck line bets.
Covers’ analysts make NHL Over and Under picks throughout the hockey season. Betting on NHL Over/Unders means picking whether you think the combined total goals scored in a game will be Over or Under a specific goal total set by oddsmakers.
Betting on the NHL moneyline means picking which team will win a game outright. While less common than picking the puck line or even a prop, our analysts will always look for high-value hockey moneyline picks if they feel it’s the best bet.
There’s always value in NHL props. Our team scours through game, team, and player props to try and find opportunity and value. From total saves to goals scored, expect well-researched NHL prop picks from Covers.
Covers’ consensus NHL picks highlight the odds and predictions that our vibrant community of bettors and players are making. Try our picks on with our free NHL contests for a chance at prizes and more.
If you’re ready to bet on NHL picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. The best NHL betting sites offer secure banking, best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service.
Covers’ staff of sports betting fans also offers a wide array of free picks for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football.
Covers’ NHL picks typically release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.
Covers provides free NHL picks covering many markets, including puck lines, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.
Established in 1995,
All Picks
NFL
NCAAF
MLB
NBA
NCAAB
NHL
CFL
WNBA
Golf
World Cup
