Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 21, 2026
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.
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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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