We rate each pick 1 to 5 units with 5 being the strongest play (read about units).
Risk 1% of your bankroll per unit (never risk more than 5% of total bankroll on any pick).
Game: New Jersey at Tampa Bay (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 2 units on Tampa Bay +100 (risk 2 to win 2)
In the past nine NHL playoff seasons, a #7 seed has knocked off a #2 seed and this may be the series this year. This should be a close game but we'll give the edge to the home team. Holmqvist showed up last game after a bad start in game one as the Lightning evened the series at 1-1. Holmqvist is really subpar but New Jersey just can't seem to take advantage of him or other weak goalies. The Devils are just 17-31 vs. goalies who save 89.5% or less of shots the past two seasons including 1-6 in late season play. This season since the midway point they are below .500 vs. teams that allow 3+ goals per game. They are also just 9-14 their last 23 on the road in the first round of the playoffs. We'll back the home team with the momentum for even money.
Game: Buffalo at New York Islanders (7:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Buffalo -180 (risk 3 to win 1.7)
The Islanders suprised Buffalo in game two and stole one thanks to lackluster play by the Presidents Trophy winners. It was just the second win for the Islanders in the last ten vs. the Sabres. Buffalo should not come out soft for a second straight game and we look for them to dominate from start to finish here. The Sabres are also 22-5 revenging a close 1 goal loss the past two seasons. New York hasn't won a home playoff game in five years and Buffalo won a league-high 25 road games this season. Buffalo takes this one to regain the series lead.
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