Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (Best Bets for Opening Night of Conference Semi-Finals)

The second round of the NHL Playoffs are set to begin!

To say I'm upset and distraught that the Maple Leafs lost in Game 7 to the Lightning would be an understatement, but we march on. A little bit of heartbreak isn't going to keep me from betting on every single game.

My NHL Playoff record sits at 26-24-1 (+1.52 units) heading into the Conference Semi-Finals.

Here are my picks today, with the odds listed below courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Lightning vs. Panthers Prediction and Pick

The Panthers got exposed in their opening series against the Capitals. They won the series in six games, but they struggled much more than they should have. Their wide-open style of play may be exciting, but it leave you susceptible on the defensive end and if your opponent plays good defense, you're out of luck.

The Lightning are a much stronger opponent than the Capitals in every facet of the game. They have the defense and the goaltending to slow down the Panthers high-octane offense, while also having the offensive ability to go toe-to-toe with them.

The regular season series between the two teams finished at 2-2, with the Lightning getting the 8-4 win in their last matchup.

This a tough matchup for the Panthers from a stylistic standpoint, so I'll gladly back the Lightning as underdogs tonight.

Pick: Lightning +140

Blues vs. Avalanche Prediction and Pick

I'm not putting much stock into the Avs' first round series sweep of the Predators. Nashville was the weakest team in the postseason to begin with, and then a late-season injury to goaltender Juuse Saros turned them into nothing more than an AHL team.

The Avalanche allowed 12.08 high-danger scoring chances per game in the regular season, which ranked 21st in the NHL. That's not good news against a Blues team, that was by far the best shooting team in the league. St. Louis had a regular season shooting percentage of 12.40%, almost 1% better than the next best team.

If the Avs give them quality scoring chances, the Blues are going to take advantage.

At their current odds, the Blues present a ton of betting value.

Pick: Blues +190

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.