Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (Best Bets for Day 8 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs)

My journey of betting on every single NHL Playoff game continues tonight! So far, I'm 16-12 for a profit of +4.10 units.

Let's dive into my picks for tonight's slate of games. All odds listed below are via WynnBET Sportsbook.

Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals Prediction and Pick

Despite being down 2-1 in the series, the Panthers have been dominating the Capitals. Florida has CORSI% rate of 54.24, which is third amongst all playoff teams, and they're averaging 12.33 high danger scoring chances per game.

The Capitals have done a solid job defensively, but I'm going to try not to let their two twins sway me too far in my opinion of this series.

I expect the Panthers to bounce back in a big way, just like they did in Game 2.

Pick: Panthers -1.5 (+130)

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction and Pick

The Penguins 2-1 series lead isn't just on Shesterkin not playing his best. Pittsburgh has been out-playing them at both ends of the ice. They have the fourth-highest CORSI percentage in the playoffs so far at 53.42. The Penguins also lead all playoff teams in high danger scoring chances, averaging 18.85 per 60 minutes.

It's tough to trust the Rangers on the road tonight, especially with Shesterkin coming off a rough performance. Pittsburgh is one of the most experienced team in the playoffs, and their powerplay has been dominant through the first three games. Not only that, but they've been the most disciplined team. The Rangers only have 12:19 minutes of powerplay, the fewest amongst all playoff teams.

I'll back the Penguins as slight underdogs tonight.

Pick: Penguins -105

Calgary Flames vs. Dallas Stars Prediction and Pick

The Flames are down 2-1 in the series, but they've been largely dominating play through the first three games. Their CORSI% is 59.46%, which is the second best mark in the NHL Playoffs next to only the Avalanche, who are on the verge of a 4-0 sweep.

When it comes to expected goals, the Flames are averaging 3.03 expected goals per 60 minutes and the Stars are at 2.51. Obviously, advanced analytics don't determine the outcomes of games, but it's a promising sign for Flames fans and bettors.

A big reason for the Stars success has been their goaltending. Jake Oettinger has been the best goaltender through the first few games of the playoffs, sporting a save percentage of .969. He had a strong regular season, but with a save percentage of .914, I expect some regression from him in the coming games.

I'm not going to lose my faith in the Flames quite yet.

Pick: Flames -160

Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators Prediction and Pick

The Avalanche aren't just dominating the scoreboard, they're dominating the advanced analytics too. Their CORSI% is a staggering 63.77%. The Predators were already behind the 8-ball when their starting goaltender, Juuse Saros, got hurt late in the season. On top of having a backup goaltender in net, they are giving him zero help.

The Avs are averaging a staggering 4.58 expected goals per 60 minutes, and averaging only 2.2 expected goals against per 60 minutes.

This has been by far the most lopsided series in the opening round, and I'm going to back the Avalanche to get the job done in dominating fashion tonight. The Game 2 overtime loss broke the Predators' back.

Pick: Avalanche -1.5 (+100)

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.