Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (Game 4 Best Bets for Lightning vs. Panthers and Blues vs. Avalanche)

I was on top of the world when I correctly predicted the St. Louis Blues to upset the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 last Thursday night. Unfortunately, Gamblor, the God of Gambling, never lets you get too high on yourself. I've gone a whopping 0-6 since then.

Gamblor giveth, Gamblor taketh away.

That drops my NHL Playoff record to 30-32-1 (-1.01 units). I'm back in the red for the first time since the second day of the postseason. That's gambling for ya.

The good news is, we can get back in the green tonight with two games set to take place.

Here are my best bets, with all odds listed below coming from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Panthers vs. Lightning Prediction and Pick

After cashing on the Lightning in the first two games, I made the fatal mistake of going a different direction and betting on the total in Game 3. I've learned from my mistake, and I'm back on Tampa Bay in Game 4 to complete the series sweep.

The Lightning have proven to be the better team in this series, or at least a team that has the ability to shut down the Panthers high-octane offense. Tampa Bay's roster is built to succeed in the playoffs. Flashy goal-scorers, disciplined defense, and one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.

I'm sorry Panthers fans, your season ends here.

Pick: Lightning -130

Avalanche vs. Blues Prediction and Pick

I've been riding the Blues in all three games so far this series, but the numbers now tell me that there's some significant value on the UNDER in Game 4.

Both teams are playing a defensive style, translating to a low number of expected goals per 60 minutes. The Avs ranks sixth in this round of the playoffs in xGF/60 at 2.67, and the Blues are right behind them, ranking seventh at 2.63. That's a combined expected goals per 60 minutes of 5.3, which is well below a goal of the set total of 6.5 in Game 4.

Neither team is also getting a lot of high-danger scoring chances. The Avs are averaging just 11.17, and the Blues are averaging just 7.66.

I'll follow the numbers, and take the UNDER in Game 4.

Pick: UNDER 6.5 (-105)

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.