With the NHL season wrapping up, most teams are either preparing their golf trip plans or Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs.
But even though we are in Game 82, there's still money to be made, and there are two moneyline picks that stood out to me when I looked at the odds this morning.
So, let's get into it. With the final edition of NHL Best Bets of the regular season, here are my NHL predictions and picks for Wednesday, April 15.
NHL Moneyline Mania, Wednesday
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Stars vs. Sabres
These games essentially mean nothing to both of these teams. The Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division, while the Stars are sitting pretty as a two seed in the Central.
But one more game has to be played, and when there’s money to be had, we have to take advantage of it.
For the Stars, we won’t see Roope Hintz or Miro Heiskanen, who are both significant losses, but at least expect Heiskanen back for Game 1.
Regardless, this plays exceptionally well for Buffalo. Goaltenders haven’t been announced for this game yet, but because of the low stakes, I’d imagine Colten Ellis gets the nod so Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen can rest up for Game 1.
Ellis has been a major surprise, even if he’s not getting a ton of playing time. He just recorded his first career shutout against the Blue Jackets last week.
For Dallas, it would probably behoove them to roll out as many young guys as possible. This stretch has been particularly rough for the roster, even if the Stars have gone 6-3-1 over their last 10.
But this team is banged up, and with nothing to play for tonight, the B-squad should be rolled out.
That’s why I like Buffalo tonight. Odds are favored slightly towards the Sabres and for good reason. They’re dominant at home with a 26-10-4 record.
Pick: Buffalo Sabres ML (+106)
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Sharks vs. Blackhawks
This is a fascinating matchup because here we have two up-and-coming teams, with the Sharks just missing out on the playoffs.
Despite this recent 1-8-2 stretch, I actually like Chicago and the way the roster is built. But I still think the Blackhawks are a year away from making the playoffs.
So tonight, this is a game based on pride.
Given how poorly the Blackhawks have played as of late, this is a team that’s severely lacking in pride and ready for the season to be over.
For the Sharks, this has been a revelation, especially with Macklin Celebrini playing at an MVP level and getting high-end production from their depth.
The underlying numbers don’t favor either team at all, but the Blackhawks have been totally brutal. At 5-on-5 play, they’re currently the worst in expected goals and expected goals against.
While San Jose isn’t exactly the model team, it’s still much better than whatever Chicago is doing.
The Blackhawks also haven’t won a home game since March 9, so I’m expecting the Sharks to come out with a moneyline victory here.
Pick: San Jose Sharks ML (-125)
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