Florida PANTHERS vs Toronto MAPLE LEAFS

And then there was one. The Western Conference series has been determined and tonight the Eastern Conference will be decided. The Florida PANTHERS are up in Toronto to take on the MAPLE LEAFS in game 7 of their series. The PANTHERS are the defending Champions, and the LEAFS will attempt to continue their quest for the Stanley Cup. Toronto has not won the Cup in 58 years. The pressure in a city that lives and breathes hockey is incredible. Fifty-eight years is the longest championship drought in the history of the NHL. The LEAFS, somehow, were able to take down the PANTHERS in Sunrise, Florida. Is it because the LEAFS were the better team, or the PANTHERS took the night off? Both teams are stacked with the LEAFS being led by Auston Matthews and Florida being led by Matthew Tchachuk. The PANTHERS have a secret weapon in the “little ball of hate” - Brad Marchand. Toronto has some of the best offensive players in the league. Nevertheless, their finesse doesn’t seem to add up to championships. Their lack of physical players has NOT served them well. One of their grittiest players Matthew Knies is likely out this evening. I hate to say it folks, but Florida is holding most of the cards this evening at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -130

Winnipeg JETS vs Dallas STARS

Tonight, we have 1 game being played in the entire NHL. If the STARS can win tonight’s game 6 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, there is no tomorrow for the JETS. The STARS could have sealed the deal in Winnipeg last Thursday but basically took the night off. They should be fresh this evening in BID “D”. Yes folks, during the course of these playoffs I have been tough on the JETS goal tender. Today, will be Hellebuyck’s greatest challenge when they drop the puck this evening. All eyes will be on his play in the crease to force a game 7 in Winnipeg. The pressure is on for Winnipeg to prove they can do it! Can they? I believe they can…

Today’s PICK — Winnipeg JETS +140 — LOSS

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Florida PANTHERS

Tonight, we have what could be the final game of the Florida / Toronto series. Tonight’s game is being played at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FLA. The playoffs look like they are headed towards a replay of last year’s Stanley Cup Final. Both Florida and Edmonton are headed on that trajectory. The LEAFS are going to have to dig deep, if they want their season to continue. Since goalie Anthony Stolarz was knocked out in the crease the PANTHERS have owned the LEAFS lock, stock and barrel. Unfortunately, it is another year of futility and discontent for the MAPLE LEAFS.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -240 — LOSS

Dallas STARS vs Winnipeg JETS

We have 2 games on tap this evening in round 2 of the NHL playoffs. Both games could feature a team being eliminated. Winning in the playoffs is dependent on which team has their game going when it is counts. Our game takes us to Winnipeg where the JETS are hosting the Dallas STARS. Winnipeg has to win tonight, but can they? Tonight's game 5 has the STARS leading 3-1. The JETS are facing failure once again as their game centers around Connor Hellebuyck and he is once again struggling in a big game.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS EVEN — LOSS

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Florida PANTHERS

There are 2 game this evening with one of the games being a possible elimination game. Vegas is going to be hosting the Edmonton OILERS in game 5. The OILERS lead the series 3-1. The other game has the Toronto MAPLE LEAFS hosting the Florida PANTHERS with the series even up 2-2. Tonight, is the beginning of a best of 3 series. Both of these teams have won 2 games each. Both teams have maintained their home ice advantage. On home ice I like Toronto's chances.

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS +118 — LOSS

Winnipeg JETS vs Dallas STARS

There is a singular game this evening in the NHL. Winnipeg is in Dallas to take on the STARS at American Airlines Center. The President’s Cup winning Winnipeg JETS appear to be feeling the pressure. Tonight’s game will go a long way to defining Winnipeg’s chances. If Winnipeg has any hope tonight of winning the cup this season, they have to get by the STARS. They will have to steal tonight's match in Dallas. They are up to it, but is Hellebucyk? Winning on the road is a problem for them.

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS -145 — WIN

Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS vs Edmonton OILERS

This evening there are 2 games on tap once again the 2nd round of the playoffs. One of the games appears to be lopsided, with the other game providing the hype we are all looking for. Don’t get me wrong, but anything can happen in either game. Our game tonight takes us to Edmonton, Alberta. Sometimes we have the good fortune to witness miracles. That was the occasion Saturday night in Edmonton. Reilly Smith scored the winning goal with 0.4 seconds left in the game. While miracles rarely happen, that had to jack-up the VGK for tonight's game.

Today’s PICK — Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS +110 — LOSS

Winnipeg JETS vs Dallas STARS

AH, once again into the breech! Today, we have another 2 games going off in round 2. Our game today takes us down to Dallas, Texas. Both of these teams win by stifling their opponent by choking off their ability to score goals. On Friday Dallas went up to Winnipeg and stole the home ice advantage. Winnipeg had gone wire-to-wire to win the President's Trophy. Now, the STARS have to defend home ice. These 2 teams have played 10 straight under games and scoring WILL be a challenge.

Today’s PICK — Dallas / Winnipeg — UNDER 5 — LOSS

Carolina HURRICANES vs Washington CAPITALS

Welcome back again to the DAILY ICEPICK, your hockey play! Today we have two game 3’s in the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Our game today takes us to the North Carolina home of the HURRICANES. In today's game 3 the CAPITALS will attempt to secure home ice with a win in Raleigh. Neither of these teams are scoring. Both teams are getting strong goaltending. The 1st team to score this afternoon will and should control play. I like the UNDER…

Today’s PICK — Washington / Carolina UNDER 5.5 — WIN

Dallas STARS vs Winnipeg JETS

Tonight, we have another 2 playoff games to write about. Our game this evening takes us up to Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg and the home of the “whiteout”. Dallas came out hot in game 1 and defeated the JETS 3-2. These 2 foes know each other to the point there are no surprises. With Winnipeg's home record, it is difficult to believe they won't be ready tonight on the plains of Manitoba.

Today’s PICK — Winnipeg JETS -135 — WIN

Carolina HURRICANES vs Washington CAPITALS

Tonight, we continue on with the 2nd round of the playoffs. So far, we have witnessed some great hockey. For me hockey action is the best any sport has to offer. Our game tonight takes us to our nation’s capital - Washington, DC. The CAPITPAL are hosting the Carolina H URRICANES in game 2 of their series. In the first game of this series both of these teams battled until Carolina won in overtime 2-1. This series is likely to go at least 6 games. Typically, the CAPS take care of business on home ice and have loss only 9 games at home.

Today’s PICK — Washington CAPITALS +115 — WIN

Dallas STARS vs Winnipeg JETS

Tonight, there are only 2 games on the docket this evening in the NHL. Our selection tonight takes us to “whiteout” country. All of Manitoba will be watching tonight’s match between the JETS and STARS. Tonight, we crack the seal on the 1st game of the 2nd round for these 2 teams. Both teams had to go 7 games on their way to where we are. If Dallas has a weakness, it is playing on the road. The JETS have won 4 of their last 5 versus Dallas.

Today’s PICK — Winnipeg JETS -105 — LOSS

Edmonton OILERS vs Vegas GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Tonight, all 4 teams break the seal on round 2 of the playoffs. Our game this evening takes us to ”sin city” - Las Vegas, Nevada. The KNIGHTS are welcoming in the dynamic duo of Conor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. After losing the first 2 games, the OILERS swept L-A. The VGK's 1st round of play saw them struggle at times vs the WILD. Both teams have stars to carry the load. Both teams are relatively healthy. Both of these teams have been buoyed by solid goaltending. Scoring will be a challenge for both of these teams. The KNIGHTS have a slight edge tonight at T-Mobile.

Today’s PICK — OILERS / VEGAS UNDER 6.5 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Toronto MAPLE LEAFS

Tonight, we break the seal on game 1 of the 2nd round. There is only one game featured this evening in these playoffs. Last year’s Stanley Cup Champion moves to once again win the Cup. The Toronto MAPLE LEAFS will attempt to knock them off their pedestal. After making short work of the Tampa Bay LIGHTNING, Florida flies up to Toronto for game 1 of the 2nd round. The LEAFS came out strong vs the SENS with 3 wins, then lost 2 and ultimately won game 6. There will be no surprises tonight for these longtime foes. The home team LEAFS seem to have gotten their game together, but it won’t be easy.

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS +110 — WIN

St. Louis BLUES vs Winnipeg JETS

Well folks, we are finally here. Game 7 of the first round. Did any of you watch that game last night between the AVALANCHE and the STARS? What a game! Game 7’s often feature tension and stress for both teams. Without being hyperbolic, there is NO tomorrow for the loser. Winnipeg has yet to really prove themselves, as they have led the league in wins practically wire-to-wire and winning the cursed President’s Trophy. Jet goalie Connor Hellebuyck has yet to win THAT big game. Even during the 4 Nations Tournament Hellebuyck was unable to defeat Jordon Binnington of the BLUES. Everybody knows that goalies go through some really big-time head games. Nobody expected the BLUES to be in a first round game 7, much less even get to the PLAYOFFS. Throughout the year the JETS have only lost 7 games in regulation on home ice. In this series the road team has yet to win a game. Look for the BLUES to win tonight on the road in a massive upset.

Today’s PICK — St. Louis BLUES +130 — LOSS — Rough

Colorado AVALANCHE vs Dallas STARS

Tonight, one of these teams will have come to the end of the line. Nothing will be left in the tank for either of these teams. It is truly a shame that one of these teams has to lose. Dallas has been knocking on the door for some time and tonight, even with their injuries, they will win. On Thursday night the hockey gods were smiling on the AVS. Two of their goals were of the extremely lucky variety. Dallas worked hard but came up short. Tonight, the STARS return to form to win a game 7 in BIG "D".

Today’s PICK — Dallas STARS +118 — WIN - What a game!

Winnipeg JETS vs St. Louis BLUES

There is only 1 game going on this evening. The Winnipeg JETS head down to Enterprise Center to take on those pesky St. Louis BLUES. Tonight's game 6 could provide a winner in this series. The Winnipeg JETS are on the cusp of taking down the BLUES. Their only problem, they have not been able to win in St. Louis. Is tonight the night? The BLUES have been able to destroy them twice there. There is also another challenge for the JETS. They will be without one of their best players - Mark Scheifele….

Todays PICK — St. Louis BLUES -120 — WIN

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS vs Ottawa SENATORS

Tonight, all 4 games are possible elimination games. With that in mind tonight’s games will be brutal. Our game this evening takes us up to the Canadian capital of Ottawa. The SENATORS are hosting fellow Ontario team Toronto to game 6 of their series. After jumping off to a great start winning the first 3 games of the series, the LEAFS have lost the last 2 games. The SENS have won 2 straight elimination games. It would behoove Toronto to win tonight and not go to a game 7. Anything can happen in a game 7!

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS -105 — WIN

Florida PANTHERS vs Tampa Bay LIGHTNING

Tonight, we could witness the end of 2 playoff series. The LIGHTNING are looking at the possibility of elimination and the CANADIENS are as well. Our game this evening takes us to the Tampa Bay home of the LIGHTNING. Florida heads back to Tampa for tonight's game 5. The LIGHTNING have already lost their first 2 games at Amelie Arena. On Monday the PANTHERS scored a very quick 3 goals to take a come from behind victory. Tampa had led throughout the game. That one left a mark.

Today’s PICK — Florida PANTHERS -110 — WIN

Ottawa SENATORS vs Toronto MAPLE LEAFS

Tonight, there is a possibility of 2 teams being knocked out of playoffs. Both the New Jersey DEVILS and the Ottawa SENATORS seasons are on the line with a loss this evening. In my opinion, both of those teams are in - over their heads. Our game takes us to Toronto, Ontario for what could be the final game of this series. After 3 straight losses to the MAPLE LEAFS, the SENATORS finally won a game. This has been a very close series with 3 overtimes in a row. Tonight, is the 2nd elimination game in a row for Ottawa. Anything could happen. Still, if the LEAFS are operating at 70% efficiency, they should win.

Today’s PICK — Toronto MAPLE LEAFS -205 — LOSS