Philadelphia Flyers (22-19-7) vs New Jersey Devils (14-27-7)
This will be the second of a five-game series between these two, as the Flyers took the first one in a shootout two nights ago, by a score of 4-3.
The Devils have been putrid of late, losers of ten straight (0-9-1) contests. They’re just 4-17-3 at home, and are just two points removed from the cellar of the division.
The Flyers are pretty much out of playoff contention as well, as a rocky March derailed what was supposed to be a promising season.
Goaltending has plagued both groups, leaning me over the total regardless of who’s between the pipes.
It’s difficult to back the Devils at this point, so I’ll be looking to parlay the over with the Flyers Moneyline.
The Pick: Parlay – Flyers Moneyline and the over
New York Islanders (29-14-5) vs Washington Capitals (31-13-4)
The Caps have rattled off two straight against the Isles, most recently in a 6-3 drubbing on Saturday.
Washington is 5-2 against New York this season, and will need another win to ensure home-ice advantage in the first round.
The two are currently second and third in the Metropolitan, setting up a collision course as we approach the postseason, thus making this game all the more interesting and important — especially for the Isles.
In what feels like a prove-it game for New York, I expect Barry Trotz and company to get back on track Tuesday, setting the tone for what could be a potential first-round matchup.
The Pick: Islanders Moneyline
Boston Bruins (27-14-6) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (32-14-3)
Winners of four in a row and eight of their last ten (8-1-1), the Penguins have suddenly emerged atop the Metropolitan.
Just a point clear of Washington, Pittsburgh will look to get some breathing room Tuesday when they take on the Bruins.
The two played Sunday, a 1-0 shutout in favor of Pittsburgh, and will wrap up the season series in what will be a crucial game for Boston.
Despite having two games in hand, they’re just four points ahead of the Rangers for the fourth and final playoff spot.
Another loss Tuesday will mark three straight, setting up an interesting end to the season for both clubs.
Given the urgency, I expect Boston to come out with an edge in this one, propelling them to a narrow victory at PPG Paints Arena.
The Pick: Bruins Moneyline
Buffalo Sabres (13-29-7) vs New York Rangers (25-18-6)
Last but not least we turn our attention to the World’s Most Famous Arena, where the surging New York Rangers play host to a fading Buffalo Sabres team that ranks dead last in the NHL in points (33).
The Blueshirts took care of business Sunday, beating the Sabres by a score of 6-3 behind Mika Zibenajad’s third hat trick of the season.
The Rangers are playing some great hockey right now, which is the main reason why the Bruins are just four points ahead of them in the Metropolitan.
Fading the Sabres has been wildly profitable this year, so why stop now?
Put me down for one unit on the Rangers puck line (-1.5).
The Pick: Rangers -1.5
