Wednesday NHL playoff betting – Habs hanging by a thread
The deeper we go the hockey betting playoffs, the more exciting the storylines become. Each of Wednesday’s NHL sports betting lines has a degree of drama behind it.
The Bruins will attempt to drive that last nail into the coffin of Montreal’s disappointing season. Meanwhile, the Capitals suddenly have their swagger back against the Rangers while the Flames host the Blackhawks in what has become the chippiest series in these playoffs.
NHL playoff picks: Habs are too proud to be swept
- Montreal crowd will lift Montreal just for one night
- Better defense, not offense, key to improved Capitals odds
- Flames may have found a chink in Hawks’ armor
Bruins vs Canadiens odds: Game 4, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET at the Bell Centre
NHL lines: Bruins -200, Canadiens +170
If you’re a Canadiens odds follower, do you almost want the series to end Wednesday? It’s been a miserable year for Montreal, with scandals galore surrounding the Kostitsyns, Guy Carbonneau’s firing and Carey Price’s downright horrible play so far in these playoffs. The big, physical Bruins were the worst possible matchup on paper for the Habs and have now left them as physically broken as they are mentally.
Logic doesn’t dictate it, but the Habs should pull out just one victory in the series, and it will come Wednesday night as they stave off elimination. Think of it as a “thank you” to their fans for supporting them through a turbulent season. Bet on Montreal.
Capitals vs Rangers odds: Game 4, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden
NHL lines: Capitals -150, Rangers +130
Uh-oh. Give them an inch and they may take a mile. The Rangers blew their chance to take a 3-0 stranglehold at home Monday night, falling 4-0 to the Caps. The big story wasn’t just the return of Washington’s dynamic offense; it was the way they kept the puck out of their net. Rookie goaltender Simeon Varlamov has been sensational, stopping 56 of 57 shots in the two games since Jose Theodore got the hook.
Better yet for their prospects, the Caps “D” in general was much improved in Game 3, particularly through Alexander Ovechkin’s outstanding backchecking. The Caps are a tough team to beat when the play with confidence, and they definitely have the spring back in their step. Bet on the Capitals to even the series at 2-2.
Blackhawks vs Flames odds: Game 4, Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. ET at the Pengrowth Saddledome
NHL lines: Blackhawks +135, Flames -155
As most Stanley Cup odds bettors expected, this matchup is getting ugly fast. The Flames clawed back into the series with a 4-2 win in Game 3. It was a venomous battle, with lots of big hits and multiple players, including Flames captain Jarome Iginla, scrumming it up.
This is an evenly matched series, but the scrappy play may favor the Flames slightly, especially when they’re playing at home before the Sea of Red. Bet on Calgary to win Game 4, which should be similar to Game 3 in style.
For more NHL lines and hockey betting analysis, visit the Betting Edge throughout the Stanley Cup betting playoffs.
Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
