NHL Picks April 17: Islanders Battle Maple Leafs in Featured Game

The NHL regular season is nearing its conclusion but there are still plenty of great matchups in store. The New York Islanders are still battling for a playoff spot as they take on Toronto in the featured game on April 17.

New York Islanders versus Toronto Maple Leafs

The Islanders head to Toronto 9th in the Eastern Conference and face the 4th seeded Maple Leafs. Toronto has a +29 to +13 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and the Islanders are “average up” versus “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The teams have been involved in games “over” the line in nine of their last 12 games combined. The Score Predictor has Toronto by a 4-3 score with 67 percent confidence. Both teams have been stable according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. I like Toronto by two goals in a game going “over” the line.

Florida Panthers versus Detroit Red Wings

The Panthers are 1st in the Eastern Conference and Detroit has been eliminated from playoff contention. Florida is “burning hot” versus “ice cold down” and +30 to +7 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Note that both teams have been involved in games “over” the line in four of their last six games. The Score Predictor has Florida by a 4-3 score with 45 percent confidence. Both teams are consistently performing according to their favorite/underdog status. Florida will come away with a road win by one or two goals in a game “over” the line.

St. Louis Blues versus Nashville Predators

The Blues enter play 4th in the Western Conference and the Predators are 6th in the conference. St. Louis is “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +26 on the Power Ranking Indicator, while Nashville is “average” and +16, respectively. The Score Predictor likes Nashville by a 4-3 score with 73 percent confidence. Nashville has been the more stable team, at +14 versus +9 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. Note that St. Louis has been involved in games “over” the line in each of their last six games. Expect a high-scoring game with Nashville coming out on top, perhaps in overtime.

San Jose Sharks versus Minnesota Wild

San Jose enters having been eliminated from postseason consideration, while Minnesota is 3rd in the Western Conference. Minnesota has a +23 to +6 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The two teams have combined to play in games “over” the line in nine of their last 12. Note that both teams are showing good stability according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. The Score Predictor has the Wild by a 6-2 blowout margin with 65 percent confidence. Minnesota will walk away with this easily in a game “over” the line.

Upgrade now and follow the winners!