The NHL Playoffs continue with two games on Monday night. First up is Lightning vs. Panthers Game 4 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Panthers lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. After that we've got Avalanche vs. Stars Game 5 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. That best-of-seven series is tied, 2-2.
Our staff of hockey betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified 3 NHL picks for tonight's contests. Continue below for our NHL best bets and predictions for Monday, April 28.
NHL Best Bets Tonight
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
| 7 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 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. | ||
Lightning vs. Panthers
By Dana Forden
Carter Verhaeghe was back on the top power-play unit last game, and with Mackie Samoskevich expected to be out for this one, there is more evidence that Verhaeghe will be on the top power-play unit tonight.
Despite being on the second power-play unit for much of the season, Verhaeghe was still over this line in 46 of 84 games in the regular season and playoffs.
For the playoffs, the matchup is fine, with him being at home versus a not especially stingy defense and in an arena with a liberal shot bias.
Pick: Carter Verhaeghe Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+110)
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Lightning vs. Panthers
Florida opened the series by stealing a pair of games in Tampa Bay. The Lightning bounced back with a comfortable 5-1 road win on Saturday afternoon.
Tonight, the Panthers will bounce back on their home ice. I would be stunned if Florida dropped back-to-back games at home.
The Panthers were one of the best home teams in the NHL this season (27-14 SU). Tampa posted a road record of 18-23 SU.
Pick: Panthers Moneyline (-142)
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Avalanche vs. Stars
By Nick Martin
The Stars have done a good job of hanging around in this series versus an Avalanche team that looks to be a true Stanley Cup contender, but it’s probably a favorable outcome that it is knotted at two entering this matchup.
While the Avalanche have elite talents capable of stealing any game, their depth on the back end is a massive advantage relative to what the Stars can currently offer. Colorado has carried more of the overall play in this series, and that is no surprise considering how these teams looked at the end of the regular season.
Road teams are 2-2 in this series and went 5-1 when these teams faced off last postseason. I’m not overly concerned that the Avs will offer a lesser performance tonight as the series shifts back to Dallas, and with that in mind, -140 looks to be a pretty good price to back Colorado considering it seems to be the much more complete team right now.
Pick: Avalanche Moneyline (-140)
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