NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 5, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting & Predictions

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue, betting models are offering specific player and game predictions for Tuesday's slate, focusing heavily on the Western Conference matchups, 5. Sports Line NHL analyst Scott Erskine has identified Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy as a prime betting candidate for Tuesday's contest, while the projection model anticipates a repeat victory for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 against the Wild, though it forecasts a lower total goal output than the previous high-scoring affair, 6. Furthermore, experts are providing comprehensive analyses for major sporting events, including NBA playoff openers and NHL futures, such as Erskine's overview of a potential second-round Eastern Conference clash between the Sabres and Canadiens in 2026.

NHL Futures & Draft Outlook

Beyond the immediate playoff action, attention is turning toward the upcoming NHL Draft lottery scheduled for Tuesday evening in New Jersey . The winner of the lottery is set to gain the top selection, widely considered to be Penn State star forward Gavin McKenna, who represents the biggest prize available in this cycle. This anticipation for future talent contrasts with the established playoff picture, where betting advice was also provided for Monday's contests, featuring recommended props for players like Carolina Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall.

Broader Sports Betting Context

Tuesday's NHL odds and best bets are being integrated alongside major NBA contests, such as the Pistons-Cavaliers and Thunder-Lakers Game 1s, as the Sports Line Projection Model releases its comprehensive picks across sports. This focus on projections and player props contrasts sharply with other major league news, where the Knicks' Jalen Brunson delivered a record-setting performance against the 76ers, while Anthony Edwards made a surprise return for the Timberwolves against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs .