NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 6, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NHL Draft & Futures Outlook

The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery results delivered a significant shakeup for the Eastern Conference, as the Toronto Maple Leafs secured the No. 1 overall pick heading into a critical offseason where major roster restructuring is anticipated. While the draft looms large, postseason results are already shaping futures odds, with analysts providing detailed overviews of upcoming matchups, such as the Buffalo Sabres battling the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the Eastern Conference bracket.

Stanley Cup Playoff Betting Angles

Tuesday's slate of playoff action features high-stakes contests across both conferences, prompting experts to issue specific wagering advice for bettors tracking the games. Sports Line analyst Scott Erskine identifies Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy as a prime player prop bet target for the evening's action, even as the series shifts west. In the second round matchup featuring the Wild vs. the Colorado Avalanche in Game, the analytical models project another Colorado victory, though they strongly advise against expecting a repeat of the prior contest's high-scoring affair which featured 15 total goals as noted by model predictions. Furthermore, bettors looking beyond the ice can find comprehensive odds and props for major contests, including the Thunder-Lakers Game 1 matchup, alongside the NHL playoff offerings.