Monday has eight exciting matchups on tap for hockey fans as people return to work and we return to the epic playoff race for the last few playoff spots. The Islanders have opened a three point lead for the third Metro division spot and look to stay hot as they take on the Devils. 

Other key matchups tonight include the Red Wings returning home and playing a must-win game against the Canadiens while the Penguins look to get back into the playoff mix with a tough matchup against the Predators. 

It’ll be an eventful night with games that will determine how this year’s playoff picture shapes out. We are riding an epic high on our Pad Stacking Challenge as we aim to successfully turn $10 into over $50 for third time today. We look to build off that momentum with our Best Bets and start the week on a good note. 

All betting lines are from BetMGM and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

Bet: Islanders ML (-120)

The Islanders have been red hot on the run towards the third spot in the Metropolitan Division with an 8-2-1 record over their last 11 games that started with a decisive 6-3 win over the Jets and they’ve been the hottest team in the league since. 

Their offense has been absent for their hot streak with a goals per game average of 2.82 but have shut teams down with a 2.27 goals against average which ranks third-best since their win over the Jets. 

New Jersey has remained a feisty team that can beat anyone but have don’t much of anything lately with an 8-13-1 record and a 3.32 goals against average since the start of March. The average also drops to 3.88 when you look at their previous eight games heading into tonight. 

They will have home-ice advantage but that doesn’t help them against the Islanders as they’ve topped the Devils in seven of their last ten trips to Prudential Center. The Islanders will look to bounce back after a heartbreaking shootout loss to the Rangers where they blew a 2-1 lead and secure their playoff spot with a win. 

Bet: Penguins ML (-115), Penguins Over 3.5 goals (+125)

The Penguins were dealt a challenging hand as they were forced to have to battle their way back into the playoff picture and did so with a 7-1-3 record over their last 11 games as they’ve fight to secure every point they could. 

They are now in a tough spot at the back of the bus and a point behind the three-way tie between the Flyers, Capitals and Red Wings. Every game is a must-win and the Bruins loss on Saturday night made tonight’s matchup against the once scorching-hot Predators that much more important. 

Nashville had been on an unbelievable hot streak with a 16-0-2 record though mid-February into March but have since gone 5-4-1 and have allowed the third-most goals on average at 3.80 tied with the Coyotes, Ducks and Flames. 

This could be a great set up game for the Penguins to finish strong as they should have a favourable matchup in this one as they’ve downed the Predators in five of their last seven matchups which gets even better when playing in Pittsburgh where the Penguins have won nine of their last ten matchups.