NHL Thursday: Bets for both playoff games

We've got a new day of postseason hockey, and we're back to two games on the schedule, a welcome sight.

Let's dig into each game. We have a pick for winners in both, along with prop bets for the evening's action.

SGP: Carolina ML & Under 6.5 goals (+125 DK)

This option is only available on DraftKings. I do think loading up the standard over/under of 5.5 is a good option here, it is 4-0 after all. Buying a bit of breathing room here by increasing the total by one.

We go to Carolina for the same reason we've been betting on the Rangers the last two games. The Hurricanes at home are a completely different team than when on the road, and luckily for them, they're finally back on home ice.

Carolina is 6-0 this postseason at home, their goals increase and their goals allowed number flies down to just 1.17 allowed per game.

This has been a tight series, with the highest scoring total at five goals in Game 4. The two games in Carolina combined for five total scores, so we tack on this alternate under to bring down the juice on Carolina's moneyline and give us a plus-money play for the beginning of our night.

Teuvo Teravainen point (-118 FD)

Based off the belief that Carolina wins this game, they'll need some goals to do it. Not only do the Canes score more at home, but the Rangers have allowed far more goals on the road this postseason, allowing 4.2 per game.

Teuvo Teravainen, a member of Carolina's top line, sticks out at these odds. Teravainen has a point in three of four games this series, seven of 11 games this postseason and six of eight games against the Rangers this year.

He's been involved and has solid consistency worth following here.

SGP: Calgary ML & Over 5.5 goals (+140 DK)

Similar strategy to the Carolina play from above, I've lowered the total here by one goal for a safer floor but do think the over is in a great position to hit again.

Calgary has their back against the wall here, down three games to one. If they rolled up and died in Game 4 when they were down 3-0, I wouldn't feel good about this pick, but seeing them claw back and tie it (even if they proceeded to let it slip away shortly after) showed me a team that's still fighting.

Back at home, where their scoring and shooting jumps, I like them to take another game here and extend the Battle of Alberta. 

This has been the most explosive series of the second round, with the over hitting in three games, and both in Calgary.

Johnny Gaudreau over 3.5 SOG (-105 DK)

My favorite place to look for shots Thursday night is on the Flames' end. At home this postseason, they're averaging 40.3 shots per game, while Edmonton is seeing 42.4 shots against them on the road in these playoffs.

That, coupled with this being a desperation situation for Calgary, has me expecting plenty of volume on that front.

Our first SOG choice is none other than Johnny Gaudreau, who has been a beacon of consistency up to this point.

Gaudreau has gone for four or more shots on net in every game this series and eight of his last nine games. He's had a very solid base of attempts to accompany the ones that reach the goalie, and in a must-win game, I don't see that involvement waning.

Blake Coleman over 2.5 SOG (+100 DK)

It's a breath of fresh air to find SOG spots at reasonable standalone odds, and I'm going back to Blake Coleman here at even-money.

Coleman has missed in two straight games, finishing with two shots on goal in each, but I'm not worried about that. Coleman had hit in both games at home this series and five straight home playoff games.

Last game on the road, despite not reaching three SOG, he did have eight attempts, an encouraging jump after seven combined attempts in his previous two games.

It's that increase that gives me confidence here, and he has been much better at home. Give me Coleman here to join the shot fun.

Leon Draisaitl over 1.5 points (+140 CZR)

Just because I like Calgary to win Thursday doesn't mean I think Edmonton will get blanked. This top line has shown no signs of slowing down, and we go right back to Leon Draisaitl here at even better odds than Tuesday night.

Edmonton has averaged 4.6 goals per game on the road this postseason, so they should be able to chip in more than enough Thursday night.

Draisaitl has been on an absolute tear with Evander Kane and Connor McDavid. Draisaitl now has three or more points in all four games this series. Yes, not two, three, and we still get ourselves a 1.5 line.

Draisaitl has had Calgary's number this season. In eight games, he's gone for over 1.5 points seven times, and each hit has resulted in 3+ points.

13 points thus far in this series is not to be ignored, especially at +140.

I will include an honorable mention to Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson shots on goal. I may parlay them at 2+ shots when that market opens, but I've got this game pretty surrounded. Both defensemen have been getting their attempts and covering two shots, so consider them when loading up your own bets.

Good luck Thursday night! Let's have ourselves a night in the NHL.