NHL predictions: Islanders, Red Wings climb into playoff positions

The quest for the Eastern Conference's final playoff berths hasn't been exactly electrifying, with the likelihood emerging that a team might snag a playoff slot even with less than 90 points to their name. However, the New York Islanders have ascended to the Metropolitan Division's third spot, amassing 85 points across 77 matches.

The Detroit Red Wings have edged into the Eastern Conference's second wild card position, boasting 84 points from 77 matches, marginally outpacing the Pittsburgh Penguins who have notched up 84 points in 78 matches.

This shift sees the Red Wings and the Islanders outmaneuvering the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals, each stuck at 83 points, with the Flyers struggling through a seven-game losing streak and the Capitals on a six-game skid.

Though not the most exhilarating dash to the season's end, the scramble for the last playoff spots might well be determined on the season's final evening.

TOP WAGER ON MONEY LINE

Navigating through a modest streak of 4 wins, 3 losses, and 2 ties in their recent nine matches, the Detroit Red Wings have just about scraped into a playoff berth. While far from being an overpowering team, goalie Alex Lyon has been instrumental in keeping their hopes alive.

7x7Bets faces the Washington Capitals next, a team that hasn't seen victory in their last six outings since clinching an overtime victory against Detroit back on March 26. Despite the Capitals' prolonged playoff contention, their goal differential at -41 starkly contrasts with their standing, hinting at an impending downfall, particularly in their upcoming away game in Detroit.

Red Wings ML (-145*)

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PRIME HANDICAP WAGER

In the aftermath of a 6-0 defeat at home to the Florida Panthers recently, the Ottawa Senators are keen on retaliation. Although playoff hopes are dim, the Senators have shown competitiveness, recording a 9-7 run post-trade deadline with minimal multi-goal losses in those 16 encounters, suggesting they could keep the upcoming game competitive.

The Panthers, with only two wins in regulation from their last dozen games, are not dominating the field as they once did. Absences such as left winger Carter Verhaeghe and defenseman Aaron Ekblad weaken their lineup, diminishing their chances of a sweeping victory against the Senators.

Given Florida's recent downturn, there's value in betting against them, as they're currently not reflecting their season-long performance strength.

Senators +1.5 (-115*)

TOP TOTAL BET

The Calgary Flames are on a downward trend, securing just one victory in their last nine outings, with a recent goals against average of 4.14, placing them 31st. As their playoff aspirations dwindle and with a defense weakened by trades, it's not surprising the Flames have seen over six goals in their last five matches.

Conversely, the San Jose Sharks, enduring a challenging season, are hosting the Flames next Tuesday. The Sharks rank 29th in goals against average and 28th in expected goals against over the recent month.

While it's debatable if the Sharks and Flames can surpass the Over, their defensive frailties make a high-scoring game a probable outcome.

Flames-Sharks Over 6 (-110*)

BEST PROP BET FOR A PLAYER

Since joining the Tampa Bay Lightning from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline, Anthony Duclair has excelled, tallying 11 points in 13 appearances. He has managed to score in nine out of those 13 games, playing alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov on Tampa Bay's leading line.

Duclair and the Lightning face the Columbus Blue Jackets, positioned 26th in goals against average and last in expected goals against in the recent month. Columbus' goalie Jet Greaves, despite saving 61 of 64 shots in his latest two games, is relatively new, marking only his sixth NHL start.

Given the Blue Jackets' defensive weaknesses, a surging Lightning and Duclair are well-placed to exploit them, making Duclair's scoreline contribution a promising bet.

Anthony Duclair Over 0.5 points (-112*)

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