Expert NHL Picks
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Yesterday's Expert NHL Picks from our handicappers.
Just so the public knows we are always transparent and honest with our reporting, in this spot we will list all of the previous days picks and analysis. This will be updated daily at around 5AM Eastern Time.
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Results for Wednesday 27th of May 2026
| Handicapper | Units | Dollars |
| Doc's Sports | -2 | $-200.00 |
| Scott Rickenbach | -4 | $-460.00 |
| Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy) | -7 | $-770.00 |
| Raphael Esparza (VSI) | 0 | $0.00 |
| Tony George | 0 | $0.00 |
| Vernon Croy | -4 | $-400.00 |
| Scott Spreitzer | 4 | $400.00 |
| August Young | 4 | $400.00 |
| Jason Sharpe | 0 | $0.00 |
| Griffin Murphy | 2 | $200.00 |
| Nick Menken | -4 | $-400.00 |
Wednesday 27th of May 2026
Doc's Sports
2-Unit Play Take Montreal +125 over Carolina (8 p.m. EST, Wednesday May 27)
We think this series is closer than the odds might suggest and the Habs played extremely well in Game 3 and lost a heartbreaker in OT that would have changed the dynamics of this series but as of now this is as close to a must win game for the Canadiens that it can be without being an elimination game. The road teams have dominated in the postseason this year but we just see this series possibly going the distance and we think Montreal picks up a big home win to even things out in Game 4.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
Passing for today.
Craig Trapp
Passing for today.
Scott Rickenbach
4-Unit Play. Take #71/72 'Over' 5.5 (-115) Carolina at Montreal (8:07 p.m., Wed, May 27)
Off B2B 3-2 OT losses, the Canadiens are realizing these low-scoring grinders are just not going to go their way. Montreal won the opener 6-2 and they need to put the pedal to the metal again here if they want to avoid a 3-1 series hole. Of course the Habs being more aggressive is going to give the Hurricanes more scoring chances too and the point is that this sets up everything very well for an over in this one. Yes,Game 3 was a 3-2 final but let's not forget that Game 1 of this series totaled 8 goals. Also, the 3 home games for the Canadiens in the prior round (versus the Sabres) averaged a total of 8 goals! Montreal must generate more shots on goal here and I see things really opening up in this one as the Canadiens make some adjustments and also should bring their strongest effort since Game 1 as this is now truly a do or die game for Montreal. A 3-1 series deficit for the Canadiens would be too much to overcome and all of the above translates to an over in this one. 4* OVER 5.5 (-115) in Montreal
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
7 Unit Play. Take #71 Over 5.5 in Carolina @ Montreal (8p.m., Wednesday, May 27 TNT) The Habs need to generate more shots on goal, and I see them coming out tonight with a concentrated effort on offense. The last two games have gone into overtime and finished 3-2. I see at least 6 goals being scored in this game tonight, as it is a must win for the Canadiens. 3 times in the last 6 meetings at least 7 goals were scored and after back-to-back 5 goals games, I see this being a high scoring game. Both teams have playmakers on offense and neither goalie has been that impressive in this series.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
Passing for today.
Tony George
Passing for today.
Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play: #072 MONTREAL +125 OVER CAROLINA (Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 8:00pm ET
Take Montreal on the moneyline as my top NHL pick for Wednesday night. This pick falls into one of my top NHL systems and this is obviously a must-win for Montreal to have a legitimate shot at this series. I have said on my videos all season long that Montreal is a Stanley Cup contending team and I have them winning this series. This is a very good young and fast Montreal team and I definitely expect them to bounce back. Montreal had just 13 shots on goal allowing 39 in their last game and still took the game to overtime. I definitely expect Montreal to get a lot more shots on goal tonight and definitely get traffic in front of the net. I also expect Montreal to be much more disciplined. Play Montreal moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take Hurricanes -140 over Canadiens (8 p.m., Wed., May 27)
I’m backing Carolina as they look to take a 3-1 lead in the series. The Hurricanes have been the much better team in 5-on-5 situations. They’ve out-shot Montreal 65 to 25 the last two games combined and despite having to go to OT for two wins, the games haven’t been as close as the final score indicates. I expect Carolina to take one step closer to the Cup Finals. I’m backing the Hurricanes. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
4-Unit Play (71) Carolina Hurricanes -140 over Montreal Canadiens (5/27 @ 8:00PM EST) The Hurricanes have dominated the action for two straight games, and we expect the trend to continue. They have now outshot the Canadiens 65 to 25 the last two games, which included 39 to 13 in Game 3. Despite back to back 3-2 overtime wins, expected goal data shows that Carolina would have won Game 2, 75.1% of the time, and Game 3, 75.6%. The only reason these games have been close has been due to the outstanding performance from Jakub Dobes who ranks number 1 in the playoffs so far with +12.7 Goals Saved Above Expected. That's an impressive number and we think today is the day it falls down. The Canadiens are going to have to be more aggressive as they are struggling to get shots on net, and that is going to create open ice for this potent Hurricanes team. LFG!
Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.
Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.
Griffin Murphy
2 Unit Play - Take #71 CAR Hurricanes (-150) Over MTL Canadiens. (8:00p.m, Wednesday, May 27th)
Montreal definitely showed they are not going to lie down in this series. This team has climbed mountains to get here, and the public has officially seen after last games' OT finish that Montreal has something going. Carolina, on the other flip of the coin, pulled off the 3-2 win and snagged a 2-1 series lead. This is the spot where Carolina has really stepped on Montreal’s throats and made a serious statement. Carolina has been the superior team all season long, and if they are going to perform, tonight is the night we believe they will get it done. We are comfortable laying low here as we feel this has the most value on the board and is a strong position. Let’s roll with a 2-unit play here for a small chip for profit tonight.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
2 Unit: NHL Take #72 MTL Canadiens (60 MIN Line: ML, +175) over CAR Hurricanes (8:00p.m, Wednesday, May 27th)
2 Unit: NHL Take #72 MTL Canadiens ML (+125) over CAR Hurricanes (8:00p.m, Wednesday, May 27th)
The Eastern Conference Finals hit maximum urgency tonight at Centre Bell. The Montreal Canadiens find themselves backed completely into a corner, trailing 2-1 in the series after dropping a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime decision to the Hurricanes on Monday. Going down 3-1 with the series heading back to Raleigh would be a near-impossible mountain to climb. For that reason, this matchup presents the ultimate desperation spot for the home team. Montreal's offense is too talented to stay stifled by Carolina's neutral-zone trap forever. When they are playing loose and throwing everything at the net just like they did during their dominant 6-2 blowout victory in Game 1, they are incredibly dangerous. Expect head coach Martin St. Louis to open up the playbook early, urging Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky to play with an aggressive, attack-first mentality. With their season effectively on the line, the Canadiens will bring maximum energy from the opening puck drop to overwhelm Carolina, dictate the tempo, and tie this series up at two games apiece. Take the Montreal Canadiens moneyline.
Nick Menken
Expert NHL Picks History:
Doc's Sports
2-Unit Play Take Montreal +125 over Carolina (8 p.m. EST, Wednesday May 27)We think this series is closer than the odds might suggest and the Habs played extremely well in Game 3 and lost a heartbreaker in OT that would have changed the dynamics of this series but as of now this is as close to a must win game for the Canadiens that it can be without being an elimination game. The road teams have dominated in the postseason this year but we just see this series possibly going the distance and we think Montreal picks up a big home win to even things out in Game 4.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
Passing for today.Craig Trapp
Passing for today.Scott Rickenbach
4-Unit Play. Take #71/72 'Over' 5.5 (-115) Carolina at Montreal (8:07 p.m., Wed, May 27)Off B2B 3-2 OT losses, the Canadiens are realizing these low-scoring grinders are just not going to go their way. Montreal won the opener 6-2 and they need to put the pedal to the metal again here if they want to avoid a 3-1 series hole. Of course the Habs being more aggressive is going to give the Hurricanes more scoring chances too and the point is that this sets up everything very well for an over in this one. Yes,Game 3 was a 3-2 final but let's not forget that Game 1 of this series totaled 8 goals. Also, the 3 home games for the Canadiens in the prior round (versus the Sabres) averaged a total of 8 goals! Montreal must generate more shots on goal here and I see things really opening up in this one as the Canadiens make some adjustments and also should bring their strongest effort since Game 1 as this is now truly a do or die game for Montreal. A 3-1 series deficit for the Canadiens would be too much to overcome and all of the above translates to an over in this one. 4* OVER 5.5 (-115) in Montreal
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
7 Unit Play. Take #71 Over 5.5 in Carolina @ Montreal (8p.m., Wednesday, May 27 TNT) The Habs need to generate more shots on goal, and I see them coming out tonight with a concentrated effort on offense. The last two games have gone into overtime and finished 3-2. I see at least 6 goals being scored in this game tonight, as it is a must win for the Canadiens. 3 times in the last 6 meetings at least 7 goals were scored and after back-to-back 5 goals games, I see this being a high scoring game. Both teams have playmakers on offense and neither goalie has been that impressive in this series.Raphael Esparza (VSI)
Passing for today.Tony George
Passing for today.Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play: #072 MONTREAL +125 OVER CAROLINA (Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 8:00pm ETTake Montreal on the moneyline as my top NHL pick for Wednesday night. This pick falls into one of my top NHL systems and this is obviously a must-win for Montreal to have a legitimate shot at this series. I have said on my videos all season long that Montreal is a Stanley Cup contending team and I have them winning this series. This is a very good young and fast Montreal team and I definitely expect them to bounce back. Montreal had just 13 shots on goal allowing 39 in their last game and still took the game to overtime. I definitely expect Montreal to get a lot more shots on goal tonight and definitely get traffic in front of the net. I also expect Montreal to be much more disciplined. Play Montreal moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take Hurricanes -140 over Canadiens (8 p.m., Wed., May 27)I’m backing Carolina as they look to take a 3-1 lead in the series. The Hurricanes have been the much better team in 5-on-5 situations. They’ve out-shot Montreal 65 to 25 the last two games combined and despite having to go to OT for two wins, the games haven’t been as close as the final score indicates. I expect Carolina to take one step closer to the Cup Finals. I’m backing the Hurricanes. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
4-Unit Play (71) Carolina Hurricanes -140 over Montreal Canadiens (5/27 @ 8:00PM EST) The Hurricanes have dominated the action for two straight games, and we expect the trend to continue. They have now outshot the Canadiens 65 to 25 the last two games, which included 39 to 13 in Game 3. Despite back to back 3-2 overtime wins, expected goal data shows that Carolina would have won Game 2, 75.1% of the time, and Game 3, 75.6%. The only reason these games have been close has been due to the outstanding performance from Jakub Dobes who ranks number 1 in the playoffs so far with +12.7 Goals Saved Above Expected. That's an impressive number and we think today is the day it falls down. The Canadiens are going to have to be more aggressive as they are struggling to get shots on net, and that is going to create open ice for this potent Hurricanes team. LFG!Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.Griffin Murphy
2 Unit Play - Take #71 CAR Hurricanes (-150) Over MTL Canadiens. (8:00p.m, Wednesday, May 27th)Montreal definitely showed they are not going to lie down in this series. This team has climbed mountains to get here, and the public has officially seen after last games' OT finish that Montreal has something going. Carolina, on the other flip of the coin, pulled off the 3-2 win and snagged a 2-1 series lead. This is the spot where Carolina has really stepped on Montreal’s throats and made a serious statement. Carolina has been the superior team all season long, and if they are going to perform, tonight is the night we believe they will get it done. We are comfortable laying low here as we feel this has the most value on the board and is a strong position. Let’s roll with a 2-unit play here for a small chip for profit tonight.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
2 Unit: NHL Take #72 MTL Canadiens (60 MIN Line: ML, +175) over CAR Hurricanes (8:00p.m, Wednesday, May 27th)2 Unit: NHL Take #72 MTL Canadiens ML (+125) over CAR Hurricanes (8:00p.m, Wednesday, May 27th)
The Eastern Conference Finals hit maximum urgency tonight at Centre Bell. The Montreal Canadiens find themselves backed completely into a corner, trailing 2-1 in the series after dropping a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime decision to the Hurricanes on Monday. Going down 3-1 with the series heading back to Raleigh would be a near-impossible mountain to climb. For that reason, this matchup presents the ultimate desperation spot for the home team. Montreal's offense is too talented to stay stifled by Carolina's neutral-zone trap forever. When they are playing loose and throwing everything at the net just like they did during their dominant 6-2 blowout victory in Game 1, they are incredibly dangerous. Expect head coach Martin St. Louis to open up the playbook early, urging Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky to play with an aggressive, attack-first mentality. With their season effectively on the line, the Canadiens will bring maximum energy from the opening puck drop to overwhelm Carolina, dictate the tempo, and tie this series up at two games apiece. Take the Montreal Canadiens moneyline.
Nick Menken
Expert NHL Picks History:
DOC'S SPORTS was one of the best NHL handicappers in the nation last season with nearly +7,200 earnings on the year. This season we go for three of four winning seasons, and we are extremely confident that they will have an even better season in 2025. We have been doing our homework and plan on a strong start out of the gate, where we are two steps ahead of the oddsmakers, who are wading waist deep in football action in early October. Doc’s NHL concentrates on high-value underdogs, totals, value pucklines, and small favorites. It is rare that Doc’s will release a pick that is juiced above -150. Doc’s NHL is one you will want to be with the entire season, so we urge you to lock in at the early bird price, which will give you Doc’s NHL picks through the Stanley Cup Finals in June.
ROBERT FERRINGO has racked up THREE straight winning hockey seasons and has been one of the top hockey handicappers in the country over the last two decades, burning the books for 11 of 16 winning years on the ice. Robert erupted for a +7,810 hockey rush last season and he does it with a methodical, selective approach that focuses on plus-money situations. Robert has experienced sustained, long-term success and he is ready for another outstanding season on the ice as he goes for winning year No. 4 in a row.
STRIKE POINT SPORTS had a dominating 2024-25 on the ice (+6,610 overall) and has produced back-to-back winning seasons for their clients. SPS hit 63% of their plays last season (68-40) and dating back to 2023, Strike Point Sports is an amazing 83-44 (65%), +9,090 with their hockey service. SPS was one of the best in the nation in 2019-20, and they are known for getting off to hot starts in the first six weeks of the season. SPS is going for a third straight winning year and you can sign up now to join them!
TONY GEORGE hired a new NHL handicapper prior to the 2022-23 hockey season and the result has been three straight winning years on the ice! Now George is looking forward to going for four in a row. Last year he banked +2,475 and was superb and selective with his top picks, going 6-3, +2,520 on hockey plays rated 7.0+. He has over 30 years of handicapping experience and is one of the most consistent, well known, and most respected handicappers in the sports betting industry. Get on board now.
CRAIG TRAPP joined Doc’s Sports midseason last year and posted a winning season on the ice, hitting 57% of his picks on the year for +2,145 in winnings. Trapp dominated his top plays, going 27-15 (64%), +4,035 with his plays rated 5.0+ last season. He finished last season with five of six winners in the Stanley Cup Finals and he is looking to pick up where he left off. Sign up and put his experience to work for you today!
RAPHAEL ESPARZA is steady and consistent on the ice, notching 9 of 14 winning NHL seasons. Esparza had a monster winning season in 2022-23 and is looking to do it again. At one point Esparza was the sports book director in Vegas at MGM's Aria Race and Sports Book and other top books for 15 years. Put that experience to work for you today.
AUGUST YOUNG has racked up +7,320 with his hockey picks since joining Doc’s four years ago. Young has been phenomenal with his top hockey plays, including going 10-2, +4,320 with his 8-Unit NHL Game of the Year picks over the last four seasons. Young and his team are stacked with fresh data scientists and research experts and he is prime to deliver another big season on the ice!
JASON SHARPE has rocked the books for three of five winning years in the NHL, a fantastic +6,700 hockey season in 2023-24. Sharpe has been superb with his top picks over the last two seasons, going 43-30 (59%) on his hockey plays rated 7.0+. Sharpe is a selective NHL handicapper and is the perfect option for people who enjoy betting just the best of the best expert NHL picks without having to endure the exhaustive eight-month grind.
SCOTT SPREITZER believes in being ready to go right out of the blocks when most bettors & bookies are focused almost solely on college football and the NFL! He put this philosophy to work in October last year and was up +8,085 by January. The NHL is not getting the attention of the masses, seeing less action than the WNBA in some cases. That's perfectly fine with Scott because it means he's going to get value early on. One of his favorite systems is to start with certain teams off a loss as chalk then chalk again in their next game. Not all in this spot qualify but that's where a quarter century of betting the NHL comes into play. Bet early! Bet often! Cash tickets!
GRIFFIN MURPHY is one of the newest handicappers at Doc's Sports and is looking for a big season. Murphy has 10 years of betting experience, with eight years of experience as a professional handicapper. Murphy is going to focus on totals and puck-line plays this winter and he is looking to build on his success with 7-Unit NHL Plays. Sign up and put him to work now!
NICK MENKEN exploded onto the hockey scene at Doc’s last year, banking +5,165 in his first month releasing picks. Menken nailed the first eight hockey selections of his career last December and he is looking for another hot start on the ice this year. Menken was at his best with his top play, going 13-7 (65%), +3,810 on his hockey plays rated 7.0+ and you can get signed up with him today!
ARUN SHIVA had back-to-back dominating NHL campaigns in 2020-21, banking over +13,000 those two years. Shiva banked a wire-to-wire winning season in 2020 and followed it up with a 61%, +8,700 season. Shiva’s one play per day style has made him one of the most sought-after handicappers in the country, and you can sign up today!
VERNON CROY has always looked at NHL as one of his top sports over the last 25 years. Two years ago, Croy went 104-88, +6,910 in the NHL season and banked over +4,400 with his top hockey plays. He is looking for a big rebound season and looking to match that 2023 standard. He is chomping at the bit to start the season hot. Sign-up today!
SCOTT RICKENBACH is the newest addition to the Doc’s Sports team. With over two decades of experience, Rickenbach has a well-earned reputation and ranks among the most popular and sought after handicappers in the industry. Rickenbach has been a top earner in plenty of his 22 years as a hockey handicapper and there will be no better time to catch him than the 2025-26 NHL season!