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 Friday 26th of April 2024
Handicapper | Units | Dollars |
Doc's Sports | 7 | $700.00 |
Scott Spreitzer | -4 | $-440.00 |
August Young | 8 | $800.00 |
Jason Sharpe | 3 | $300.00 |
Friday 26th of April 2024
Doc's Sports
7-Unit Play Take NY Rangers/Washington UNDER 5.5 (-105) (7 p.m. EST, Friday April 26)
After going under in Game 1, Game 2 saw seven goals scored. We firmly believe that will be the highest total in this series. The Capitals have been competitive this season despite an anemic offense. They have gotten by on the strength of their defense, and they are going to need that defense to step up tonight if they want a chance to stay alive here. A loss would have them on the brink of elimination. They definitely have the ability to step up on defense here but we just don’t see them racking up the goals like they did in Game 2. We also don’t see the Rangers having their way on offense like they did in their first two games at home. We just think the home team plays their best defensive game of the series here at home whether they win or lose.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
2-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 6.5 Winnipeg at Colorado (10 p.m., Friday, April 26)
Maybe a change in venue will settle down the scoring in this series. These two teams have exploded for 20 total goals in the first two games. That just can’t continue. The last four meetings between these two teams have had seven or more goals. The six previous games all had six or fewer in regulation.
2-Unit Play. Take #23 Edmonton (-140) over Los Angeles (10:30 p.m., Friday, April 26)
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. Take #20 Nashville Predators (-110) over Vancouver Canucks
Demko likely out for Vancouver but we like Nashville whether or not Demko starts between the pipes. Backup Casey DeSmith started for Demko last game and obviously had trouble keeping the Preds out of the net, allowing four goals, and why would he not struggle here again, this time in front of a crazy Nashville crowd that will make it difficult for him. Nashville was 23-16-2 at home this year, and Saros only made 17 saves vs Vancouver last game, but that's because the Preds were blocking all of the Canucks shot attempts, playing great defense. Like the Preds to take the series lead here at home as remember Vancouver is also struggling on the power play, not converting on their four chances in Game 2.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NHL HOCKEY
3 Unit Play. Take #20 Nashville -110 over Vancouver (7:30p.m., Friday April 26 TBS)
Tony George
NHL
4/26/24
4 Units
#20 Nashville (-110) over Vancouver *7:30 EST
Bad news for the Canuks, and a bad break for them as they travel to Nashville for Game 3, and their all world goalie Demko is out. Huge blow for them and it seems to me based on what I saw from backup DeSmith, who allowed 3 goals on 15 shots last game, it is over Vancouver. Not a matter of IF it is just a matter of WHEN, and I think he Preds who won 4-1 last game get this at home. They did get an empty net goal but the game was already over.
Nashville has been more aggressive on offense this entire series and now at home with the better net tender in Saros. I am surprised at this number which is more than reasonable now that Demko has been ruled out.
2 Units
#23 / #24 Edmonton / LA (UNDER 6.5) -120 *10:30 EST
I have played over twice in this series but the road / home numbers on totals for these 2 match up for the Under. 33 road games for the Oilers as road favs, only 13 went over the total. In LA's case, in 41 home games this year, only 18 went over the total.
I expect a more defensive type game here and we all know the "Bad Ice" factor in LA where players hate this floor in LA. LA is #3 in the NHL in goals allowed and #4 in the NHL against shots on goal, and I think that is on display here tonight in a tight low scoring game.
Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play - #020 Nashville -110 over Vancouver (Friday, April 26, 2024, 7:30 pm ET)
Take Nashville on the Moneyline as my top NHL pick for Friday night. This pick falls into one my top NHL systems and I really like Nashville in this spot at home here tonight where they have averaged 3.3 goals per game this season. Nashville has averaged 3.8 goals per game over their last 5 games and this is a Vancouver team that has averaged just 23.4 shots on goal per game over their last 5 games. Vancouver has also allowed 3 goals per game on the road this season and they have just one power-play goal in their last 5 games. Play Nashville Moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take 20 Predators -115 over Canucks (7:30 p.m., Friday, April 26)
No Thatcher Demko between the pipes for the Canucks means their chances are quite slim to grab a win tonight. Casey DeSmith is a decent backup but he’s a huge dropoff in what Demko brings to this team. Nashville lit-up DeSmith for three goals on 12 shots through the first two periods and finished with a 4-1 win. I’m backing the Predators on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Doug Upstone
1 Unit Play. Take #21 Winnipeg +145 over Colorado (10:00 p.m. ET, Friday, April 26)
Colorado has a terrific 31-10 SU home record but Winnipeg is really good on the road at 25-16 SU. My belief is this series goes back to Winnipeg 2-2, so the Jets will win once in the Rockies and they are 3-3 recently in Colorado. I also love that the Jets are 9-0 in road games after playing two straight games where seven or more total goals were scored.
2 Unit Play. Take #77 Nashville -110 over Vancouver (7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, April 26)
The loss of goalie Thomas Demko matters for Vancouver. Backup Casey DeSmith seemed a little rattled getting the late news he had to start in Game 2 and should be more settled. However, his save percentage on the road is below 90% and Nashville is one of the loudest buildings in the NHL. With the Predators 12-2 off a road win by two goals or more this season, they take Game 3.
August Young
[NHL] [8-Unit] (023) Edmonton Oilers -140 over Los Angeles Kings (10:30PM EST) Here we go boys! We're over 80% all-time on our 8-Unit GOY selections; which includes going 8-2 all-time on the ice for +4,520. Let's crush another. First of all; there is a lot of angles working here for the Oilers. In database history; Game 3 visitors that are coming off a Game 2 loss at home (with the series now tied 1-1) are winning at a 60% clip for an astounding +20.1% ROI. Favorites are winning at a 64% rate, which would imply a moneyline price of -180. This price is lower than it should be due to the fact that Edmonton have struggled on the road this season more than expected. In fact; they've only won one of their last five road games, and two of their last eight. However - don't get it twisted. This team is ELITE. The Oilers rank 5th in Goals %, 1st in xGoals %, 3rd in Shot Attempts %, 3rd in Goals For, 8th in Goals Against, 4th in Goal Differential, and 1st in Expected Goal Differential at an astounding +60.97. For comparison, the Kings rank 10th in Goals %, 3rd in xGoals %, 4th in Shot Attempts %, 21st in Goals For, 5th in Goals Against, 10th in Goal Differential, and 3rd in Expected Goal Differential at +30.18. All are still very good numbers, but the fact that Edmonton are more than 30 goals ahead of them in terms of Expected Goal Differential is mind blowing. They are the best offensive team in the league all around, and aren't as bad defensively as the mainstream media portray them to be. Yes, they have allowed 9 goals in the first two games, but this is still a team that as mentioned above; rank 8th best in Goals Against. Now, Stuart Skinner is a little bit of a concern, but he's generally bounced back well after a rough outing or two based on historic data. Now, for as good as Cam Talbot has been; he still has a 10-13 record in the post-season as a dog for a -3% ROI, which falls to 1-2 when at home for a -26.7% ROI. That aside; Edmonton has owned the Kings over the years. They've won three of the last four, seven of the last nine. We should also note that Los Angeles hasn’t exactly been dominant off a win this season with a record of 24-20 for a -7.1% ROI. This falls to 5-8 as underdogs for a -15.8% ROI, and 1-2 at home for a -29% ROI. The Oilers are the better team, that have more to prove in this spot with the mainstream narrative. We're expecting greatness to prevail in this one as they send a message in a massive Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena.
Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.
Jason Sharpe
Friday April 26th 2024-
3 Unit Play Take #19 Vancouver -110 over Nashville (7:30pm est):
I think Vancouver is the better of these two teams and like them to get some revenge in this one. The Canucks come into this game ranked 2nd best in the NHL this year in five on five goal differential while Nashville ranks 13th overall. Vanocuver has won four of the five head to head meetings between these two teams.
Take Vancouver to win this one.
Thank you and good luck,
Jason Sharpe
Griffin Murphy
7 Unit Play - Take Nashville (-115) Over Vancouver. (7:30p.m, Friday, April 26th)
Nashville comes into this contest after finishing regulation at 47-30-5 on the year. They ended up 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Now they are split 1-1 with Vancouver in the series, with home ice advantage here. This season, Nashville went 23-16-2 at home and played really plays tough hockey. Vancouver ended 23-14-4 on the road this season, which is significant compared to their talent at home. This is playoff hockey, and the environment in Nashville couldn't be more rowdy. Vancouver is much more talented on a metric scale, but in this series, Nashville is most definitely holding its own. The herd is heavy on Vancouver tonight, and we are going to fade them, take the home ice advantage, and get the team rolling with the unexpected momentum.
Take Nashville (-115) Over Vancouver.
Griffin Murphy
Expert NHL Picks History:
Doc's Sports
7-Unit Play Take NY Rangers/Washington UNDER 5.5 (-105) (7 p.m. EST, Friday April 26)After going under in Game 1, Game 2 saw seven goals scored. We firmly believe that will be the highest total in this series. The Capitals have been competitive this season despite an anemic offense. They have gotten by on the strength of their defense, and they are going to need that defense to step up tonight if they want a chance to stay alive here. A loss would have them on the brink of elimination. They definitely have the ability to step up on defense here but we just don’t see them racking up the goals like they did in Game 2. We also don’t see the Rangers having their way on offense like they did in their first two games at home. We just think the home team plays their best defensive game of the series here at home whether they win or lose.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
2-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 6.5 Winnipeg at Colorado (10 p.m., Friday, April 26)Maybe a change in venue will settle down the scoring in this series. These two teams have exploded for 20 total goals in the first two games. That just can’t continue. The last four meetings between these two teams have had seven or more goals. The six previous games all had six or fewer in regulation.
2-Unit Play. Take #23 Edmonton (-140) over Los Angeles (10:30 p.m., Friday, April 26)
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. Take #20 Nashville Predators (-110) over Vancouver CanucksDemko likely out for Vancouver but we like Nashville whether or not Demko starts between the pipes. Backup Casey DeSmith started for Demko last game and obviously had trouble keeping the Preds out of the net, allowing four goals, and why would he not struggle here again, this time in front of a crazy Nashville crowd that will make it difficult for him. Nashville was 23-16-2 at home this year, and Saros only made 17 saves vs Vancouver last game, but that's because the Preds were blocking all of the Canucks shot attempts, playing great defense. Like the Preds to take the series lead here at home as remember Vancouver is also struggling on the power play, not converting on their four chances in Game 2.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NHL HOCKEY3 Unit Play. Take #20 Nashville -110 over Vancouver (7:30p.m., Friday April 26 TBS)
Tony George
NHL4/26/24
4 Units
#20 Nashville (-110) over Vancouver *7:30 EST
Bad news for the Canuks, and a bad break for them as they travel to Nashville for Game 3, and their all world goalie Demko is out. Huge blow for them and it seems to me based on what I saw from backup DeSmith, who allowed 3 goals on 15 shots last game, it is over Vancouver. Not a matter of IF it is just a matter of WHEN, and I think he Preds who won 4-1 last game get this at home. They did get an empty net goal but the game was already over.
Nashville has been more aggressive on offense this entire series and now at home with the better net tender in Saros. I am surprised at this number which is more than reasonable now that Demko has been ruled out.
2 Units
#23 / #24 Edmonton / LA (UNDER 6.5) -120 *10:30 EST
I have played over twice in this series but the road / home numbers on totals for these 2 match up for the Under. 33 road games for the Oilers as road favs, only 13 went over the total. In LA's case, in 41 home games this year, only 18 went over the total.
I expect a more defensive type game here and we all know the "Bad Ice" factor in LA where players hate this floor in LA. LA is #3 in the NHL in goals allowed and #4 in the NHL against shots on goal, and I think that is on display here tonight in a tight low scoring game.
Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play - #020 Nashville -110 over Vancouver (Friday, April 26, 2024, 7:30 pm ET)Take Nashville on the Moneyline as my top NHL pick for Friday night. This pick falls into one my top NHL systems and I really like Nashville in this spot at home here tonight where they have averaged 3.3 goals per game this season. Nashville has averaged 3.8 goals per game over their last 5 games and this is a Vancouver team that has averaged just 23.4 shots on goal per game over their last 5 games. Vancouver has also allowed 3 goals per game on the road this season and they have just one power-play goal in their last 5 games. Play Nashville Moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take 20 Predators -115 over Canucks (7:30 p.m., Friday, April 26)No Thatcher Demko between the pipes for the Canucks means their chances are quite slim to grab a win tonight. Casey DeSmith is a decent backup but he’s a huge dropoff in what Demko brings to this team. Nashville lit-up DeSmith for three goals on 12 shots through the first two periods and finished with a 4-1 win. I’m backing the Predators on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Doug Upstone
1 Unit Play. Take #21 Winnipeg +145 over Colorado (10:00 p.m. ET, Friday, April 26)Colorado has a terrific 31-10 SU home record but Winnipeg is really good on the road at 25-16 SU. My belief is this series goes back to Winnipeg 2-2, so the Jets will win once in the Rockies and they are 3-3 recently in Colorado. I also love that the Jets are 9-0 in road games after playing two straight games where seven or more total goals were scored.
2 Unit Play. Take #77 Nashville -110 over Vancouver (7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, April 26)
The loss of goalie Thomas Demko matters for Vancouver. Backup Casey DeSmith seemed a little rattled getting the late news he had to start in Game 2 and should be more settled. However, his save percentage on the road is below 90% and Nashville is one of the loudest buildings in the NHL. With the Predators 12-2 off a road win by two goals or more this season, they take Game 3.
August Young
[NHL] [8-Unit] (023) Edmonton Oilers -140 over Los Angeles Kings (10:30PM EST) Here we go boys! We're over 80% all-time on our 8-Unit GOY selections; which includes going 8-2 all-time on the ice for +4,520. Let's crush another. First of all; there is a lot of angles working here for the Oilers. In database history; Game 3 visitors that are coming off a Game 2 loss at home (with the series now tied 1-1) are winning at a 60% clip for an astounding +20.1% ROI. Favorites are winning at a 64% rate, which would imply a moneyline price of -180. This price is lower than it should be due to the fact that Edmonton have struggled on the road this season more than expected. In fact; they've only won one of their last five road games, and two of their last eight. However - don't get it twisted. This team is ELITE. The Oilers rank 5th in Goals %, 1st in xGoals %, 3rd in Shot Attempts %, 3rd in Goals For, 8th in Goals Against, 4th in Goal Differential, and 1st in Expected Goal Differential at an astounding +60.97. For comparison, the Kings rank 10th in Goals %, 3rd in xGoals %, 4th in Shot Attempts %, 21st in Goals For, 5th in Goals Against, 10th in Goal Differential, and 3rd in Expected Goal Differential at +30.18. All are still very good numbers, but the fact that Edmonton are more than 30 goals ahead of them in terms of Expected Goal Differential is mind blowing. They are the best offensive team in the league all around, and aren't as bad defensively as the mainstream media portray them to be. Yes, they have allowed 9 goals in the first two games, but this is still a team that as mentioned above; rank 8th best in Goals Against. Now, Stuart Skinner is a little bit of a concern, but he's generally bounced back well after a rough outing or two based on historic data. Now, for as good as Cam Talbot has been; he still has a 10-13 record in the post-season as a dog for a -3% ROI, which falls to 1-2 when at home for a -26.7% ROI. That aside; Edmonton has owned the Kings over the years. They've won three of the last four, seven of the last nine. We should also note that Los Angeles hasn’t exactly been dominant off a win this season with a record of 24-20 for a -7.1% ROI. This falls to 5-8 as underdogs for a -15.8% ROI, and 1-2 at home for a -29% ROI. The Oilers are the better team, that have more to prove in this spot with the mainstream narrative. We're expecting greatness to prevail in this one as they send a message in a massive Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena.Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.Jason Sharpe
Friday April 26th 2024-3 Unit Play Take #19 Vancouver -110 over Nashville (7:30pm est):
I think Vancouver is the better of these two teams and like them to get some revenge in this one. The Canucks come into this game ranked 2nd best in the NHL this year in five on five goal differential while Nashville ranks 13th overall. Vanocuver has won four of the five head to head meetings between these two teams.
Take Vancouver to win this one.
Thank you and good luck,
Jason Sharpe
Griffin Murphy
7 Unit Play - Take Nashville (-115) Over Vancouver. (7:30p.m, Friday, April 26th)Nashville comes into this contest after finishing regulation at 47-30-5 on the year. They ended up 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Now they are split 1-1 with Vancouver in the series, with home ice advantage here. This season, Nashville went 23-16-2 at home and played really plays tough hockey. Vancouver ended 23-14-4 on the road this season, which is significant compared to their talent at home. This is playoff hockey, and the environment in Nashville couldn't be more rowdy. Vancouver is much more talented on a metric scale, but in this series, Nashville is most definitely holding its own. The herd is heavy on Vancouver tonight, and we are going to fade them, take the home ice advantage, and get the team rolling with the unexpected momentum.
Take Nashville (-115) Over Vancouver.
Griffin Murphy
Expert NHL Picks History:
DOC'S SPORTS has over 50 years of sports betting experience and is one of the most well-known and well-respected handicapping groups in the industry. Doc's focuses on underdogs and small favorites, and their ultra-selective approach means that they only release the cream of the crop selections. Doc's new NHL handicapper finished off 2021-22 with a +2,400 run and followed that up with a winning 2022-23, and they look for their best effort yet in 2023-34! Sign up now and put Doc's experience and skill to work for your bankroll today!
ROBERT FERRINGO has been one of the top hockey handicappers in the country over the last decade and posted another winning season in 2022-23. Robert has posted 9 of 14 winning NHL seasons, and between 2009-2013 he was the No. 1 NHL handicapper in the U.S. (+21,780 profit) for his clients. That is sustained long-term success, and he is ready for another outstanding season on the ice.
AUGUST YOUNG took the books for +9,005 in 2021 and then followed it up with +3,925 in profit last year. That is +12,930 in two years since joining Doc's Sports, and last year he hit 65% on his plays rated 7.0+ for +4,145 in profit. Young went 4-0 last season with his 8-Unit GOTY Plays and is 7-1 on these top picks over the last two seasons. He has been fantastic on the ice since joining Doc's and looks to do it again this season!
RAPHAEL ESPARZA is steady and consistent on the ice, including beating the books for another winning season in 2022-23. Esparza has notched 9 of 12 winning NHL seasons, and last year he brought in over +4,100 with his top plays rated 5.0+. Esparza has earned two of three winning years, and he 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.
TONY GEORGE hired a new NHL handicapper last season and turned in a profitable 2022-23 campaign. Now George is looking forward to having his best season yet. He has 30 years of handicapping experience and is one of the most consistent, well known, and most respected handicappers in the sports betting industry. You can get on board now.
SCOTT SPREITZER crushed the books with his top plays on the ice, winning 69% of all NHL plays rated 5.0+ from Dec. 3 of last season through the 2023 postseason in June. Spreitzer has more than 25 years of sports betting experience and is looking ahead to a great season. In 2021, between February and May, he banged the books for more than +7,000 in profit, and you can sign up and put his experience to work.
JASON SHARPE was the top NHL handicapper in the country in 2020, raking in more than +7,100 in profit during the best season of his career. He has posted two of three winning NHL seasons. Sharpe is an extremely selective NHL handicapper; sometimes releasing around 20 plays in a given month. He 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.
ARUN SHIVA had back-to-back dominating NHL campaigns in 2020-21, banking more than +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. That run included an amazing 32-10 (76%), +5,675 March and three perfect weeks. 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 went on some solid runs in the NHL last season, including a 6-1 +2,420 run in November, a 5-1 +1,190 run in December, a 6-1 +3,040 run in April, and he ended the NHL playoffs on a 5-1 +1,620 run. Croy generally releases just one top NHL play per day, so make sure you sign-up today.
STRIKE POINT SPORTS was the No. 1 NHL handicapper in 2019-20, and they are known for getting off to hot starts in the first six weeks of the season. SPS has tweaked its betting model this year and will be much more focused on plus-money value. You can get on board and check him out today!
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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 began his career in the Foreign Exchange market, and this experience has made him an expert on probabilities, which is an essential part of an NHL handicapper's repertoire. Sign up and put him to work for you today!