The Anaheim Ducks control their own destiny, as a strong finish to the season will secure them a playoff berth in the Western Conference. However, some struggles down the stretch will open up a possibility of falling out of the top eight seeds. The Ducks will aim to pick up a critical win when they face off against the Dallas Stars in one of the NHL Games of the Week.
Another key contest as the regular season comes to a close features the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia is right on the edge of qualifying for the playoffs or being left out and needs to capture this game badly.
Let’s take a look at these two nationally televised contests in NHL odds.
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Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks
Date and Time: Friday, April 6, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Opening NHL Game Odds at BookMaker: Check Back Later
Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks TV Coverage: NBCSN
The Ducks have gone 41-25-13 on the season. Anaheim has accumulated 95 points this season which is good for seventh place in the West at this point. The Ducks are only three points ahead of No. 9 seed St. Louis Blues. Both teams have three games left so it’s unlikely Anaheim falls out of the playoffs but not completely out of the question.
The Stars will be looking to play spoiler. They have 88 points on the season but were recently eliminated from postseason contention. Dallas is just 14-19-5 on the road this season and will be the underdog.
Injury Report
Anaheim goal-tender John Gibson suffered an upper body injury last time out and it’s unknown if he will be available for this contest. The Ducks are one of the stingiest defensive teams in the NHL and Gibson has been a big part of that. He is 31-18-7 on the year and has a goals against average of 2.43.
Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks Free Picks
If the Ducks don’t have Gibson this one could be close, but Dallas does not seem to have enough talent to win this one on the road, even against a backup goalie. Take Anaheim to pick up a close win and move one step closer to earning a playoff berth.
Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks ATS Pick: Take the “over” on the scoring total
Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks Score Prediction: Ducks 4, Stars 3
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Date and Time: Saturday, April 7, 2018, 3 p.m. ET
Location: Well Fargo Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Opening NHL Game Odds at BookMaker: Check Back Later
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers TV Coverage: NBC
The Flyers have a record of 40-26-14 and have registered 94 points. They currently sit in the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Florida Panthers are four points behind, and while they have played one fewer game than Philadelphia, it will be hard to catch up with only a couple of contests remaining. The Flyers can secure a postseason berth with a good finish.
The Rangers are 34-37-9 on the season with 77 points. They have been eliminated from the postseason so won’t have a ton of motivation in this showdown.
Player To Watch
If the Flyers get a big game from Claude Giroux they will be in good shape. He has 95 points this season, including 26 goals. The Philadelphia left winger had the game-winning goal last time out against the Bruins and has three goals in his past two games.
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers Free Picks
Look for Giroux to find the net once again in this one to lead the Flyers to the win, which could be enough to clinch a playoff berth.
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers ATS Pick: Flyers to cover
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers Score Prediction: Flyers 4, Rangers 2
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