For NHL fans who love utter chaos, we are now entering the most wonderful time of the year. With the 2022 regular season drawing to a close, the Stanley Cup playoff picture is on the verge of taking its final shape. And that, by extension, means the stakes in nearly every game are incredibly high.
In this edition of 2022 NHL picks alone, we've found that the Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Nashville Predators are all facing must-must-must-win games on Tuesday, April 26. With so much on the line, we obviously have no other choice than to analyze the outcomes of the most pivotal contests.
Let's get this party started by having a look at the latest betting odds on the NHL:
| Favorite |  | | Underdog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | -192 | +158 | New York Islanders |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | -400 | +310 | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | -154 | +128 | Edmonton Oilers |
| New York Rangers | -118 | -104 | Carolina Hurricanes |
| Florida Panthers | -126 | +105 | Boston Bruins |
| Ottawa Senators | -140 | +116 | New Jersey Devils |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | -490 | +365 | Detroit Red Wings |
| Calgary Flames | -140 | +116 | Nashville Predators |
| Dallas Stars | -120 | +100 | Vegas Golden Knights |
| Vancouver Canucks | -230 | +188 | Seattle Kraken |
| San Jose Sharks | -142 | +118 | Anaheim Ducks |
Continue double-checking these NHL odds until you actually settle on any wagers. All NHL betting lines are subject to shift right up until the opening faceoff, and this is the time of year when they're liable to move more often than not.
Given that we're entering such a critical period of the hockey calendar, you should also make it a priority to scroll through our reviews of the top online sportsbooks. Everything we've provided will help you discern the best 2022 NHL betting sites currently on the market.
Stars vs. Knights is a Meeting of Two Desperate Teams
Few things are better than two teams facing one another as they both fight for the same playoff positioning. That's what we're getting when the Knights square off against the Stars on Tuesday.
Oddsmakers prefer Dallas. We disagree. The Knights rate as both the better offensive and defensive team despite struggling to convert on their power plays. And while the Stars have been one of the more dangerous home squads this season, Vegas is actually among the most effective road opponents.
OSB Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights (+100)
Can the Canucks Inch Closer to Clinching a 2022 Playoff Spot?
The Canucks need a borderline miracle to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They enter games on Tuesday trailing the Stars, Knights and Predators in the standings.
Fortunately for Vancouver, they have a unique opportunity at hand. The Seattle Kraken aren't interested in winning games, and the Canucks can be almost sure at least one of the Stars or Knights will close Tuesday with a loss since they're facing each other.
OSB Prediction: Vancouver Canucks (-230)
The Predators Need Some Good Lucks vs. The Flames
Typically, we'd have the Calgary Flames running away with a victory over the Predators, a team that started the season hot only to fade as it went on. However, the Flames have long since clinched their own playoff spot and have very little to compete for these days.
This doesn't mean Calgary will 100 percent throw in the towel. They have lost just one of their past 10 games. But the Predators still have the offensive juice necessary during full-strength ice time to stick it to teams that aren't running out their best lines for extended periods. The Flames officially fall under that category as they look toward remaining fresh and healthy for the postseason.
OSB Prediction: Nashville Predators (+116)
Will the Rangers Seize Metropolitan Division from the Hurricanes?
Both the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes have clinched playoff spots, which might suggest they have nothing to keep them interested. On the contrary, though, this game could very well decide who wins the Metropolitan Division.
New York enters just four points behind Carolina in the standings. A win would go a long way toward putting another cherry atop their midseason turnaround. And we're inclined to think the Rangers get it. The Hurricanes have won four straight but their offense has started to dip over the past month or so, during which time New York has also emerged as one of the best power play teams in existence.
OSB Prediction: New York Rangers (-118)
The Capitals Still Have Something to Play For vs. the Islanders
Playing the New York Islanders right now is essentially a gift for the Washington Capitals.
New York was eliminated from playoff contention long ago. The Capitals, meanwhile, trail the Boston Bruins for the top wild card spot by just three points. They could be content with already clinching a playoff spot, but they probably won't be. The final team to crack the postseason will be forced to face the blistering Florida Panthers in the first round, which means Washington has every reason to try leaping Boston in the standings.
OSB Prediction: Washington Capitals (-192)
Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all of your 2022 NHL betting:
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