Stanley Cup Playoffs: Thursday NHL Matchups

The Stanley Cup Playoffs provide three crucial matchups Thursday night. Defending champion Washington will try to regroup after a loss to Carolina in Game 3, the St. Louis Blues take on the Jets in Winnipeg and the San Jose Sharks host the Vegas Golden Knights.

(2) Washington Capitals +105 at (7) Carolina Hurricanes -125 (7 p.m. ET)

After a 4-2 Game 1 win and a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 2, the Capitals appeared destined to make quick work of the Carolina Hurricanes. But in Game 3 Carolina dominated 5-0.

The Hurricanes are 5-1 SU in their last six home games and 9-2 SU in their last 11 as a favorite of -110 to -150. Unfortunately for Carolina the Capitals are excellent at making adjustments. Washington is 8-1 SU in their its last nine after allowing five goals or more in their previous game. The Caps should bounce back here with a big road victory.

NHL Free Pick: Capitals +105

(5) St. Louis Blues +105 at (4) Winnipeg Jets -125 (8:30 p.m. ET)

After winning the first two matchups of this series on the road, St. Louis lost the next two at home, and  Winnipeg appears to have the upper hand.

St. Louis, though, is 4-1 SU in the last five meetings in Winnipeg. The Blues are also 4-0 SU in their last four games as an underdog, while going 22-8 in their last 30 games playing on a day of rest. Home ice doesn't mean anything in this series so far. Why would it mean anything tonight?

NHL Free Pick: Blues +105

(6) Vegas Golden Knights +100 at (3) San Jose Sharks -120 (10 p.m. ET)

The Sharks dominated the Golden Knights 5-2 in Game 1, but since then it's been a Sin City tsunami, and Vegas has built a 3-1 series lead.

It's difficult to see what San Jose can do to turn the tide. Even the trends point to Vegas putting away San Jose on April 18. Vegas is 7-3 SU in their last 10 meetings and 10-3 in the last 13 games following a win.

NHL Free Pick: Golden Knights -105