NHL Playoff Picks and Predictions for Tuesday August 25

NHL Favorite Best Bet

• Matchup: Boston vs Tampa Bay
• TV-Time: NBCSN, 7:00 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay ML -109

It took about two periods for the Lightning to wake up in Game 1 of this series and realize they were up against a much tougher opponent, and really from about the late 2nd period on they were the ones who were dictating things more often in that contest.

And even though we missed with the Lightning in Game 1, this series has all the makings of one where the old prevalent “playoff zig-zag” theory could turn out to be very useful. That's not to say we will see these two teams alternate wins the entire way, but in a matchup that's going to be close throughout and continue to give us these lines in the pick'em range, I've got no problem siding with the zig-zag theory at least for Game 2.

Tampa has to know that if they fall down 2-0 in this series, beating Boston four of five tries will likely be too steep of a hill to climb. Hopefully they play like they know it in Game 2.

NHL Over-Under Total Best Bet

• Matchup: Vancouver vs Las Vegas
• TV-Time: NBCSN, 9:45 p.m. ET

Vancouver/Vegas Over 5.5

Was nice and early to the party to be on the right side of this total move in Game 1, as the number there climbed up to a flat '6” nearly everywhere by puck drop. No matter what number 'over' bettors got they ended up coming up short in the 5-0 Vegas victory, but I wouldn't let that type of result discourage you from going back to the well again for Game 2.

For one, Vancouver looked the part of a team that had trouble shifting gears to a new opponent, and another high quality one as well. Some more rest, some thorough self-scouting video work, and more time to scout what has worked against Vegas in the past should see the Canucks find their offensive touch again rather quickly. Vancouver knows they'll need it too because Vegas isn't about to slow down for anyone.

I fully expect another line move to the 'over' for this Game 2 contest on Tuesday, and similar to Game 1, I'm looking to get out ahead of the market on the price. Hopefully the end result in the game is different.