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 Tuesday 18th of March 2025
| Handicapper | Units | Dollars |
| Doc's Sports | 10 | $1000.00 |
| Craig Trapp | -4 | $-520.00 |
Monday 17th of March 2025
Doc's Sports
7-Unit Play Take Buffalo/Boston OVER 6 (-105) (7 p.m. EST, Monday March 17)
Boston has given up 12 goals in their last two games. You get the feeling they may have given up on the season and their lack of effort on the defensive end has shown. They would have to jump a bunch of good teams to make the postseason, and they have been piling up the losses lately. Buffalo has gone over in two straight. Their offense has looked pretty good in the last few games and their defense will usually give up some goals. They did score seven on Boston when these teams met in January. Buffalo has been one of the top over teams all season, and we think this matchup will play to that trend. And we think this will be a competitive matchup and the underdog Sabres have a real chance, and we see both clubs getting their share of the total tonight.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Craig Trapp
2-Unit Play. Take #44 Toronto (-115, 3 way line) Over Calgary (7:30 p.m., Monday, March 17) **Must win in regulation**
First match-up this year was 6-3 win by Toronto and think it’s another 2 plus goal win as Maple Leafs beat up on banged up Calgary. Lay the 3 way line to get value here, Toronto turns around recent struggles and takes it out on Calgary. Take Toronto on the 3 way line to win in regulation.
Craig
Robert Ferringo
1-Unit Play. Take #43 Calgary (+1.5, -145) over Toronto (7:30 p.m., Monday, March 17)
I’m not really sure why Toronto is this large of a favorite. They have lost five of their last six games and aren’t in any particular groove. The Flames have been struggling, but a closer look shows that three of their four losses during a current 2-4 skid have come in OT. I think this is solid value with the extra goal in a game that I feel Calgary could win outright.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. #40. Take Boston Bruins -140 over Buffalo Sabres (Monday @ 7:07pm est)
Note, 7*NBA today at 10pm est and 7* Prop today at 9pm est as we can't wait to win both this evening. We roll with Boston here as they hook up against Buffalo. Like Boston here as they hook up against Buffalo as they are at home and though Buffalo is a solid team, remember, Boston lost to this team 2-7 last time out in January and that has to motivate them some what here. Plus, Buffalo comes off a 4-3 win in overtime recently as a +177 dog to Vegas so they could be in for a classic let down and they have not won back to back games in ages as you have to go back to February 22nd for that. Boston also comes off back to back bad losses to Tampa Bay and Ottawa but that was only because they beat Tampa Bay last time 4-0 on the road, so Tampa Bay was upset and they rolled into Boston and crushed them 6-2. So, we like Boston on the bounce-back here as well as with the revenge and Buffalo to have a let down.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NHL HOCKEY
4 Unit Play. Take #45 Los Angeles +115 (3-Way) over Minnesota (8:05p.m., Monday March 17)
Tony George
Passing for today.
Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play - #043–044 Calgary/Toronto GAME TOTAL OVER 5.5 -120 (Monday, March 17, 2025, 7:37pm ET)
Take Calgary/Toronto GAME TOTAL OVER as my top NHL pick for Monday night. This pick falls into one of my top NHL systems and I expect a high scoring game here given the way these two teams match up against each other. The last time these two teams met back on February 4th they put up nine goals and before that they put up seven. The third last time these two teams met and the last time in Toronto they put up nine goals. Calgary has allowed at least four goals in each of their last two games and this is a Toronto team that looks to get going offensively once again after dropping five of their last six games overall. Toronto has a save percentage of just .828 over their last five games with a goals against average of 3.17. Play the OVER
Scott Spreitzer
Passing for today.
August Young
4-Unit Play - Take #42 Philadelphia Flyers/Tampa Bay Lightning u5.5 +100 (3/17 @ 7:00PM EST) Are Philadelphia going to score here? They've averaged just one goal per game their last five if we exclude the most recent head to head game with Tampa. The Lightning are one of the best defensive teams in the league and they want that one back in a big way. Solid value on the under.
Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.
Jason Sharpe
8 Unit Play Take #40 Boston -105 over Buffalo (7:07pm est):
This is time of the season in the NHL where it's all about teams bringing maximum energy, effort and intensity to the ice and I think we will see all of that and in a big way here tonight with Boston. The Bruins were embarrassed last time out losing 6-2 at home to Tampa Bay and it actually could and probably should have been worse than that score as they were outshot 40-12 by the Lightning in that contest. The boo birds were out in full force and the Boston players and coaches were very upset after their ugly effort. Here' a few quotes stating just how mad some of the Bruins were:
"It was embarrassing," Boston forward Elias Lindholm said. "The compete level was nowhere to be found. ... We deserved to obviously get booed. Second period is the worst I've seen us play this year.
“Nobody respects us, and that’s something that we need to get behind, and I think that we can do it. … I know that we have something special in here to be successful, and we don’t get results" said goalie Jeremy Swayman
Boston is still fighting for a playoff spot and they badly need a win in this one tonight while on the other side of things Buffalo has almost no chance of making the post-season and they are also coming off a win in their last game so the sense of urgency likely isn't as high for them tonight. The Bruins should also have their full attention here on the Sabres as this Buffalo team recently hammered them the last time these two teams played back in late January with the Sabres winning by a 7-2 score.
Play Boston to win this game.
Thank you and good luck,
Jason Sharpe
Griffin Murphy
4 Unit Play. Take #40 Boston Bruins (-125) over Buffalo Sabres (7:00p.m, Monday, March 17th)
Boston is out of the playoff picture in what seems like the first time in forever. They are four points back of the last playoff spot, so there is still hope if they can get on a winning streak. They have lost two straight as well, so there will be no lack of motivation. Buffalo is in last place in the east, they have nothing to play for, and they come in off a huge OT win over the Golden Knights, so this is a massive letdown spot for them, and we'll roll with the Bruins here.
Take #40 Boston Bruins (-125) Over Buffalo Sabres
Griffin Murphy
3 Unit Play - Take #46 Minnesota (+120) Over Los Angeles Kings. (8:00p.m, Monday, March 17th)
Minnesota comes into this game 37-25-5 on the year, 3-6-1 in their last 10 games, and presently on a two-game losing streak after getting pounded by the Blues on Saturday in a 5-1 final. Los Angeles is now 36-20-9 on the year, 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, and presently on a 5-game winning streak after beating Nashville on Saturday in a 1-0 OT final. Los Angeles struggles to light up the lamp against good defenses. Minnesota is 11th in the NHL across goals against on the defensive side, 12th in penalty minutes, and a solid 15-15-2 at home. Los Angeles is a brutal 13-17-5 on the road and is entering their 1st game of a two-game road stand. After Minnesota, Los Angeles has Chicago on deck. This is a lookahead spot for Los Angeles; meanwhile, Minnesota needs to put one in the win column. We are getting great value here with Minnesota as well. Let's drill this 3-unit play with + odds here with the Wild.
Take #46 Minnesota (+120) Over Los Angeles Kings.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
4 Unit: Take #37 Columbus Blue Jackets ML (+115) over New Jersey Devils (7:00p.m, Monday, March 17th)
We’re back on the ice when the New Jersey Devils come and play the Columbus Blue Jackets here tonight. Blue Jackets are coming into this game on a three-game losing streak, just dropping to the New York Rangers 4-0 in their last game. On Saturday, the New Jersey Devils suffered a 7-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This season, the Devils have a road record of 19 wins and 15 losses. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets, playing their best hockey at home, have a 20-8 record. This Blue Jackets team scores at home, and they’re going to do so here tonight. The Devils hold the 4th position in the NHL's defensive rankings currently. However, they have conceded seven goals to the Penguins. The Penguins are regarded as one of the league's worst teams. Now they are going to have to slow down this high-power offense on the road. Not today. The Blue Jackets are going to snap this streak at home and get back to their winning hockey tonight. Take the Columbus Blue Jackets moneyline over the New Jersey Devils.
Take #550 Los Angeles Lakers (-3) over Phoenix Suns (-110)
Nick Menken
Expert NHL Picks History:
Doc's Sports
7-Unit Play Take Buffalo/Boston OVER 6 (-105) (7 p.m. EST, Monday March 17)Boston has given up 12 goals in their last two games. You get the feeling they may have given up on the season and their lack of effort on the defensive end has shown. They would have to jump a bunch of good teams to make the postseason, and they have been piling up the losses lately. Buffalo has gone over in two straight. Their offense has looked pretty good in the last few games and their defense will usually give up some goals. They did score seven on Boston when these teams met in January. Buffalo has been one of the top over teams all season, and we think this matchup will play to that trend. And we think this will be a competitive matchup and the underdog Sabres have a real chance, and we see both clubs getting their share of the total tonight.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Craig Trapp
2-Unit Play. Take #44 Toronto (-115, 3 way line) Over Calgary (7:30 p.m., Monday, March 17) **Must win in regulation**First match-up this year was 6-3 win by Toronto and think it’s another 2 plus goal win as Maple Leafs beat up on banged up Calgary. Lay the 3 way line to get value here, Toronto turns around recent struggles and takes it out on Calgary. Take Toronto on the 3 way line to win in regulation.
Craig
Robert Ferringo
1-Unit Play. Take #43 Calgary (+1.5, -145) over Toronto (7:30 p.m., Monday, March 17)I’m not really sure why Toronto is this large of a favorite. They have lost five of their last six games and aren’t in any particular groove. The Flames have been struggling, but a closer look shows that three of their four losses during a current 2-4 skid have come in OT. I think this is solid value with the extra goal in a game that I feel Calgary could win outright.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. #40. Take Boston Bruins -140 over Buffalo Sabres (Monday @ 7:07pm est)Note, 7*NBA today at 10pm est and 7* Prop today at 9pm est as we can't wait to win both this evening. We roll with Boston here as they hook up against Buffalo. Like Boston here as they hook up against Buffalo as they are at home and though Buffalo is a solid team, remember, Boston lost to this team 2-7 last time out in January and that has to motivate them some what here. Plus, Buffalo comes off a 4-3 win in overtime recently as a +177 dog to Vegas so they could be in for a classic let down and they have not won back to back games in ages as you have to go back to February 22nd for that. Boston also comes off back to back bad losses to Tampa Bay and Ottawa but that was only because they beat Tampa Bay last time 4-0 on the road, so Tampa Bay was upset and they rolled into Boston and crushed them 6-2. So, we like Boston on the bounce-back here as well as with the revenge and Buffalo to have a let down.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NHL HOCKEY4 Unit Play. Take #45 Los Angeles +115 (3-Way) over Minnesota (8:05p.m., Monday March 17)
Tony George
Passing for today.Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play - #043–044 Calgary/Toronto GAME TOTAL OVER 5.5 -120 (Monday, March 17, 2025, 7:37pm ET)Take Calgary/Toronto GAME TOTAL OVER as my top NHL pick for Monday night. This pick falls into one of my top NHL systems and I expect a high scoring game here given the way these two teams match up against each other. The last time these two teams met back on February 4th they put up nine goals and before that they put up seven. The third last time these two teams met and the last time in Toronto they put up nine goals. Calgary has allowed at least four goals in each of their last two games and this is a Toronto team that looks to get going offensively once again after dropping five of their last six games overall. Toronto has a save percentage of just .828 over their last five games with a goals against average of 3.17. Play the OVER
Scott Spreitzer
Passing for today.August Young
4-Unit Play - Take #42 Philadelphia Flyers/Tampa Bay Lightning u5.5 +100 (3/17 @ 7:00PM EST) Are Philadelphia going to score here? They've averaged just one goal per game their last five if we exclude the most recent head to head game with Tampa. The Lightning are one of the best defensive teams in the league and they want that one back in a big way. Solid value on the under.Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.Jason Sharpe
8 Unit Play Take #40 Boston -105 over Buffalo (7:07pm est):This is time of the season in the NHL where it's all about teams bringing maximum energy, effort and intensity to the ice and I think we will see all of that and in a big way here tonight with Boston. The Bruins were embarrassed last time out losing 6-2 at home to Tampa Bay and it actually could and probably should have been worse than that score as they were outshot 40-12 by the Lightning in that contest. The boo birds were out in full force and the Boston players and coaches were very upset after their ugly effort. Here' a few quotes stating just how mad some of the Bruins were:
"It was embarrassing," Boston forward Elias Lindholm said. "The compete level was nowhere to be found. ... We deserved to obviously get booed. Second period is the worst I've seen us play this year.
“Nobody respects us, and that’s something that we need to get behind, and I think that we can do it. … I know that we have something special in here to be successful, and we don’t get results" said goalie Jeremy Swayman
Boston is still fighting for a playoff spot and they badly need a win in this one tonight while on the other side of things Buffalo has almost no chance of making the post-season and they are also coming off a win in their last game so the sense of urgency likely isn't as high for them tonight. The Bruins should also have their full attention here on the Sabres as this Buffalo team recently hammered them the last time these two teams played back in late January with the Sabres winning by a 7-2 score.
Play Boston to win this game.
Thank you and good luck,
Jason Sharpe
Griffin Murphy
4 Unit Play. Take #40 Boston Bruins (-125) over Buffalo Sabres (7:00p.m, Monday, March 17th)Boston is out of the playoff picture in what seems like the first time in forever. They are four points back of the last playoff spot, so there is still hope if they can get on a winning streak. They have lost two straight as well, so there will be no lack of motivation. Buffalo is in last place in the east, they have nothing to play for, and they come in off a huge OT win over the Golden Knights, so this is a massive letdown spot for them, and we'll roll with the Bruins here.
Take #40 Boston Bruins (-125) Over Buffalo Sabres
Griffin Murphy
3 Unit Play - Take #46 Minnesota (+120) Over Los Angeles Kings. (8:00p.m, Monday, March 17th)
Minnesota comes into this game 37-25-5 on the year, 3-6-1 in their last 10 games, and presently on a two-game losing streak after getting pounded by the Blues on Saturday in a 5-1 final. Los Angeles is now 36-20-9 on the year, 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, and presently on a 5-game winning streak after beating Nashville on Saturday in a 1-0 OT final. Los Angeles struggles to light up the lamp against good defenses. Minnesota is 11th in the NHL across goals against on the defensive side, 12th in penalty minutes, and a solid 15-15-2 at home. Los Angeles is a brutal 13-17-5 on the road and is entering their 1st game of a two-game road stand. After Minnesota, Los Angeles has Chicago on deck. This is a lookahead spot for Los Angeles; meanwhile, Minnesota needs to put one in the win column. We are getting great value here with Minnesota as well. Let's drill this 3-unit play with + odds here with the Wild.
Take #46 Minnesota (+120) Over Los Angeles Kings.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
4 Unit: Take #37 Columbus Blue Jackets ML (+115) over New Jersey Devils (7:00p.m, Monday, March 17th)We’re back on the ice when the New Jersey Devils come and play the Columbus Blue Jackets here tonight. Blue Jackets are coming into this game on a three-game losing streak, just dropping to the New York Rangers 4-0 in their last game. On Saturday, the New Jersey Devils suffered a 7-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This season, the Devils have a road record of 19 wins and 15 losses. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets, playing their best hockey at home, have a 20-8 record. This Blue Jackets team scores at home, and they’re going to do so here tonight. The Devils hold the 4th position in the NHL's defensive rankings currently. However, they have conceded seven goals to the Penguins. The Penguins are regarded as one of the league's worst teams. Now they are going to have to slow down this high-power offense on the road. Not today. The Blue Jackets are going to snap this streak at home and get back to their winning hockey tonight. Take the Columbus Blue Jackets moneyline over the New Jersey Devils.
Take #550 Los Angeles Lakers (-3) over Phoenix Suns (-110)
Nick Menken
Expert NHL Picks History:
ROBERT FERRINGO posted another winning NHL season last year and that is now back-to-back profitable years. Robert has been one of the top hockey handicappers in the country over the last two decades and has posted 10 of 15 winning NHL seasons. 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.
VERNON CROY is coming off an outstanding 104-88, +6,910 NHL season, and he can't wait to crush the books again this season after some truly amazing winning streaks last season. The NHL has always been one of Croy's top sports for the last 25 years. Croy was up over +4,400 with his top NHL plays rated 6.0+ last season. Croy expects to beat his record from last year and he is chomping at the bit to start the season hot. Sign-up today!
JASON SHARPE is coming off a fantastic +6,700 hockey season last year and has rocked the books for three of four winning years in the NHL. Sharpe was exceptional with his top picks last year, going 28-14 (67%) on his hockey plays rated 7.0+. Sharpe is a selective NHL handicapper and 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.
TONY GEORGE hired a new NHL handicapper prior to the 2022-23 hockey season and the result has been back-to-back winning years on the ice. Now George is looking forward to going for three in a row. He has over 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.
STRIKE POINT SPORTS is coming off another profitable NHL season in 2023-24 and are looking to do it again this winter. SPS closed the season with a dramatic playoff run, posting 10 off 11 winning days and going 15-4 on his last 19 picks. SPS 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. Sign up now!
AUGUST YOUNG has posted two of three winning seasons on the ice and has racked up +8,705 with his picks since joining Doc’s three years ago. Young has been phenomenal with his top hockey plays, including going 9-2, +5,320 with his 8-Unit NHL Game of the Year picks over the last three years. Young and his team are stacked with fresh data scientists and research experts, and he is prime to deliver another big season!
RAPHAEL ESPARZA is steady and consistent on the ice, notching 9 of 13 winning NHL seasons. Esparza had a monster winning season in 2022-23 and is looking to do it again. At one point Esparza 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.
SCOTT 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 now and put his experience to work.
ARUN SHIVA had back-to-back dominating NHL campaigns in 2020-21, banking over +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!
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 is going to focus on totals and puck-line plays this winter and he is looking to build on his success with 7-Unit NHL Plays (+3,045 last year). Sign up and put him to work now!
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. Sign up now and put Doc's experience and skill to work for your bankroll today!
NICK MENKEN is geared up for a breakthrough season on the ice. Menken knows what it takes to identify value and win big in the fast-paced world of hockey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, Menken’s deep understanding of NHL trends, player matchups, and team dynamics will give you the edge you need. His focus this season will be on totals and puck-line plays, two of the most profitable avenues for hockey bettors.