Expert NHL Picks
The 2024-2025 NHL hockey season is back, and the Doc's Sports team is here to provide you with winning expert NHL picks daily. The season begins on October 4th and the Florida Panthers will try to repeat as champions.
Every pick that we provide is accompanied by a detailed write-up with full reasoning and explanation. Each NHL experts pick is rated on a scale of 1-8, with 8 being the strongest.
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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 Thursday 17th of April 2025
| Handicapper | Units | Dollars |
| Doc's Sports | 5 | $500.00 |
| Craig Trapp | 0 | $0.00 |
| Robert Ferringo | 2 | $200.00 |
| Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy) | 7 | $700.00 |
| Tony George | 0 | $0.00 |
| Vernon Croy | -6 | $-600.00 |
| Scott Spreitzer | -4 | $-420.00 |
| August Young | 0 | $0.00 |
| Strike Point Sports | 2 | $200.00 |
| Jason Sharpe | -3 | $-300.00 |
| Griffin Murphy | 2 | $100.00 |
| Nick Menken | 0 | $0.00 |
Thursday 17th of April 2025
Doc's Sports
5-Unit Play Take Calgary/LA Kings OVER 5.5 (-115) (9:30 p.m. EST, Thursday April 17)
Calgary fought hard for a playoff spot but did not control their own destiny. Their offense has been playing great but we don’t see them concentrating on defense tonight after so many hard fought games. The Kings have their eyes on their series with the Edmonton Oilers and they aren’t focused on keeping the Flames out of the goal.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Craig Trapp
Passing for today.
Robert Ferringo
2-Unit Play. Take #6 Pittsburgh (-110) over Washington (7 p.m., Thursday, April 17)
The line kind of tells the tale here. Washington is locked in for the playoffs and they don’t care about this game at all. They will rest anyone of consequence. Pittsburgh isn’t going to the postseason so they can play their main guys. This is a rivalry series and I think the Penguins would like to end a disappointing season with a win.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
7-Unit Play. NHL. #6. Take Pittsburgh Penguins (-110 @ FD) over Washington Capitals (Thursday @ 7pm est)
This one's got the makings of a classic end-of-season spoiler special. Pittsburgh might be out of the playoff picture, but don’t think for a second they’re mailing it in, especially not at home and especially not against the rival Caps. Washington’s already punched their postseason ticket, and there’s a good chance they keep some of their top guys on ice- literally and figuratively. Meanwhile, the Pens are fired up with nothing to lose and revenge on their minds after getting lit up for eight goals in their last meeting, including a brutal second period that saw them give up four straight. That one stung. Tonight, it’s all about pride, payback, and putting on a show for the home fans. Expect the Penguins to come out swinging and skate away with the W.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
Passing for today.
Tony George
Passing for today.
Vernon Croy
6-Unit Play - #011 Detroit +110 over Toronto (Thursday, April 17, 2025, 7:07pm ET)
Take Detroit on the moneyline as my top NHL pick for Thursday night. We are getting tremendous value with Detroit here tonight as Toronto will be resting their main players. This is basically Detroit's Stanley Cup Game 7 against Toronto as they look to finish the season on a positive note meanwhile Toronto just wants to get out injury-free which is why we are seeing such a low line here tonight. Detroit also looks to end their season with four straight victories and they are coming off a dominant victory at New Jersey before that beating a very good Dallas team and a big win on the road at Tampa Bay. Play Detroit moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take 14 Kings +100 (60 minute line) over Flames (9:37 p.m., Thursday, April 17)
We need L.A. to win in regulation to win this wager. Calgary has been in a fight for a playoff spot night-in, night-out, but fell short. They played their tails off in their home finale two nights ago and left the ice with a shootout win over Vegas. Calgary celebrated like they just won a playoff series. There will be missing players from both teams tonight but I’m betting the Flames will be out of gas. No less than 15 of the Kings’ last 16 wins happened in regulation and they haven’t played past the third period in any game since March 15. I’m betting the Kings pick up their 5th straight win. I’m backing the Kings in regulation. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
Passing for today.
Strike Point Sports
2-Unit Play. Take #6 Pittsburgh (-110) over Washington (7 p.m., Thursday, April 17)
Washington has nothing to play for in this game. They are the top of the East and focused on a deep playoff run. I think they will rest their best players here and give Pittsburgh an easy win.
Best of Luck – Strike Point Sports
Jason Sharpe
Thursday April 17th 2025-
3 Unit Play Take #11 Detroit +115 over Toronto (7:07pm est):
Detroit once again failed to make the playoffs but you can see this young team is still trying hard to end the season on a high note. The Red Wings come into this one winners of three straight and they face a Toronto team here fresh off a big win with nothing to play for.
Take Detroit to win this game.
Thank you and good luck,
Jason Sharpe
Griffin Murphy
4 Unit Play - Take #12 Toronto (-135) Over Detroit. (7:00p.m, Thursday, April 17th)
Detroit has officially been eliminated from playoff contention, so there is no motivation factor here in tonight’s matchup. Toronto locked up the #1 seed in the Atlantic, and we can expect this team to rest the majority of their starters. Toronto is still 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and has won 4 consecutive games. This team has refused to take their foot off the gas, and I expect them to sustain this win streak and bring it into the 2025 playoffs.
Take #12 Toronto (-135) Over Detroit.
Griffin Murphy
2 Unit Play - Take #14 Los Angeles (-150) Over Calgary. (9:30p.m, Thursday, April 17th)
Los Angeles comes into this game 48-24-9 on the year and 2nd in the Pacific. Calgary is now 40-27-14 on the year and 4th in the Pacific. Los Angeles is a stout 8-2 in their last 10 games, presently on a 4-game winning streak, 31-5-4 at home, and 14-9-2 when playing divisional matchups. Calgary is just 17-15-8 on the road, 29th in offensive goals scored per game, and 16th when it comes to goals against on the defensive side. I expect Los Angeles to sustain this win streak and bring this momentum into playoffs.
Take #14 Los Angeles (-150) Over Calgary.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
Passing for today.
Expert NHL Picks History:
Doc's Sports
5-Unit Play Take Calgary/LA Kings OVER 5.5 (-115) (9:30 p.m. EST, Thursday April 17)Calgary fought hard for a playoff spot but did not control their own destiny. Their offense has been playing great but we don’t see them concentrating on defense tonight after so many hard fought games. The Kings have their eyes on their series with the Edmonton Oilers and they aren’t focused on keeping the Flames out of the goal.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Craig Trapp
Passing for today.Robert Ferringo
2-Unit Play. Take #6 Pittsburgh (-110) over Washington (7 p.m., Thursday, April 17)The line kind of tells the tale here. Washington is locked in for the playoffs and they don’t care about this game at all. They will rest anyone of consequence. Pittsburgh isn’t going to the postseason so they can play their main guys. This is a rivalry series and I think the Penguins would like to end a disappointing season with a win.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
7-Unit Play. NHL. #6. Take Pittsburgh Penguins (-110 @ FD) over Washington Capitals (Thursday @ 7pm est)This one's got the makings of a classic end-of-season spoiler special. Pittsburgh might be out of the playoff picture, but don’t think for a second they’re mailing it in, especially not at home and especially not against the rival Caps. Washington’s already punched their postseason ticket, and there’s a good chance they keep some of their top guys on ice- literally and figuratively. Meanwhile, the Pens are fired up with nothing to lose and revenge on their minds after getting lit up for eight goals in their last meeting, including a brutal second period that saw them give up four straight. That one stung. Tonight, it’s all about pride, payback, and putting on a show for the home fans. Expect the Penguins to come out swinging and skate away with the W.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
Passing for today.Tony George
Passing for today.Vernon Croy
6-Unit Play - #011 Detroit +110 over Toronto (Thursday, April 17, 2025, 7:07pm ET)Take Detroit on the moneyline as my top NHL pick for Thursday night. We are getting tremendous value with Detroit here tonight as Toronto will be resting their main players. This is basically Detroit's Stanley Cup Game 7 against Toronto as they look to finish the season on a positive note meanwhile Toronto just wants to get out injury-free which is why we are seeing such a low line here tonight. Detroit also looks to end their season with four straight victories and they are coming off a dominant victory at New Jersey before that beating a very good Dallas team and a big win on the road at Tampa Bay. Play Detroit moneyline
Scott Spreitzer
4-Unit Play: Take 14 Kings +100 (60 minute line) over Flames (9:37 p.m., Thursday, April 17)We need L.A. to win in regulation to win this wager. Calgary has been in a fight for a playoff spot night-in, night-out, but fell short. They played their tails off in their home finale two nights ago and left the ice with a shootout win over Vegas. Calgary celebrated like they just won a playoff series. There will be missing players from both teams tonight but I’m betting the Flames will be out of gas. No less than 15 of the Kings’ last 16 wins happened in regulation and they haven’t played past the third period in any game since March 15. I’m betting the Kings pick up their 5th straight win. I’m backing the Kings in regulation. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
Passing for today.Strike Point Sports
2-Unit Play. Take #6 Pittsburgh (-110) over Washington (7 p.m., Thursday, April 17)Washington has nothing to play for in this game. They are the top of the East and focused on a deep playoff run. I think they will rest their best players here and give Pittsburgh an easy win.
Best of Luck – Strike Point Sports
Jason Sharpe
Thursday April 17th 2025-3 Unit Play Take #11 Detroit +115 over Toronto (7:07pm est):
Detroit once again failed to make the playoffs but you can see this young team is still trying hard to end the season on a high note. The Red Wings come into this one winners of three straight and they face a Toronto team here fresh off a big win with nothing to play for.
Take Detroit to win this game.
Thank you and good luck,
Jason Sharpe
Griffin Murphy
4 Unit Play - Take #12 Toronto (-135) Over Detroit. (7:00p.m, Thursday, April 17th)Detroit has officially been eliminated from playoff contention, so there is no motivation factor here in tonight’s matchup. Toronto locked up the #1 seed in the Atlantic, and we can expect this team to rest the majority of their starters. Toronto is still 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and has won 4 consecutive games. This team has refused to take their foot off the gas, and I expect them to sustain this win streak and bring it into the 2025 playoffs.
Take #12 Toronto (-135) Over Detroit.
Griffin Murphy
2 Unit Play - Take #14 Los Angeles (-150) Over Calgary. (9:30p.m, Thursday, April 17th)
Los Angeles comes into this game 48-24-9 on the year and 2nd in the Pacific. Calgary is now 40-27-14 on the year and 4th in the Pacific. Los Angeles is a stout 8-2 in their last 10 games, presently on a 4-game winning streak, 31-5-4 at home, and 14-9-2 when playing divisional matchups. Calgary is just 17-15-8 on the road, 29th in offensive goals scored per game, and 16th when it comes to goals against on the defensive side. I expect Los Angeles to sustain this win streak and bring this momentum into playoffs.
Take #14 Los Angeles (-150) Over Calgary.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
Passing for today.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.