Stanley Cup playoffs picks today: Thursday's NHL best bets include Lightning vs. Canadiens play [4/23/2026]

Updated: Apr 23, 2026, 7:03 PM ET | First published: Apr 23, 2026, 12:03 AM ET

Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer

Get NHL expert picks and best bets for Thursday, April 23, 2026.

NHL Best Bets. — These NHL betting picks for April 23, 2026, are based on the latest odds and probabilities for Thursday's games.

Today’s NHL expert picks for April 23, 2026 are here, with Lightning vs. Canadiens and Hurricanes vs. Senators among the top plays identified by our model across Thursday’s NHL playoffs action.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, searching the latest hockey odds to discover genuine betting edges. The result? Data-backed plays that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NHL expert picks tonight [4/23, updated 7:03PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s best hockey bets, ranked by edge for Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Lightning vs. Canadiens over 5.5 goals (+114)

Edge: 9.4%
Probability: 56.2%
Matchup: Lightning vs. Canadiens (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on over 5.5 goals in Lightning vs. Canadiens at +114 odds. A 56.2% probability produces an edge of 9.4%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.

Hurricanes vs. Senators over 5.5 goals (+110)

Edge: 7.6%
Probability: 55.2%
Matchup: Hurricanes vs. Senators (7:30PM ET, Thursday)

Hurricanes vs. Senators over 5.5 goals carries a 7.6% edge and a probability of 55.2% at +110 odds, according to our model.

NHL Playoffs best bets summary: Thursday, 4/23/2026

As of 7:03PM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Lightning vs. Canadiens	Over 5.5 Goals	+114 @ DraftKings	9.4%	56.2%
Hurricanes vs. Senators	Over 5.5 Goals	+110 @ DraftKings	7.6%	55.2%

List of upcoming NHL playoffs games to bet on [4/23/2026]

Hurricanes vs. Senators (7:30PM ET, Thursday)
Avalanche vs. Kings (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
Lightning vs. Canadiens (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Conclusion

Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for April 23, 2026, featuring plays such as over 5.5 goals in the Lightning vs. Canadiens matchup and over 5.5 goals in the Hurricanes vs. Senators matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

Our predictions are sourced from current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

Written by

Dave Garofolo

Content Producer

Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.

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