NHL Picks — Thursday, April 23, 2026
Three Game 3s on the NHL slate tonight. Two teams looking to go up 3-0 and one series that's all square heading into a pivotal home game. Here are my picks.
Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
🏒 Boston Bruins
I still believe Buffalo wins this series — the Sabres earned that top seed and this is their moment. But Game 3 in Boston is a different story. The Bruins know how to win at home in the playoffs and TD Garden is one of the toughest buildings in the NHL. Boston takes Game 3 and makes this series interesting before the Sabres eventually close it out.
Carolina Hurricanes at Ottawa Senators — Game 3 (Hurricanes lead 2-0)
🏒 Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina is simply the better team. The Hurricanes play suffocating defensive hockey, they have depth throughout the lineup, and Rod Brind'Amour has them locked in. Ottawa had a great regular season to earn a Wild Card spot but the step up to beating Carolina in a series is massive. The Hurricanes are one win closer to a sweep.
Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings — Game 3 (Avalanche lead 2-0)
🏒 Colorado Avalanche
Colorado has been the best team in the Western Conference all season and nothing in this series has changed that. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are a level above what the Kings can match. LA will compete — they're a tough, defensive team and home ice matters — but the Avalanche have too many weapons. Colorado closes in on a sweep.
Watch the breakdown
