NHL Picks — Friday, April 24, 2026
Three Game 3s on the NHL slate — all series tied 1-1 and all heading into pivotal home games. Every pick matters tonight. Here are mine.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
🏒 Montreal Canadiens
Bell Centre in a tied playoff series is one of the loudest, most intimidating buildings in all of hockey. The Canadiens feed off that crowd and Tampa Bay knows how hard it is to win there. Montreal has the home ice advantage and the momentum of a tied series — the crowd alone could be the difference tonight.
Vegas Golden Knights at Utah Mammoth — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
🏒 Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas knows how to win in the playoffs — it's basically in their DNA. The Golden Knights have been here before and they bring a level of experience and composure that Utah is still developing. The Mammoth are a tough out in a tied series but Golden Knights playoff pedigree gives them the edge on the road.
Edmonton Oilers at Anaheim Ducks — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
🏒 Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid in a tied playoff series is a completely different level. He elevates when it matters most and the Ducks simply don't have an answer for him. Anaheim is scrappy and their crowd will be into it, but Edmonton has too much firepower. Oilers take control of this series tonight.
