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Stanley Cup playoffs picks today: Saturday's NHL best bets include Wild vs. Stars play [4/18/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get NHL expert picks and best bets for Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Today’s NHL expert picks for April 18, 2026 are here, with Wild vs. Stars and Kings vs. Avalanche among the top plays identified by our model across Saturday’s NHL playoffs schedule.
Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, scanning the latest hockey odds to unearth real betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.
List of NHL expert picks today [4/18, updated 5:01PM ET]
Below, you’ll find today’s best hockey bets, ranked by edge for Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Wild vs. Stars over 5.5 goals (+110)
- Edge: 6.8%
- Probability: 54.4%
- Matchup: Wild vs. Stars (5:30PM ET, Saturday)
Our model has identified value on over 5.5 goals in Wild vs. Stars at +110 odds. A 54.4% probability produces an edge of 6.8%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.
Kings vs. Avalanche over 5.5 goals (+110)
- Edge: 4.8%
- Probability: 52.5%
- Matchup: Kings vs. Avalanche (3:00PM ET, Sunday)
Kings vs. Avalanche over 5.5 goals carries a 4.8% edge and a probability of 52.5% at +110 odds, according to our model.
Kings +1.5 (-114)
- Edge: 3.0%
- Probability: 56.3%
- Matchup: Kings vs. Avalanche (3:00PM ET, Sunday)
Kings +1.5 vs. Avalanche at -114 odds shows a 3.0% edge, supported by a 56.3% probability in simulations.
Flyers vs. Penguins under 6.5 goals (+105)
- Edge: 2.9%
- Probability: 51.7%
- Matchup: Flyers vs. Penguins (8:00PM ET, Saturday)
A 2.9% edge and 51.7% probability make Flyers vs. Penguins under 6.5 goals at a value play in the Flyers vs. Penguins matchup, per our model.
Kings ML (+220)
- Edge: 2.2%
- Probability: 33.5%
- Matchup: Kings vs. Avalanche (3:00PM ET, Sunday)
Kings ML at +220 odds presents a 2.2% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 33.5%.
NHL Playoffs best bets summary: Saturday, 4/18/2026
As of 5:01PM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:
| Matchup | Bet | Odds | Edge | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild vs. Stars | Over 5.5 Goals | +110 @ DraftKings | 6.8% | 54.4% |
| Kings vs. Avalanche | Over 5.5 Goals | +110 @ DraftKings | 4.8% | 52.5% |
| Kings vs. Avalanche | Kings +1.5 | -114 @ FanDuel | 3.0% | 56.3% |
| Flyers vs. Penguins | Under 6.5 Goals | +105 @ DraftKings | 2.9% | 51.7% |
| Kings vs. Avalanche | Kings ML | +220 @ BetMGM | 2.2% | 33.5% |
List of upcoming NHL playoffs games to bet on [4/18/2026]
- Wild vs. Stars (5:30PM ET, Saturday)
- Flyers vs. Penguins (8:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Kings vs. Avalanche (3:00PM ET, Sunday)
Conclusion
Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for April 18, 2026, featuring plays such as over 5.5 goals in the Wild vs. Stars matchup and over 5.5 goals in the Kings vs. Avalanche matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.
Our predictions are drawn 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.
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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