NHL Best Bets & DFS Cheat Sheet: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - May 8th, 2026
Another day of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is upon us! We are now firmly in the second round, where the matchups become more challenging, and every goal is crucial. The excitement among fans is at an all-time high, and here at Fantasy Alarm, we’re dedicated to maintaining that momentum with our Best Bets.
Today, we will focus on two-player props. As we move forward in the playoffs, games will get tougher, and goals will be harder to come by. However, we can still identify an advantage; we just need to approach our analysis carefully. Please review the wagers and, if you like the rationale, follow them. You can find all wagers here on the NHL Bet Tracker.
Dominate your NHL DFS contests today with our DFS Playbook, Player Projections, & Lineup Generator.
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🏒NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/8
🔥 Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction
The Anaheim Ducks return home after pulling off a win in Game 2 and will aim to carry that momentum into tonight's game. They were the highest-scoring team in the first round, but their performance against Vegas has been quite different. Anaheim has consistently performed better at home throughout the year, and tonight should be no exception. We can expect them to come out with a lot of pace and create quality scoring chances against Carter Hart.
Shea Theodore has been blocking a significant number of shots in the playoffs, and this is not by chance. John Tortorella is known for emphasizing the importance of blocking shots, and Theodore has committed to this role. He logs a lot of ice time, which helps maintain his performance level. Although he let us down last Wednesday, we're going back to him tonight. As mentioned earlier, the Ducks excel on home ice, and they will look to challenge Hart with quality chances. With Theodore and the defensive unit likely facing a heavy workload and both previous games being closely contested, we might even see some overtime. Consider locking in the Vegas defenseman and riding this wave.
- Shea Theodore OVER 2.5 BLKS (+185 on DraftKings)
🔥 Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction
The Buffalo Sabres capitalized on their opportunities in Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens and aim to maintain that momentum in Game 2. They scored four goals on just 16 shots, resulting in an impressive shooting percentage. However, the team wants to create more quality chances moving forward. I expect the Sabres to increase their shots on goal in this upcoming match, which may open opportunities for the Canadiens.
Lane Hutson was quite critical of his performance after the last game. Was it his best game? No, but he certainly wasn’t the weakest player on the team. As a talented player, he holds himself to a high standard and constantly strives for greatness, which can be challenging to maintain but also drives his performance.
In the previous game, he registered four shots on goal. Although Hutson isn’t typically known for his shooting ability, he has demonstrated that he can put the puck on target. His average of 1.5 shots per game is concerning, especially if we expect the Sabres to create more scoring opportunities. Lane will likely have his chances, but it remains to be seen if he will capitalize on the opportunities that arise.
- Lane Hutson OVER 1.5 Shots on Goal (-105 on DraftKings)
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