Follow The Money | April 17, 2026 | Hour 3
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In this episode of VSiN Best Bets' 'Follow the Money,' hosts Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard dive deep into the NHL and NBA playoffs, analyzing series matchups, player props, and betting strategies with expert guests Dennis Bernstein and Brian Mahoney. The discussion centers on the NHL's first-round matchups, with strong opinions on Carolina’s chances against Ottawa, the high-scoring potential of Tampa Bay vs. Montreal, and the underdog appeal of Buffalo despite Boston’s superior experience. The Western Conference is dissected with a focus on the Avalanche-Kings series, where the hosts emphasize the importance of early scoring and caution against overvaluing the Kings’ overtime prowess. In the NBA segment, the focus shifts to the Pistons’ overlooked 60-win season and their low odds to win the East, while the Knicks’ playoff readiness against the Hawks is debated. Brian Mahoney also weighs in on controversial award eligibility for Cade Cunningham and Luka Dončić, advocating for a more flexible threshold than the current 65-game rule. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the need to follow the money—both in betting markets and in team performance trends—while highlighting key props, underdog value, and the psychological shift from regular-season to playoff hockey and basketball.
Carolina is favored over Ottawa, but the series may be lower-scoring than expected; play under in early games.
Tampa Bay-Montreal is a high-scoring series; target star props like Nikita Kucherov and Cole Caulfield.
Buffalo’s playoff run is a feel-good story, but Boston has the experience and depth to win in six.
Edmonton’s Connor McDavid is a strong Conn Smythe contender due to his clutch performances down the stretch.
The Avalanche-Kings series favors Colorado early, but the Kings can steal a game; bet Avalanche in five.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
NHL Playoffs: Eastern Conference Breakdown
“I think it's a low-scoring series. Okay, yeah. I don't see a lot of it. Because Carolina, especially at home, they smother you at home.”
Western Conference & Key Player Props
“They're the better team. So scoring first, like betting Avalanche in the first period, that's what I would do on the money line.”
NBA Playoffs: Pistons, Knicks, and Awards Controversy
“I think Detroit should be higher than they are. I think they earned the right to be higher than they are.”
Player Props, Series Predictions, and Betting Strategy
The hosts break down key player props across both leagues, including Conn Smythe candidates, star scoring props, and series outcomes. They emphasize the value of underdog bets, prop hedging, and the psychological shift from regular season to playoffs.
Sponsor Segment & Final Betting Picks
A promotional segment for V-CIN Pro highlights the platform’s tools for bettors. The hosts close with final in-pocket plays, including Warriors vs. Hornets, Knicks vs. Hawks, and key player props like Cat and Drummond.
“The game changes at Game 83. The first 82 games, you're fighting for feet? In game 83 and beyond, you're fighting for inches.”
“65 was always the wrong number. I gave up my vote because I just think that's too high a number.”
“They're the better team. So scoring first, like betting Avalanche in the first period, that's what I would do on the money line.”
Hosts
Guests
Dennis Bernstein
person
Mitch Moss
person
Pauly Howard
person
Brian Mahoney
person
V-CIN
organization
Carolina Hurricanes
other
Connor McDavid
person
Boston Bruins
other
New York Knicks
other
Philadelphia Flyers
other
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