As the 2023 NHL playoffs kick off, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the first round results to determine the updated Stanley Cup odds for all eight teams. With the regular season behind us, the playoffs are where legends are made and dreams are shattered. The first round is always a crucial test for teams, as it sets the tone for the rest of the postseason.
The first round matchups for the 2023 NHL playoffs are as follows:
Eastern Conference:
– Tampa Bay Lightning (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)
– Boston Bruins (2) vs. New York Islanders (7)
– Washington Capitals (3) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (6)
– Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5)
Western Conference:
– Colorado Avalanche (1) vs. Minnesota Wild (8)
– Vegas Golden Knights (2) vs. Calgary Flames (7)
– Edmonton Oilers (3) vs. Dallas Stars (6)
– St. Louis Blues (4) vs. Los Angeles Kings (5)
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions and are favored to make another deep playoff run. They finished the regular season with a league-best 120 points and will face off against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round. The Canadiens barely made it into the playoffs as the eighth seed, but they have a history of pulling off upsets in the postseason.
The Boston Bruins finished second in the Eastern Conference and will face off against the New York Islanders in the first round. The Bruins have a strong team led by superstar forward Brad Marchand, while the Islanders have a solid defense and goaltending.
The Washington Capitals won the Metropolitan Division and will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. The Capitals have a strong offense led by Alex Ovechkin, while the Maple Leafs have one of the most talented rosters in the league.
The Pittsburgh Penguins finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and will face off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round. The Penguins have a strong core led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, while the Flyers have a young and talented team.
In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche finished with the best record and will face off against the Minnesota Wild in the first round. The Avalanche have a dynamic offense led by Nathan MacKinnon, while the Wild have a solid defense and goaltending.
The Vegas Golden Knights finished second in the Western Conference and will face off against the Calgary Flames in the first round. The Golden Knights have a strong team led by Mark Stone, while the Flames have a talented offense led by Johnny Gaudreau.
The Edmonton Oilers won the Pacific Division and will face off against the Dallas Stars in the first round. The Oilers have two of the best players in the league in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, while the Stars have a strong defense and goaltending.
The St. Louis Blues finished fourth in the Western Conference and will face off against the Los Angeles Kings in the first round. The Blues won the Stanley Cup in 2019 and have a strong team led by Ryan O’Reilly, while the Kings have a young and talented team.
As the first round of the playoffs begins, all eyes will be on these eight teams to see who will emerge victorious. The updated Stanley Cup odds will be determined by the results of these first round matchups, so every game is crucial. Fans can expect intense competition, thrilling moments, and unforgettable performances as the 2023 NHL playoffs unfold.
