The NHL playoffs are finally here, and with the first round set to begin, it’s time to take a closer look at the odds for each series. The first round of the playoffs is always exciting, as it sets the tone for the rest of the postseason. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the odds for each series and provide some insight into what to expect from each matchup.
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) vs. Washington Capitals (4)
The Boston Bruins come into this series as the top seed in the East, and they’ll be facing off against the Washington Capitals, who finished fourth in the division. The Bruins are heavy favorites to win this series, with odds of -155 to advance to the second round. The Capitals have a solid team, but they’ll need to play their best hockey to have a chance against the Bruins.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2) vs. New York Islanders (3)
The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders will be facing off in what should be a closely contested series. The Penguins are slight favorites to win, with odds of -125 to advance to the second round. The Islanders have a strong defensive team, but they’ll need to find some offense if they want to upset the Penguins.
Carolina Hurricanes (3) vs. Nashville Predators (2)
The Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators will be facing off in what should be an exciting series. The Hurricanes are slight favorites to win, with odds of -120 to advance to the second round. The Predators have a strong defensive team, but they’ll need to find some offense if they want to upset the Hurricanes.
Florida Panthers (4) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (1)
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing off in what should be a highly competitive series. The Lightning are heavy favorites to win, with odds of -200 to advance to the second round. The Panthers have a solid team, but they’ll need to play their best hockey to have a chance against the Lightning.
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche (1) vs. St. Louis Blues (4)
The Colorado Avalanche come into this series as the top seed in the West, and they’ll be facing off against the St. Louis Blues, who finished fourth in the division. The Avalanche are heavy favorites to win this series, with odds of -300 to advance to the second round. The Blues have a solid team, but they’ll need to play their best hockey to have a chance against the Avalanche.
Vegas Golden Knights (2) vs. Minnesota Wild (3)
The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild will be facing off in what should be a closely contested series. The Golden Knights are slight favorites to win, with odds of -125 to advance to the second round. The Wild have a strong defensive team, but they’ll need to find some offense if they want to upset the Golden Knights.
Edmonton Oilers (2) vs. Winnipeg Jets (3)
The Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets will be facing off in what should be an exciting series. The Oilers are slight favorites to win, with odds of -120 to advance to the second round. The Jets have a strong offensive team, but they’ll need to find some defense if they want to upset the Oilers.
Toronto Maple Leafs (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (4)
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens will be facing off in what should be a highly competitive series. The Maple Leafs are heavy favorites to win, with odds of -250 to advance to the second round. The Canadiens have a solid team, but they’ll need to play their best hockey to have a chance against the Maple Leafs.
In conclusion, the first round of the NHL playoffs is always exciting, and this year is no exception. With each series offering its own unique challenges, it’s sure to be a thrilling ride for hockey fans. Whether you’re rooting for the favorites or the underdogs, there’s sure to be plenty of drama and excitement in store. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the action as the NHL playoffs get underway.
