I went 2-2 with my round 2 picks, which brings my post season series record to 7-5 for -0.49 units. I am 0-2 with game 7’s otherwise I would be sitting on +4.36 units, but alas, those games didn’t go my way. That said, I still think I can get back in the black before the Stanley Cup Finals.
All of the odds below are taken from BetOnline.ag, one of my favourite sites for betting on the NHL Playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Washington Capitals
The Lightning have made quick work of the Devils and Bruins, going 8-2 so far in the playoffs to make it to the Conference Finals. The Caps, on the other hand, were really pushed in their first two rounds, winning in 6 games over both the Blue Jackets and Penguins, in very tight series’. The Penguins series especially will have taken a lot out of the Caps because there was so much pressure on them to finally beat the Penguins in the playoffs.
The Lightning are the more well rested and healthier team, but I think the belief that the Caps will have at this point in the playoffs after facing plenty of adversity already in the playoffs could play dividends for this team that has underachieved in the past.
When looking at this series I see two very even teams. Both teams have two great lines that play with speed and talent, power play units that other teams in the league would be envious of, 3 top end D-men, and some great depth at all positions, not to mention goaltenders playing great. I see this series very similar to the Jets vs Preds series in that these are two teams playing so well that it could really go either way.
I think this is a coin flip series, so I will happily take the plus odds on the Capitals and feel good about the value.
Play: Capitals +165
Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights
I honestly think that the Jets vs Predators series was a battle between the two best teams in the league. Winnipeg came out with the win and they are now my pick to win the Stanley Cup. The Jets speed and strength up front was able to give the Preds elite back end fits, and I think they should find even more success against Vegas. Fleury will have to stand on his head to steal a couple games in this series, but overall I think the better team is easily the Jets and they should find a way to win four games and advance to the Finals.
I’ve kept this write up short because I only had a few hours to get it up before the Conference Finals start tonight, but this is easily my favourite play so far in these playoffs.
Play: Jets -145
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