The NHL playoffs are finally here so I’m going to get back into making some predictions. The NHL playoffs are where my predictions have shined in the past. Last year I went 8 for 8 in the first round on route to winning the NHL playoffs bracket I had with my friends. I find that in the playoffs you can get more value for your bets because you know some series are almost certainly going to go one way, while others could be anyones game. In this predictions post I’m not going to state my reasoning, but I will classify the series as “sure thing” or “either way”. I will be including the Bodog.com odds so you can see why I choose some underdogs.
Bet on the NHL Playoffs at Bodog.com
Eastern Conference First Round Predictions
(1) Washington Capitals -650
(8) Montreal Canadiens +425
I’m betting on the Washington Capitals at -650.
Sure Thing
No matter what the odds you can’t possibly take the Habs in this first round series. The Caps are just too good.
(2) New Jersey Devils -235
(7) Philadelphia Flyers +195
I’m betting the Philadelphia Flyers at +195.
Either Way
I took the Devils in my bracket pool, but I think this series could really go either way. The Flyers went 5-1 against the Devils in the regular season and as long as Boucher plays ok, they have a shot at winning. So +195 is decent odds to take the Flyers in this one.
(3) Buffalo Sabres -170
(6) Boston Bruins +150
I’m betting the Boston Bruins at +150.
Either Way
Here is another series that could go either way. The Bruins may have trouble scoring, but they also keep their own goals against low. In a low scoring series like this should be it comes down to mistakes and I think the Bruins have just as good a shot at winning this series as the Sabres. So +150 is better odds than -170.
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins -280
(5) Ottawa Senators +240
I’m betting the Pittsburgh Penguins at -280.
Sure Thing
It pains me to say this as an Ottawa Senators fan, but Crosby and Malkin are just too strong. I’m going to be cheering Ottawa to the bitter end, but if I were to bet on the series I think the smart bet would be -280 on the Pens. That being said, this is likely the least “sure thing” of all the “sure thing” series I will predict on here.
Western Conference First Round Predictions
(1) San Jose Sharks -450
(8) Colorado Avalanche +325
I’m betting on the San Jose Sharks at -450.
Sure Thing
The Sharks have been playing some of their best hockey of the season, well the Avs have been playing some of their worst. Enough said.
(2) Chicago Blackhawks -450
(7) Nashville Predators +325
I’m betting the Chicago Blackhawks at -450.
Sure Thing
The Blackhawks are the favourites to make the cup finals out of the West. The Predators are actually a tough team, they just got unlucky that the Hawks lost their final game of the season, otherwise they’d have a legitimate shot at beating the Sharks.
(3) Vancouver Canucks -245
(6) Los Angeles Kings +205
I’m betting the Vancouver Canucks at -245.
Sure Thing
The Kings haven’t had any goaltending down the stretch. The Canucks have one of the best ‘tenders in the league and two of the best forwards. I’m surprised you can get -245 on the Canucks in this series. It’s a good bet for sure.
(4) Phoenix Coyotes +165
(5) Detroit Red Wings -190
I’m betting the Detroit Red Wings at -190.
Sure Thing
The Red Wings are finally playing like Stanley Cup contenders. It’s just unfortunate for the Coyotes that the Red Wings were able to climb to fifth seed in the West. I rank the Wings as the team to beat in the West, but they will have the toughest road. However, I don’t think their run will stop in the first round.
Tagged with: Betting • first round • Hockey • NHL • playoffs • predictions