NHL Playoffs Betting Previews
The first round of the NHL playoffs begin tomorrow unlike in other sports Hockey is a sport that can see some huge upsets in their first rounds of the playoffs. That is no different this year, as you can win some cool cash by betting on some solid underdogs in a few of the opening round series’.
Western Conference
No.1 San Jose Sharks vs. No.8 Anaheim Ducks
These two teams split the season series and this series should be awesome to watch. Sure the Sharks had the most points in the NHL and have the best defense, but don’t count on them to breeze by the Ducks. The Ducks were 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and they are one of the best road teams in the NHL. If Ducks G Jonas Hiller plays stellar between the pipes the Ducks could pull off a big upset.
No.2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No.7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Even though the defending champion Red Wings lost 6 of their last 10 games don’t look for an upset here. The Red Wings were the highest scoring team in the NHL this season (3.52 gpg) and have 4 players that scored more then 30 goals. The Blue Jackets gave up more goals then they scored AND they only have one player that scored over 30 goals. Enough said.
No.3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No.6 St. Louis Blues
The Blues ended the season on fire winning 8 of their last 10 games. These teams split the 4 game series this season. This game comes down the goaltending. Vancouver’s Robert Luongo is legit in the regular season, but needs to show up in the post season. St. Louis’ Chris Mason was solid in the 2nd half of the season, but only has one career playoff win. This is a tough series to call, but the Canucks have a better offense and defense.
No.4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No.5 Calgary Flames
Even though the Flames are the higher seed it would be an upset if they moved into the 2nd round of the playoffs. They ended the season losing 6 of their last 10 games and they lost all 4 meetings with Chicago this season.
Eastern Conference
No.1 Boston Bruins vs. No.8 Montreal Canadiens
The Bruins have a better offense and defense then the Canadiens and they were 5-1 against Montreal this season. The Bruins have the 2nd best offense in the NHL scoring 3.29 gpg, which is not good for a Montreal team that gives up an average of almost 3 goals per game. Add to the fact Montreal faces Boston G Tim Thomas who led the NHL in goals against average (2.10) and save percentage (93.3%).
No.2 Washington Capitals vs. No.7 New York Rangers
The Caps won 3 of the 4 meetings between these teams this year. The Rangers have a stingy defense only allowing 2.59 gpg, but they are only scoring an average of 2.44 gpg. The Caps have a great offense and averaged 3.27 gpg, but their D is not great. This may be a closer series then many people think. The Caps are a stronger team, but if Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist is solid between the pipes and the Rangers can manage to find some offense they may move onto the 2nd round.
No.3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
Are the Canes the underdog in this series? Carolina was 3-1 vs. New Jersey this season and they won 8 of their last 10 games. Both teams have many players with post-season experience, but the experienced goalies of Cam Ward and Martin Brodeur will be the main key to the series, as the winner of that match up may win the series.
No.4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No.5 Philadelphia Flyers
The Penguins played great second half hockey, while the Flyers simply did not. To have any chance at the upset the mediocre Flyers’ defense has to contain Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. That is hard to do no matter what type of D you have, so do not look for the City of Brotherly Love to see any 2nd round playoff games.
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