The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin this evening so let’s take a look at the NHL Postseason bracket and breakdown the first round matchups. We have some familiar faces squaring off in round one, while we also welcome a couple newbies who haven’t seen the postseason in a few years. Let’s get right to our Stanley Cup Playoff Preview.
First Round Matchups: Stanley Cup Playoffs
Jake Oettinger and the Stars take on Colorado in the first round
Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars
- Avalanche -165
- Stars +145
Despite the Avalanche finishing behind Dallas in the division, they are the heavy favorite to win this series. Down the stretch Colorado has been playing incredible, and it’s tough not to lean their way in any seven game series, especially considering they are favored to win the whole thing as well. (Odds at bottom of article).
Winnipeg Jets vs St. Louis Blues
- Jets -240
- Blues +200
The Jets will go as far as Connor Hellebuyck can lead them, which I think is at least past this first round. The Blues are hot, and one of our own viewers may have singlehandedly willed this team to the playoffs. But I do not see them singing Gloria like they did on their miraculous run in 2019.
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes
- Devils +225
- Hurricanes -265
The young guns of the New Jersey keep drawing very tough first round matchups. The Hurricanes always seem to play good and come alive during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and I don’t see much changing this year. Experience moves Carolina on to the next round.
Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
- Senators +175
- Maple Leafs -205
Two teams from Canada face off as Brady Tkachuk finally makes the playoffs. The Leafs broke their first round curse last year, but are looking to go even further now. They certainly have the personnel, but will they underestimate the Senators?
Matthew Tkachuk is eyeing a return for Florida in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
- Panthers -115
- Lightning -105
We get a battle of the Sunshine State in the first round, and as a hockey fan, I am simply rooting for seven games. Our guy, Gretzky Betzky has a bet in this series, so be sure to check it out here. Personally, I am not scared of a potential Championship Hangover from the Panthers, especially with the addition of Brad Marchand late in the season, and the return of Matthew Tkachuk.
Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights
- Wild +205
- Golden Knights -245
The Wild barely made the playoffs and now face a very sneaky Vegas Golden Knights team. Sure, VGK won the Pacific, but they aren’t getting talked about as much as some other Stanley Cup Contenders (at least in my eyes). Even after losing some attackers, the Golden Knights rallied to win the division for the second time in just three years, and I think they are ready for a postseason run.
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
- Oilers -117
- Kings -103
For the… *checks notes*… fourth straight year, the Oilers and Kings meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Edmonton has won the series each of the last three years, and they are hungry to return to the Cup Finals after losing last season. But the Kings might have the biggest postseason chip on their shoulder, can they finally get past Edmonton this year?
Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals
- Canadiens +210
- Capitals -250
Everyone give a quick round of applause to the Habs. After losing in the Stanley Cup Finals four years ago, they finished dead last in the division for the past three years. But they finally make the postseason this year, and they play the Capitals. The team of destiny. The squad with the man who just broke the NHL Scoring record, and is now eyeing another Stanley Cup. Washington will be a very tough opponent for the Canadiens, and we might need to get out the brooms for this series.
Odds to Win the Stanley Cup
Nathan MacKinnon and the Avs are the favorite to win the Stanley Cup
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline. Sign up today with promo code FREE250 for a 50% deposit matchup to to $250 and 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
- Colorado Avalanche +750
- Carolina Hurricanes +800
- Dallas Stars +800
- Florida Panthers +800
- Vegas Golden Knights +850
- Washington Capitals +900
- Tampa Bay Lightning +950
- Edmonton Oilers +1000
- Toronto Maple Leads +1000
- Winnipeg Jets +1000
- Los Angeles Kings +1800
- St. Louis Blues +2800
- Ottawa Senators +3500
- Minnesota Wild +4000
- New Jersey Devils +4000
- Montreal Canadiens +5000
While I don’t have any futures placed, I did fill out my FREE ENTRY to BetOnline’s Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge. Sign up for BetOnline, fill out your NHL Postseason bracket, bet at least $25 on the stick and puck playoffs, and sit back and collect your bonus bets if your bracket does well.
This can all be found under the “Contests” Tab at BetOnline.
Best of luck, and enjoy the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
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