NHL Playoffs First Round Preview and Betting Odds

The Stanley Cup playoffs are finally here, with 16 teams starting their journey after an intense 82-game regular season. This season has been full of surprises, from incredible records to unexpected teams securing top spots in their conferences.

Now that the playoff teams are set, let`s look at the first-round matchups and their betting odds, as of Thursday.

Eastern Conference

In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals, despite expectations, clinched the top seed and will face the Montreal Canadiens. The reigning champion Florida Panthers are also competing, along with strong contenders like Tampa Bay and Carolina.

Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

• Money line: Capitals -330, Canadiens +260
• Spread: Capitals -1.5 (-145), Canadiens +1.5 (+125)

The Capitals exceeded expectations this season, thanks to strong performances from players like Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome, who supported Alex Ovechkin`s record-breaking year. However, the Canadiens, the last team to qualify for the playoffs, rely heavily on Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield for offense and have a weaker defense compared to other playoff teams.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators

• Money line: Maple Leafs -170, Senators +145
• Spread: Maple Leafs +1.5 (-320), Senators +1.5 (+250)

The Maple Leafs are led by Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, with strong goaltending from Anthony Stolarz. The Senators, while having talented players like Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk, have struggled with scoring consistency, and goalie Linus Ullmark has shown average performance.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers

• Money line: Panthers -115, Lightning -105
• Spread: Panthers +1.5 (-220), Lightning -1.5 (+180)

The Florida derby features the defending champion Panthers against the high-scoring Lightning. The Panthers hope for Matthew Tkachuk`s return from injury, relying on Sam Reinhart in his absence. Sergei Bobrovsky remains a key player in goal. The Lightning boast the best offense in the league, led by Nikita Kucherov and strong goaltending from Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils

• Money line: Hurricanes -245, Devils +200
• Spread: Hurricanes -1.5 (-115), Devils +1.5 (-105)

The Hurricanes are strong on both offense and defense, despite relying on fewer high-scoring players like Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis. However, their goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has had a less effective season. The Devils have a strong defense but struggle with scoring. Their offense is powered by the Hughes brothers and Jesper Bratt, while veteran goalie Jacob Markström provides stability in net.

Western Conference

The Winnipeg Jets are surprisingly the top seed in the Western Conference, ahead of teams like Vegas and Dallas. They will face the St. Louis Blues in the first round, among other exciting matchups in the West.

Winnipeg Jets vs St. Louis Blues

• Money line: Jets -180, Blues +155
• Spread: Jets -1.5 (+120), Blues +1.5 (-140)

The Jets, initially seen as underdogs, became the league`s best team with a balanced roster and excellent goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck. Kyle Connor leads their offense. The Blues, who secured a wild card spot, are also a balanced team with Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou leading their offense, and Jordan Binnington providing experienced goaltending.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild

• Money line: Golden Knights -205, Wild +170
• Spread: Golden Knights -1.5 (+110), Wild +1.5 (-130)

The Golden Knights are led by Jack Eichel and Adin Hill, and have a very experienced playoff roster. The Wild, who barely made the playoffs, struggle with scoring but have seen improved goaltending from Filip Gustavsson recently.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche

• Money line: Stars +120, Avalanche -140
• Spread: Stars +1.5 (-195), Avalanche -1.5 (+155)

This series is a classic playoff matchup. The Stars are a balanced team with strong offense from Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson, and reliable goaltending from Jake Oettinger. The Avalanche are offensively strong, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, and have found stability in goal with Mackenzie Blackwood.

Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers

• Money line: Oilers -135, Kings +115
• Spread: Oilers +1.5 (-270), Kings -1.5 (+225)

The Kings are a defensively strong team, with excellent goaltending from Darcy Kuemper. They will face a tough test against the Oilers` powerful offense, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.