One of the exciting aspects of the Stanley Cup Playoffs` first round is the possibility of a less favored team defeating a regular-season powerhouse in a surprising manner.
Considering this, we will examine all eight first-round matchups, ordered from the most unpredictable to the most heavily favored, according to betting odds.
Tampa Bay vs. Florida
These intrastate rivals had similar regular season performances and split their head-to-head matchups. Their playoff series is expected to be very close in terms of betting odds. A key factor could be Tampa Bay having Nikita Kucherov, the league`s leading scorer, who will be seeking revenge after Florida eliminated them last year. Kucherov is favored to score the most goals in this series, but Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel are also strong contenders.
Los Angeles vs. Edmonton
These teams meet again! Despite being the underdog, Los Angeles might have their best chance to overcome Edmonton this time. While Edmonton boasts superior top offensive talent, Los Angeles has greater overall offensive depth and a slightly better defense, especially with Edmonton`s injury concerns. Los Angeles appears better prepared to defend against Edmonton`s stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, Edmonton is still considered a strong contender for the Stanley Cup, and McDavid is a favorite for the Conn Smythe trophy. Betting on Los Angeles is a bet against these expectations.
Dallas vs. Colorado
This is a highly anticipated first-round series. Colorado is a top contender for the Stanley Cup, while Dallas is also a strong pick. Colorado`s strength is driven by its core players: Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. However, Dallas has scoring threats throughout their top lines, including a motivated player ready to perform against his former team. Dallas also possesses a potent power play. This matchup is predicted to be very close and potentially go to seven games, with a high probability of overtime games.
Toronto vs. Ottawa
The Ontario rivalry is renewed in the playoffs after over 20 years. Toronto faces significant pressure. Ottawa is simply happy to be in the playoffs after a long absence. Toronto is arguably the better team on paper, but if you believe in playoff unpredictability, Ottawa might be a tempting underdog. The odds suggest a potential scenario of Ottawa winning the series in seven games, culminating in a dramatic victory in Toronto, which would be a bitter pill for Toronto fans.
Winnipeg vs. St. Louis
Winnipeg had a strong regular season, winning the Presidents’ Trophy, but they are not the top favorite to advance from the first round, possibly due to past playoff disappointments or St. Louis`s strong recent play. Despite doubts, Winnipeg seems focused and determined to start strong and advance, embracing classic hockey clichés to motivate their play.
Las Vegas vs. Minnesota
Las Vegas enters the playoffs rested and favored against a weaker playoff team. They have a strong power play. There`s little reason to doubt Las Vegas`s chances. They have deep talent, while Minnesota largely relies on Kirill Kaprizov. The most expected outcome is a Las Vegas series win in five games. Betting on a Minnesota upset in seven games offers a high potential payout.
Carolina vs. New Jersey
Despite finishing close in regular season points, Carolina is a much stronger Stanley Cup contender than New Jersey, who are considered a longshot. For New Jersey to pull off an upset, they would need to excel on the power play, have outstanding goaltending from Jacob Markstrom reminiscent of Martin Brodeur, and find an unexpected player to step up due to the injury of a key player. While unlikely, Nico Hischier could be that player.
Washington vs. Montreal
This is considered the most uneven first-round matchup. Montreal barely made the playoffs and has a negative goal differential. However, they have momentum from a strong finish, while Washington has appeared less interested recently. Washington`s high shooting percentage may regress, potentially opening the door for a Montreal upset. Despite this, most predictions favor Washington to advance easily. However, favorites do sometimes falter.
