Round 1 of the 2024 NHL Playoffs started this weekend, and one series is already at 2-0. The Carolina Hurricanes are already up two games on the New York Islanders, backing up their top status in the current odds for betting on the Stanley Cup champions.
Game 3 between the Hurricanes and Islanders is Thursday, where Carolina is a 1.5-goal favorite in the puck spread.
Based on the NHL odds, Carolina’s most likely opponent in the Stanley Cup Finals would be the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers are the most probable team to win the Western Conference and hold a 1-0 lead over their first-round opponent, the Los Angeles Kings.
NHL betting sites are favoring Edmonton by 1.5 goals against the Kings for Game 2 tomorrow night.
According to current NHL Playoffs series prices for the first round, the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs make the most competitive matchup. The series is tied at one game each, and Toronto is favored to win Game 3 at home on Wednesday.
The Bruins are still favored to win the series, with prices set at even money prior to the third game.
Other than Carolina vs. the Islanders, the odds for betting on the NHL Playoffs imply that the most lopsided series is between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals.
The Rangers took Game 1 by a final score of 4-1, and the puck spread for tonight’s game has the Caps set as a 1.5-goal underdog. New York also holds a -1100 moneyline for winning the series, which translates to a 92% chance of success.
The Winnipeg Jets won Game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche in a 7-6 shootout. Oddsmakers once placed the Avalanche among the top contenders for the 2024 Stanley Cup, but now, they’re in a dogfight to get out of the first round of the playoffs.
This evening, Colorado is a 1.5-puck favorite on the road in Winnipeg, but series prices slightly favor the Jets to escape the first round.
The Dallas Stars are now in a 0-1 hole against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The Stars are favored to defend home ice tomorrow night in Game 2, with current lines granting them a 1.5-goal edge.
The Vancouver Canucks hold a one-game lead over the Nashville Predators. Vancouver is heavily favored in current series prices and are also projected to win Game 2 tonight.
The Florida Panthers took the first game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. NHL betting lines imply that Florida will extend that lead to two games when they play each other today at 7:30 PM in Miami.
Bovada Sportsbook Review, BetOnline Sportsbook Review, Official Website Of The NHL