Your guide to the NHL Playoffs - with expert betting picks!

It's a real sign of spring when the NHL playoffs finally begin, and this year is no exception. Last year, we saw a fantastic playoff with epic matches and a final that was long-awaited. Now, we have yet to see if we can hope for an equally fast-paced and exciting final, but one thing is for sure, It's great to finally be able to watch playoff-hockey once more!

After NHL fans had been eagerly anticipating an epic final between the Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning for a long time, we finally got what we wanted last season. The two teams clashed in what is considered to be one of the best finals in a long time. In the end, Colorado emerged as the champions and are thus the reigning champions heading into this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.

While expectations are high for this year's Stanley Cup, it may be some time before we see a final as exciting as the one between the Avalanche and Lightning. Nonetheless, anticipation for the upcoming playoffs are high, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling edition of the Stanley Cup.

As the regular season is not yet fully concluded at the time of publishing this guide, I will update it as it progresses. Currently, it is clear who will face each other in the Eastern Conference, while it is not yet fully determined in the Western Conference, except for Edmonton Oilers - Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights - Winnipeg Jets.

As the regular season is not yet fully concluded at the time of publishing this guide, I will update it as it progresses. Currently, it is clear who will face each other in the Eastern Conference, while it is not yet fully determined in the Western Conference, except for Edmonton Oilers - Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights - Winnipeg Jets.

FAQ

Now it's finally time to dive into the eight playoff games that await us, buckle up and get ready, it's time for playoff hockey!

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers

Boston has been the dominant force of the season in the NHL, the team has more or less massacred everything that has come in their way. The roster contains such incredible quality and depth that they will be considered the clear favorites of the playoffs, the team to beat, simply put. It's therefore no surprise that they enter as clear favorites against Florida Panthers in what feels like a potentially epic series kicking off the playoffs.

Before the season, the Bruins were one of the teams that I and many others perceived as one of the most underrated teams going into the season. It's safe to say that the Bruins proved that to be true, as the team has become historic with its 135 points and 65 wins (!). The challenge that awaits last season's President's Trophy winners, the Florida Panthers, is of the toughest kind.

Now, some may expect a walk-in-the-park victory for the Boston Bruins, but the team they're up against is packed with quality, and I find it unlikely that Florida won't be able to at least challenge the Bruins. It feels a little too tough for them to win the series, but the fact that they're valued at around 25% by bookmakers to succeed smells like underestimation from a mile away.

Although the Panthers made the playoffs by a slim margin, they finished the season strong, which will likely give them confidence heading into the playoffs. I have no illusions that Florida will suddenly become the league's best team, but I don't think it will hurt them to enter as clear underdogs. Last season, expectations were sky-high for the Panthers after winning the President's Trophy, but now fans are just happy that they made the playoffs at all. It's not always a bad thing to have low expectations while Boston, to some extent, is expected to lift the Stanley Cup in a couple of months.

If we examine Florida's roster, there is plenty of quality even behind the team's big stars, Alexander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe are nice offensive complements that can threaten Boston's defense. Even the defensemen on Florida's team are of high caliber, where Forsling and Montour, not least, come from fine seasons next to established star Aaron Ekblad. The depth in Florida is not as good as in Boston, and the top end is also considered inferior, but I think the bookmakers exaggerates these differences. A quick look at the goaltending position, and the Panthers have to hope that a somewhat shaky Bobrovsky and a relatively untested Alex Lyon can perform at an absolutely top level.

That being said, as always, it's not about what you believe in but how often you believe something happens, a distinction many find difficult to make. I am of the opinion that Boston should be clear favorites but not to the extent that they have now become. A plus line on Florida doesn't feel wrong, but a bet that I like even more is for the series to go over 5.5 total games. Partly with the idea that Florida needs to 'steal' two games for the bet to come through. If Florida manages to win by several games, we'll just have to live with it. I'm betting that the series will end over 5.5 games on Unibet at odds of -116.

I don't think it's wrong to place a small bet on Florida Panthers to win the series for those who are interested in gambling at odds of +315 on Unibet.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders

New York Islanders is in for a rough one. The Hurricanes, which I have long praised, are one of the toughest opponents in the league. They have impressed throughout the season with a solid defense and a structured game that makes them a reliable top team in the NHL.

Is Sorokin enough? I may be harsh here, but I find it very difficult to see the New York Islanders struggle past the Hurricanes unless Sorokin stands on his head in every game, and even then the question is whether it is enough. Sure, there is a degree of quality in the team, but with question marks surrounding the team's main star, Matthew Barzal, there is a lack of star power. The Islanders have long been a team that relies more on a collective effort than individual stars, and that can have its advantages, but the fact remains that there is a bit too much of a lack of quality in the offense for me to believe in a long stay in the playoffs.

If we take a deep dive into the Carolina Hurricanes' numbers for the season, it's an impressive read. No other team in the league has as good of an xGF% (xGF: 296.3 - xGA 219.43) either overall or in 5-on-5 play. There is no doubt that there is good depth in the lines and plenty of quality on the ice. However, the absence of two important players like Andrei Svechnikov and Max Pacioretty, two definite top-six forwards, could become a problem in the playoffs, atleast longterm.

While the Hurricanes can boast impressive numbers, it's a different story when we look at the New York Islanders' corresponding reading. They rank 23rd in the same table with xGF 250.5 - xGA 266.43 (naturalstattrick), thus with negative xGF% figures. Now we shouldn't just get hung up on this type of statistic, I know readers rarely find it the most fun (or relevant) but it speaks to a big difference in expectations between the teams. The numbers show, if nothing else, what we already know, that the Islanders largely stand or fall with Sorokin's performances.

We know that the playoffs are a different kind of beast and there are many layers of psychology that can definitely upset a lot. We can expect surprises in the playoffs, but I don't think this series will be one of them. The Islanders ended up right on the borderline of what I expected, that they would just manage or miss the playoffs by a small margin. Of course, we should not rule out that a good start to the series and a Sorokin in top form can disrupt the Carolina Hurricanes, but over a best-of-seven series, I find it less likely than the odds suggest that they can threaten a very strong Hurricanes team.

As the text suggests, I believe in Carolina in this series and therefore I will also include a betting tip. Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (to win by two games) in games @ +105 at Unibet.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Here we go again! A favorite in repeat. Throughout my time as a fan of the NHL, I have never seen Toronto Maple Leafs make it past the first round of the playoffs. It has been a running joke at the expense of Leafs fans for many seasons that they can't get past the first round, the last time it happened was in 2004. A surely tiresome reminder before every playoff. Somewhere, one has to sympathize with the fact that the team is once again running into one of the toughest opponents in the league in the playoffs. The Lightning have repeatedly shown why they deserve to go far in the playoffs. And with three consecutive finals, the task awaiting the Leafs is not the most enjoyable one.

Last season, I put my trust in the Leafs to break the curse and was wrong. So the question is, do I believe in them this playoff as well? - The simple answer is yes.

Last season, I put my trust in the Leafs to break the curse and was wrong. So the question is, do I believe in them this playoff as well? - The simple answer is yes.

Although star players receive most of the attention to perform and lead the way in playoffs, a team's depth is equally important in providing energy and impact. The depth players set the tone for the game and can make a difference in securing a big win. Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to find a consistent, competitive, and impactful fourth line in the postseason. Too often, they've been pinned within their own zone and lacked the speed and ability to keep up with other teams. This was highlighted by the difference in how the Tampa Bay Lightning's fourth line influenced the game in last season's playoffs compared to the Maple Leafs. Regardless of who was on the ice, the Maple Leafs' fourth line failed to deliver.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe has been experimenting with his lineup in recent weeks, searching for the best combinations on both the backend and up front. One combination that has been showing consistent chemistry is the line of Zach Aston-Reese, David Kampf, and Sam Lafferty. Lafferty joined the team before the deadline and has mostly played on different lines, struggling to find his footing amidst the shuffling. However, he is starting to thrive in a fourth-line role, especially with Aston-Reese and Kampf, and all three players are starting to find the chemistry needed to succeed. Keefe may have found his ideal fourth line for the playoffs, as he wanted to carve out a role for Lafferty.

When it comes to the Lightning, there are no surprises compared to the last few seasons, as it's pretty much the same team that has managed to reach three consecutive finals that enters the playoffs once again. They know the task at hand and are good at getting the job done. Toronto's biggest challenge will once again be trying to get the better of Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Russian has been the Lightning's most important player in the last few seasons' successes, no easy task for Matthews, Marner & Co.

All in all, I don't think the Lightning will be enough this time. I said the same thing last playoffs, but the key players in the Lightning haven't gotten any younger. Victor Hedman is coming off a mediocre season, and while he can certainly elevate his play in the playoffs, his performance in the regular season left something to be desired. When it comes to the depth and star power in the forward group, I think Toronto has the advantage, and a player like Ryan O'Reilly can certainly prove to be a valuable asset for the Leafs with his playoff experience. The only position where I think the Lightning have the upper hand is in goal, but I don't think it will be enough this time.

My bet is on Toronto Maple Leafs to advance, and I am placing it on Unibet at odds of -147

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils

New York Rangers already showed in the last playoffs that the team is for real. Ahead of this year's playoffs, the Rangers have also added spice to their forward group with Patrik Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, players with a lot of playoff experience. In goal, we still find one of the world's best goaltenders, Igor Shesterkin, and in front of him, a Norris Trophy-worthy defenseman in Adam Fox. The team is dripping with quality players in all positions. So, can the Rangers build on last year's success and really challenge all the way this time?

New Jersey Devils have been one of the season's up-and-comers. Already last season, like many others, I had higher expectations for this team. But it wasn't until this season that we have really seen things fall into place. Few teams in the league have been as skilled at creating offensive chances while not sacrificing defense. My big question mark is whether the goaltending duo will hold up all the way, because the material in front of the goaltenders is good enough to challenge for a long time in this playoff.

This match-up gives me a headache. My initial thought is that it will be a long and drawn-out series between the two rivals. The bookmakers have the NJ Devils as slight favorites in this match-up, and I am inclined to agree, although it is a small margin. The additional offensive firepower that Timo Meier brings to the Devils, combined with the young and speedy forward group, should give them an edge in the match. The Ranger's defensive lineup isn't the most intimidating, but it's compensated for by one of the league's best goalies.

I find it difficult to come up with a betting tip. I think the Devils will get the job done and advance, but I'm not confident enough to send a betting tip. We'll just have to sit back and enjoy a fantastic series without having any bets on it!

Western Conference

Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets

A nearly constantly injury-ridden Vegas team has somewhat flown under the radar this season in the shadow of the brilliance of the Boston Bruins. But despite the multitude of injuries that have plagued the team, they have managed to win the Western Conference without much talk about them. It's actually an impressive feat considering that Mark Stone has missed half the season, Jack Eichel has been dealing with injury issues, and key defensemen like Theodore have been absent for significant portions of the season. Add to that a precarious goaltending situation, and the achievement feels even more magnificent.

Winnipeg Jets had to work hard until the very end but managed to secure a playoff spot and thus redeem themselves after last year's failure. Similar to the New York Islanders, we find the big hero in goal, Connor Hellebuyck, who continues to show why he is one of the all-time best.

In many ways, Winnipeg has some of the right ingredients to challenge the better teams. A world-class goaltender, top six forwards of good quality, and at least an okay defensive setup. The problem I see with the Jets is mainly their bottom six who don't measure up. Additionally, their defensive actions are often of lower quality, and Hellebuyck is often called upon to show what he can do. In a playoff, such a team will never be able to go all the way. Sure, they might threaten and disrupt Vegas who continue to have injury problems, but as a Jets supporter, you can't hope for more success than that.

We'll see how far Vegas Golden Knights can go in this playoffs. I believe they will beat Winnipeg Jets in the first round, but they have had injury problems throughout the season and have an injury-prone roster. The goaltending duo is okay but not exactly screaming Stanley Cup winners. The defense, on the other hand, does. If the key players can stay on their feet, Vegas can certainly be a threat for a while, but the feeling is that it will be too tough to go all the way. I don't think the odds are quite enough to bet on them in the series against Winnipeg either. But it will be exciting to see how they tackle the challenge.

Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings

Team McDavid enters another playoff and expectations for the star-studded Oilers feel higher than in a long time. Connor McDavid, who has already built a legendary career in just eight years, has been patiently waiting for his team, the Edmonton Oilers, to make a championship run. However, with their recent performances, it seems like that wait might come to an end sooner than expected. The Oilers have been playing exceptionally well, will this be their year?

I usually love to talk about Phillip Danault and Mikey Anderson when I get the chance to write something about the Kings. Players who rarely show up on the scoresheet but are crucial in many games. I know Danault has scored 54 points in 82 games, but my point is that his strength is more than just scoring points, just like Anderson. And there is the difference between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers, in my opinion. While the Oilers revolve a lot around the obvious superstars, we find the strength of the Kings among the lesser-known players. Of course, it would be a gross exaggeration to claim that Mickey Anderson and Philip Danault are unknown players, but I believe I see an underestimation of their importance, like other players of similar caliber in the Kings. Now, it may sound like I think the whole team is underrated, which I don't. But the strengths of the Kings' team structure are sometimes overshadowed by the focus that hockey media generally has on point scorers.

If I'm going to spend some time talking about that too, Kevin Fiala has been a great injection into the Kings' offense (as expected). When these teams clashed in the last playoffs, it was an extremely close series where the Edmonton Oilers eventually came out on top. Both teams feel even more established and powerful heading into this playoffs, but Fiala could be the tipping point for the Kings this time. The question is whether it is enough for the Kings to shake an incredibly strong Oilers team that has been winning games consistently?

Last playoffs, we saw a tactical Kings team that managed to disturb the Oilers to the extent that they, as the big underdogs, almost won the series. There is no set recipe for winning a Stanley Cup, and despite my frequent criticism of the unbalanced Oilers team, they must be considered one of the Stanley Cup challengers. I wonder if a slightly more dynamic Kings team can repeat last year's feat and once again disrupt the Oilers. The Kings have shown excellent play, especially after the All-Star break, where they really stepped up their game. I believe the value should be on the side of the Kings and I will bet on Los Angeles Kings +1.5 games @ 1.90 at Unibet. It is of course daunting to try to take down a force like McDavid and the Oilers, but at the same time, I have respect for the stability that the Kings have shown throughout the season, and that should not be underestimated in the playoffs. While the Kings are the epitome of stability, the Oilers have a tendency to have high peaks and deep valleys.

Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild