We’re finally here, the NHL Playoffs. Arguably the best playoffs in all of professional sports. The Tampa Bay Lightning have won back to back Stanley Cups and will look for their third in a row.

The Expected Bets crew breaks down every playoff series and offers our best bets. Also, we apologize for the format, we wrote this blog in google docs and it didn’t transfer over well.

Overall Stanley Cup Odds

Click the following link to see the most updated odds and the line movement throughout the season. 

Eastern Conference

Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals

Florida Panthers

• Standings: 1st Atlantic (122 Points)
• Record: 58-18-6
  • Home: 34-7-0
  • Away: 24-11-6

Statistics:

Projected Line Combinations:

Injured: Aaron Ekblad (Lower Body)

Team Leaders – Points:

Florida’s offense has been one of the best we’ve ever seen. In fact, the Florida Panthers are the highest-scoring team of the cap era. They’re also the first team to average over four goals per game since the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Jonathan Huberdeau has had a career season and finished 2nd in the league with 115 points becoming the first Florida Panther to record over 100 points in a season. He also set an NHL record this year for most assists by a left winger in a season. In addition to Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov also finished with a career high in points. 

Sergei Bobrovskiy will get the start in net for the Panthers. However, there are some questions about his reliability. He’s had an up and down year with a poor .893 save percentage in April heading into the playoffs. Spenser Knight has had a much better April with the only outlier coming against Ottawa where he finished with a .706 save percentage in that game. 

If you remember last year, Bobrovskiy only started two games last year in the first round. He started game 1 and wasn’t great with a .875 Sv% and in game 4 he was pulled after allowing 5 goals on 14 shots. Spencer Knight was also part of Florida’s goalie fiasco in the playoffs last year. He started game 5 and recorded a shutout before struggling in game 5 with a .870 SV%. 

Washington Capitals

• Standings: 4th Metropolitan (100 Points)
• Record: 44-26-12
  • Home: 19-16-6
  • Away: 25-10-6

Statistics:

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: Carl Hagelin (Eye), Joe Snively (Wrist)

Team Leaders – Points:

Alex Ovechkin recorded his ninth 50-goal season which ties him with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for most 50-goal seasons. After being called out by GM Brian MacLellan, Evgeny Kuznetsov has rebounded nicely recording 78 points this season which is just short of his career best, 83.  At the ripe age of 32, John Carlson has shown no signs of slowing down. He has recorded 70 points or more in three of his last four seasons. 

Neither Vitek Vanecek nor Ilya Samsonov have really cemented their spot as the number 1 netminder for this squad. Both of these guys haven’t been exceptional by any means. Ilya Samsoonov enters the postseason in poor form allowing four or more goals in three of his last five starts. Vitek Vanecek isn’t looking great either, allowing three or more goals in four of his last five starts. Goaltending is a major issue for the Capitals in this series given Florida’s lethal offense. 

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Florida Panthers (-290)
• Washington Capitals (+225)

Previous Meetings:

• November 4, 2021
  • Washington Capitals (4) @ Florida Panthers (5) – OT
    • WSH +130, FLA -150, O/U: 6.0 (-115/-105)
• November 26, 2021
  • Florida Panthers (3) @ Washington Capitals (4)
    • FLA -105, WSH -115, O/U: 6.0 (-105/-115)
• November 30, 2021
  • Washington Capitals (4) @ Florida Panthers (5)
    • WSH +115, FLA -135, O/U: 6.0 (-110/-110)

Preview & Picks:

Patrick Gates’ Pick

This series is going to be interesting as most people are not giving the Washington Capitals a chance. If you’re a Capitals fan there are a few positives in this matchup. As most know, the Florida Panthers are one of the best teams in the NHL at home. However, the Capitals had the best road record in the NHL going 25-10-6. During their 2018 Stanley Cup run they followed a similar strategy tying an NHL record for most road wins in the playoffs with 10. Despite that brief glimpse of hope for the Washington Capitals faithful, they have not won a playoff series since winning the Cup in 2018 which is a concern. If Alex Ovechkin is unable to go for the first few games, the Capitals will have to rely on their depth scoring which isn’t a viable option as there’s a noticeable drop off after their top three scorers. The Capitals path to success here is through their defense. They’ve done a great job of limiting opponents Shots on Goal and will need to continue that here.  As previously mentioned, Washington’s goaltending is also a major concern here. 

The Florida Panthers will have home ice advantage all playoff long, and will need to take advantage of that. For whatever reason, they’re a completely different team on the road. Their offense production has been at a record pace this season, scoring 337 goals which is more than any team since 1995-96.  Unlike Washington, the Panthers do have depth scoring with their top 3 point leaders all playing on different lines. They’ve also had 13 players score at least 10 goals. Florida acquired Ben Chiarot at the trade deadline which has solifiedup their defense. Aaron Ekblad is also expected to return for the playoffs after suffering a lower body injury back in March. Prior to being hurt, Ekblad was great for the Panthers recording 57 points in 61 games. 

Just like the Capitals, goaltending remains in question for the Panthers. Bobrovsky is one of the highest paid goaltenders in the NHL and needs to prove he’s worth that kind of money. We saw him struggle last year and is coming into the playoffs in not so great form. 

For me, I’m looking at this series to go 5-6 games. I don’t see the Capitals pushing this series to 7. The Florida offense has been too good this year but I do predict the Capitals to steal at least one of the road vs the Panthers. If you were to bet 1 unit each of the Series total 5 Games (+235) and 6 games (+235), you would win +1.35 units regardless if either outcome happened. The moneyline of the Panthers is too big for me this series given their previous postseason woes. However, they are in win-now mode and I do think they will come out of this series but I don’t think it’ll be as easy as everyone thinks.

• Series Total – 5 Games (+235) – 0.5 Units
• Series Total – 6 Games (+235) – 0.5 Units
• Florida Panthers -1.5 Games (-150) – 1.5 Units

Top Cheddars Pick

The Florida Panthers versus Washington Capitals, to me, is one of the most intriguing series in the first round. No one is giving the Capitals a chance, and while Florida did just come off a Presidents Trophy regular season, I can see the Capitals giving them a handful.

The Washington Capitals come into play with the best road record in the NHL at 25-10-6. The Florida Panthers enter with the best home record in the NHL at 34-7-0. What worries me about the Panthers is their large number of 3 on 3 OT victories. They finished the regular season with 13 OT victories, the most in the NHL. As we all know, playoff hockey is a grind and not as reliant on skill, which I am not sure if the Panthers are built for just yet. Look at the Presidents Trophy winning Tampa Bay Lighting 2 years ago. All the skill and talent in the world, but eliminated in 4 games to the Wild Card Blue Jackets. Since then, Tampa has beefed up their bottom 6 and D pairing since that elimination and seen great success. 

The Florida Panthers are going to be in a dog fight  This veteran Capitals team has won before, and knows how to win come playoff hockey. They have guys like Tom Wilson, who as we all know, will be very physical and set the tone for this series and the Capitals also stifle many teams, allowing the 6th fewest SOG in the NHL. If the Capitals can slow down the Panthers offense and score timely goals with their Top 6, I think they have a chance to steal a few games. 

I won’t go on record and say they win the series. But I like them to keep it close. 

• Washington Capitals +1.5 (+135)

Toronto Maple vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Standings: 2nd Atlantic (115 Points)
• Record: 54-21-7
  • Home: 31-8-2
  • Away: 23-13-5

Statistics:

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: Michael Bunting (undisclosed), Petr Mrazek (groin)

Team Leaders – Points:

In years past you would constantly hear that Toronto and Edmonton lack depth offensively. While that does remain true for the Oilers, that narrative has changed for the Maple Leafs. 13 players on the Maple Leafs set NHL career highs in points this season. 

Auston Matthews became the first player in Maple Leafs history to reach 60 goals in a single season. Not only did he become the first Maple Leafs to score 60 goals, he also became the first United States-born player in NHL history to record 60 goals. 

The Leafs are also expected to get Michael Bunting back who led all NHL rookies in points during the regular season with 63 (23 goals, 40 assists). 

Jack Campbell has had an up and down season. He started off great, making the NHL All-Star game and winning the Save Streak along with Andrei Vasilevskiy who will start for Tampa Bay. Following the All-Star break, Campbell struggled but has since found his early form heading into the playoffs. He finished this season with 5 shutouts which is a career high for him. Petr Mrazek is currently out with a groin injury with no real timetable for his return. He has been skating with the team which is an encouraging sign. In the meantime, rookie Erik Kallgren will back up Campbell who hasn’t been great with a 3.31 GAA and .888 SV%. 

Tampa Bay Lightning

• Standings: 3rd Atlantic (110 Points)
• Record: 51-23-8
  • Home: 27-8-6 
  • Away: 24-15-2

Statistics:

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: None

Team Leaders – Points:

Longtime Lightning captain Steven Stamkos enters the playoffs off an incredible April. He finished the month with 33 points, which is the most by a Lightning player in a calendar month and second most by an NHL skater in a month since December 1995 when Mario Lemioux recorded 34 points. 

Despite Nikita Kucherov’s limited season, he was still able to average over a point per game. In the playoffs last season, Kucherov was incredible, recording 32 points in 23 games. 

Victor Hedman is coming off a career season where he was able to emass 20 goals and 65 assists in 82 games. Hedman is one of the best defenseman in the NHL, he’s able to shut elite offensive players down while creating offensive chances. 

When we talk about elite level goaltending the first name that comes to mind is Andrei Vasilevskiy. He currently ranks 2nd in Goals Saved Above Expected only behind the likely Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin. Vasilevskiy is tied with Sergei Bobrovsky for most wins in the NHL, which is a stat I hesitantly throw out there as the team in front of them has a major influence on that number. In the past two seasons, Vasilevskiy has been one of Tampa Bay’s main propellants in their back to back Stanley Cup runs. Brian Elliot is also a decent back up who has a solid GAA, better than Vasilevksiy and a good SV%. 

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Toronto Maple Leafs (-120)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (+100)

Previous Meetings:

• November 4, 2021
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (1) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2) – OT
    • TBL +115, TOR -135, O/U: 5.5 (-115/-105)
• December 9, 2021
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (5) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (3) 
    • TBL +110, TOR -130, O/U: 5.5 (-120/+100)
• April 4, 2022
  • Toronto Maple Leafs (6) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2)
    • TOR +120, TBL -145, O/U: 6.5 (-105/-115)
• April 21, 2022
  • Toronto Maple Leafs (1) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (8)
    • TOR +115, TBL -140, O/U: 6.5 (-130/+110)

Preview & Picks:

Patrick Gates’ Pick

This will be the first time that these two teams meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Tampa Bay Lightning have won back to back Stanley Cups while the Maple Leafs are looking for their first Playoff series win since 2004. Toronto has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past five seasons.

The key for the Leafs this playoff series will be their offense. Matthews and Marner, who were their leading scorers, combined for just one goal in their series vs Montreal. They’ll need to continue to generate chances and capitalize on them at a high level. Their Power Play, which ranks 1st, is also another area that they need to take advantage of as they face a Tampa Bay Penalty Kill that ranks 11th. 

Tampa Bay obviously has the playoff experience but did lose some key members of their squad last season. The addition of Nick Paul, has provided them with some depth scoring that they desperately need. He has 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in his 21 games with the Lightning. 

At +100 to win the series, I like the back to back Stanley Cup Champions. They’ve proven themselves in the playoffs the past two years while Toronto has yet to move past the first round in the past few years. The Lightning can win games in a variety of ways while the Leafs’ only chance is through their top scorers. 

• Tampa Bay Lightning to win series (+100) – 1.0 Unit

Top Cheddars Pick

The Tampa Bay Lightning are being disrespected by the books right now. Back to back Stanley Cup Champions and coming into the playoffs as one of the hotter teams in the NHL. The Lightning come in as underdogs against a Toronto Maple Leafs team, who is incredibly skilled, but never been able to make it over the hump in the playoffs. 

The key difference here is goaltending in my opinion. We saw what an elite goalie can do for you in the playoffs with Carey Price last year, and Andrei Vasilevskiy is the best goalie in the NHL. Even if the Leafs outplay the Bolts, Vasilevskiy will outplay Jack Campbell in net, giving the Lightning a huge edge. 

The second key point here is depth. We know the elite offense guys, both teams have a plethora. But Tampa Bay has made it a point to load up on bottom 6 guys, and its working. Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow were integral for both of their cup runs, and Tampa Bay went out to acquire both Nick Paul and Brandon Hagel to solidify those pieces. Add in a veteran Corey Perry and a Pat Maroon who has won the Stanley Cup 3 years in a row, and you have an incredible depth scoring team. 

• Tampa Bay to win the series (+100)

Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins

Carolina Hurricanes

• Standings: 1st Metropolitan (110 Points)
• Record: 54-20-8
  • Home: 29-8-4
  • Away: 25-12-4

Statistics: 

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: Frederick Anderson (lower body)

Team Leaders – Points:

Sebastian Aho leads the Carolina Hurricanes in points with 81, just missing his career best of 83 points which he recorded last year. He’s also a player that has continued his success past the regular season and into the playoffs averaging over a point per game. 

Despite the drop off from Aho, the Carolina Hurricanes have plenty of depth scoring. They have 11 players that have recorded over 39 points this season, which included Aho. 

Andrei Svechnikov, who’s on their top line along with Aho and Jarvis enters the playoffs off a career season. He tallied 69 points this season which beats his previous best of 61 points during the 2019-20 season. 

The big question for the Carolina Hurricanes heading into the playoffs is will they get back starting netminder Frederick Anderson. He suffered a lower body injury back on April 16th against the Colorado Avalanche and has yet to play since. Anderson has not started to skate yet so it doesn’t look like he’ll be ready to go for the first few games of this series. Luckily for Carolina, they do have a viable back up in Antti Raanta. If Raanta does get the nod in game 1, this will be his first career playoff start. Rookie Pytor Kochetkov will be the backup for Raanta until Anderson returns. Kochetkov was recalled from Carolina’s AHL affiliate, following the injury to their starting netminder. 

Boston Bruins

• Standings: 4th Atlantic (107 Points)
• Record: 51-26-5
  • Home: 26-13-2
  • Away: 25-13-3

Statistics: 

Projected Line Combinations:

Team Leaders – Points:

Boston’s top three scorers used to all be on their top line until Pastrnak was sent down to the second line to try and create some depth scoring. That move ended up working as he clicked with Haula and Hall. Taylor Hall had his best season since his breakout year in 2017-18 with the New Jersey Devils where he recorded 93 points. Erik Haula also had his best point total in the past five years. Jake DeBrusk was promoted to the first line and ended up matching his career best in points with 42. 

For a first time in a while the Boston Bruins do not have a clear cut number one goaltender heading into the playoffs. They split the regular season, and it looks like they’ll do the same in the playoffs with Bruice Cassidy looking to ride the hot hand. When looking at the stats, they’re fairly similar in every category. Swayman has struggled as of late allowing three or more goals in his last three starts. Ullmark comes into the playoffs in much better form having only allowed three goals in one of his last six starts. If I had to guess, I’m betting we see Ullmark start game one. 

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Carolina Hurricanes (-115)
• Boston Bruins (-105)

Previous Meetings:

• October 28, 2021
  • Boston Bruins (0) @ Carolina Hurricanes (3)
    • BOS +120, CAR -140, O/U: 5.5 (-115/ -105)
• January 18, 2022
  • Carolina Hurricanes (7) @ Boston Bruins (1)
    • CAR +110, BOS +110, O/U: 5.5 (-115/ -105)
• February 10, 2022 
  • Carolina Hurricanes (6) @ Boston Bruins (0)
    • CAR -145, BOS +120, O/U: 5.5 (-110/ -110)

Preview & Picks:

Patrick Gates’ Pick

The last time these two teams met in the Stanley Cup Playoffs was back in the 2019-20, when the Bruins defeated the Hurricanes in the first round. Prior to that, these teams met in 2018-19, when the Hurricanes were again knocked out by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Final. 

For me, I like Boston in this series. The Bruins have the goaltending advantage which I ultimately think will be the deciding factor. They can rotate between Swayman and Ullmark while Carolina will be relying on Raanta in the first few games and possibly further, if Anderson doesn’t return. Let’s also not forget that Anderson doesn’t have great playoff history as shown by last year’s first season exit with the Leafs. Boston has the veteran presence along with depth scoring and a solid defense. 

• Boston Bruins to win series (-105) – 1.05 Units

Top Cheddar’s Pick

The Carolina Hurricanes enter the playoffs as one of the most intriguing teams in the NHL. Freddie Anderson is expected to miss game 1 which is a huge loss and are unsure of when he will return. If he can come back healthy, I like them even more to take the series. Even without Freddie, the Hurricanes are built and ready for playoff hockey. They play a physical style, endorsed by their coach Rod Brind’Amour which is tailor made for the playoffs. Their team defense is incredible and they didn’t miss a beat with Freddie out, winning six games in a row to close out the season. 

The Hurricanes also dominated the season series here versus the Bruins. Beating them in all 3 meetings, none of the games being close. I like the Canes to beat the Bruins and advance to round 2. 

• Carolina Hurricanes to win series (-115)

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins

New York Rangers

• Standings: 2nd Metropolitan (110 Points)
• Record: 52-24-6
  • Home: 27-10-4
  • Away: 25-14-2

Statistics: 

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: Tyler Motte (upper body)

Team Leaders – Points:

Artemi Panarin,Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad are all coming off career seasons. Panarin recorded 96 points which topped his previous by one point. Kreider has had a breakout season amassing his previous best of 53 points which he recorded back in the 2016-17 season. Zibanejad tallied 80+ points for the first time in his career. He was close in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons when he recorded 74 and 75 points respectively. 

Frank Vatrano is not a household by any means, yet he finds himself on the Rangers top line. He’s bounced around several teams before finding his way with New York. Vatrano has recorded 13 points in the 22 games he’s played with the Ranges and enters the playoffs on a good note recording two points in his last three games. 

Igor Shesterkin enters the playoffs as a Hart Trophy candidate and the likely Vezina Trophy winner. He finished the regular season with an outstanding +34.1 Goals Saved Above Expected. If the Rangers want to have a shot at winning this series, he is the key. 

Pittsburgh Penguins

• Standings: 3rd Metropolitan (103 Points)
• Record: 46-25-11
  • Home: 23-13-5
  • Away: 23-12-6

Statistics: 

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: Tristan Jarry (foot), Nathan Beaulieu (lower body), Jason Zucker (lower body) 

Team Leaders – Points:

Despite struggling with some injury issues this season, Sidney Crosby tied for the most points on the team with Jake Guentzel. This is the 12th time out of 17 seasons that Crosby has either led or been tied for the team lead in points.  In every season that Sidney Crosby has played 69 games or more he has recorded 80+ points. He ranks 7th all time in playoff points with 191. 

Jake Guentzel, who’s on their top line with Crosby, had a career year with 84 points. This was the first time that he recorded over 80 points in a season. His previous best was back in 2018-19 when he tallied 76 points. 

Longtime Pittsburgh Penguin, Kris Letang also had the best season of his career with 68 points at thirty-five years old. Last season in the playoffs Letang averaged a point per game. In his career Kris Letang ranks 20th all time among defenseman for most points in the playoffs with 86. 

All-Star Tristan Jarry is expected to miss at least the first game with a lower body injury. He struggled in last year’s playoffs and was one of the big reasons why Pittsburgh was eliminated in the first round. However, he proved his worth this season finishing 11th in GSAx. Backup goaltender Casey DeSmith is the likely candidate to start game 1. In DeSmith’s last five starts he’s looked up for the challenge going 3-2-0 with a 2.24 GAA and .940 SV% during that stretch. Casey DeSmith has also never started in a NHL Playoff game before. Louis Domingue will be the backup for Pittsburgh while Jarry remains out. Domingue has some brief playoff experience which came back during the 2017-18 season. He didn’t start the game but did make a brief appearance stopping all seven shots he faced.  

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Pittsburgh Penguins (-110)
• New York Rangers (-110)

Previous Meetings:

• February 26, 2022
  • New York Rangers (0) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (1)
    • NYR +130, PIT -155, O/U: 5.5 (-120/ +100)
• March 25, 2022
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (1) @ New York Rangers (5)
    • PIT -110, NYR -110, O/U: 5.5 (-110/ -110)
• March 29, 2022
  • New York Rangers (3) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2)
    • NYR +145, PIT -175, O/U: 5.5 (-120/ +100)
• April 7, 2022
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (0) @ New York Rangers (3)
    • PIT +105, NYR -125, O/U: 6.0 (-105/ -115)

Preview & Picks:

Patrick Gates’ Pick

This is a tough series but just like Boston and Carolina, I think goaltending will be the deciding factor. The Penguins are likely without Jarry for the first few games while the Rangers have the best goalie in the NHL this season. Pittsburgh is still relying on that core group from their last Stanley Cup while New York has made some key acquisitions to build a well rounded team. The scoring has been questionable for the Rangers during the season but I believe they can over power DeSmith in this matchup.  

• New York Rangers to win series (-110) – 1.10 Units

Top Cheddar’s Pick

The Rangers have the best goalie in the NHL, this season, and its going to make a huge difference. Pittsburgh will be without Tristan Jarry for the first games of this series and playing the Rangers away from home is tough enough with your number one goalie starting. Igor Shesterkin can take their series by himself, and has carried this Rangers team all year. 

The Rangers underlying numbers aren’t great, but they have been much improved with the deadline pickups of Andrew Copp, Frank Vatrano and Tyler Motte, who have added some nice depth scoring for the top heavy Rangers. The Penguins are not slouches, they have tons of experience and high end scoring and I expect this season to be close as the Rangers do still struggle at 5 on 5 at times. I am putting my money on Igor Shesterkin to outplay Casey DeSmith, which I think is a very fair bet to make. 

• New York Rangers to win the series (-110)

Western Conference

Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators

Colorado Avalanche

• Standings: 1st Central (119 Points)
• Record: 56-19-7
  • Home: 32-5-4
  • Away: 24-14-3

Statistics:

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: None

Team Leaders – Points:

Mikko Rantanen led the Colorado Avalanche in points this season with 92. This was the first season that Rantanen has recorded over 90 points. He has averaged over a point per game in three of his six seasons with Colorado. Rantanen plays along-side MacKinnon and Landeskog. A little fun fact is that all three players on Colorado were drafted inside the Top 10 in the NHL entry draft, different years of course. MacKinnon and Landeskog have both had some injury issues this season but it looks like both will be ready for game 1. 

Since Nazem Kadri was traded from Toronto he has fit in quite nicely in Colorado. He recorded his career best point total with 87 with his previous best coming back in the 2016-17 season (61).  

Darcy Kuemper had one of the best seasons of his career finishing 5th in Goals Saved Above Expected. He was acquired from Arizona in the off season as the Avalanche needed a replacement for Phillip Grubauer. The issue for Kuemper is that he’s struggled against Nashville this year. In the two games he’s started vs the Predators, he finished with a 4.76 and 3.71 GAA respectively. His Save Percentage was also below .900 in both matchups. 

Pavel Francouz will be the backup for Kuemper who’s also had a pretty good year. Francouz’s last playoff appearances came back in the 2019-20 season where he started five games finishing with a 3.23 GAA and .892 SV%. 

Nashville Predators

• Standings: 5th Central (97 Points)
• Record: 45-30-7
  • Home: 25-14-2
  • Away: 20-16-5

Statistics: 

Projected Line Combinations:

Injured: Juuse Saros (lower body), Jeremy Lauzon (lower body)

Team Leaders – Points:

It’s rare that a defenseman leads the team in points but Roman Josi is Nashville’s leader in points. At 31 years old, this was the best season of his career by a long margin. In the 2019-20 season he recorded 65 points which was his previous best. 

Oddly enough, Matt Duchene, who’s also 31 years old also had the best season of his career in terms of points. He finished with 86 which is the first time in his career he’s recorded over 80 points. 

Filip Forsberg had a breakout year tallying 84 points in the regular season, the most of his career. 

The current status of Jusse Saros is unknown at this point. We last saw him leave the ice in the third period against Calgary. He looked to be in a significant amount of pain and unable to put any weight on his one leg. Saros was a major contributor to Nashville’s success this season starting 67 games which led the NHL. He had an incredible season and was especially good against Colorado. 

Without Saros, David Rittch will get the start for the Predators. In Rittich’s two starts against Colorado this season he finished with a 4.80 GAA and .877 SV%. Rittich also enters the postseason in poor form allowing three or more goals in four of his last five starts. With Rittich starting, Connor Ingram will be the backup. 

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Colorado Avalanche (-475)
• Nashville Predators (+380)

Previous Meetings:

• November 27, 2021
  • Nashville Predators (2) @ Colorado Avalanche (6)
    • NSH +175, COL -210, O/U: 6.0 (-115/ -105)
• December 16, 2021
  • Colorado Avalanche (2) @ Nashville Predators (5)
    • COL -165, NSH +145, O/U: 6.0 (-105/ -115)
• January 11, 2022
  • Colorado Avalanche (4) @ Nashville Predators (5) – OT
• April 28, 2022
  • Nashville Predators (5) @ Colorado Avalanche (4) – OT
    • NSH +240, COL -300, O/U: 6.5 (-110/ -110)

Preview & Picks:

Patrick Gates’ Pick

We have a battle between the two potential Norris Trophy winners this year. Roman Josi led all defenseman in points this season with Cale Makar right behind him. Josi has won the Norris before while Cale Makar looks to capture his first. I have no doubt in my mind that Cale will win at least one Norris Trophy before his career is over but I think Roman Josi deserves it this season. 

The Colorado Avalanche are heavy favorites in this series but will face the only opponent that has beaten them three times this season. Colorado was obviously hoping that Nashville would hold onto their third period lead against Arizona in the last regular season game but that didn’t happen. 

I’m not going to give out Colorado to win the series at those ridiculous odds so I’ll do something that I’ve done previously. Given their history this season and how scrappy Nashville is, especially at home, it will be tough for the Avalanche to sweep them. I think the Predators can grab at least one game but the issue is goaltending. If Sarros doesn’t return, I don’t believe the Predators have even the slightest shot. I can see the Avalanche winning this in four but given the possibility of Sarros returning, I like adding some variability and giving us two options that would still net us profit 

• • Series Total – 4 Games (+290) – 0.5 Units
  • Series Total – 5 Games (+200) – 0.5 Units
  • Colorado Avalanche -2.5 Games (+105) – 2 Units (Best Bet)

Top Cheddar’s Pick

The Colorado Avalanche face off against the Nashville Predators in a battle of the 2 Norris Trophy contenders, Roman Josi and Cale Maker. Sadly, I think the Norris Trophy race will be closer then this series. 

The Avs enter the playoffs as the favorites to win it all, and with good reason. Their stacked forward core is coming back fully healthy while the Predators are entering with a key loss of Jusse Saros, who is expecting to miss the next 2 to 3 weeks. The Predators do come into the series being the only team in the NHL to beat the Avs 3 times this year, but playoff hockey is a different animal. I witnessed it first hand, when a John Hynes led NJ Devils came into the 2018 Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Devils defeated the Lightning all 4 games in the regular season only to be trounced in 5 games due to the skill of the Lightning, and I expect the same thing in this series. 

• Colorado Avalanche -2.5 Games (+105)

Minnesota Wild vs St. Louis Blues

Minnesota Wild

• Standings: 2nd Central (113 Points)
• Record: 53-22-7
  • Home: 31-8-2
  • Away: 22-14-5

Statistics:

Predicted  Line Combinations:

Injured: Mats Zuccarello (Lower Body – Day to Day)

Team Leaders – Points:

Kirill Kaprizov has made a name for himself at a very young age. Last year as a rookie, he won the Calder Trophy leading the Wild in points with 51 in 55 games. This year he became the first player in Wild history to score 100 points. 

The addition of Marc-Andre Fleury at the trade deadline has certainly woken up Cam Talbot who had been struggling prior to his arrival. Since the trade deadline, Talbot has gone 8-0-3 with a 2.25 GAA and .925 save percentage. Fleury has also played well in Minnesota, going 9-2-0 with a 2.74 GAA and .910 save percentage. 

St. Louis Blues

• Standings: 3rd Central (109 Points)
• Record: 49-22-11
  • Home: 26-10-5
  • Away: 23-12-6

Statistics:

Predicted Line Combinations:

Injured: Mackenzie MacEachern (upper body), Scott Perunovich (wrist), Marco Sandella (Lower Body), Bryaden Schenn (Upper Body)

Team Leaders – Points:

Vladimir Tarasenko and Pavel Buchnevich both had their best NHL season in terms of scoring.  Buchnevich was traded from the Rangers in the off-season and has fit in quite nicely on the Blues top line. In addition to those two, Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, both under 23 years old, managed to tally 75+ points each.  

It looks as though Ville Husso will get the nod in game 1 given Jordan Binnington’s up and down season. Binnington was obviously one of the main reasons the Blues won the Stanley Cup in 2019 but just hasn’t been as dominant since. 

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Minnesota Wild (-150)
• St. Louis Blues (+130)

Previous Meetings:

• January 1, 2022
  • St. Louis Blues (6) @ Minnesota Wild (4)
    • STL -105, MIN -115, O/U: 6.0 (+100/ -120)
• April 8, 2022
  • Minnesota Wild (3) @ St. Louis Blues (4) – OT
    • MIN -110, STL -110, O/U: 6.0 (-130/ +110)
• April 16, 2022
  • Minnesota Wild (5) @ St. Louis Blues (6) – OT
    • MIN -110, STL -110, O/U: 6.5 (-105/-115)

Preview & Picks:

Patrick Gates’ Pick

This should be the most exciting first round matchup by far. These teams are extremely evenly matched as seen by the regular season. This is going to be a grueling series that’s very physical.  Personally I don’t have a play that I’m comfortable giving out here but I do like this series to go 6 or 7.

• Series Total – 6 Games (+200) – 0.5 Units
• Series Total – 7 Games (+200) – 0.5 Units

Top Cheddar’s Pick

I love the St. Louis Blues in this series. They are one of the hottest teams in the NHL and have a playoff experienced roster, who just won the Stanley Cup 3 years ago. I expect this series to be close, so I love Gator’s 6 and 7 Games bets, and I expect this series to be a long and grueling battle. 

I give the St. Louis Blues the edge due to their special teams. Top 2 on their PP and top 5 on the PK, the Blues have become incredible in the man advantage or disadvantage. Meanwhile the Wild struggle. The Wild come in 18th on the PP and 25th on the PK, which is a huge worry. Especially seeing as the Wild take the 3rd most penalties in the entire NHL. 

This St. Louis Blues team is built for the playoffs with guys like Ryan O’Reilly, Brandon Saad, Brayden Schenn and more. Guys who have won it before and entering the playoffs as guys who you hate to play against in high pressure situations. All 3 of these guys raise their games come playoff time and you just don’t know what to expect from the less experienced team in the Wild.

• St. Louis Blues to win the series (+120)

Calgary Flames vs Dallas Stars

Calgary Flames

• Standings: 1st Pacific (111 Points)
• Record: 50-21-11
  • Home: 25-9-7
  • Away: 25-12-4

Statistics: 

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: None

Team Leaders – Points:

Calgary’s top 5 scorers all played 82 games which is the only playoff team to do so. Boston College product Johnny Gaudreau set career highs this season in goals, assists, and points. With 115 points, he’s now ranks 2nd in terms of points in a season by a Calgary skater. He’s an UFA at the end of the season so it’s likely he’ll get an offer sheet from some team. 

Linemates, Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk also set career highs in terms of points. Tkachuk has never recorded over 80 points in a season, let alone 100. Lindholm, also had never recorded over 80 points with his previous best coming back in the 2018-19 season with 78. 

Jacob Markston will be the starter for Calgary in this series. He played the majority of games in the regular season and led the NHL in Shutouts with nine. Markstrom does have some playoff experience when he started for Vancouver during the 2019-20 season. He went 8-6 in 14 games played with a 2.85 GAA and .919 SV%. 

David Vladar will be the backup for Markstrom as he has been all season long. Vladar does have some brief playoff experience which came back in the 2019-20 season. He actually became the first goalie in Boston Bruins history to make his NHL debut in a Stanley Cup Playoff game when he relieved Jaroslav Halak in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against Toronto. In that game he stopped 12 of 15 shots he faced finishing with a 6.27 GAA and .800 SV%. 

Dallas Stars

• Standings: 4th Central (98 Points)
• Record: 46-30-6
  • Home: 27-10-4
  • Away: 19-20-2

Statistics:

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: Braden Holtby (lower body)

Team Leaders – Points:

The Dallas Stars lost their starting goaltender Braden Holty in March, who has yet to return. Since then Jake Oettinger has since emerged as the clear number one. He’s been great in his last few starts and has helped Dallas secure those last few points they needed to make the playoffs. If Oettinger does get the nod in game 1, which is highly likely, if not a guarantee, it will be his first career playoff start. 

Scott Wedgewood, was acquired from Arizona in a trade back in March and has shown he can be a viable backup option. In his eight games with Dallas (seven starts) he’s gone 3-1-3 with a 3.05 GAA and .913 SV%. 

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Calgary Flames (-260)
• Dallas Stars (+210)

Previous Meetings:

• November 4, 2021
  • Dallas Stars (4) @ Calgary Flames (3) – OT
    • DAL +125, CGY -145, O/U: 5.5 (+115/ -135)
• February 1, 2022
  • Calgary Flames (4) @ Dallas Stars (3)
    • CGY -125, DAL +105, O/U: 6.0 (+100/ -120)
• April 21, 2022
  • Dallas Stars (2) @ Calgary Flames (4) 
    • DAL +190, CGY -230, O/U: 6.0 (+100/ -120)

Preview & Picks:

Patrick Gates’ Pick

The Flames defeated the Stars in two of their three matchups in the regular season. They’re an overall better team than the Stars and outmatch them in every category. If Dallas wants to have a shot in this series they’ll need to win all three games at home, which is where they play their best hockey. Jake Oettinger will also need to stand on his head like he did in their matchup against Vegas late in the season. What I’m trying to say is that the Stars need to play perfect hockey to win this series, which realistically just isn’t happening. I can see them sneaking out a game or maybe two but even that’s pushing it. 

• Series Total – 5 Games (+230) – 0.50 Units
• Series Total – 6 Games (+225) – 0.50 Units
• Calgary Flames -1.5 Games (-145) – 1 Unit

Top Cheddar’s Pick

The Calgary Flames are, in my opinion, my favorite to make it out of the West. And quite honestly, this Stars team inspires no confidence to make this a close series. The Flames are stronger than the Stars in every single statistics, the eye test and every underlying / advanced analytic. 

I love the Flames deadline additions, giving them some incredible depth to go with their top 6 which has produced incredibly all year. Tyler Toffoli, Calle Jarnkrok add in some great depth all while being good defensive players chipping in on the Penalty Kill. 

The Flames give up the 5th least shots on the goal in the NHL, the 3rd fewest goals in the NHL, all while shooting the 3rd most and scoring the 6th most goals in the NHL this season. T hey are the only team in the playoffs to be Top 6 in both Goals For and Goals Against, as well as shot suppression and shot taking. I love the Calgary Flames and think with veteran coach Darryl Sutter, they make a run this year. 

• Calgary Flames -1.5 Games (-127)
• Calgary Flames to win the West (+270)
• Calgary Flames to win the Stanley Cup (+700)

Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings

Edmonton Oilers

• Standings: 2nd Pacific (104 Points)
• Record: 49-27-6
  • Home: 28-12-1
  • Away: 21-15-5

Statistics:

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: None

Team Leaders – Points:

The Oilers have the largest gap between second and third scorers out of any playoff team. Connor McDavid set a career high this season with 123 points which topped his previous best of 116 back in the 2017-18 season. Leon Draistail tied his career best this season with 110 which matched his point total in the 2019-20 season. Evander Kane, who joined the team mid season has fit in nicely on the top line with McDavid as has provided the Oilers with some much needed depth scoring. 

The Oilers goaltending remains a continuous issue for them but Mike Smith has had a strong second half of the season after missing most of the first half. He enters the playoffs on a nine game winning streak which ties the great Jacques Plante for the longest win streak in NHL history by a goalie aged 40 or older. During that stretch, Smith has only allowed three or more goals twice. He’s also finished with a Save Percentage of .900 or better in eight of those nine games. Mikko Koskinen will be the backup who hasn’t had a great year. 

Los Angeles Kings

• Standings: 3rd Pacific (99 Points)
• Record: 44-27-11
  • Home: 21-16-4
  • Away: 23-11-7

Statistics: 

Projected Line Combinations:

Injuries: Drew Doughty (wrist), Sean Walker (knee), Mikey Anderson (upper body)

Team Leaders – Points:

Longtime Kings goalie Jonathan Quick will get the start for the Kings in this series vs Edmonton. He led the Kings to Stanley Cup victories back in 2012 and 2014 and will certainly be a guy they rely on. He’s played in 85 playoff games with a 2.23 GAA and .922 SV% during that period. However, his last playoff appearance was back in the 2017-18 season so it’s been a little bit. In his career Quick has a 24-10-6 record against the Oilers with a 2.07 GAA and .923 SV%. 

Series Preview & Picks

Odds (Series Winner):

• Edmonton Oilers (-250)
• Los Angeles Kings (+200)

Previous Meetings:

• December 5, 2021
  • Los Angeles Kings (5) @ Edmonton Oilers (1)
    • LAK +175, EDM -210, O/U: 6.0 (-120/ +100)
• February 15, 2022
  • Edmonton Oilers (5) @ Los Angeles Kings (2)
    • EDM -105, LAK -115, O/U: 6.5 (-105/ -115)
• March 30, 2022
  • Los Angeles Kings (3) @ Edmonton Oilers (2)
    • LAK +170, EDM -205, O/U: 6.5 (+100/ -120)
• April 7, 2022
  • Edmonton Oilers (3) @ Los Angeles Kings (2)
    • EDM -130, LAK +110, O/U: 6.5 (-115/ -105)

Preview & Picks:

Top Cheddar’s Pick

The Edmonton Oilers come in the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the NHL, led by superstar Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Kings, albeit  a deep team, are missing superstar defenseman Drew Doughty and don’t have a high end star on this team, so logically this means the Oilers should win the series; not so fast.

The LA Kings are tailor made for the playoffs and still have their veteran core of Anze Kopitar Dustin Brown and Jonathan Quick, who know how to win in the playoffs. The Kings come into the series allowing the 2nd fewest shots on the goal in the NHL, which I can see them stifling the Edmonton Oilers this series. The Kings have a great 1 / 2 punch at Center, signing Phillip Danault, last years breakout player from the Montreal Canadiens improbable run. Both Centers are elite defensively, and pose problems for the Oilers.

 The key is the inexperience scoring for the Kings. I like their depth more than I like the Oilers, but if they want a chance to win, they will have to out score the bottom 6 of the Oilers as I don’t think they can keep up with Leon or Connor up front. Because of Kopitar and Danault, the Kings can matchup against both the stars and at least slow them down, nobody can completely stop those 2. If the Kings bottom 6 can play physical and score timely goals, I think they keep this series close. 

• LA Kings +1.5 Games (-114)

Best of luck, and as always you can find us on Twitter @GatorBetting and @TopCheddarPicks