Opening NHL Playoff Series Odds for All First-Round Series

Mar 14, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) skates with the puck chased by Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY SportsThe 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday, April 20th, 2024Opening NHL Playoff series odds have been released for all eight first-round matchups Read below for the NHL playoff series odds, plus expert predictions and analysis

Hockey fans are in for a treat as the Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The NHL Playoff bracket is set with eight enticing first-round matchups, and sportsbooks have already rolled out the betting odds for each series.

The New York Rangers, having clinched the NHL Presidents’ Trophy by a significant lead, are the heavy favorites in the first round of betting. Meanwhile, according to the odds provided by bookmakers, the most evenly matched first-round series appears to be between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Let’s explore the NHL Playoff series odds for 2024 and highlight our favorite early predictions.

2024 NHL Playoffs Round 1 Series Odds

In the Round 1 NHL Playoff Series odds, the Rangers are the heaviest of favorites at -450.

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Rangers Are the Heaviest Favorites

As the Presidents Trophy winners, the New York Rangers are the heaviest Round 1 favorites in their opening matchup with the No.8 Washington Capitals. Oddsmakers have instilled New York as gigantic -450 favorites over the Capitals in the NHL odds, giving them 81.8% implied win probability.

On to the next chapter, together. pic.twitter.com/Wor8pLLpTI

— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 16, 2024

Oddsmakers trust Peter Laviolette’s club to take care of business despite the team losing in Round 1 to the New Jersey Devils last postseason. Artemi Panarin (102 points) is out to make amends after managing just two assists in Round 1 last year. Meanwhile, Igor Sheterkin looks to build off his strong 2023 playoff performance in which he managed a .931 save percentage.

The Capitals enter the postseason with the worst goal differential for a playoff team (-37) since 1991. Their chances of pulling a shocking upset largely rest on the shoulders of goalie Charlie Lindgren, who is arguably the NHL’s hottest goalie. Over his past four starts, Lindgren is 4-0-0 with an excellent save percentage and GAA.

Bruins Favored to Continue Leafs Dominance

The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to renew their playoff rivalry in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite Toronto’s explosive offense led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the Bruins enter the series as slight favorites due to their elite defense, exceptional goaltending, and recent success against the Leafs.

Boston boasts an elite defensive corps anchored by Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, capable of neutralizing Toronto’s high-powered attack. The Bruins also hold a significant advantage in net with the tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, both of whom have outperformed the Leafs’ inconsistent goaltending duo of Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll.

Jeremy Swayman is 3-0-0 with a 1.30 GAA and a .959 save percentage in three games against the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. He would absolutely be my guy in Game 1 of the playoffs if I was calling the shots for the Bruins

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) April 17, 2024

Moreover, the Bruins have had the Maple Leafs’ number in recent years, winning their last three playoff series against Toronto dating back to 2013. Boston swept the regular-season series this season, winning all four games against their divisional foes.

While the Maple Leafs’ offensive firepower cannot be overlooked, the Bruins’ superior defense, goaltending, and playoff pedigree give them the edge in this series. Boston’s ability to limit Toronto’s scoring chances and capitalize on their opportunities should be the difference.

The Leafs may be able to win one or two games on the strength of their offense, but we ultimately think the B’s defense and goaltending combination will frustrate the Leafs’ stars. Boston’s home-ice advantage should also pay dividends as the series wears on, especially if the Leafs’ stars begin slumping.

Best Bet: Bruins to Win Series (-125)

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How to Bet Panthers vs Lightning

The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to renew their in-state rivalry in what should be a fierce and entertaining first-round matchup. The Panthers claimed the top seed in the Atlantic Division, while the Lightning secured the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Panthers dominated the regular season series, winning three of the four meetings, including a commanding 9-2 victory in their most recent clash at Amalie Arena on February 17th. Florida has seemingly solved the mystery of the Lightning lately, outscoring them 14-4 over their last three matchups.

The Panthers boast a deep and balanced lineup headlined by offensive stars like Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and 57-goal scorer Sam Reinhart. They lead the league in shots on goal thanks to an aggressive forecheck. Plus, the Cats excel on special teams despite being heavily penalized.

Defensively, Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling anchor a stout blue line in front of the resurgent goaltending tandem of Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz. While the Lightning still have elite talent in Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos, they aren’t quite the same juggernaut that reached three straight Stanley Cup Finals.

Injuries to key players like Mikhail Sergachev have tested their depth. Andrei Vasilevskiy’s inconsistent goaltending is also a concern, as the former Vezina winner is having a down year by his lofty standards.

The Panthers have recently had the Lightning’s number, and they match up very well on paper. Paul Maurice’s club has more forward depth, a superior defense, and the goaltending edge, assuming Bobrovsky maintains his elite level of play from last postseason.

Our Battle of Florida prediction is that the Panthers will win the series in six games. Florida’s relentless offensive attack, solid team defense, and home-ice advantage will likely be too much for a banged-up Lightning squad to overcome. Expect Barkov and Tkachuk to lead the way as the Panthers advance to the second round.

Best Bet: Panthers to Win Series (-180)

 

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